DIY Catapults are easy to make and fun to use and the best part is there are so many ways to do it! We found twelve inventive catapult crafts for kids of all ages. If your kids like to build things and are curious about physics, these DIY catapult crafts are the perfect boredom buster.
DIY Catapults for Kids
Catapults became more popular when the online game “The Angry Birds” surfaced a few years back. These DIY catapults encourages the scientific ideas in your kids and the ability to build things on their own!
Catapults can be used to launch rocks or other projectiles a long distance. A catapult is a type of device that uses a mechanical advantage to fling projectiles.
History of the Catapult
“The first catapults were early attempts to increase the range and power of a crossbow. Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian, was the first to document the use of a mechanical arrow firing catapult (early Ballista) in 399 BC.”
– Google Sites, History of Catapults
Types of Catapults
- Mangonel Catapult – this is what is commonly thought of as a catapult and most of the crafts below are Mangonel catapult versions.
- Trebuchet Catapult – this is the type of catapult that flings a heavy object with a long arm and a counter-balance. If you have ever seen a pumpkin launcher, that is a type of trebuchet catapult.
- Ballista Catapult – this is a crossbow catapult and not usually the most safe for a child’s craft!
Catapult Science for Kids
Catapults are a classic way to shoot projectiles. It is an easy way to get kids engaged in STEM and STEAM projects that are great for the classroom or at home. Your kids will FLIP at these catapults all while learning science! Awaken the engineer spirit inside your child by building these crafty, colorful catapults!
Related: Follow the scientific method steps with these kids science printables
Let’s have some fun with these kid-friendly DIY catapult projects for all ages. These catapult crafts will inspire your kids imagination…
Easy Catapult Crafts
1. Craft Stick Catapult
Your kids will love this simple yet fun to make catapult popsicle sticks by Kids Activities Blog! This super simple popsicle stick catapult design requires only 3 common craft supplies to make STEM inventions: a stack of popsicle sticks, rubberbands, and a milk bottle cap (or something similar, for catapult launching platform)!
Tie here and there, tada! Your catapult is so ready to go!
2. Pool Noodles Make Wonderful Catapult Crafts!
Who’d have thought that pool noodles are not only for summer? When summer is over, grab some pool noodles and rubber bands to make an awesome catapult craft for some fall and winter fun, all from Toddler Approved! Channel your engineering skills and use the leverage of the long noodles!
3. Classic Wooden Spoon Catapult Craft with a Twist!
This catapult by Housing A Forest is SUPER EASY to make, that kids at any age can definitely make these on their own!
Grab hot glue guns, a sturdy plastic spoon, vintage wooden clothes pin, and colored electrical tape and viola! Your simple catapult craft is ready to go!
4. Castle Catapult with Sponge Craft
Frugal Fun 4 Boys blog took this castle catapult craft to the next level. The dragons have captured the knight and it’s up to you to save them by putting your sponge in the catapult and soak the dragons down! What a creative idea to learn simple physics.
5. Catapult Science Experiment based on Favorite Child’s Book
Inspired by a book, Olympig, this catapult craft by Toddler Approved will awaken you and your child’s imagination so you can win this “catapult Olympics” and you can record results.
Create this catapult game full of kinetic energy so your kids can relive the book (and have a lot of fun while doing it)!
6. Creative Catapult Craft for Little Kids
Go out of the box and create this catapult out of everyday items by Kids Activities Blog which uses everyday items found around the house to create your own engineering creation kit!
This awesome STEM activity started with a stack of paper towel rolls, a wooden spoon and rubber bands. What more can you add for this jumbo craft?
This science activity would work for a large group of kids where you have a stack of supplies they could create their own catapult variation.
Related: See a super simple version of the toilet paper roll catapult
7. Crafty Marshmallows and Sticks Catapult
Go all the way from simply eating marshmallows to turning it into foundations of an amazing catapult by It’s Always Autumn which makes a great Kindergarten catapult project perfect for small groups.
Your kids will love figuring out how to make this plastic spoon catapult.
8. Enjoy this Jump-on Catapult Play!
Active energy on the loose? Your kids will have so much fun getting their energy out by jumping on this outdoor catapult by Education Possible! Get those little toys jumping a great distance with one great step.
9. Science Experiment: Tinker Toys Catapult Craft!
Go out to your yard with your kids (adult supervision), grab your Tinker Toy set and make a tinker toy catapult! This catapult science experiment by Kids Activities Blog to see how far the marbles fly.
Adjust the angles and see the differences of the marbles’ flight!
10. Simple Fun Catapult Crafts!
The different colors of these fun catapults are brought to you by Simply Audra Marie. Perfect for all ages, grab some popsicle sticks, colored pens, glue gun and caps, and you’re all set!
Add some matching plates for target practice! Ping! Ping! Ping!
11. Huge Homemade Catapult Craft
This homemade catapult from Teach Beside Me is much larger than the others and uses an actual cup! I’m sure you and your child will enjoy creating and playing with this catapult craft because of its huge size!
Get your favorite balls and have fun with this catapult craft while pulling back the cup, holding objects and then letting them fly!
12. Playing with Lego Catapult!
Every Lego fort needs to have a catapult! The best part about legos is this awesome LEGO catapult craft can be modified to work with whatever Lego’s you have at home, all by Kids Activities Blog.
Get those Lego pieces out and form them to an awesome catapult!
More Kids Crafts & Science Play
- Simply fun and cool kids crafts to try out for every season!
- More catapults kids can make
- Catapults and Angry Birds crafts? A perfect combination!
- Train your child young for Olympics with these sports-theme cute crafts!
- These awesome Ninja crafts will definitely give your kid’s playtime a twist!
- Awaken the force within your kid with these fantastic Staw Wars crafts!
- How about a Dr. Seuss-inspired kids craft? No one would say no to these!
Which catapult craft is your kid’s favorite?