DIY Paper Spinner (Easy Craft for Kids)

Looking for an easy paper craft that keeps kids entertained? This DIY paper spinner is one of those classic crafts that never goes out of style! Made with just a few basic supplies, these colorful spinning toys are fun to decorate, simple to assemble, and fascinating to watch in action.

Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a classroom STEM project, or a boredom buster for summer break, this paper spinner craft is inexpensive, educational, and fun for kids of all ages.

Supplies You’ll Need

Cardstock or thick paper
Scissors
Hole punch
String or baker’s twine
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Printable spinner template (down below)

How to Make a Paper Spinner

Step 1: Decorate Both Sides

This is the fun part! Color your spinner with bright designs, stripes, rainbows, dots, swirls, or even favorite characters.

Remember that both sides will be visible as the spinner twirls.

You can design your own or use one of my FREE TEMPLATES

Step 2: Cut Out the Circle

Cut a circle from sturdy cardstock. A printable template works great if you want perfectly round spinners.

Step 3: Punch Two Holes

Punch two small holes near the center of the circle.

Step 4: Thread the String

Cut a piece of string about 30–36 inches long and thread it through both holes. Tie the ends together to create one large loop.

Step 5: Spin!

Twist the spinner by winding the string several times. Pull the string outward and then relax your hands. The paper circle will spin rapidly as the string unwinds and rewinds.

The best technique we did was pull…relax…pull…relax. IF you do it right the spinners make a humming noise!!!!

Kids can experiment by twisting more or less to see how it affects the speed.

What Kids Learn

While they’re having fun, children are also learning about:

Motion
Energy
Rotation
Centrifugal force
Fine motor skills
Symmetry
Color theory

This makes paper spinners a wonderful blend of art and science.

Here is a quick video to show you:

Great for These Occasions

Paper spinner crafts are perfect for:

Summer camps
Birthday parties
Classroom centers
STEM activities
Homeschool lessons
Scout meetings
Library programs
Indoor recess
Rainy afternoons

Tips for the Best Spinner

Keep the holes evenly spaced.
Use smooth string instead of rough twine.
Don’t make the circle too large or it may wobble.
Let kids experiment with different sizes to compare spin speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this craft best for?

Children ages 5 and up can usually complete most of the project with minimal help.

Why won’t my spinner spin?

Make sure the holes are centered, the string isn’t tangled, and you’ve twisted it several times before pulling.

Can I laminate my spinner?

Yes! Laminating or using heavier cardstock makes the spinner more durable for repeated play.

Save for later

Too busy to get crafting today? No problem! Pin this post to remind yourself about this project later! Sharing my projects helps me reach more people, allowing me to continue sharing free content!

fun spinners craft for kids to do this summer!

The BEST kid crafts and activities

and when I say kids, I mean kids of all ages!

If you are looking for more fun kids’ crafts- my craft camp has two weeks full of fun projects that you will love to do as well!

Final Thoughts

This DIY paper spinner craft is proof that simple materials can create hours of fun. It’s easy to make, encourages creativity, and even sneaks in a little science lesson while kids play.

Whether you’re making one spinner or a whole collection of colorful designs, this classic craft is sure to become a favorite activity for home, school, or summer camp.