Paper Plate Ring Toss

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 15 to 20 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

A classic game made from household items! This activity helps your child improve their aim and timing. By tossing rings onto a target, they practice coordinating their eyes and hands. It also encourages them to stand and balance while moving. Cutting the plates provides a great workout for their hand muscles. This is a wonderful way to play together and celebrate every success!

Steps

Help your child use the scissors to cut the center out of four paper plates to make rings.
Tape a paper roll vertically onto the center of a sturdy piece of cardboard to create a post.
Use markers to decorate the rings and the post with bright colors.
Place the target on the floor and mark a starting line with masking tape a few feet away.
Ask your child to stand behind the line and try to toss the rings onto the post.

Safety tip: Adult supervision is required while using scissors. Ensure the play area is clear of toys to prevent tripping.

Make it easier

Poke a starting slit in the center of each plate so the scissors have a place to begin.
Stand just one or two steps from the post, and move back after a few rings land.
Stack two paper rolls to make a taller post that catches rings more easily.

Make it harder

Make three posts at different distances and give each one a point value.
Toss while standing on one foot, or while kneeling on a pillow.
Cut the rings thinner so they are lighter and take more careful aim.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child turns the plate with the helper hand while cutting the circle, or tries to turn the scissors instead.
Watch which throws work best. Many kids try overhand first, then find that a gentle, flat, underhand toss lands more rings.
Pay attention to your child's feet as they throw. Staying behind the line while leaning in takes balance.