Today, we’re excited to explore a unique and playful painting technique using the ends of large pool noodles. Get ready to make a splash of vibrant masterpieces on a large sheet of paper!
Who would have thought that a simple pool noodle could be transformed into a magical painting tool? With their cylindrical shape and soft, spongy texture, pool noodles are not only perfect for poolside fun but also lend themselves beautifully to artistic exploration. This creative twist will take your painting sessions to a whole new level, offering an opportunity to create large-scale artwork with a splash of excitement.
Materials
(This post and list contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.)
- Pool noodles of different sizes
- Washable kids paint in various colors
- Large sheet of paper or a roll of butcher paper
- Paintbrushes (optional)
- Plastic plates or palettes for paint
How to Set Up Pool Noodle Painting
Step 1: Set Up the Painting Area
Choose a suitable space for your painting activity. Lay down a large sheet of paper or roll out butcher paper to create an expansive canvas. Ensure the area is protected with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to prevent any unwanted paint spills or stains. Place plastic plates or palettes with different colors of washable kids paint within easy reach.
Step 2: Prepare the Pool Noodles
Take the pool noodles and cut them into shorter lengths to serve as paintbrushes. You can experiment with different sizes, creating various brush widths and shapes. Ensure the pool noodle pieces are large enough for kids to hold comfortably.
Step 3: Dip and Paint
Encourage the kids to dip the ends of the pool noodle pieces into the desired paint colors. They can dip one end or experiment by dipping both ends or the sides for unique effects. Alternatively, you can pour small amounts of paint onto plastic plates or recycled plastic lids or palettes and have the children dip the pool noodles into the paint as needed.
Step 4: Explore and Create
Now comes the fun part! Encourage the kids to experiment with different painting techniques using the pool noodles. They can make broad strokes, create patterns, or even stamp the pool noodle ends onto the paper to form interesting shapes. Let them freely explore their creativity and imagination as they paint. Try adding leaves to the end to make giant pool noodle nature brushes! Or trying adding bubble wrap around the end using elastic bands.
Step 5: Mix Colors and Layer Paint
If desired, show the children how to mix colors by overlapping the pool noodle strokes. They can create new colors and shades by blending the paint on the paper using the noodle ends. This adds an extra dimension of creativity to their artwork.
Step 6: Optional: Use Paintbrushes
For added versatility, you can provide paintbrushes alongside the pool noodles. The children can switch between using the pool noodles and paintbrushes to add details, make finer strokes, or experiment with different textures.
Step 7: Let It Dry and Display
Once the kids have finished their masterpieces, set the artwork aside to dry completely. Once dry, proudly display the artwork for all to admire. You can hang it on a wall, create a gallery space, or even frame individual pieces.
Step 8: Clean Up
Ensure that you clean the pool noodles and paintbrushes promptly after use. Rinse them with water to remove any remaining paint. Also, remember to clean the painting area and dispose of any leftover paint or materials properly.
Using pool noodles as painting tools adds a playful and unique element to the art-making process. It encourages children to experiment, explore, and engage their senses while creating colorful and imaginative artwork. So, grab those pool noodles, let the creativity flow, and enjoy a splashing good time with this fun and innovative painting activity!
Age Suitability
This activity is good for kids 3 years and up. My kids are 4, 4, and 8 year old.
Mess Level
This is a mess level is high.
Difficulty to Create
Medium.
Skills Developed in Pool Noodle Painting
Sensory play, language development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, imaginative play, creativity.
Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.
Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.
Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!
These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
Click here for more information: Play2Learn
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
Find out more and grab your copy here.
Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.
- 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
- Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
- Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.
Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!
Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.
TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 airs in the summer of 2023! We were also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
WILL YOU TRY POOL NOODLE PAINTING WITH YOUR TODDLER? PIN IT FOR LATER!’
