Let's play with paper cups! Crafts and indoor play
Did you know that paper cups, which are handy as simple drinking cups, are also great for crafts and indoor play?
When it comes to paper cup crafts, string telephones are the classic example, but they’re also used for a variety of make-and-play projects like kendama and bamboo-copters.
This time, we’ll introduce some activities that use paper cups you likely have at home.
There are plenty of games that use paper cups as-is, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to start playing right now.
If you’re looking for safe toys or games for children or the elderly, be sure to take a look for ideas.
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- Crafts parents and kids can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep children entertained.
Let’s play with paper cups! Crafts and indoor activities (71–80)
Beanbag Treasure Hunt
This is a game where you hide a beanbag under one of several overturned paper cups and guess which one it’s in.
Since you only need a tabletop and minimal preparation, it’s enjoyable for a wide range of ages, from children to seniors.
You can play head-to-head by taking turns lifting cups, or compete to see who can find the beanbag hidden under the cups placed in front of each player first.
It’s nice that the simple rules allow for many variations.
By increasing the difficulty—such as by re-covering cups after they’ve been opened—it also becomes a memory-training activity.
It’s an easy-to-play treasure-hunt game.
Tokotoko doll
This is an adorable toddling toy made by combining a paper cup and a battery, and the way it scampers along is irresistibly cute.
Make small slits at two spots on the rim of the paper cup and at the two spots directly opposite them, then fold the slits outward.
Prepare a part by attaching a rubber band to a battery and securing it with cellophane tape.
Hook the rubber band into the slits so it sits inside the cup, and tape it in place.
After adding animal ears or legs to the cup, or drawing your favorite character on it, twist the battery and set the cup upside down.
You’ll be delighted to see it move faster and cuter than you imagined!
frolicking paper cup ghost
The moment you saw “a frolicking paper cup,” you probably thought, “What on earth is that?” But if you actually make one, it’s exactly that—and it’s really fun! First, make two slits on opposite sides near the rim of the paper cup.
Next, loop a rubber band around a battery and secure it with tape.
Then hook the rubber band attached to the battery onto the slits in the cup, and you’re done.
Twist the battery to wind up the rubber band, set the cup on a table, and let go of the battery… The paper cup frolics around beautifully.
If you draw a ghost or an animal on the cup, it looks adorable and somehow even more excited—you won’t be able to help laughing! Be sure to try it with your child and have fun together.
Fluffy Paper Cup Ghost
When you blow into it, a ghost appears! This is a fluffy ghost craft made with a paper cup and a plastic bag.
Decorate the paper cup with stickers or markers and make a hole in one spot.
Insert a straw through the hole so that the tip of the straw sticks out from inside the cup.
Next, draw a ghost face on a plastic bag and attach the bag to the tip of the straw so that no air can escape.
Pull the straw outward as far as it will go, tuck the plastic bag into the paper cup, and you’re done! Each time you blow through the straw, the ghost pops out all fluffy, and the kids are sure to love it.
Guitar
A cool, realistic guitar you can make from everyday materials like paper cups and toilet paper rolls! It’s a fun instrument craft that even lower elementary school kids can enjoy, so it’s perfect for a summer vacation project.
Combine a paper cup and a cardboard tube to build the guitar’s base, then hook rubber bands into slits to make the strings.
If you have time, try adding a mechanism that changes the guitar’s sound or make a pick! Use patterned paper cups or decorate it however you like, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, special guitar.
Jumping frog
Here’s an idea for a jumping frog toy you can play with and move around a lot.
The mechanism itself is simple, so you can learn it quickly and get started right away.
First, prepare two paper cups.
Cut out the bottom of one cup and thread rubber bands through it in a crossed pattern.
When you place it over the other cup, the rubber bands are stretched, and when you let go, the rebound makes it jump.
Try decorating it to make it look cute.
It’s also fun to experiment and think, “How can I make the frog jump higher?”
Jump Flower
Don’t you think it would be wonderful to make a toy that everyone can play with together? Here’s an idea called the Jump Flower.
It’s simple to make.
First, cut slits into a paper cup.
Next, fold it around the middle—that’s it.
To play, press down on the cup from above as if you’re squashing it.
The rebound force will make the cup spring up with a pop.
Another charm of this idea is its cute, flower-like appearance.
You can also enjoy it as a decorative piece.