How to Make a Rubber Band Ball
Bounce boredom away with this easy DIY rubber band ball! This fun, quick craft for kids is part stress ball, part science experiment!
Are you looking for a quick boredom buster for the kids? Today I am going to show you how to make these easy rubber band balls.
Remember those lazy afternoons as a kid when you’d stretch a rubber band between your fingers just to see how far it would go before snapping? Well, now you can relive that childhood magic — without the sting!
Making your own rubber band ball is the ultimate throwback craft. It’s simple, oddly satisfying, and guaranteed to keep little (and big) hands busy for ages.
If your kids are climbing the walls on a rainy afternoon, this is your secret weapon. Mine once got so into this project that it kept them entertained for hours, which is a win in my book!
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Why You’ll Love This Craft
This rubber band ball craft is the perfect boredom buster for kids — and honestly, adults too! It’s mess-free, cheap, and takes almost no setup.
Whether you’re stuck in a waiting room, camping, or just trying to keep your crew occupied during a long winter afternoon, this simple activity delivers. It encourages focus, patience, and fine motor skills…all while being wildly fun!
How to Make Rubber Band Balls
Essentially all you need for this craft is a bag of rubber bands. You can usually find them at a dollar store or an office supply store and one large bag will create dozens of rubber band balls.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly everyone becomes obsessed with seeing whose ball can grow the biggest!
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Supplies
- Large bag of rubber bands – Pick up an assorted pack for lots of colors and sizes.
- Scrap paper – Optional, but great for forming a base if you want to make your ball bigger faster.
Instructions
1. Begin with one of the thicker rubber bands and fold it over itself a few times to create a small core.
2. Next wrap another rubber band around that center tightly.
3. Continue to wrap rubber bands around each other, turning the ball as you go to keep it nice and round, until the ball reaches the size that you are looking for.
4. For a larger ball, crumple up a small piece of paper to use as the core before wrapping your bands.
5. Keep adding rubber bands until your ball reaches the size you want.
Now test the bounce and admire your handiwork. Your kids will love seeing who can make the biggest, bounciest ball!
We found that balls with a rubber band core were much bouncier than those started with paper. Of course, the boys immediately turned it into a competition of whose ball would bounce the highest. (Spoiler: mine won.)
These rubber balls are super quick to create with this step-by-step tutorial. I remember creating them as a kid and having a ton of fun!
I would seriously recommend keeping a bag of rubber bands on you at all times! Then you always have a quick activity that the kids can make quietly in a small space.
It’s the perfect craft because it doesn’t require a lot of materials, time, or equipment. Make rubber band balls when camping, on road trips, during playdates or long appointments, or any time!
Tips and Tricks
- Use different sizes of rubber bands for even layering and a smoother rounded shape.
- Store your rubber bands in a resealable bag out of direct light to prevent them from drying out or snapping mid-wrap.
- For a colorful twist, alternate colors as you go — it looks amazing when finished.
- Rotate the ball every few wraps to keep it from getting lopsided.
- Want your ball to bounce higher? Stick with rubber bands only, no paper core.
- Challenge your kids and see who can build their rubber band balls the fastest!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rubber bands does it take to make a rubber band ball?
That depends on how big you want it! A small ball may need 50–100 rubber bands, while a ball the size of a basketball could take hundreds.
Why make a rubber band ball?
It’s a great hands-on craft that relieves stress, builds patience, and makes use of those stray rubber bands you have lying around. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Can I start a rubber band ball with something other than rubber bands?
Yes! You can use a crumpled paper ball, marble, or even a ping pong ball as your base, though it might not bounce as well as an all-rubber one.
Do rubber band balls dry out or fall apart?
Over time, rubber bands can lose elasticity, especially if exposed to sunlight or heat. Keep your ball in a cool, dry place to make it last.
Can a rubber band ball really get as big as a basketball?
Absolutely — it just takes dedication and lots of rubber bands! Some record-breaking ones have weighed more than 700 pounds (but maybe start smaller at home).
Making your own rubber band ball is one of those timeless crafts that’s as simple as it is addictive. Whether you’re killing time, keeping the kids occupied, or just want a new desk toy to fidget with, this little project delivers endless fun — one stretch at a time.
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