The Taped Yarn Bridge Pull

The Taped Yarn Bridge Pull

Steps:

  • Cut a large rectangle of cardboard to use as your steady work base.
  • Tape two long, parallel pieces of yarn across the cardboard about three inches apart.
  • Make sure the yarn is very tight so it forms two raised ‘rails’.
  • Use your markers to draw a bright finish line at one end of the board.
  • Take an empty paper cup and place it upside down on top of the two yarn rails.
  • Carefully set a ping pong ball on the bottom of the upside-down cup.
  • Tie a separate piece of yarn to a paper clip and slide the clip onto the cup’s rim.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly with your helper hand to keep it still.
  • Slowly pull the yarn string to glide the cup along the rails toward the finish line!
  • If the ball falls off, return to the start and try pulling with a smoother motion.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using long pieces of yarn. Store the yarn safely away after play to prevent any risk of entanglement.

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Steps:

  • Cut several long strips of cardboard and bend them into U-shaped arches.
  • Use masking tape to stick these arches onto a flat table to make a tunnel path.
  • Place a ping pong ball at the very beginning of the path.
  • Blow up a bright balloon but do not tie the end shut.
  • Pinch the balloon neck tightly with your fingers to keep the air inside.
  • Hold the balloon behind the ball and point the opening at it.
  • Slowly let go of the pinch to release a blast of air.
  • Try to blow the ball through every single cardboard arch to the finish!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up and throw away the broken pieces immediately. These can be a choking hazard.

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
  • Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
  • Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
  • Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
  • Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.

Paper Cup Balance Track

Paper Cup Balance Track

Steps:

  • Line up six paper cups upside down in a row on a flat table.
  • Use masking tape to secure each cup base to the table so they do not move.
  • Use a bright marker to draw a simple line across the top of all the cups to create a path.
  • Place a ping pong ball on the first cup in the line.
  • Hand your child a spoon and ask them to hold it with their dominant hand.
  • Challenge them to use the spoon to gently push the ball along the marker path from one cup to the next.
  • See if they can reach the final cup without the ball falling off the track!
  • If the ball falls, have them pick it up using their pincer fingers and start again.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they use the spoon and ball safely.

Tension Track Ball Glide

Tension Track Ball Glide

Steps:

  • Cut a large rectangle of cardboard for your base.
  • Use markers and a ruler to draw a straight road down the center.
  • Cut a smaller cardboard square to serve as your delivery cart.
  • Use the tip of your scissors to poke two small holes on opposite sides of the cart.
  • Thread a long piece of string through both holes so the cart can slide.
  • Use masking tape to secure the four ends of the strings to the base corners.
  • Balance a ping pong ball on top of the small cart.
  • Pull the strings outward to glide the cart safely to the finish line!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors. Ensure the string is stored away after play to prevent any risk.