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 Make and Play! A Collection of Homemade Kendama Ideas
- 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)
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.
Frisbee
This is a handmade frisbee made by cutting open paper cups.
Divide the circumference of two paper cups into five equal parts each, and make straight slits down the sides.
Open them out into flower shapes, then decorate one with patterns using pens or stickers.
Place the other paper cup over the opposite side (the side without the drawing) and staple them together to complete a colorful frisbee! Be careful not to pinch your fingers when using the stapler.
Once you’re done, have fun with the frisbee’s unpredictable and amusing movements.
helicopter
If you want to spark children’s creativity, how about making a paper-cup helicopter? It’s an idea where you create a propeller using a bamboo skewer and rubber bands attached to a paper cup.
Since there are several somewhat complex steps, make sure a parent or guardian provides support when working with younger children.
By changing the cup’s color, adding drawings, or decorating with stickers, you can create a helicopter full of originality depending on your arrangements.
Through activities like this, try experiencing how familiar everyday materials can take on new shapes and functions!
Stretchy paper cup animals
This craft is full of ideas using umbrella plastic that really comes in handy during the rainy season! The “Stretchy Paper Cup Animals” change shape, so they make a big impact and kids are sure to love them.
First, decorate a paper cup as your favorite animal, and punch a hole in the paper cup that will go behind the animal.
Next, cut off the lower part of an accordion (bendy) straw, cover it with a halved piece of umbrella plastic, and tape it in place.
Tie a knot in the other piece of plastic, then insert the straw into the hole in the paper cup.
Finally, tape the knotted end to the bottom of the paper cup—and you’re done! Blow into the straw and it stretches way out—it’s so much fun.
Try making different animals and enjoy crafting together as a parent and child!
Tree-climbing little monkey
Play with full enthusiasm! Here’s a fun idea for a climbing monkey craft.
You’ll need a paper cup, straws, scissors, a picture/illustration, glue or double-sided tape, and kite string.
First, cut out the bottom of the paper cup.
Prepare two straws cut to 5 cm each, attach them parallel to each other on the inside of the cup, and thread the kite string through them.
Once you stick the illustration onto the cup, it’s done! When you pull the kite string alternately, the monkey appears to climb—it’s a delightful idea.
Give it a try!
spool tank
Do you know the spool tank? It’s a classic craft that has long been popular, and it looks like a spool with chopsticks attached.
The chopsticks are connected to the spool with a rubber band; when you twist it, it stores energy, and when you let go, it moves forward on its own.
How about making the spool part out of a paper cup? It’s larger than a spool, so it’s more impressive, and you can have fun decorating it.
It also runs quite fast, so racing them can be really exciting.