Need a fun way to keep the kids entertained without spending a lot of money? These 5 paper plate games for kids are the perfect solution! With just a stack of inexpensive paper plates and a few basic craft supplies, you can create hours of active indoor or outdoor fun.
Whether you’re planning a backyard playdate, summer camp, birthday party, family reunion, or simply looking for boredom busters during summer break, these DIY games are easy to make and encourage kids to get up and move.
The best part? Most of these activities can be made with supplies you probably already have around the house.
Why You’ll Love These 5 Paper Plate Games
- Budget-friendly
- Great for all ages
- Encourages active play
- Perfect for summer
- Easy to make in minutes
- Uses inexpensive household supplies
- Great for classrooms, camps, and birthday parties
If you’re anything like me, once summer vacation starts, the kids are looking for something new to do by about day three! These games have become some of our favorite boredom busters because they’re simple, creative, and don’t cost much at all.
Supplies You’ll Need
Most of these games use only a few basic supplies:
- Paper plates
- Hot glue
- Popsicle sticks
- Paper towel tubes
- Balloons
- Spray paint
- Marker
- Dice
1. Paper Plate Ring Toss
This easy DIY ring toss game is one of our favorites because it’s quick to make and fun for kids of all ages.
Supplies
- Paper towel roll
- Paper plate
- Additional paper plates
- Hot glue
How to Make It
Glue the paper towel tube upright to the center of one paper plate to create the target.
Next, cut the centers out of several additional paper plates to make rings.
We wrapped the tube with different colors of duct tape to make it colorful!
Players take turns tossing the paper plate rings onto the stand. Move farther away to make the game more challenging.
Variation: Keep score by awarding different point values based on distance.
2. Paper Plate Race
Looking for an activity that gets everyone moving? This paper plate race is hilarious and requires almost no setup.
How to Play
Give each player two paper plates.
Players must cross the finish line while standing only on the plates.
Step onto one plate, place the second plate in front, step forward, then repeat until you reach the finish line.
Everyone develops their own strategy, which makes this game even more entertaining!
This is a fantastic activity for:
- Backyard parties
- Field day
- Summer camps
- PE class
- Family reunions
You can watch here to see the game in action!
3. Paper Plate Balloon Tennis
This homemade version of balloon tennis is perfect for younger kids because the balloon moves slowly enough for everyone to enjoy.
Supplies
- Two paper plates
- Two popsicle sticks
- Hot glue
- Balloon
Directions
Glue a popsicle stick to the back of each paper plate to create paddles.
Inflate a balloon and start volleying!
The goal is simple:
Don’t let the balloon touch the ground.
You can play singles, doubles, or even see how many consecutive hits your family can get together.
4. Paper Plate Color & Number Game
This activity combines learning with movement, making it especially fun for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
How to Set It Up
Write numbers on several paper plates.
Use multiple colors of plates or color the edges with markers.
Scatter them across the lawn.
Roll two dice—one for the color and one for the number—and have everyone race to find the correct plate.
Kids practice:
- Number recognition
- Color recognition
- Listening skills
- Running and coordination
5. Giant Paper Plate Tic-Tac-Toe
Turn your backyard into a life-sized game board!
Supplies
- Spray paint
- Paper plates in two different colors
Spray paint a large tic-tac-toe grid on the grass (temporary marking paint works well).
Players toss paper plates Frisbee-style into the squares instead of placing game pieces.
It’s surprisingly challenging and so much fun!
Giant Board games
I also have two fun board game ideas! A giant Connect four and a giant tic tac toe– both made with a tablecloth and paper plates!
Bonus Game: Paper Plate Bean Bag Toss
Want one more idea?
Create a simple target using paper plates and practice tossing bean bags, soft balls, or rolled-up socks.
You can even assign different point values to each target to make it more competitive.
More Ways to Use Paper Plates for Games
Paper plates are incredibly versatile! Try using them for:
- Frisbee games
- Relay races
- Obstacle courses
- Scavenger hunts
- Memory games
- Simon Says
- Musical plates
- Target practice
- Balloon volleyball
Tips for Hosting a Paper Plate Game Day
If you’re planning a birthday party or neighborhood playdate, turn these ideas into a mini field day.
Some ideas include:
- Award small prizes
- Rotate through game stations
- Divide into teams
- Keep score
- End with popsicles or ice cream
Kids will stay active while making memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these paper plate games best for?
Most of these games work well for children ages 3–12, although older kids and adults usually end up joining the fun too!
Can these games be played indoors?
Yes! The balloon tennis and color game work especially well indoors if you have enough space.
Are these games good for classrooms?
Absolutely! Teachers, daycare providers, summer camps, and homeschool families love these inexpensive activities.
What other supplies can I use?
Instead of paper plates, you could also use plastic plates, foam plates, or recycled cardboard circles.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive toys or elaborate activities to create memorable summer fun. These 5 paper plate games prove that a simple stack of paper plates can provide hours of laughter, creativity, and active play.
Whether you’re organizing a backyard field day, entertaining kids during summer break, or planning activities for a birthday party or classroom, these easy DIY games are guaranteed to be a hit.
Grab a package of paper plates and let the games begin!
Save 5 Easy Paper Plate Games for Kids for later
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You can check out more of my fun kids crafts HERE
Like this fun water toss game
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