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About this activity
Turn cardboard tubes and tape into a tabletop marble run. Children test slopes, fix gaps, and cheer when the marble reaches the finish — a low-cost rainy-day STEM activity for ages 4 to 8.
Print & play
Download the Marble Run Design Planner sheet
A sketch-and-test planner for cardboard marble runs — plan tracks, note fails, and record the winning design.
View Marble Run Design PlannerMaterials needed
- Cardboard tubes
- Tape
- Marbles or small balls
- Scissors
- Chair or box for height
Preparation time
10 minutes
How to play
- 1Cut tubes in half lengthways or use whole tubes as channels.
- 2Tape sections to a chair or box so the marble rolls downward.
- 3Test the run and adjust angles until the marble reaches the end.
- 4Add a finish cup and time how long the run takes to rebuild.
Learning benefits
Problem solvingGravity conceptsFine motor skillsPersistence
Best for
Tags
rainy-dayindoorfreeSTEMage-5ks1
Seasons
all year
Occasions
rainy dayweekendschool holiday
Key stages
EYFSKS1
Weather
RainyColdAny
SEN-friendly note
This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.
Safety note
Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.
