My kids got a bit competitive with this DIY toy idea, the classic Cup & Ball Game, each of them tallying up the number of times they were able to do it, but then mom stepped in and knocked them out of the water. Sorry guys, did I mention I love simple games like this?

In the U.S. this classic toy goes by the clearly enticing name Cup & Ball Toy…but in other parts of the world it is know by much more exotic names like Boliche,  Balero,  Bilboquet,  Kendama and Bilbocatch. But no matter how you swing it (pun intended) it’s a great way to test hand eye coordination.

I’m excited to to share how we made it over on PBS Parents Crafts for Kids ! Also be sure to check out instructions for our simplified version below.

ORIGINAL CUP & BALL GAME TUTORIAL

SIMPLIFIED CUP & BALL GAME

This version is based on modifications made by our STEAM students over the years.

Materials:

• Small cup 
• Craft Stick
• Large Bead
• Yarn
• Hot Glue Gun
• Optional: Tape and markers to decorate your toy

Instructions:

1. Cut a 12-inch piece of yarn and tie a bead to the end.
2. Hot glue the loose end to the bottom of the cup.
3. Hot glue a craft stick on top of the yarn end to create a handle.
4. Decorate cup if desired.

How to Play

The object of the game is to gently swing the ball up and into the cup.

Fill your child’s life with more art, design, science, and engineering!

Subscribe to our free newsletter and check out our FB page where I share tons more creative ideas and resources from around the web.

Spread Creativity like wildfire: PIN THIS!

FB SHARE