[Childcare] Easy! Make a DIY target game. Playful craft and fun game
When holding a mock street fair or summer festival at a nursery or kindergarten, it’s common to set up a game corner, isn’t it?
This time, we’re introducing handmade target-throwing games that are perfect for early childhood settings.
From creations using recycled materials like paper cups, chopsticks, and plastic bottles to decorated versions for special events, we’ve got plenty of target game ideas that will make participating children’s eyes light up with excitement!
Choose options that suit the children’s ages and developmental stages, and try making them together.
Target games have lots of benefits—they spark children’s curiosity and help cultivate concentration, thinking skills, and motor control.
Be sure to include them and have fun together with the kids.
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[Childcare] Easy! Let's make a DIY target game. Playful crafts and fun games (21–30)
Pool cue air cannon
Let me introduce an air cannon made from a pool noodle that you can complete in no time.
Prepare a pool noodle, a balloon, a pom-pom ball, and vinyl tape, and let’s get started.
Cut the pool noodle, tie a knot at the mouth of the balloon, and then cut the top part of the balloon horizontally with scissors, leaving more material on the bottom section.
Fit the cut balloon onto the end of the pool noodle and secure it firmly with vinyl tape so it won’t come off—now it’s ready.
To launch, place a pom-pom ball inside and pull back on the balloon section, then aim upward and release.
The steps are simple, so it’s also recommended for busy teachers.
Demon-slaying play in pachinko
Pachinko, long popular with children, makes a perfect toy for target practice.
Cross the ends of two chopsticks in a plus shape and tie them with a rubber band.
On the opposite end, lay a short chopstick across horizontally and secure it the same way.
Cut a small rectangle out of sturdy material like thick paper or a milk carton, then punch one hole on each side.
Thread a rubber band through each hole and tie them, then attach the other ends to the split tips of the chopsticks you made earlier.
That’s it! For targets, stick origami paper onto toilet paper rolls, draw faces to make little “oni” (demons), and you’re ready.
Make it by Setsubun and try your hand at “oni-slaying” on the day!
Shooting game made with newspaper
Let’s make a shooting game using old newspapers at home! It’s a fun and budget-friendly craft you can create with things you already have.
First, roll up a sheet of newspaper tightly to form a stick and secure it with tape.
Next, prepare two chopsticks with their tips slightly cut off, and wrap a rubber band around the tip to hold them in place.
Open one end of one of the chopsticks, insert the newspaper stick that you bent near the center, and secure the top with a rubber band.
Then, take the remaining piece of the chopstick you cut earlier and tape it to the tip of the newspaper stick to fill any gaps—now your pop gun is complete! For ammo, use a small ball made by crumpling a tissue and attaching a rubber band.
Set up lightweight targets like empty cans or plastic bottles and have fun!
Target practice game with paper cups
Let’s make a target game with paper cups.
First, prepare two paper cups with the bottoms cut out and stack them.
Since you’ll be using a craft knife to cut them out, be sure to assist young children if they’re helping.
Next, take another paper cup and cut it about 2 centimeters up from the bottom, then make a cross-shaped slit in the bottom piece.
Tie a rubber band to a cotton swab with the cotton tip removed, thread it through the slits from the inside of the cup, and secure it with tape.
Finally, stack this onto the first paper cup, and you’re done.
When you pull the rubber band from the inside, the paper cup will launch with a snap.
For the target, use paper cups labeled with point values.
In conclusion
The appeal of target-throwing games is that you can add all kinds of variations.
If you throw or launch not only balls but also items like rubber bands, straws, air, or water, children will notice the differences in how each one feels, nurture their creativity, and expand their play world—making it a truly valuable experience.
It’s also recommended to change the target illustrations to match seasons or events, so it can be used and enjoyed in many different settings.
When playing, be mindful of your surroundings and have fun safely.