Marble runs make the perfect STEM activity for kids, whether it be at home or in the classroom. Here are 10 super awesome homemade marble runs to get you started!
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Now that we’re on summer vacation, we have tons of time to really get into creative play, and one of the kids favorite play activities has always been marble runs! We have a couple marble runs at home that the kids love and take out almost every day to play with (one similar to this plastic marble run and almost exactly like this wooden marble run).
But one memorable activity that really got the kids thinking, creating, and immersed in fun was when they made their very own marble run right at home. I have seriously never seen both my kids so into an activity as they were the marble run they made. It literally provided hours and hours of creative play. So I figured, now that we have all summer, why not get busy making some more homemade marble runs! I was so inspired by all the ideas out there that I just had to share them with you!
10 Awesome Homemade Marble Runs
Roller Coaster Marble Run from Buggy and Buddy: We used pipe insulation (for under $5) to make our super long marble run. The kids loved changing the various heights of the hills to see if the marbles could travel up them!
Recycled Marble Run from Lemon Lime Adventures: I love how this marble run was designed by a child on paper before actually being built. Be sure to visit Lemon Lime Adventures to see all the learning that took place along the way!
DIY Marble Run from Tinkerlab: Not only is this homemade marble run a wonderful learning opportunity, but I love the unique way they decorated the finished product!
DIY Marble Run from Toilet Rolls from Powerful Mothering: Here’s a fun way to make a standing tower marble run rather than one on a wall!
How to Make a Junk Model Marble Run from Nurturestore: Now this is really the ultimate way to create a marble run using recyclables like food containers and boxes- I can see my kids becoming super immersed in this! Head over to Nurturestore to find out what materials they recommend and for some helpful tips when building your own!
Make Your Own Marble Run from Red Ted Art: Here’s one way you can use some empty cardboard boxes to make a marble run track! Head on over to Red Ted Art for the tutorial!
Paper Towel Roll Marble Run from TPcraft.com: This is such a genius way to create a marble run from paper towel rolls! You’ll love what was used to attach the tubes to the surface!
Marble Run Water Slide from Mama Papa Bubba: This is a great marble run for summer and the perfect way to use those old pool noodles! Check out the tutorial on Mama Papa Bubba!
DIY Marble Run from Craftulate: I love how this marble run is all on a flat surface like a maze. Craftulate shares some great tips for making your own and some awesome ways to use the finished marble run!
Lego Marble Run guest post from One Perfect Day on Octavia and Vicky: I love all the problem solving and planning that goes on while building this marble run. Head on over to Octavia and Vicky for the tutorial!
Refrigerator Marble Run from Inspiration Laboratories: I love that you can make a marble run right on the refrigerator using magnets. The post also includes a video so you can see it in action!
Paper Plate Marble Maze from Buggy and Buddy: This simple marble maze uses just a few simple materials and makes a great introductory marble run activity for kids of all ages!
Be sure to check out STEAM Kids book and ebook for even more creative STEM and STEAM ideas!
