Fun for Kids! A Collection of DIY Musical Instrument Ideas Using Everyday Materials

Milk carton castanets

[Craft] Easy Castanets [For Parents and Kids]

How about making a milk-carton castanet that actually makes sound? First, open up a milk carton and cut off just one side.

Crease the center of the cut-out piece, then attach plastic bottle caps to the overlapping ends to finish.

Try adjusting the position as you attach them to find the spot that produces the best sound.

Once you get a satisfying tone, you’ll want to play with it over and over.

It should be fun to play together with everyone, too.

However, since there are several steps that involve using scissors, make sure a teacher or guardian is nearby to supervise.

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Kachikachi Animal

Pull the ears and it makes a sound! Here’s an idea for click-clack animals.

You’ll need a kraft paper cup, a pen, two plastic bottle caps, scissors, and tape.

First, leaving 1.5 cm at the top, make four evenly spaced cuts in the paper cup.

Fold two of the cut sections and trim them with scissors to create ears.

Attach the plastic bottle caps with tape to the sections you didn’t fold—and you’re done.

Draw your favorite animal and make some noise!

Sparkly Shaker

Let’s make it with empty gacha capsules! Here are some ideas for a sparkly shaker.

You’ll need empty capsules, masking tape, beads or decorative pom-poms, small bells or buttons, and pipe cleaners.

The steps are simple, and the charm of this idea is that you can make it using recycled materials! Fill it with your own favorites—like a button that fell off or beads you love—and create a one-of-a-kind sparkly shaker just for you.

It would be fun to show off your finished sparkly shakers to each other, too.

Santa-san guitar

Adorable and perfect as interior decor! Here’s an idea for a Santa Claus guitar.

You’ll need cardboard, paper cups, colored paper, card stock, rubber bands, hardware, a utility knife, glue, and scissors.

First, glue the colored paper onto the cardboard.

If you prepare Santa’s outfit and facial parts in advance, it’ll be easy to stick them on smoothly! Next, cut out the cardboard.

Finally, assemble and attach all the parts, and you’re done! Give it a try—can’t wait to hear what kind of sounds it makes!

Santa’s tambourine

Make it with paper plates! Here’s a handmade Santa castanet.

You’ll need paper plates, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, construction paper, tape, and glue.

This idea is great because you can use items you already have at home or repurpose materials! It’s also fun to decorate the paper plates with stickers or craft punches.

Painting the plates with your favorite colors is wonderful, too.

Be sure to brainstorm ideas with the kids and enjoy making it together.