All you need is a base plate and a handful of basic bricks. Make it as easy or complicated as your imagination wants. It is so fun to build a LEGO marble run and it is a perfect example of a STEM activity using basic bricks. Combine design and engineering for a STEM idea that will provide hours of fun and laughs! We love simple LEGO building ideas!
Make A Kids Marble Run
You don’t need a giant collection of bricks to build a marble run or marble maze, but you do need a marble or two. Build it simple or build it extreme, but don’t lose your marbles over it!
This Lego marble run is so easy to build and super fun to play with for quite a few ages, at least 5 to 70 to be exact!
Of course you can also make a marble run or marble maze with cardboard tubes, pool noodles, or a paper plate! A magnet maze is a fun alternative to try!
DIY LEGO Marble Run
Supplies:
- Basic LEGO bricks
- Marbles
- LEGO Base Plate
💡 TIP: AddLEGO Accessories: Add a LEGO minfigure, trees, plants, animals, and small builds along the way. Create obstacles, arches, ramps, and other features to increase the challenge!
Instructions:
Now grab your pieces, and let’s get started! The key to success is ensuring the marble can fit everywhere you want it to!
The best way to start your LEGO marble run is to build a frame around the outside of the baseplate leaving two holes, one for the start and one for the finish. Use your marble to measure as you go!
Add a piece, remove a piece, you might find a corner too tight for the marble to roll through, so you will need to rethink the design and change it around!
It can become a really cool problem-solving activity. You could make just one path that will work to get to the finish, or you can make several!
Simple LEGO building ideas are my favorite, there are so many creative ways to play, explore and learn with LEGO!
Extension: Turn It Into A STEM Project
If you want to extend the activity as part of a STEM lesson for older kids, you can have them research design ideas and draw a preliminary design before they start building. Is their marble run design possible? Does it need some tweaking?
💡Why not incorporate the Engineering Design Process (free printable pack).
Fun Marble Run Variations
- Here are some additional marble run challenges to try or elements to add:
- Create obstacles the marble must avoid.
- Include a set amount of turns the marble must make before it reaches the finish line.
- Create a tunnel or other feature the marble must travel through.
- Build a ramp for the marble to go up and back down again.
- Add in a door for the marble to roll through.
More Fun LEGO Building Ideas To Try
Make sure also to check out our free printable LEGO building challenges! There are tons of cool themes and topics to choose from!
Helpful STEM Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources to help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Engineering Design Process Explained
- What Is An Engineer
- Real World STEM
- Engineering Words
- Questions for Reflection (get them talking about it!)
- BEST STEM Books for Kids
- 14 Engineering Books for Kids
- Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free)
- Must Have STEM Supplies List
Get your free printable brick building challenges!
Printable Brick Building Pack
Grab the huge brick bundle instead. Visit the SHOP for the huge LEGO and brick building pack!
- 10O+ Brick theme learning activities in an e-book guide using the bricks you have on hand! Activities include literacy, math, science, art, STEM, and more!
- A complete year of Brick themed seasonal and holiday challenges and task cards
- 100+ page of The Unofficial Guide to Learning with LEGO ebook and materials
- Brick Building Early learning pack filled with letters, numbers, and shapes!
