Toy zip line
Turn an old cardboard roll into a thrilling zip line for toys. It’s quick to set up, encourages imaginative play, and gives everyday recyclables a second life.
A couple of chairs, a bit of string, and a recycled cardboard roll are all you need for endless giggles and pretend play. Simply thread the string through the tube, tie each end between two chairs (one slightly higher than the other), and send your toy passengers flying!
You can experiment with different slopes to see how speed changes, line up toy friends for a ride, or create imaginative stories around the adventure. It’s also a fun way to explore simple physics concepts like gravity and motion - without making it feel like a lesson.
Perfect for a quick after-school setup or a weekend play prompt that sparks creativity, imaginative play and movement.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Thread a piece of string through the cardboard roll (cut the string and roll to the desired size first if they're too long).
Step 2:
Tie one end of the string to a chair or other elevated support.
Step 3:
Tie the other end to a second chair, leaving one side slightly higher for a downhill slope if you like.
Step 4:
Test that the roll slides smoothly along the string.
Play
Step 1:
Place a small toy or figurine inside the cardboard roll.
Step 2:
Let it zip down the line and cheer it on!
Step 3:
Adjust the slope or string tension to experiment with speed.
Step 4:
Encourage storytelling - where are the toys travelling to?
Extend
Toy Queue: Line up animals or dolls waiting for their turn to zip.
STEM Twist: Try different slopes or string lengths to explore speed and gravity.
Decorate It: Paint or wrap the cardboard roll to look like a rocket, cable car, or spaceship.
Double Zip: Set up two lines side by side for a "race."
