Handmade games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play
We’ve put together a collection of DIY game ideas you can make and play.
Crafts are great not only for indoor play, but also for activities in childcare settings and as summer break projects for elementary school students.
And if what you’re making is a game, kids can enjoy playing with it even after the crafting is done—which they’re sure to love.
In this article, we introduce a variety of games you can make by hand.
If you’re looking for handmade game ideas, feel free to use this as a reference.
Since they’re handmade, it’s also fun to set your own rules and difficulty levels!
- Handmade Lottery Draws Kids Will Love! A Fun Collection of Ideas to Make and Play
- Kids and adults alike will be captivated! A collection of DIY marble run ideas
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Ideas for a Target Shooting Game
- [For Elementary School Kids] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas
- [Childcare] Easy! Make a DIY target game. Playful craft and fun game
- [Lots of Ideas!] Handmade Target-Throwing Game
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- [For Kids] Have Fun at After-School Day Service! A Special Feature on Indoor Game Ideas
- Adults will be hooked! A collection of craft ideas using toilet paper rolls
- [Indoor Activities] A Collection of Craft Ideas Recommended for Elementary School Students
Handmade Games: Craft Ideas You Can Make and Play (71–80)
Maze ideas
https://www.tiktok.com/@tomonite_official/video/7399510506089778450You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.
First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.
Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.
Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.
If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.
It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.
Maze ideas
https://www.tiktok.com/@tomonite_official/video/7399510506089778450You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.
First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.
Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.
Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.
If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.
It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.
Marble-rolling game made with 100-yen shop items

How about making a marble-rolling game like pinball or smart ball using 100-yen shop items? First, prepare a thick document file (the kind used for storing papers) and cut a piece of cardboard to the same size to use as the base.
Paste construction paper on it, then cut out faces of your favorite animals or characters from more construction paper and stick them on.
Punch a hole where the animal’s or character’s mouth is, create a starting point, and slide it into the file—done! Instead of animals or characters, you can also make ramps so the marble slides down, which is highly recommended.
It’s portable, so it’s great as a time-killer for kids when you’re out and about.
Marble coaster with a spiral coil

Let’s make a slightly unusual spiral-type marble run using wire! First, wrap the wire around a rod whose diameter is close to that of the marble.
As you wrap, check to make sure the marble can fall properly through the coiled wire and that the loops aren’t so large that the marble drops straight down in an instant.
Next, create a path out of cardboard that leads the marble to the spiral wire, and combine it with the wire to complete the course! It’s also fun to connect it with other tracks.
Extending Sword

Here’s how to make an extendable sword using a plastic wrap core and paper.
First, cut the core and use construction paper or similar to make the handle.
Next, make the blade with calendar paper.
Cut the paper so it’s as long as possible.
Roll it tightly so it fits inside the plastic wrap core.
Apply cellophane tape to the paper and adjust it so it matches the inside of the core, then stick it in place.
Once it’s the right size, you’re done! You can twist to extend and retract it for play.
Be careful not to pull it out too far.
Marble run with a milk carton and paper plates

Let’s make a spiral marble run using a milk carton and paper plates! First, cut off the spout and the bottom of the milk carton and turn it into a cylinder by removing the corners.
Next, cut out the center of a paper plate to make a donut shape, snip one spot to open it up, then make several cuts from the center hole outward.
Wrap these around the milk carton to form slide-like ramps.
It’s a good idea to roll a marble from time to time as you build to check that it rolls properly.
Finally, cut off the bottom third of a paper cup, attach it under the end of the slide, and use it as the catcher—then you’re done!
Marble coaster made from drawing paper and milk cartons

Let’s try making a complex marble run using a milk carton and construction paper! First, close the opening of the milk carton to make a complete cube, then wrap it with construction paper in any color you like.
Next, use construction paper to craft detailed tracks in various shapes.
Make different kinds of paths—curves, sharp angles, and zigzags.
Once the tracks are ready, attach them to the milk-carton cube however you like, and you’re done.
There are no rules for how to build the tracks, so create an original and fun course full of personality!


