DIY Maracas: Fun & Easy Craft for Kids

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Let's get those little hands shaking and creating some musical magic! Making your own maracas is a fantastically fun and simple craft project perfect for kids of all ages. This vibrant activity combines creativity with the thrill of making your own musical instrument, offering a rewarding experience that encourages imagination and dexterity. It's a fantastic way to spend a rainy afternoon, engage in a family activity, or even add a homemade touch to a classroom music lesson. No special skills are required, just a few readily available materials and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

Forget expensive store-bought toys; with just a bit of guidance, you’ll be amazed at what your child can accomplish. This project is not only about making a maraca, but also about the journey of creation, nurturing a sense of pride and accomplishment. Ready to get started shaking things up? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions below and learn how to craft your own personalized maracas.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed

Two small plastic bottles
Two toilet paper tubes
Colored tape
Blunt scissors
Funnel
One cup of rice
One cup of beans

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required at all times, especially when using scissors and handling small objects.
Ensure the container is securely sealed to prevent the contents from spilling out. Avoid using materials that could break easily and create sharp edges.
Choose filling materials that are non-toxic and won't pose a choking hazard for young children.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Fill Bottles with Filling
- Fill one bottle halfway with rice using a funnel.
- Close the bottle tightly and shake it. Add more rice if needed to achieve the desired sound.
- Repeat step 1 and 2 with beans in the other bottle.
Fill Bottles with Filling
Prepare Handles
- Cut a toilet paper tube lengthwise.
- Wrap the tube tightly around the cap of one bottle, securing it with tape.
- Repeat step 5 with the second bottle.
Prepare Handles
Decorate Maracas
- Decorate the maracas with colored tape.
Decorate Maracas

Tips

Use different fillings (rice and beans) for varied sounds.
Ensure the bottles are tightly closed to prevent spills.
Wrap the tape securely to ensure the handle is firmly attached.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Filling the maracas too full

Reason: Overfilling prevents the beans or rice from moving freely, resulting in a muted or no sound.

Solution: Remove some of the filling until the maracas rattle easily when shaken.

2. Using containers that are too small or too large

Reason: Containers that are too small produce a quiet sound, while those that are too large are difficult to handle and may not produce a satisfying rattle.

Solution: Choose containers that are a comfortable size for small hands to grip and that produce a nice sound when tested.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make DIY maracas?

You'll need sturdy containers (like plastic Easter eggs, small plastic bottles, or even sturdy cardboard tubes), rice or beans for filling, tape or glue, and decorations like paint, markers, stickers, or colorful paper.

How much filling should I put in the maracas?

Fill the containers about ¾ full. Too little filling will produce a weak sound, while too much will make them too heavy for little hands to shake easily.

My maracas aren't making much sound. What went wrong?

Make sure the containers are securely sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out. Also, check that the filling isn't packed too tightly; a little loose movement is key for a good sound. Try using a different type of filling if necessary.