Pool noodles are not just for swimming use. Discover some fun games to play with these foam noodles.
Pool noodles were developed in the 1980s for the primary purpose of pool safety.
They were placed around the pool edges to protect children and adults from sharp pool edges.
They are also used in the pool to teach swim strokes or simply stay afloat, relax, and have fun.
These foam noodles, also known as “water logs,” “woggles,” and “water noodles,” are made of polyethylene, colorful, lightweight, flexible foam providing extra buoyancy to be used in aquatic exercise or therapy classes.
Did you know that these woggles are not only used in the water but on land as well?
Many games have been developed in Physical Education classes to help young children develop manipulative skills like catching, throwing, kicking, and calisthenic exercises.
[1]
I would like to share with you one of my favorite activities using a pool noodle solo or with a friend.
Watch the Video
Noodle Launch Directions:
Below you will experience the excitement of launching the noodle into the air and catching it.
The activity is more enjoyable if executed in a room with a high ceiling or a clear outdoor space.
Supplies Needed:
One pool noodle
A big open space
Directions:
Cut a long pool noodle in half.
Hold one half of the pool noodle vertically with your non-dominant hand close to the bottom end.
Place the palm of the dominant hand close to the bottom of the noodle.
Strike the bottom of the noodle as you release the nondominant palm of the hand and see it fly up into the air.
Attempt to catch it on the return.
Game Modifications:
- Add a friend to this game.
- Stand approximately 5 feet away from one another.
- Execute the skill above, but angle the noodle slightly toward your friend.
- Attempt to catch the noodle using one or two hands.
- To make it more challenging, take a step back each time you and your friend can catch it.
- Create a target by making a hoop with a pool noodle. Attach the ends using duct tape and have one player stand sideways, holding it about 6 feet high with 2 hands.
- Launch the noodle through the hoop.
- See who can launch the most noodles out of 10 attempts through the hoop.
[2]
Adaptations:
- If you’re using a mobility device, this activity will be easier to execute if the armrests are removed from the wheelchair.
- Perform the activity in the same manner as above.
- Start out by lightly tapping the bottom of the noodle as you launch it towards the other player.
- The pool noodle can also be thrown to one another or into a hoop (the abovementioned noodle hoop).
Have Fun!
Helpful Articles
- Is Your Family Ready for Fun in the Water this Summer? [3]
- Summer Time: Pools, Sun, Fun, Relaxing and No School! [4]
- Cool Rules: Preventing Heat Stress In Special Needs Children [5]
- Think Camp Yes, You Can Send Your Child to Camp [6]
- How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer (Part 2) [7]
- Summer Preparation: 8 Steps [8]
- Is Summer Break Really a Vacation? [9]
- Cooking with Kids: Campfire Banana Boats at Home [10]
- Top 10 Fun and Accessible Activities to Do This Summer [11]
- 5 Great Opportunities for Outdoor Activity [12]
- It’s Fall: Sneak in a Little Outdoor Fun Together With Your Kids [13]
- How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer With COVID-19 Guidelines [14]
This post originally appeared on our January/February 2025 Magazine [15]