This pool noodle race track activity is perfect for a frugal and fun STEM activity with kids.
If you’re looking for a simple and hands-on way to spark creativity while sneaking in some learning fun, this activity is an absolute winner. With just a pool noodle and a few supplies, you’ll be setting up your own DIY race track in minutes. It’s a budget-friendly idea that your children will love while practicing critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and more.
I’m sharing step-by-step instructions and share my top tips for extending the learning and maximizing the fun.
A Hands-On Way to Enjoy Simple STEM Fun for Kids
As a homeschool mom of five energetic boys, I’m always on the lookout for frugal and fun ways to keep them busy, engaged, and learning. I’m happy to report that this pool noodle race track checked all of those boxes and more.
I try to use materials that we have in our home for our learning adventures. I love when I can recycle items that the boys have used for plan, like pool noodles. I had seen some variations of this pool noodle race track and knew that we could put our own creative twist on those cool ideas.
My boys dove right in. They mapped out their designs, hypothesized what would make the fastest or straightest track, and tested different setups. I just stood back and watched them naturally put the scientific method into action.
It was one of those magical learning moments where they didn’t even realize they were learning because they were having such a blast. They worked together, tried new ideas, and cheered each other on.
This activity reminded me that learning doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, the best lessons come from the simplest ideas and a little bit of creative fun.
Recommended Materials for This STEM Project
For this easy DIY project for kids, you only need a few supplies to get started. As always, I encourage you to tweak this list if you are missing any of the recommendations or would like to try a variation.
- 1 pool noodle
- Scissors or a craft knife
- 1 paper straw
- Cardstock
- Tape (or washi tape)
- Marker
- Small race cars or marbles (larger wood beads can work well, too)
How to Make Your Pool Noodle Race Track
Cut the Pool Noodle:
Take a pool noodle and carefully slice it in half lengthwise, stopping short so the two halves remain connected along the bottom. This step creates a double-lane track perfect for racing.
Create the Start Sign:
Cut a paper straw in half to make two short poles. Then, cut a small rectangle out of cardstock. Write “START” on it with a marker. Another fun thing to do is to make a “FINISH” sign to place at the end of your racetrack.
Attach the Sign:
Gently poke the two straw pieces into the top edge of one end of the pool noodle. Then tape the cardstock sign between the straws to mark the starting line.
It’s Race Time!:
Set the noodle on a slope (like a stack of books, a chair, or a bench). Place small race cars or marbles at the start line and let them go at the same time. Watch them zoom to the finish!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Pool Noodle Activity
For the activity itself, any age that no longer likes to put small items in their mouth can enjoy. To build the race track, a preschooler can assist their grown-up helper. Older kids like testing, building, and tweaking their designs. You can easily adapt it for different skill levels.
Nope! Any standard-sized pool noodle will do. If possible, use one that has a hollow center so it’s easier to cut in half. Thicker noodles give you a bit more space to race.
Absolutely! We’ve used our race tracks on the floor, couch cushions, and even staircases. Just make sure you have a soft landing area and keep it clear of anything that can break.
Encourage your kids to make predictions, time their races, chart results, or design their own racetrack rules. It’s a fun way to sneak in the scientific method, math, and creative thinking.
Creative Ideas and Tips for Using This DIY Race Track
This pool noodle race track is seriously one of those activities that you can use again and again. Once it’s set up, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of the ways that we’ve used it (and ideas for future builds:
- Test different things to race: You can easily switch things up depending on what you have. Marbles are great for learning about speed and slopes. Toy cars add a fun twist with wheels and friction. One of my boys tried acorns and it was so cool watching that race!
- Experiment with your track angles: Prop the noodle at different heights or on different surfaces (like stairs, chairs, books, etc.) and see how it affects speed and distance. It’s a simple way to introduce cause and effect.
- Make it a creative station: Encourage your students to decorate their own race lanes. They can also design their own flags, signs, and even mini-pit crews (small toy figures are fun for this!).
- Use for indoor or outdoor play: This activity can work just about anywhere. The boys actually built one in the middle of our homeschool area (a.k.a. dining room) and enjoyed playing with it while we listened to an audiobook.
Fun Activity to Race Into Learning and Play!
This pool noodle race track can be such a simple way to boost creativity, critical thinking, and have fun. It’s a hands-on, screen-free activity to use for STEM and play time.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Oh, and if you have ideas for using in other ways, please share. Feel free to share in the comments area below!
