Explore the laws of physics with this simple cardboard toy teeter totter.

My kids are into teeny tiny toys right now, so I thought we’d make some teeny tiny toy accessories. A glue stick, tape, and cardboard makes a simple and fun toy teeter totter that even a toddler can make (with help)!

First, we assembled our materials. Then, it’s as simple as taping the glue stick to the middle of one side of the piece of cardboard:

And playing! You can add sticky tack if you want the toys to stay in place on the teeter totter.

This doubles as a nice little airplane, too. Maybe we’ll make a biplane next. =)
MaryAnne lives in Silicon Valley with her Stanford professor husband Mike and their four children. She writes about parenting through education, creativity, and play. Mama Smiles - Joyful Parenting is a space to share crafts, hands on learning activities, and family outings that enrich lives and bring families together.
Awesome idea!!!
Sigh, teeter totters are almost unheard of out here with all of these new playgrounds.
There’s a teeter totter at our favorite playground, but it barely moves…
Love the detailed photos! Looks fun…
We’ve made several now, and the kids enjoy them =)
We don’t have any teeter totters (we call them seesaws, anyone else call them seesaws?) around here anymore either – sigh. Have you read Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh? It’s the perfect book to go along with this!
Aw, thank you, Christy!!! I was trying to remember the other word for them. I’ve heard them called seesaws, for sure.
I don’t think we’ve read “Balancing Act”, but I love Ellen Stoll Walsh, so we’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Very simple = very fun! I’m thinking my boys would use it as a catapult!
I’ve been waiting all day for someone to mention catapults! :)
Shhh – or a launcher! Love little ad-hoc play things!
Sometimes simplest toys are best! We’ll be making them too!
Great craft and great fun with the little toys!
My son has always loved tiny little toys. He usually has at least one, wherever we go. They read stories together. They play games together. I think he definitely needs a little teeter totter. So glad you thought of that! I’ve pinned and will share. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for sharing my post, Joyce!
Fun