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

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I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Whack-a-mole is one of the most popular games among kids at festivals and arcades! It’s a simple pastime where you hit moles popping out of holes with a hammer, but it’s surprisingly addictive! In this article, we’ll introduce DIY whack-a-mole ideas.

We’ve gathered a variety of concepts, from easy-to-make versions using cardboard and paper cups, to giant whack-a-mole setups perfect for school festivals and other large events, and even whack-a-mole ideas for pets.

If you’re planning an event attraction or looking for play equipment for children, be sure to use this as a reference!

Handmade whack-a-mole ideas. Perfect for festivals and school fairs! (21–30)

Whack-a-mole with balloons across the whole room

@yoshitakefukushikai
It’s like whack-a-mole, but with balloons! Everyone was having a great time 😆Balloon Whack #WhackAMole I made it.I collected cardboard.
♬ Upbeat, fun and bright rock’n’roll(1368783) – $PHIN35

If you’re looking for a whack-a-mole game that lets you move your whole body dynamically, this is a must-see! How about enjoying whack-a-mole using the entire room? First, use a large cardboard box to build a structure big enough for a person to fit inside.

Cut several windows large enough for balloons to pass through, inflate a few balloons, and you’re ready to go.

One person goes inside the structure and moves the balloons in and out through the windows, while another person outside tries to hit the balloons with a hammer.

This free and flexible game that isn’t bound by the usual whack-a-mole image is sure to get kids excited.

Give it a try!

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Whac-A-Mole with Color Balls

If you want to compete in quick moves and focus, this is for you! Introducing Whack-a-Mole with color balls.

The colorful look unique to color balls grabs kids’ interest and helps develop reflexes, concentration, and hand-eye coordination through play.

It’s also very simple to make: create lots of tubes by cutting construction paper to match the size of the color balls, line the tubes up in a box, and set the color balls on top—that’s it.

The satisfying feeling of the color ball popping neatly into the tube when hit with a squeaky hammer can be addictive! Give it a try and make one yourself.

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Infinite Whack-a-Mole Made with Origami

https://www.tiktok.com/@sodacatorigami/video/7440635801601330453

Endless fun! Let me introduce the infinite Whac-A-Mole.

Amazingly, you can make it with origami! It’s super easy to assemble, too.

Use origami to make the mole pieces and the spring, and use construction paper or thick paper to make the base.

The secret to the infinite mole is hiding a tissue inside the mole! By attaching an origami-made spring to a fluffy mole stuffed with tissue, you can create a Whac-A-Mole that never dents and pops right back up no matter how many times you hit it.

It’s also fun to add your own twist and make moles in various sizes! You can make it right away with everyday materials, so use this as a reference and give it a try.

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Whack-a-mole with moles whose eyes glow

@aikoudai_unofficial
Is this really a class!?
♪ Original Song – Daily Life of an AIT Student – Daily Life of an AIT Student

If you’re looking for a uniquely different whack-a-mole, this is a must-see! Let me introduce a version where the moles’ eyes light up.

It actually contains sensors inside the moles, so it’s designed to detect when they’re hit.

The eyes glow red, which means it’ll be even more exciting to play in the dark! It could also be fun to adapt it into other animals or characters besides moles.

This distinctive whack-a-mole idea is sure to spark kids’ curiosity—feel free to use it as inspiration!

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Educational Whack-a-Mole

@chinakichi_mama ♬ A cute pop song with the sound of bubbles(1563452) – sanusagi

Let me introduce a whack-a-mole game packed with educational elements.

You can easily make it with items from a 100-yen shop.

First, stick round stickers in colors like red and blue onto upward-pointing picks.

Stick some of the same round stickers onto a styrofoam block as well.

Next, fix two plastic bottle caps together with vinyl tape.

Finally, attach the bottle caps to a chopstick wrapped with masking tape—and you’re done! Match the colors of the picks with the stickers on the block and tap the picks with the hammer, or pinch and pull the picks out.

Play lots while fully engaging your fingertips and senses!

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