10 DIY marble run ideas
A marble, a slope and some tape. Ten builds, from five-minute to all-afternoon.
Quick builds
- Cardboard tubes on a wall Kitchen roll tubes and masking tape.
- Paper plate maze Glue straws to a plate and tilt it.
- Pool noodle track Cut one in half lengthways for two ramps.
- Book ramp Hardbacks and a ruler.
Bigger projects
- Shoebox labyrinth Straw walls, holes to avoid.
- Lego run On a tilted baseplate.
- Peg board run Move the pegs, change the route.
- Stair run Tubes taped down the banister.
- Paper roller coaster Folded card tracks and loops.
- Bottle funnel tower Cut plastic bottles stacked as funnels.
Tips
- Start high More height, more speed.
- Gentle slopes last longer
- Add a finish A bell, a cup or a domino run.
- Race two marbles Which track is faster?
- Keep marbles away from under-threes They are a choking hazard.
While the glue dries: Marble Rumble, the same marbles on a screen.
More game ideas
- The best 4 player games on one tablet
- The best 2 player games on one phone
- The best marble games you can play on a screen
- All game guides
Common questions
How do you make a simple marble run?
Tape cardboard tubes to a wall in a zigzag, each sloping down to the next, and put a cup at the bottom.
What can I use instead of a marble?
A ball bearing, a bead, a small bouncy ball or a ball of foil.
Ready to flick?
Marble Rumble is free, runs in the browser and needs no account or download.