Activities
Gross Motor2 Comments
Stuck inside? Try these simple pool noodle activities, from Julie, to get kids busy and active indoors on a rainy day.
We were stuck inside on yet another rainy day. I was at my limit and running out of ideas.
Until I dug up some pool noodles, tape, and a toy that rolls. Boom. Three super fun activities to keep my kids active and entertained, even on a rainy day!
3 Super Simple Incredibly Fun Pool Noodle Activities for a Rainy Day
My kids loved each of these three simple activities. They were all easy to set up and provided the exact entertainment we needed on a rainy day.
Try out these super simple activities for even more rainy day fun!
To set up your own pool noodle activities, you’ll need:
- Pool noodles
- Masking or painters tape
- Toy car or ball
- Knife or scissors
Pool Noodle Balance Beam
First up in our pool noodle lineup is a simple balance beam. This activity is great for developing coordination and gross motor skills!
I cut one pool noodle lengthwise and taped the flat part to the floor. I left another noodle whole and taped that to the floor in a zig-zag pattern.
My kids loved walking from one end to the other on our balance beam, over and over again!
You can also try these challenges for your balance beam:
- walking backwards
- stepping wide with feet on either side of the noodles
- hopping from side to side over the noodles
- make up your own challenge!
Get active indoors with just a little bit of tape!
Pint-Sized DIY Car Rollercoaster
For our next activity, we used the pool noodles that we had previously cut lengthwise.
My son helped tape them together, end to end. Then we secured one end to a high point.
We used our coffee table, but you could make the ramp even higher and experiment with what happens!
First, we tried out his favorite Hot Wheels car. It didn’t quite fit inside the groove of the noodle, but it did zoom down the rollercoaster.
Next, we experimented with different sized balls, tried holding the coaster up in different spots, and making the track a different shape.
Make Your Own DIY Building Blocks
For our last indoor pool noodle activity, I cut up the remaining noodles into smaller lengths.
Build even more with creative block activities!
My kids immediately knew what to do, and got to work building (and smashing!) with their “noodle blocks.”
Try this fun indoor scavenger hunt game for kids!
We loved playing with our pool noodles, and these were the perfect activities for just getting silly and having fun indoors. The next time it rains, we will be ready again with these simple indoor activities!
How do you re-purpose classic toys for kids activities?
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carol klein says
Love the balance beam activity. wonder if you can add to it by using foam or cardboard prints along the way…