Here’s a fun activity to try! You can change it up and tailor it to whatever space and supplies you already have at home.

This activity can be used for building a variety of skills and enjoyed by a wide age range. It can remain simple or be made more complex based on the preferences of the individual creating the race track. It’s the perfect solo activity but also a great way to use teamwork!

PING PONG BALL RACES

Supplies:

• Ping pong balls (or anything else you can roll on a solid surface!)
• Straws
• Tape or Play-Doh

Directions:

1. Make a track out of tape or Play-Doh.
   • If using Play-Doh, roll out long lines of Play-Doh to use for the sides of the track. Shape the Play-Doh lines into a race track. The Play-Doh will act like a barrier or bumper to keep the ball on course.
   • If using tape, pull off long pieces of tape to use for the sides of the track. Place the tape down into the shape of a race track. The tape will act like a barrier or bumper to keep the ball on course.
2. Make a track out of tape or Play-Doh.
   • How long can you make your track?
   • How many spirals can you add?
   • Can you make hills?
   • Can you create multiple tracks?
3. Put the ball at the starting line and use your straw to blow the ball through the track to the finish line.
   1. How long did it take you?
   2. Can you race someone?
   3. Can you go faster?
   4. Can you race more than one ball at a time?

Tips:

• Use a solid surface.
• The thinner the tape or Play-Doh line, the more difficult it will be to keep the ball from bouncing off the course.

Other Ideas:

• Turn your track into a maze! You can easily continue adding onto your track and create a maze for your ping pong ball. See if you can find your way from one end to the other!