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Pipe Cleaner & Pool Noodle Fish Craft Idea For Summer

A pink and a purple foam ring each decorated with one googly eye, orange pipe cleaner antennae, and sitting on blue-patterned paper. Text at the bottom reads @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS.

Summer is finally here! It’s the perfect season for splashing in the water, soaking up the sun, and diving into some colorful creativity. If you are looking for a simple, inexpensive way to keep little hands busy on those hot afternoons, we have just the thing.

This Pool Noodle & Pipe Cleaner Fish craft is a fantastic summer activity that transforms ordinary swimming supplies into adorable ocean friends.

It is bright, tactile, and easy enough for even toddlers to enjoy with a little help. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with your favorite ocean-themed storybooks for a full afternoon of learning and play. Let’s dive in and make a splash with this fun DIY project!

Supplies You Will Need

Before you get started, gather these simple materials. You might already have most of them in your craft bin!

  • Pool Noodles: Various colors like pink, purple, blue, or green.
  • Pipe Cleaners (Chenille Stems): A mix of colors. Sparkly or metallic ones look great as shimmering fins!
  • Large Googly Eyes: The bigger, the better for a goofy, cartoonish look.
  • Serrated Knife: (For adult use only).
  • Low-Temp Hot Glue Gun or School Glue: Hot glue works faster, but school glue is safer for very young kids (just allow for drying time).
  • Scissors: To cut pipe cleaners to size.

Directions:

Step 1: Prep the Noodles (Adults Only)

Using a serrated kitchen knife, slice your pool noodle into discs. Aim for slices that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. These discs will serve as the body of your fish.

Step 2: Create the Tail

Take a pipe cleaner and fold it in half. Twist the ends together to create a loop, or twist it into a figure-eight shape to look like a fish tail.

Push the pointy twisted ends of your pipe cleaner tail directly into the side of the foam noodle slice. The foam is soft, so it should slide right in. If it feels loose, add a tiny dab of glue to secure it.

Step 3: Make the Mouth

Cut a second pipe cleaner in half (or into smaller 3-inch pieces). Bend these small pieces into simple “V” or “U” shapes. Push one into the other side of the pool noodle, to make the mouth.

Step 4: Bring Your Fish to Life

It’s time to give your fish some personality! Glue a large googly eye onto the side of the pool noodle slice. If you want your fish to be double-sided, flip it over and add an eye to the other side too.

Step 5: Customize!

Encourage your kids to get creative. They can add things like puffy paint, glitter glue, sequins etc.! Make sure they allow everything to dry completely before they play with their fin-tastic pieces!

RELATED —> Pool Noodle Crafts For Kids To Recreate

A copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillars Ocean Hide & Seek book is on a table next to three colorful, round, fuzzy crafts with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae. @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS is written at the bottom. Colorful fish crafts made from pool noodles, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes are displayed on a dark surface next to a children’s “Ocean Hide & Seek” book. The @gluedtomycrafts handle is visible at the bottom.

We hope you have a blast making these Pool Noodle & Pipe Cleaner Fish! It is amazing how a few simple cuts and twists can turn a foam tube into a character full of personality. Whether you are a teacher planning a sea-life unit or a parent needing a quick boredom buster, this craft is sure to make waves. Happy crafting and have a wonderful summer!

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A copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillars Ocean Hide & Seek book is on a table next to three colorful, round, fuzzy crafts with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae. @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS is written at the bottom.
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Pipe Cleaner & Pool Noodle Fish Craft Idea For Summer

Learn how to create fun pool noodle fish with simple materials and colorful designs. Perfect for a crafting day!

Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:

Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!

Directions: 

  • Using a serrated kitchen knife, slice your pool noodle into discs. Aim for slices that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. These discs will serve as the body of your fish.
  • Take a pipe cleaner and fold it in half. Twist the ends together to create a loop, or twist it into a figure-eight shape to look like a fish tail.
  • Push the pointy twisted ends of your pipe cleaner tail directly into the side of the foam noodle slice. The foam is soft, so it should slide right in. If it feels loose, add a tiny dab of glue to secure it.
  • Cut a second pipe cleaner in half (or into smaller 3-inch pieces). Bend these small pieces into simple "V" or "U" shapes. Push one into the other side of the pool noodle, to make the mouth.
  • It’s time to give your fish some personality! Glue a large googly eye onto the side of the pool noodle slice. If you want your fish to be double-sided, flip it over and add an eye to the other side too.
  • Encourage your kids to get creative. They can add things like puffy paint, glitter glue, sequins etc.! Make sure they allow everything to dry completely before they play with their fin-tastic pieces!
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