Welcome to Outdoor Family, where we’re all about helping families make the most of their time outdoors. Today, we’re bringing you 10 ingenious ways to repurpose those ubiquitous red solo cups into toys and crafts that will engage and entertain your kids while enjoying the great outdoors. These simple and creative ideas are perfect for busy families looking to add a little extra fun to their outdoor adventures. You can find these at local grocery stores but if you really want some bang for your buck, find your local Costco or Sam’s Club and by them in bulk. At our local Sam’s Club, you can find 180ct “Summer Colors” Cups for just under $7.
1. Stacking Towers and Walls
One of the most classic uses of red solo cups for kids is stacking them to build towers and walls. This is where our family started. We grabbed some cups on a whim while at Sam’s Club and were blown away by how long it kept their attention and still does! This activity is not only entertaining but also helps develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Stack the cups in various formations and challenge your little ones to create the tallest tower or the sturdiest wall. It’s a great way to engage them in friendly competitions and foster teamwork.
2. Sensory Play
Fill red solo cups with different materials like sand, water, rice, or beans to create sensory play stations. Let your kids explore the textures, colors, and sounds by swirling, pouring, and scooping.
This sensory play activity is not only stimulating for young minds but also provides a sensory-rich experience outdoors, enhancing their overall sensory perception. Highly Recommend a messy tray like this one or similar to confine their play to a certain area if you are doing it inside. If outside, let them enjoy the messiness of it all. (Maybe just have the hose ready 😀 )
3. Mini Bowling Alley
Set up a mini bowling alley by arranging the cups in a triangular formation at the end of a makeshift lane. Use a small ball, and let the kids take turns trying to knock down the cups.
This DIY bowling game is sure to bring out the giggles and excitement, encouraging friendly competition and a bit of physical activity. A variation on this is to get a soccer ball and practice some of their athletic skills to kick the ball towards the cups to see how many they can knock down OR how many kicks it takes to knock them all down.
4. Target Practice
Arrange the cups in various formations and distances to create target zones. Arm your little archers with soft foam balls or bean bags and have them aim for the cups. During the summer, you can set up on a railing and use a water gun.
This target practice game not only improves their hand-eye coordination but also adds an element of challenge and precision to their outdoor playtime.
5. Cup-and-String Telephone
An oldie but goody, punch holes in the bottoms of two red solo cups and thread a string through each hole, tying knots to secure them. Voila! You have your very own cup-and-string telephone.
Kids can use this DIY communication device to have fun conversations, enhancing their creativity and encouraging outdoor exploration.
6. Mini Planter Pots
Transform red solo cups into mini planter pots for a hands-on gardening experience. Fill them with soil, plant seeds or small plants, and watch them grow.
This activity teaches kids about the growth cycle of plants and instills a sense of responsibility as they nurture and care for their little green buddies. Draw a picture of the plant on the outside to help them identify the budding sprouts.
7. DIY Wind Chimes
Attach red solo cups to a string or ribbon and hang them from a tree branch. As the wind blows, the cups will chime together, creating a sweet melody.
This DIY wind chime project adds a musical touch to your outdoor space, making it even more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
8. Make A Car
You will need a few additional items to make this work but I would suggest a paper towel or toilet paper cardboard roll, some straws and at least 2-4 cups. Let your kids search through the recycle bin and collect these supplies or save them out for them. Add some stickers or color it with markers to give it some flair!
This game encourages their creativity and imagination. Also, a great way to show them how they can incorporate the essence of recycling into their play.
9. Arts and Crafts Organizer
Use red solo cups to organize arts and crafts supplies during your outdoor crafting sessions. Arrange them on a table, and let the kids easily access various craft materials like colored pencils, markers, or paint brushes.
This simple organization hack keeps the crafting area tidy and accessible, allowing for a smoother creative process.
10. Water Cup Races
Use red solo cups to organize arts and crafts supplies during your outdoor crafting sessions. Arrange them on a table, and let the kids easily access various craft materials like colored pencils, markers, or paint brushes.
This simple organization hack keeps the crafting area tidy and accessible, allowing for a smoother creative process.
Red solo cups aren’t just for parties – they’re versatile and can be repurposed into exciting toys and crafts that bring a touch of creativity and entertainment to your family’s outdoor adventures. So, grab those cups, head outside, and watch your kids’ imagination and enjoyment soar! Stay tuned to Outdoor Family for more fun and inventive outdoor ideas for the whole family. Don’t let your winter ideas come crashing down!
