Lovely Play & Recreation

Let's play with paper cups! Crafts and indoor play

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!

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.

Let's Play with Paper Cups! Craft Activities & Indoor Games (61–70)

[Shooting Game] Safe Shooting with Paper Cups

Easy Shooting Game with Paper Cups! [Try Making It? Craft Edition]

[Shooting Game] Safe Shooting with Paper Cups

Many adults probably felt excited by shooting gallery games, too.

Let’s make a safe version for kids using paper cups.

An adult should handle cutting out the bottom of a paper cup with a utility knife.

After trimming a second paper cup to make it shallow, cut a slit in its base and secure a rubber band by hooking it onto a stick.

Then stack the cups, pull the rubber band, and release—that’s it! Since the cups are paper, it won’t hurt much even if someone gets hit, but make sure you have plenty of space before playing.

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puppet

[Cute and Easy Craft] A Marionette Puppet! Even Toddlers Can Make It! Perfect for Kindergarten Crafts! [At-Home Play]

puppet

Introducing a marionette made with paper cups! This craft is perfect for parents and kids to make together, and you can play with it after you’re done.

First, use paper cups to create the puppet’s head and body.

Next, make the arms and legs by attaching plastic bottle caps to the ends of long, thin strips of construction paper, then stick them onto the body.

To finish, prepare some string such as packing twine: fix one end to the puppet’s head and the other end to a pair of disposable chopsticks to complete the mechanism that moves the puppet! If you have time, try adding more puppets or control strings to create a more authentic puppet show.

Give it a try!

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roly-poly toy

[Paper Cup Craft] I Tried Making a Roly-Poly Toy [Playable]

roly-poly toy

With a roly-poly toy, you can finish the look to match the season or your preferences.

Let’s start by explaining how to make it.

The steps are simple, and the only materials you need are a paper cup, a gacha capsule, and a marble.

First, remove one half of the capsule and tape the marble inside it with cellophane tape.

Next, turn the paper cup upside down and attach the capsule to the rim—then it’s done.

From there, you can turn it into any motif you like by decorating the cup.

Try coming up with seasonal characters or figures.

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Beanbag Treasure Hunt

Recreation for Seniors: Super Exciting Brain Training—Beanbag Treasure Hunt Game

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Tokotoko doll

A toddling bunny made with a paper cup and batteries

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!

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