![[Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/T1XZX2zyROQ/maxresdefault.webp)
[Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
This time, we’re introducing handmade toys that are fun for outdoor play.
Many of the ideas use familiar materials and recyclables, and we also feature lots of nostalgic, traditional toys—like stilts and paper airplanes—that adults may remember fondly.
Since they’re handmade, you can draw pictures, add stickers, and customize them any way you like!
Be sure to enjoy creating your own original decorations.
We also introduce toys that use the power of the wind, so make the most of nature’s energy and have fun playing!
[Create with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special (1–10)
Snap Lacrosse
Have you ever heard of snap lacrosse? It’s a game where you launch a ball and catch it, and you can actually make it using scrap materials! First, wrap a toilet paper roll with your favorite origami paper to make the handle.
Fold any excess paper into the inside.
You can secure it with tape, too.
Next, take two other toilet paper rolls, cut them open lengthwise, then cut each opened roll in half crosswise.
You’ll have four rings—staple them together in the shape of the hiragana character “し,” and attach this to the handle you made earlier.
That’s it! For the ball, use a ping-pong ball or crumple up some tissues.
Parachute
Let’s launch it! Let’s catch it! Here are some handmade parachute ideas.
What you’ll need: a plastic bag, kite string, a toilet paper roll, newspaper, rubber bands, chopsticks, scissors, tape, vinyl tape, and colorful round stickers.
Why not make a parachute with your child and go outside to fly and play with it? For infants, decorating the parachute using stickers or markers works well.
For preschoolers, we recommend working on the main crafting together with a parent or teacher!
Disposable chopstick airplane
Let’s make a chopstick airplane that flies high using the power of rubber bands! Since you’ll be using a saw, please proceed with safety in mind.
First, on the thicker end of the chopsticks, make marks: 3 cm from the bottom on the outside, and 2.5 cm on the inside.
Then, saw only the upper stick at an angle.
For the airplane’s fuselage, attach a paper template made from construction paper to the chopsticks.
Next, connect four rubber bands and wrap them tightly.
If you create a groove in the chopsticks beforehand, the bands will grip firmly.
Use this to launch the airplane you just made! When playing, don’t aim at people and be sure to play in a wide, open area.
milk carton clogs
Fun and full of ways to play! Here’s an idea for making “milk carton stilts.” You’ll need six milk cartons, flat plastic ribbon (suzuran tape), scissors, tape, and a hole punch.
Enjoy a classic game with a handmade toy! First, cut the milk cartons, place an accordion-folded milk carton inside, and secure it with tape.
Next, punch holes on both sides with the hole punch.
Finally, thread the suzuran tape through the holes, and you’re done! Once you get used to it, try arranging races or relays to make it even more fun!
Frisbee made with paper plates
Let’s get colorful and create freely! Here are some ideas for making spinning disc toys using paper plates.
You’ll need paper plates, a pencil, pens, and scissors.
This idea is simple and easy to follow, so it’s great for all ages! First, mark the paper plate and color it with pens.
The key point is to color not only the front but also the back! Finally, cut slits into the paper plate and crease them, and you’re done.
The way the colorful disc toy spins around is really fun to watch!
straw dragonfly
You can easily make a bamboo-copter using a straw! Here’s how to make a fun straw-copter.
First, make the blades from a milk carton.
Cut the milk carton horizontally into a 16 cm wide strip, then cut that strip into 2 cm wide pieces vertically.
Fold each piece in half.
Round off the tips of the blades.
Next, cut a straw to 16 cm in length.
Make a slit at one end of the straw so you can attach the blades.
Flatten that end a little, then insert the milk-carton blades straight into the slit.
Staple the slit area to secure the blades.
Spread the blades, add color with a permanent marker, and you’re done! Drawing your favorite designs on the blades also makes it extra cute.
Soap bubble play
Let’s make your very own bubble wand! Here are some bubble ideas for you.
You’ll need thick yarn, wooden chopsticks, tape, vinyl (electrical) tape, and scissors.
When you think of bubbles, do you imagine blowing gently to send them floating? This time, let’s use yarn and chopsticks to make your own bubble rod! Cut the yarn to a length of 2 meters and tie three knots along it.
Attach the yarn to the chopsticks with tape, and you’re done.
Dip it into bubble solution, and the wind will help you make bubbles!
batting machine
Let’s have fun syncing our timing! Here’s an idea for a batting machine.
You’ll need two paper cups, rubber bands, construction paper, cardboard, a plastic bottle with a cap, origami paper, a ping-pong ball, tissue paper, tape, a pencil, and scissors.
Some steps can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to work together with a parent or teacher.
Try adjusting the tension of the rubber bands to change the timing and height of the ball’s launch!
Cardboard Swirly Badminton
Unpredictable movements make it so fun! Let me introduce the idea of Spinning Cardboard Badminton.
All you need is cardboard, a clear file folder, tissues, tape, a permanent marker, a ruler, craft glue, and scissors.
The beauty of this idea is that you can make it with materials found at home or in a classroom! The key is the propeller made from the clear file attached to the ball, so try adjusting the angles as you build it.
It also sounds fun to decorate the cardboard rackets with stickers and more.
kite flying
Here’s an idea for a kite you can make from plastic that flies really high.
Get a plastic bag with handles, then cut off the handles and the bottom.
Since it’s a bag, cut along one side to open it up.
Fold it in half and cut it into a symmetrical kite shape.
Attach straws vertically on the left and right sides to make the frame.
Thread yarn or kite string through the top left and right corners, and it’s done.
Feel free to draw pictures or stick stickers on the plastic.
Take it to a large park or open square and have fun flying it!