Ping Pong Ball

The Paper Cup Catch-It

Steps:

Use the scissors to cut a piece of string about two feet long.
Tape one end of the string to the side of the ping pong ball.
Tape the other end of the string inside the bottom of the paper cup.
Ask your child to hold the cup by the handle or the rim.
Swing the ball into the air and try to catch it inside the cup!
Challenge them to see how many times they can catch it in a row.
Try using the non-dominant hand for an extra challenge!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. The string should be kept away from the neck at all times. Ensure the ball is not aimed at others.

Floating Ball Sponge Rescue

Steps:

Place an empty, clear plastic bottle on a flat table.
Drop a lightweight ping pong ball inside the bottom of the empty bottle.
Fill a large bowl with cool water and place it right next to the bottle.
Have your child dunk a sponge into the bowl to soak up the water.
Hold the bottle steady with their helper hand to keep it still.
Use the other hand to squeeze the wet sponge directly over the bottle opening.
Repeat this process, watching the ping pong ball float higher and higher.
Once the ball reaches the very top, use pinching fingers to pluck it out!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely during water play. Ensure the bottle has a wide opening with no sharp plastic edges.

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

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

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.