DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

March 14, 2017 18 By EngineerMommy

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GoldfishGameTime #CollectiveBias

My kids love playing outdoors throughout the year. We are always trying to think of fun, new games to enjoy together outside. Since playing always makes us hungry, I recently picked up the Bulk Goldfish® Crackers Cheddar (30 oz.) from Walmart. These boxes are a fabulous value and provide a smarter, wholesome snack for my kids.

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I recently used some pool noodles to create a fun outdoor game. There’s something special about the texture, size and color of pool noodles. We are always crafting and creating with pool noodles. Today, I will show you how I used some pool noodles to make a fun outdoor game for the kids. This project only required a handful of supplies and comes together in just 20 minutes.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

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Ready for the quick tutorial? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 2 1/2″ dowels, about 2 feet long
  • 2 pool noodles, about 2 feet long
  • 1 pool noodle, about 3 feet long
  • decorative duct tape, various colors
  • scissors
  • ball

Can’t find pool noodles in the store? Simply use pipe insulation from the home improvement store- it’s the same size and texture.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

First, start by wrapping the 2 shorter pool noodles with one of the duct tapes.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

Next, join the ends of the longer pool noodle together to form a loop. Secure with some duct tape.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

Continue wrapping the loop with the same duct tape until the entire loop is covered.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

Now, it’s time to join the loop with the two shorter pool noodles. Grab some duct tape and connect the loop with the two shorter pool noodles (as seen in the following image). The basic structure is finally complete.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

To keep this structure stable and upright outside, we will use dowel rods that have been inserted into the ground. Start by inserting one of the dowel rods about 6″ into the ground. Slide one of the pool noodles over the dowel rod.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

Find the spot where the other pool noodle meets the ground and insert the second dowel rod into the ground at that location. I have found that inserting the rod about 6″ into the ground provides plenty of support for this structure.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

Now, it’s time to grab a ball that will fit through the loop. The aim of this game is throw the ball through the loop.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

I invited my daughter outside right away to get started with this cute game. She had a blast throwing the ball through the loop. Even though it was a bit chilly that day, we simply bundled up and spent plenty of time outside. I believe it’s very important to encourage my kids to play outdoors throughout the year.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

After she mastered the basic motion, she decided to challenge herself by moving farther from the loop. She was really trying to improve her aim.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

She even experimented with different angles. It’s so much fun creating variations for this game.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

This game was definitely a hit! I am certain we will be playing this game plenty of times over the next several months.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

This game is perfect for play dates and birthday parties. You can even attach multiple loops together vertically or horizontally and assign various points to each circle. If you’re only making one loop (like I did), here is a fun method to create a multi-player game:

  • Round 1: All the players start at the same location and try to throw the ball through the loop.
  • Round 2: All the players who were successful in the last round stay in the game and everyone moves back 1 foot and tries to throw the ball through the loop.
  • Round 3: All the players who were successful in the last round stay in the game and everyone moves back 1 foot and tries to throw the ball through the loop.

The game continues until only one player remains. He or she is declared the winner. The winner will receive a cute gift basket full of goodies.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

We love to play outdoors during the spring and summer. Whether we’re blowing bubbles or drawing with chalk, we love being out in the open air. Our ideal gift basket would feature chalk in fun colors, a big bottle of bubbles, and a little baggie of Goldfish Crackers. Playing definitely makes my kids hungry and this wholesome snack lets my kids have fun & enjoy the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

DIY Pool Noodle Outdoor Game

I even included a fun tag on this gift basket. It reads “Bullseye! You have great aim. Enjoy this basket full of goodies.” Want to download this tag for your own play dates or birthday parties? Simply click this link.
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During a recent trip to Walmart, I picked up Goldfish Crackers Cheddar and Goldfish Crackers Xtra Cheddar. The whole family enjoys these flavors, and I love the everyday great value I get at Walmart. These crackers are definitely a smart solution for my kids’ snacking needs.
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It’s the ideal snack to have on hand during play time and throughout the day. In fact, my kids really enjoy a serving of Goldfish Crackers every day when they get home from school, so I love stocking up on these bulk sizes at Walmart. There is something special about serving my kids some Goldfish Crackers after school and talking about our day’s activities. It’s truly a win-win for my kids and myself. Goldfish Crackers are indeed the snack that makes us happy! The Snack That Smiles Back.®
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Look for Goldfish Crackers at your local Walmart. I shop at Walmart at least twice per week because it’s the ideal place to purchase all our household essentials, from snacks to toys and more.
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See how Goldfish Crackers are encouraging kids to get outside & play. Now tell me: Is Goldfish Crackers a favorite snack in your house? Do you craft with pool noodles? Do your kids love being outdoors all year long? Get more ideas for meals, snacks, games and family fun when you click here.


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