How to Build a Pinball Machine from Cardboard

Create a fun DIY cardboard pinball machine with your kids using simple materials and easy-to-follow steps.

1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need one large cardboard box (shoebox or larger), several toilet paper tubes, aluminum foil balls or small bouncy balls, rubber bands, wooden craft sticks, tape, glue, scissors, markers or paint, and small paper cups. Optional extras include straws, bottle caps, and small toys for decoration. Choose a box that's at least 12 inches long and 8 inches wide for the best playing experience.
2. Create the Playing Field Base. Remove the lid from your box and cut it in half lengthwise. Take one half and tape it inside the box as a slanted ramp, creating an inclined playing surface. The ramp should start about 2 inches from the top of the box and slope down toward the bottom. Secure it well with tape on all sides. This angled surface will help your ball roll down the machine.
3. Build the Ball Launcher. At the bottom right corner of your box, cut a small channel just wide enough for your ball to fit through. Create a simple launcher using a craft stick and rubber band. Tape one end of the craft stick to the outside bottom of the box, stretch a rubber band around it, and create a launching mechanism. Test this by placing a ball against the stick and pulling it back to launch the ball up the ramp.
4. Add Obstacles and Targets. Cut toilet paper tubes in half and tape them to your ramp as bumpers and tunnels. Glue small paper cups upside down as targets worth different points. Use craft sticks to create barriers and channels that guide the ball in different directions. Space everything out so the ball has room to bounce around. Add bottle caps or small toys as additional obstacles.
5. Create Flippers. Near the bottom of your machine, create two flippers using craft sticks and rubber bands. Poke small holes in the sides of your box about 2 inches from the bottom. Thread rubber bands through and attach them to craft sticks that can pivot up and down. Position these so they can hit the ball back up the ramp when you press them from outside the box.
6. Design the Scoring System. Use markers or paint to add point values next to different targets and obstacles. Create a scorekeeping area at the top of the box where players can mark their points. Make some targets worth more points if they're harder to hit. You can also create special bonus areas or spell out words that players try to hit in order.
7. Test and Adjust. Try playing your pinball machine and see how the ball moves. Adjust obstacles that aren't working well, reinforce any loose pieces with extra tape, and modify the angle of your ramp if needed. Make sure the flippers can effectively hit the ball back up. Fine-tune the launcher strength by adjusting the rubber band tension.