DIY Maracas – How to Easily Make
a Musical Instrument
These DIY Maracas are not only so much fun, but they are super easy to make and allow kids to explore their artistic and musical sides! They are also a great activity to do during Hispanic Heritage Month, or after Easter when you are likely to have lots of leftover prize eggs to repurpose!
The History of Maracas!
There are lots of debates on the origins of the maraca, as rattle-like artifacts have been found across the globe including Africa, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. Though it is believed that the Araucanian people in central Chile may have been the first to use the word maraca to describe a 500 BC old rattle made of gourds.
If you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, definitely check out our DIY Hola! Shirt, perfect to wear during the festivities!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Watch to See How Kids Can Make Their Very Own DIY Maracas!
The steps to this activity were really quite simple. I organized the supplies on a tray and the kiddos dug in, using the filler and decorative tape in their own creative ways.
It was super fun to reuse materials like plastic Easter eggs and turn them into something new and fun! I used this as a great lesson to teach the kids about upcycling!
Watch to See How Kids Can Make Their Very Own DIY Maracas!
The steps to this activity were really quite simple. I organized the supplies on a tray and the kiddos dug in, using the filler and decorative tape in their own creative ways.
It was super fun to reuse materials like plastic Easter eggs and turn them into something new and fun! I used this as a great lesson to teach the kids about upcycling!
Tips for Making DIY Maracas
Alternatives to Prize Containers. For the main rattle, we repurposed plastic Easter egg containers, but if you don’t have any, don’t worry! While toy prize containers work well, you could also use small water bottles, tin cans, and yogurt containers to name a few other options.
Tape. Provide both decorative tape as well as strong tape to be sure the rattle is secure and the fillers don’t spill out everywhere!
The Filler. Again, use what you’ve got! We had some leftover rainbow rice, but maracas can be filled with lots of different materials from pebbles, to beads, and also dry beans to name a few!
Tray. When setting up activities like this, I like to organize all the parts and pieces in a sectioned tray. It makes everything super accessible especially when there is more than one kiddo participating!
Materials
- Toy prize containers (easter eggs work well), or you could use small water bottles or yogurt containers – for the top of the maraca
- A filler – we used old rainbow rice, but you could use paper clips, rocks, beads, anything that makes noise when shaken together!
- Disposable spoons for the handle. If going the water bottle route, use a paper tube instead!
- Decorative Tape
- Stronger Tape to secure everything
- Toy prize containers (easter eggs work well), or you could use small water bottles or yogurt containers – for the top of the maraca
- A filler – we used old rainbow rice, but you could use paper clips, rocks, beads, anything that makes noise when shaken together!
- Disposable spoons for the handle. If going the water bottle route, use a paper tube instead!
- Decorative Tape
- Stronger Tape to secure everything
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Fill up your prize containers or alternative recycled container with the filler.
Step 2
Tape any holes or openings securely so the filler does not spill out.
Step 3
Use tape to secure the disposable spoons as pictured, or if using a water bottle, put the spout into the paper tube and tape together.
Step 4
Use colorful tape, or paint, or other materials of choice to decorate the maracas!
Step 1
Fill up your prize containers or alternative recycled container with the filler.
Step 2
Tape any holes or openings securely so the filler does not spill out.
Step 3
Use tape to secure the disposable spoons as pictured, or if using a water bottle, put the spout into the paper tube and tape together.
Step 4
Use colorful tape, or paint, or other materials of choice to decorate the maracas!
Beyond a DIY Maraca: The Benefits of Musical Play
Musical play has the kids slowing down and using their senses to learn and listen. This DIY maraca will allow them to create beats, make up their own songs, and just might discover a passion in music that they didn’t even know that they had.
Musical play will encourage them to tap into the artistic side of their brain and process how music is created and composed. This also will open up questioning so that the kids can try out the possibility of learning other musical instruments, too.
Beyond a DIY Maraca: The Benefits of Musical Play
Musical play has the kids slowing down and using their senses to learn and listen. This DIY maraca will allow them to create beats, make up their own songs, and just might discover a passion in music that they didn’t even know that they had.
Musical play will encourage them to tap into the artistic side of their brain and process how music is created and composed. This also will open up questioning so that the kids can try out the possibility of learning other musical instruments, too.
Top Picks for Musical Instruments for Kids
If your kiddo loved making their own DIY maracas, check out these gift ideas!
Musical Instrument Set
This set includes 33 pieces of 18 types of different wooden percussion instruments including a tambourine, xylophone, maracas, and more!
Wireless Microphone
This microphone is portable! It comes in 4 different colors and play songs from apps on your phone like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music so kiddos can karoake with it!
Synthesizer for Kids
This is an electronic music toy synthesizer. It is a great way to introduce music making to anyone, including kids as young as 3 years old!
Harmonica
A harmonica is one of the best first instruments for kids! Not only is blowing air into it great for oral motor skills, but you may be surprised at how good the music is!
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