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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Let's Play with Paper Cups! Crafts & Indoor Activities (31–40)
How to make a croaking frog
This is a cute craft where a frog hidden inside a paper cup peeks out while croaking.
You make a hole in the bottom of the cup and insert a bendy straw; by using this straw, you can move the frog up and down.
The key is the bendable part of the straw—when it rubs against the hole in the paper cup, it makes a sound like a frog’s croak.
You can add originality by choosing the frog’s expression and decorating the paper cup however you like.
“Wankoppu,” which sounds like a dog’s bark
This is a craft project: a dog mascot made from a paper cup that emits a sound like a real dog when you pull a chopstick attached to its tail.
The key is how to attach the pipe cleaner tail.
Attach a clip to the end of the pipe cleaner, thread it through a hole made in the paper cup, and secure it so that impacts resonate through the cup.
Once this part is complete, decorate the rest using a small paper cup, origami paper, and so on to create the dog’s appearance.
Then, by pinching the pipe cleaner in the gap between the chopsticks and pulling, the pipe cleaner’s vibrations are transmitted to the paper cup, producing a sound that resembles a dog’s bark.
How to make a paper-cup kendama
This is a paper-cup kendama made with a paper cup and plastic bottle caps.
First, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup and thread a 60 cm piece of yarn through it.
Be careful not to hurt yourself when making the hole.
Tie a knot at the end of the yarn so it won’t slip out, and secure it to the outside bottom with cloth tape.
Tie a knot in the other end of the yarn as well, place it between two plastic bottle caps facing each other, and fasten them together with cloth tape.
That’s all it takes to complete the main body! After that, customize it with stickers or markers in any design you like.
It’s great because even kids who struggle with a real kendama can have fun and play together!
Kids and adults alike will get hooked! Paper cup claw machine
A crane game you can make with paper cups that fascinates both kids and adults.
Punch small holes in the bottoms of two paper cups, fold them into eight equal sections, and alternate the folds back and forth.
Leave four of the sections as slits to create movable parts.
Next, insert a straw with cuts in it to act as the arms and provide movement.
Connect that straw section to the other paper cup, and you’ve completed a mechanism that can be operated like a crane.
By adjusting how you move it, you can enjoy grabbing prizes.
It’s relatively easy even for beginners at crafting, and the materials are simple to prepare.
It’s a fun idea that you can get excited about making together with kids—and have a great time playing with afterward.
Making a Jumping Rabbit
@heknsb2 Detailed materials here [for 1 person]- 2 paper cups- 2 rubber bands (If you hand them out already looped together, the activity will go smoothly!)See other crafts here: @sei_seisakuNursery School PracticumChildcare studentMoon-viewing CraftHarvest Moon Rabbit#September production
♬ 39 Minutes – kiki vivi lily
A jumping rabbit made by drawing a face on a paper cup, attaching ear parts, and adding slits.
By fitting rubber bands onto the slitted paper cup, you create a mechanism that makes it bounce.
Children can feel a sense of accomplishment by launching the rabbits they’ve crafted with their own ideas, naturally improving their dexterity and spatial awareness.
As they experiment with launch angles and force, they also develop observation and concentration skills, and the joy of seeing their finished creation bounce is exceptional.
It’s a hands-on, play-and-learn idea packed with ingenuity, letting kids make and move it themselves.
Let's play with paper cups! Crafts & indoor play (41–50)
Paper Cup UFO Catcher
The “Paper Cup UFO Catcher” is a popular DIY recreation idea you can enjoy with elementary school kids.
Cut eight slits into a paper cup to make tentacle-like arms, then insert a straw through the center to move it.
Place another paper cup over the top and move it up and down—this opens and closes the arms.
The moment it grabs the target is super exciting! It’s easy to make with everyday materials, yet the movement feels authentic and makes it really fun to play.
Figuring out the controls is part of the charm, and it gets even more exciting when friends compete.
It’s a recommended activity that combines the joy of crafting with the sense of achievement from a game.
Cake-shaped accessory case
@hoikushisatomi [Even kids can make it] Cake-like trinket box 🍰Seasonal craftsChildcare ideasLife with childrenNursery teacher / Childcare worker#Creative PlayKids will love itChildren's Day#crafts#craftkids
♫ Winter Maple Leaves – Sasa.
Here’s an idea for a cake-themed trinket holder made with paper cups.
First, take one paper cup and cut straight from the rim down to the base, then cut out the base as well.
Use this as the template base, and decorate it by attaching felt or construction paper to make it look like a cake.
Once you’ve finished decorating the base, attach it to another paper cup, and you’re done.
It’s easy and cute, and you can customize the decoration however you like—highly recommended! With a bit more effort, you can even add a lid to the trinket holder, so give that a try if you have the time.
