Looking for an engaging, hands-on activity that combines creativity, fun, and a meaningful life lesson? Look no further here is a great craft for kids! These DIY marshmallow launchers are simple to make, loads of fun, and provide an opportunity to teach an important value—forgiveness—in a way kids will remember. Perfect for VBS, Sunday School, or a fun afternoon at home, this craft encourages play and teamwork while subtly reinforcing positive lessons.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the fun, gather the following materials:
- Clear plastic cups (sturdy ones work best)
- Balloons (one per child)
- Clear packing tape
- Mini marshmallows (enough for shooting and snacking)
- Scissors
Craft for Kids for Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Balloons
Give each child a deflated balloon. Next, using a pair of scissors, carefully cut off the top of the balloon (the rounded part where you’d typically blow air in). This creates an open end that will stretch over the cup.
Pro Tip: Make sure the cuts are clean and straight for easier attachment to the cup.
Once your balloon is cut you are going to want to stretch it out to ensure it can go on the cup. Take two hands and stretch the balloon back and forth a few times.
Step 2: Attach the Balloon to the Cup
Stretch the open end of the balloon over the top of the cup. Using the top of the cup gives the structure extra support because of the rim of the cup. Depending on the size of the balloon and cup, this may require a little finesse. Ensure the balloon is evenly stretched to avoid air gaps.
Once the balloon is in place, secure it with clear packing tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the base of the cup where the balloon overlaps to ensure it stays in place during the marshmallow-shooting excitement.
Step 3: Test the Launchers
Now comes the fun part! Hand each child a handful of mini marshmallows and let them load their launchers. To launch, place a marshmallow inside the cup, pull back on the balloon, and release. Watch the marshmallows soar through the air!
For added excitement, take the kids outside (if weather permits) to avoid indoor chaos and give them more space to experiment. Encourage them to aim for the sky, trying to catch the marshmallows back in their cups as they come down.
Creative Games to Play with Marshmallow Launchers
Here are some ideas to add more fun and excitement to your marshmallow launcher activity:
1. Marshmallow Catch
Challenge the kids to shoot a marshmallow straight into the air and catch it in their own cup. This helps improve hand-eye coordination and encourages laughter as marshmallows inevitably go flying in every direction.
2. Target Practice
Set up a few targets—plastic bowls, paper plates, or hula hoops—and have the kids aim to land their marshmallows in the targets. Keep score for added competition.
3. Team Relay
Divide the group into teams and create a relay race where each child must launch a marshmallow into a target before the next teammate can go. The first team to finish wins!
4. Marshmallow Towers
When the launching is done, give the kids a chance to build towers or sculptures with the marshmallows. This quieter activity provides a nice transition after all the excitement.
The Teaching Moment: Forgiveness
While the marshmallow launchers are a ton of fun, they also serve as a memorable way to introduce a meaningful lesson about forgiveness. As the kids play, take a moment to talk with them about what happens when they shoot the marshmallows up into the air. Use this opportunity to tie in the concept of forgiveness.
What You Say: “These are SO fun! When you shoot them up in the air, what happens to the marshmallow? (Pause for responses.) Yes, it comes back down! That’s the thing about forgiveness. Because we’ve been forgiven by a loving God, we can forgive others. Forgiveness always comes back around. It helps the person we choose to forgive, and it helps us, too!
“When we choose to let go of our anger and forgive someone, it feels like a weight has been lifted—just like when we let the marshmallow fly. We don’t forgive because we have to; we forgive because God has forgiven us. Let’s remember that as we play and have fun together!”
This simple explanation, paired with the interactive activity, reinforces the message in a way kids can relate to and remember.
Tips for Success
- Safety First: While mini marshmallows are soft, remind kids not to aim at anyone’s face and to keep the marshmallows in the launcher—not their mouths—when playing.
- Supervise the Crafting: Younger kids may need help cutting and attaching the balloons to the cups, so be ready to lend a hand.
- Keep It Clean: Bring a broom or dustpan to clean up stray marshmallows. If you’re outside, be mindful of picking up marshmallows to avoid attracting wildlife.
Why Kids Love This Craft
This activity is a hit with kids for so many reasons:
- Hands-On Fun: Kids love making their own toys and immediately putting them to use.
- Endless Entertainment: Shooting marshmallows never gets old! With plenty of opportunities for creative games, the fun can last for hours.
- Creative Freedom: The simplicity of the craft allows kids to personalize their launchers with stickers, markers, or tape designs.
Why Parents and Ministry Leaders Love It Too
Beyond the fun factor, marshmallow launchers offer several benefits for parents and ministry leaders:
- Affordable Materials: The supplies are inexpensive and easy to find.
- Teachable Moments: This activity is an ideal opportunity to weave in life lessons like forgiveness in a way that resonates with kids.
- Minimal Prep Time: With just a few materials and quick assembly, this craft is ready to go in no time.
Conclusion
These DIY marshmallow launchers are a perfect blend of creativity, fun, and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re hosting a Vacation Bible School, planning a Sunday school lesson, or looking for a boredom buster, this activity is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, grab some cups, balloons, and marshmallows, and let the fun begin! Not only will the kids walk away with a new favorite toy, but they’ll also carry an important lesson about forgiveness—one they’ll remember every time they launch a marshmallow into the sky.This craft is one of the craft options in our 2025 Live It Out: Discover How to Live Like Jesus VBS. Are you looking for a comprehensive ready to go Vacation Bible School experience so your kids can have their very best summer? Check out Live It Out today.
