Homemade marble runs are one of our favorite things to build! Aidan and I recently built a marble run out of foam pipe insulation, cable ties, duct tape, and a framework of PVC pipe.

Build a Marble Run out of PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

The PVC pipe was Aidan’s idea. Because we have a 4 year old and a 2 year old who we knew would want to play with the marble run, we didn’t want to have the foam insulation just propped up on things. We needed a more stable track. Aidan came up with the idea of building a frame out of PVC pipe that we could attach the marble run to with cable ties. This boy’s going to have a future in mechanical engineering if he decides to go that route!

Build a Marble Run out of PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

As expected, Jonathan loved rolling the marbles down the track! He still occasionally puts things in his mouth, so we are sure to supervise him closely while playing with this. We also have to make sure to put away ALL the marbles as soon as we’re done playing with the track.

Build a Marble Run out of PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

We built two parts to the track – a curvy road from the top to the bottom, and a JUMP!

This is the marble jump:

Build a Marble Run out of PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

Catching the marbles at the bottom of the jump. You can see the jump a little better in this picture – we made it by cutting a cardboard box at an angle and attaching the pipe insulation to the box. We used rocks to weigh it down.

Build a Marble Run out of PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

I don’t have super great step-by-step instructions for this one because we were REALLY making it up as we went along! But here are some pointers.

To make one, you will need:

  • Foam pipe insulation – we used three pieces of 3/4″ insulation (less than $2 each)
  • Cable ties
  • Scissors – for cutting the foam insulation. The rough edges you see in the picture were my attempt at using a saw to cut it. (Ahem.) Scissors work SOOOOO much better!
  • Duct tape – for making joints. We also used the duct tape to keep the cable ties from moving around on the PVC pipe in some spots.
  • 3/4″ PVC pipe – two long pieces from the uncut pipe section at Home Depot (just over $2 each)
  • 3/4″ PVC pipe T joints – we bought a contractor 10 pack for $2.35 at Home Depot
  • 3/4″ PVC pipe 90 degree elbows – we bought a contractor 10 pack, also $2.35 at Home Depot
  • Saw – for cutting the PVC pipe

Total cost was about $20 (and you can recycle the PVC pipe into another project when you’re done with the marble run – ideas to come!)

Building tips:

It is much easier to start at the bottom of the marble run and build up.

Here is how we made the turns in the track (it’s difficult to just bend the foam insulation without it buckling in ways that you don’t want it to):

Build a Marble Run with PVC Pipe and Foam Insulation

The marble rolled easily through the curves. We did find that the duct tape started peeling off, so we had to repair the track if it sat for a few days between playing with it. It was not hard to fix, but I wonder if electrical tape would hold better?

Our track is 32″ wide. I neglected to measure the rest of the pieces, but it really doesn’t matter. Just build it the dimensions you want!

More homemade marble run ideas:

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  2. Sharon Aug 5, 2014

    I teach special needs high schoolers (all boys)! I am so excited to have found your site. We will be doing so many of your activities in our classroom this year. Thank you for all the wonderful ideas!

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