Arts & Crafts
Recycling Bin Marble Run
Build a marble run from tubes and boxes and see how long you can make it roll.
Ages 8 to 12
60 minutes
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Get ready
5 minutes. Collect paper towel tubes, boxes and egg cartons from the recycling.
What you’ll need
Cardboard tubes, boxes, masking tape, scissors and a marble or small ball.
Let’s play
1. Tape a large box or cardboard sheet against a wall or chair as the base.
2. Cut tubes in half lengthwise to make open chutes.
3. Tape the chutes in a zigzag down the base. Test each piece as you go.
4. Add one trick, like a drop, a tunnel or a cup the marble lands in.
5. Time the run and try to make it slower by adding more turns.
Your part in the adventure
Hold pieces and test, but let your kid decide where things go.
What they’re discovering
They’re planning a design, testing it and fixing problems when the marble falls off.
Before you begin
An adult handles scissors on thick cardboard. Keep marbles away from toddlers in the house.
Keep the idea going
Ages 8 to 9 can build a short run first. Ages 11 to 12 can aim for a 30-second run.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.