How to Make a Marshmallow Shooter

Build a fun and safe marshmallow shooter using simple household materials for hours of family entertainment.

1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need a toilet paper tube or paper towel tube cut to 6 inches, a balloon, a rubber band or tape, scissors, and mini marshmallows. If you don't have a cardboard tube, you can roll and tape a piece of sturdy paper into a cylinder. Make sure the balloon is large enough to stretch over one end of your tube with some extra material to grip.
2. Prepare the Tube. If using a paper towel tube, cut it down to about 6 inches long for easier handling. Sand down any rough edges with your finger or a nail file so they won't tear the balloon. Check that both ends of the tube are open and clear of any debris.
3. Attach the Balloon. Cut the neck off the balloon, leaving just the round part. Stretch the balloon over one end of the tube, pulling it tight so there are no wrinkles. The balloon should cover the end completely and extend about an inch down the sides of the tube. Secure it in place with a rubber band wrapped several times around the tube, or use strong tape if you don't have a rubber band.
4. Test and Load. Hold the tube with the balloon end pointing away from you. Drop a mini marshmallow into the open end of the tube. Pull back on the center of the balloon like a slingshot, creating a pocket for the marshmallow to rest in. Release the balloon to launch the marshmallow. Start with gentle pulls to get a feel for the power.
5. Set Up Safe Play. Choose a clear area for shooting, preferably outdoors or in a large indoor space. Set up targets like empty cans, paper cups, or drawn circles on the ground. Make sure no one is in the line of fire, and establish clear shooting directions. Only use mini marshmallows as ammunition - never use hard objects that could cause injury.