How to Make a Skee Ball Game Out of Cardboard
Skee ball is a popular carnival game that challenges players to roll heavy balls up a wooden ramp and get them to land in scoring holes. With some creativity and basic crafting skills, you can make a mini skee ball game using cardboard. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own cardboard skee ball game.
Step 1: Gather Materials
To make a cardboard skee ball game, you’ll need the following materials:
- Cardboard boxes (large and small)
- Cardboard tubes (from paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- White glue
- Paint
- Markers
- A ball (a plastic or metal sphere works best)
- A small plate or saucer
Design Your Ramp
Before starting to assemble your game, plan the design of your ramp. You can sketch out a simple diagram of how you want the ramp to look. Consider the angle and height of the ramp, as well as the location of the scoring holes.
Ramp Assembly
To assemble the ramp, start by cutting the cardboard into strips, approximately 6-8 inches wide. These strips will be used to create the sides of the ramp.
- Glue the strips together to form the ramp’s base using hot glue.
- Cut additional cardboard pieces for the ramp’s face and top.
- Glue these pieces to the base strips, forming the ramp’s structure.
Add Scoring Holes
Scoring holes are the vertical channels on the ramp where you aim the ball to land. You’ll need to create at least three scoring holes to play a game.
- Cut small, rectangular slits in the face of the ramp, spaced evenly apart.
- Deepen the slits to create small channels or holes.
- Place the channels in a random pattern to keep the game challenging.
Create a Base and Walls
The base of your skee ball game provides support for the ramp and contains the scoring balls. You’ll also need to create walls to separate the scoring balls and the ball return.
- Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard for the base and walls.
- Glue the sides of the ramp to the base piece.
- Cut additional rectangles to create wall pieces, approximately 1-2 inches thick.
- Glue the wall pieces between the scoring holes, creating a channel for the balls.
Add Ball Return and Release Mechanism
A ball return allows the balls to exit the ramp and a release mechanism lets players easily release the balls onto the ramp.
- Cut a small flap in the back of the base to create a ball return opening.
- Place a small plate or saucer near the release mechanism to catch and guide the ball.
- Glue the release mechanism (a simple hinge and a small flap of cardboard) to the front of the ramp.
- Place a ball on the release mechanism to create the "playing field" edge.
Play Your Cardboard Skee Ball Game
How to Play
- Place the ball in the release mechanism and lift the flap.
- Aim the ball at the scoring holes using your judgment and skill.
- If the ball lands in a scoring hole, note the point value.
- Continue rolling balls until you reach the end of your set points.
- Repeat rounds to try to beat your best score.
Tips and Variations
Advanced Design: You can add additional complexity to your ramp by creating turns or changes in elevation to keep the game exciting.
Ball Type: Use heavy, smooth balls with no air holes for easier and more consistent gameplay.
Sound Effects: Add a sound effect element, like a small bell or sound module, to enhance the gameplay experience.
DIY Upgrades:
| Feature | Description | Materials Required |
|---|---|---|
| Better Ramp Structure | Use cardboard stiffeners, like paperboard or thick cardstock, to increase ramp durability | Paperboard or cardstock, scissors, hot glue |
| Variable Speed Control | Add a variable resistance system to adjust the ball’s speed when it reaches the end of the ramp | Wood dowel, glue, markers, a spring or rubber band |
Making a cardboard skee ball game is an accessible and creative way to bring the classic arcade experience to your home or office. By following these steps, you can create a playable and enjoyable game that will challenge and entertain your friends and family.