Cardboard marble run DIY for older kids
For children age eight and up building with an adult. The adult should cut cardboard and supervise small marbles around younger siblings.
What to get
Large corrugated cardboard sheets
4
Cardboard tubes
8
Paper cups
12
Wooden craft sticks
100
Masking tape
2 rolls
White glue
1 bottle
Child-safe scissors
2 pairs
Adult utility knife
Adult use only
1
Metal ruler
1
Pencil
2
Marbles
Keep away from children under three
20
Small plastic catch tray
1
Washable markers
1 set
Sticker dots
1 sheet
Table protector sheet
1
Who this list is for
Older children age eight and up can build and test this cardboard marble run with an adult. The adult should cut cardboard and supervise the 20 marbles whenever younger siblings are nearby.
How to use this list
Cover the table with the protector sheet and sketch a route on large corrugated cardboard sheets with pencils and the metal ruler. An adult uses the utility knife to make needed cuts. Children can shape cardboard tubes, paper cups, and wooden craft sticks into ramps, channels, supports, and a finish area. Secure sections with masking tape and white glue, then aim the run into the small plastic catch tray. Use washable markers and sticker dots to mark start points or route choices.
Common mistakes
Do not leave marbles on the floor or let younger children handle them unsupervised. Skip steep, unsupported ramps that will collapse when a marble rolls through. Avoid cutting cardboard with child-safe scissors when an adult utility knife is required for thick sections. Test one section at a time instead of gluing the full design before it works.
What is on this list
Gather four cardboard sheets, eight cardboard tubes, 12 paper cups, 100 craft sticks, two rolls of masking tape, white glue, two pairs of scissors, an adult utility knife, metal ruler, two pencils, 20 marbles, catch tray, markers, sticker dots, and a table protector. Cross off owned items.
When you are done
Collect every marble into the catch tray, let glued sections dry flat, and store reusable pieces together. Recycle scraps only after checking that no small marbles or useful parts are mixed in.
FAQ
Who is "Cardboard marble run DIY for older kids" for?
Older children age eight and up can build and test this cardboard marble run with an adult. The adult should cut cardboard and supervise the 20 marbles whenever younger siblings are nearby.
How should I use "Cardboard marble run DIY for older kids"?
Cover the table with the protector sheet and sketch a route on large corrugated cardboard sheets with pencils and the metal ruler. An adult uses the utility knife to make needed cuts. Children can shape cardboard tubes, paper cups, and wooden craft sticks into ramps, channels, supports, and a finish area. Secure sections with masking tape and white glue, th…
What should I skip or avoid with "Cardboard marble run DIY for older kids"?
Do not leave marbles on the floor or let younger children handle them unsupervised. Skip steep, unsupported ramps that will collapse when a marble rolls through. Avoid cutting cardboard with child-safe scissors when an adult utility knife is required for thick sections. Test one section at a time instead of gluing the full design before it works.
What is on the "Cardboard marble run DIY for older kids" list?
Gather four cardboard sheets, eight cardboard tubes, 12 paper cups, 100 craft sticks, two rolls of masking tape, white glue, two pairs of scissors, an adult utility knife, metal ruler, two pencils, 20 marbles, catch tray, markers, sticker dots, and a table protector. Cross off owned items.
What should I do when I am done?
Collect every marble into the catch tray, let glued sections dry flat, and store reusable pieces together. Recycle scraps only after checking that no small marbles or useful parts are mixed in.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.