These pool noodle boats make for a fantastic project for summer and beyond. Easy and budget-friendly, you’ll love how you can use just a few supplies to enjoy STEM fun while boosting creativity.

My boys and I have had such wonderful experiences making DIY boats out of pool noodles. We’ve used them as part of our summer homeschool fun in our kiddie pool, puddles, and even bathtub for rainy day activities. Such cool ways to explore buoyancy, balance, and artistic skills!

I’m sharing my tips and ideas for transforming simple pool noodles into floating boats. Learn more about creating your own DIY pool noodle boats with our easy-to-follow instructions and pictures!

Example of pool noodle boat made with paper straw and foam sheet sail in water.

Build Your Own Boats and Enjoy Simple STEM Fun

If you’re looking for an affordable activity to get your kids engaged and excited this summer (and beyond), I think you’re going to want to add this project to your summer bucket list. It’s the type of activity that combines creativity, collaboration, and fun!

My boys and I have made these pool noodle boats countless times as part of our summer homeschool fun – and they never get old. I’m always aware of budget when it comes to our homeschooling and any activities that we’d like to do. When we made our first set (or fleet) of these boats, I knew we had winners.

Our first time making these boats was using older pool noodles that we were clearing out of our storage space. I don’t like immediately jumping to throwing away something so was thinking of how we could recycle these inexpensive items. After trying several pool noodle activities, I knew a boat was in order.

One of my favorite things about this project is how easy it is to tweak it for all different ages. Whether your little ones are just learning how things float or your older kids are diving into some engineering concepts, these boats can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be.

Plus, it’s so fun to see all the different ways you can make your boat! There’s no “right” way, so each boat becomes a unique creation.

What You’ll Need to Make Your DIY Boats

For the basic version of these pool noodle boats, you will need:

  • Pool noodle (or multiple pool noodles if you’d like different colors for bases)
  • Craft foam (various colors)
  • Paper straws
  • Scissors
  • Craft knife (for adult use)

If you’d like to customize your project (or have extra time), consider trying different materials for your sails. You can use scrap pieces of cloth (even denim), cardstock, cardboard, and sturdy aluminum foil (makes for a shiny sail). Go through your craft supplies and see what could work. Great ways to think outside the box and enjoy some STEM fun!

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Pool noodles, foam sheets, yellow paper straws, and ceramic craft knife.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Pool Noodle Boats

Create a fun and simple floating boat using a pool noodle, craft foam, and a paper straw! This craft is a great way to introduce basic STEM concepts like buoyancy and wind power in a hands-on, playful way.

Cut a pool noodle into slices.

Use a craft knife (with adult supervision) to cut a section of the pool noodle, about 1-2 inches thick. This will be the boat’s base.

Pool noodles cut with ceramic craft knife.

Make the sails and cut slits into them.

Cut right triangles from a piece of craft foam. These triangles will be the boat’s sail. Make small slits near the top and bottom right edges of the foam triangle. These slits will hold the paper straw in place.

Foam craft sheets cut into triangles and child using scissors to cut slits into foam sheet.

Prepare the mast and attach to sail.

Cut a paper straw in half to create the mast. Slide the paper straw through the slits in the foam sail.

Paper straws cut in half and foam craft sheets cut into triangles on straws for sails.

Assemble the boat.

Push the bottom of the paper straw into the rim of the pool noodle piece, securing the sail in place. Be sure the sail extends back across the pool noodle boat, so it doesn’t capsize.

Paper straw with foam sheet sail on pink pool noodle circle.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Pool Noodle Boats

What type of pool noodles work best for this project?

The best pool noodles for this craft are the traditional foam ones, as they are lightweight and float easily. Any color or size will work, but I recommend the standard 2.5-inch diameter noodles for easy handling and crafting.

Can I use other materials if I don’t have pool noodles?

Yes! You can substitute pool noodles with other buoyant materials, like sponges or Styrofoam blocks. However, pool noodles are ideal because they are already designed to float and are easy to work with.

Can I decorate the pool noodle boats?

Absolutely! You can use markers, paint, stickers, or even fabric to personalize the boats. Get creative and encourage your kids to add their own touches, like mini-flags or lightweight toys.

What if my pool noodle boat doesn’t float well?

If your boat isn’t floating well, try adding a larger or lighter base. Make sure the boat’s weight is evenly distributed. You could also add more buoyant materials like additional pool noodles or small floats underneath the boat.

Examples of pool noodle boats with paper straws and foam sheet sails.

Creative Ways to Make and Use Your STEM Boats

You can easily experiment with different designs. If you’d like a larger boat (or just want to see how it works), attach a few pool noodle circles to each other by using pipe cleaners, string, or other materials. For your sails, try different shapes like square or circle to see how they perform.

Chat with your kids about this STEM project. Explain that it’s all about brainstorming different ideas and testing them out to see what works best. Once you’ve tried and tested, then you learn from those experiences and see how you can improve. Absolutely wonderful ways to practice and build growth mindset skills!

Pool noodle boats are perfect for racing. You can race your boats in a kiddie pool, bathtub, or even a large container of water. Just make sure to test the boats for stability before starting the race!

Once your boats are dry, you can store them in a safe spot like a storage bin or a hanging hook. They’re lightweight, so can be easily stored. This step makes it easier to reuse them for water play all summer long!

More Frugal and Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Make a splash this summer with simple activities that your kids will love. You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to do it either. Here are some of our favorite ways to make summer memories together:

⭐ Do you have any questions for me about these DIY pool noodle boats? I’d love to help you out. Please share (along with any ideas you have for using) in the comments area at the bottom of this post!

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