DIY whack-a-mole ideas—perfect for festivals and school fairs!

toy hammer

No.079 “Hammer Toy” [Handmade Toy by Nursery Teacher]

Instead of the usual whack-a-mole where you hit moles popping up, this is a way to make a whack-a-mole that you tap from above to push them down.

You’ll need a shoebox-style box with a lid, a plastic wrap tube, milk cartons, colored construction paper, sponges, and colored balls.

You can make it entirely with recycled materials and items from a dollar store.

Cut holes in the box lid about 1 mm smaller than the balls, place the colored balls in the holes, and tap them from above so they drop into the box.

Adjust it so that a child can make the balls go in with a few taps.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Pull the string and it pops out! Whack-a-mole on the go

Science Craft #24: Let’s Make a Quick-and-Easy Whack-a-Mole! [At Home]

Here’s an idea for a whack-a-mole game using an empty box and paper towel tubes.

When you pull the twine connected inside the tube, a mole pops out, and when you whack the emerged mole from above, the string snaps—creating a fun whack-a-mole mechanism.

Since it mainly uses recycled materials, plus items like colored construction paper, it’s easy to make on a whim with supplies you likely have at home.

You can reattach the string to play again, or secure it firmly so it doesn’t come off and enjoy repeated play.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Whack-a-mole game with paper cups

At-home play! A whack-a-mole game using paper cups!? Game!

Here’s how to make a whack-a-mole game using paper cups and a cardboard tube from plastic wrap or similar.

Cut slits into one end of the tube and attach it to a paper cup to make a hammer.

Line up paper cups on a table as the “moles,” and instead of hitting them with the hammer, catch the moles by pushing the cups into the hammer cup—nesting them inside.

Decorate the paper cups and hammer with origami paper or masking tape, and draw mole faces with a permanent marker if you like.

Compete to see who can catch the most moles!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Human Whack-a-Mole

Human Whack-a-Mole

This is a unique human whack-a-mole where helmeted heads pop up one after another.

First, prepare the base by making holes in a large box made from cardboard and decorating it with fun patterns.

Inside, people wearing helmets with mole faces painted on a brown base color get into position and pop their heads out as soon as the game starts.

Set the base to a height where people can hide without feeling cramped, and be sure to use a soft hammer that makes a “pokon pokon” sound.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Great for festivals too! Whack-a-mole made from cardboard

DIY Whack-a-Mole! A Simple How-To Explained for Preschool Use

This is a whack-a-mole made from a box that you can use at festivals and other events.

First, apply double-sided tape to a box-shaped cardboard piece to make the base.

Cover it with colored construction paper or wrapping paper to give it a colorful appearance.

Next, draw circles on the top of the cardboard and cut them out with a utility knife.

Draw circles of the same size on construction paper, cut radial slits into them, and attach them to the holes—this is the key step.

Finally, attach moles to the ends of disposable chopsticks and set them up so they pop out.

The excitement of not being able to see what’s inside is irresistible!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem