Hoop around your ankles
Make lightweight ankle hoops from foam pool noodle slices and tape, then practice stepping, hopping, and coordination games safely with a friend or alone.
About this activity
Make lightweight ankle hoops from foam pool noodle slices and tape, then practice stepping, hopping, and coordination games safely with a friend or alone.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Find a clear soft play area and lay out your materials.
- 2
Step 2
Ask an adult to help with the cutting and to supervise the activity.
- 3
Step 3
Use scissors to cut the pool noodle into slices about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
- 4
Step 4
Cut a straight slit from the outer edge to the center of each slice so each slice opens into a C shape.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap duct tape around the slit and outer edges of each slice to secure and smooth them.
- 6
Step 6
Slide one taped slice gently onto your ankle to check the fit.
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Step 7
Ask the adult to carefully lengthen the slit a little if the hoop feels too tight.
- 8
Step 8
Repeat checking the fit until each hoop slides on comfortably and stays in place.
- 9
Step 9
Decorate the hoops with colouring materials or stickers to make them fun.
- 10
Step 10
Put a finished hoop on each ankle and stand up slowly and safely.
- 11
Step 11
Take ten slow walking steps forward while keeping your balance.
- 12
Step 12
Try ten small hops with both feet together while landing softly.
- 13
Step 13
If you have a friend, stand facing them for a partner game.
- 14
Step 14
Mirror your friend's ankle moves for one minute to practice coordination.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make and play with ankle hoops made from pool noodles?
To make ankle hoops, slice a foam pool noodle into 1–2 inch rings and join slices with tape to create a hoop sized for the ankle. Smooth any rough edges and wrap the seam with duct or waterproof tape so it’s secure but not tight. Slip hoops around ankles and practice stepping, side-steps, small hops, mirror and follow-the-leader games. Start slowly on carpet or grass and increase speed as balance improves.
What materials do I need to make pool noodle ankle hoops?
You’ll need a foam pool noodle, scissors or a craft knife (adult use), and strong tape such as duct or waterproof tape. Optional items: a marker and measuring tape to size hoops, extra pool noodle slices to build larger rings, non-slip socks or ankle sleeves, and a soft play surface or mat. Keep a basic first-aid kit nearby and remove jewelry or loose clothing before playing.
What ages are ankle hoop games suitable for?
Ankle hoop games are great for children roughly ages 3 to 10. Toddlers (3–4) need close adult supervision and simpler movements like slow stepping. Preschool and early-school-age kids (5–8) enjoy hopping and coordination challenges. Older children (9–10+) can try timed obstacle courses or one-legged hops. Adjust difficulty for each child’s balance and mobility, and avoid the activity if a child has known balance or joint issues without medical advice.
What safety tips should I follow when kids play with ankle hoops?
Supervise play, especially for children under five, and clear the area of furniture, cords, and hard objects. Use a soft surface like grass or a gym mat and non-slip socks or bare feet. Ensure hoops are comfortable—secure but not too tight—and tape edges are smooth. Discourage running on hard floors; keep games low-impact and limit session length to prevent fatigue. Stop immediately if a child complains of pain, dizziness, or discomfort.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a pool noodle if I can't find one?
If you can't find a pool noodle, use rolled-up soft foam craft sheets or foam pipe insulation cut into 1.5–2 inch slices with a slit so each piece opens into a C shape and can be slid onto the ankle like the pool noodle slices.
What should I do if a hoop is too tight or uncomfortable when I try to slide it on?
If the hoop is too tight or uncomfortable, ask the adult to carefully lengthen the slit a little as the instructions say, then wrap another layer of duct tape around the slit and outer edge and re-check the fit.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids have an adult do the cutting and make 2-inch slices with wider slits and closely supervise the stand-up, ten slow walking steps and ten small hops, while older kids can add more hops, longer mirror challenges, or trick variations for extra difficulty.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after making the hoops?
To personalize and extend the activity, decorate the hoops with stickers or waterproof paint during the decorate step, attach small bells or ribbons with duct tape to the outer edge for sound and sensory feedback, or set up an ankle-hoop obstacle course to practice balance beyond the ten walking steps and ten hops.