A roundup of recreational activities and games using paper cups
Paper cups are easy to carry in terms of size and weight, so they’re often used for activities with seniors and in children’s play settings.
By combining paper cups to make simple tools or arranging them in different ways, you can enjoy crafts and games.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for recreational activities using paper cups.
We’ve rounded up a variety of options—from those inspired by nostalgic games to highly competitive activities that everyone can get excited about together.
Give paper cup activities a try—they’re great fun for small groups and large groups alike.
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- Paper cup crafts that elementary school kids will love! A collection of fun project ideas
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- [For Adults] Fun recreational games. Perfect for short breaks too!
- Ideas for paper cup crafts for adults: from interior decor to practical items.
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
Recreation and Game Ideas Using Paper Cups (11–20)
Paper cup drop
This is a game where you throw beanbags at paper cups lined up in the distance and try to knock them down.
Encourage players to focus on how much force to use to reach the farther cups, as well as on how they engage their strength and swing their arms.
If you limit the number of beanbags available, players will concentrate more as they try to make each throw count—highly recommended.
It also sounds fun to tweak the game so it requires more throwing power, such as by increasing the distance or changing the weight of the paper cups.
Number Cop
It’s a simple game where papers with numbers are placed at random, and you quickly line up paper cups that have the same numbers written on them.
Alternating your gaze between the papers on the table and the paper cups in your hand to choose the right ones tests both speed and concentration.
If you also pay attention to aligning the orientation of the numbers on the cups with those on the papers, the action of rotating the cups can help train wrist rotation.
Precisely because the rules are simple, let’s focus on how far you can push your speed and take on the challenge.
fishing
It’s a fishing-themed game where paper cups with fish drawn on them have small rings attached, and you try to catch them.
The rings are made by cutting toilet paper tubes into short segments, and you can also use a piece inserted into the tube as the hook on the fishing rod.
You can draw any fish you like on the paper cups, and adding touches like weights to suit the design could make it even more fun.
Because it’s simple, you can enjoy lots of variations—such as changing the length of the fishing rod or the distance to the targets.
“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.
Great for party games too! Pinecone Kendama
https://www.tiktok.com/@kichijyo/video/7163163907962506498How about making a pinecone kendama you can play with after crafting? First, use pens and stickers to decorate two paper cups however you like.
Once you’re done, glue the cups together bottom to bottom, then use kite string to connect the cups and the pinecone—that’s it! You can give the cups a Christmas-themed design, or decorate them and imagine the pinecone as a Christmas tree.
With a bit of creativity, it turns into the perfect holiday craft.
Be sure to finish it as a pinecone kendama that looks great on display, too.
Easy and fun! Paper Cup Race
https://www.tiktok.com/@houkagoday_yawara/video/7498206932671532295Here’s a fun paper cup race you can make with everyday materials.
Get some paper cups, raffia tape (plastic ribbon), and vinyl tape ready.
Poke holes in the paper cups, thread the raffia tape through, and tie a single knot to assemble it.
It might be nice to draw faces on the cups with a felt-tip pen, too.
Once it’s finished, place a ball on the cup, pull the string, and start the race.
Move slowly and carefully so the ball doesn’t fall off.
Try timing your runs or competing to see who can reach the finish line the fastest and have fun!
Recreation and game roundup using paper cups (21–30)
Flip Cup Ping-Pong Showdown
A speed-based action game that tests your focus and dexterity! “Flip Cup Ping-Pong Showdown” is a snappy game using paper cups and ping-pong balls.
Players sit side by side and place ping-pong balls on top of four paper cups lined up in front of them.
Flip a cup to launch the ball high into the air, and if you can land it back into the cup, you score points.
Once you’ve successfully scored with all your cups, you can start challenging your opponent’s cups.
The player who lands more balls within the time limit wins.
It’s simple yet demands quick reflexes and precise timing, making it surprisingly addictive.
The materials are easy to prepare, and it’s perfect for indoor activities and events.
