Travel Tambourines: Fun Road Trip Rhythm Makers for Kids!

Get ready for some musical fun that travels with you! As parents and caregivers, we’re always on the lookout for ways to spark creativity and keep our little ones entertained, especially when we're on the go. Forget those expensive store-bought toys that get lost or broken within minutes of arriving at your destination. Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of DIY travel tambourines! These simple, homemade instruments are not only incredibly easy to make but also offer a fantastic opportunity for sensory exploration, rhythm development, and plain old noisy joy. Whether you're heading on a road trip, a plane journey, or just looking for a fun afternoon activity, these DIY tambourines are sure to be a hit. So, grab your craft supplies and let’s get shaking, rattling, and rolling!

Shaker Jar Tambourine

This is a fantastic beginner-friendly option that uses common household items. It’s a great way to repurpose old containers and introduce young children to basic crafting and music-making. The contents can be easily swapped out for different sounds, making it a versatile project.

Materials:

• Empty, clean plastic containers with secure lids (e.g., yogurt cups, small spice jars, baby food jars, small plastic bottles)
• Items to fill the containers for sound:
  • Dried beans (various types for different sounds)
  • Rice
  • Lentils
  • Small pebbles or gravel
  • Beads (larger ones for younger children, smaller ones for older children)
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils for decorating
  • Stickers
  • Craft glue or strong tape (like duct tape or packing tape)
  • Scissors (adult supervision required)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Containers: Ensure all your plastic containers are thoroughly washed and completely dry. This is important to prevent any mold or mildew from forming inside.
2. Decorate the Outside: Let your child's imagination run wild! They can draw directly onto the plastic with permanent markers or crayons. Alternatively, they can cover the containers with stickers or even draw designs on paper, cut them out, and glue them onto the jars. Encourage them to create colorful patterns, their favorite animals, or even their name.
3. Choose Your Shakers: Gather a selection of your filling items. Talk to your child about the different sounds they might make. For example, beans might make a softer rattle, while rice might make a sharper sound.
4. Fill the Containers: Help your child carefully spoon their chosen filling into the containers. Don't fill them too full – about one-quarter to one-third full is usually enough to create a good sound without being too heavy.
5. Secure the Lids: This is a crucial step for safety and to prevent a mess! Once filled, screw or snap the lids on tightly. For extra security, especially with younger children or if using lids that might pop off easily, use strong tape (like duct tape or packing tape) to seal the lid all the way around. Make sure there are no gaps.
6. Test and Play! Once everything is sealed, give the shaker tambourine a good shake. Listen to the sound and encourage your child to create their own rhythms.

Cardboard Tube Jingle Tambourine

This activity transforms simple cardboard tubes into a delightful jingle instrument. It’s a wonderful way to explore different textures and the satisfying sound of bells.

Materials:

• Cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls cut in half)
• Jingle bells (various sizes if possible)
• String or yarn
• Scissors (adult supervision required)
• Hole punch
• Craft glue or tape (optional, for extra bell security)
• Decorating supplies: paint, markers, stickers, glitter glue

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tube: Let your child decorate the cardboard tube. They can paint it, draw on it with markers, or cover it with stickers. This is their chance to make their tambourine unique!
2. Punch Holes: Using a hole punch, create holes around the circumference of the cardboard tube. Space them out evenly – about 1-2 inches apart is a good starting point. You’ll want at least 4-6 holes.
3. Cut String for Bells: Cut several pieces of string or yarn. The length will depend on how you want the bells to hang. A good starting length is about 6-8 inches.
4. Thread the Bells: Take one piece of string and thread a jingle bell onto it. Tie a knot just above the bell to secure it. Repeat this for all your strings and bells.
5. Attach to the Tube: Thread one end of each string (with the bell attached) through a hole in the cardboard tube from the outside to the inside.
6. Secure the Strings: Once the string is threaded through, tie a knot on the inside of the tube to prevent it from pulling back out. If the knots feel a bit loose, you can add a small dab of craft glue or a piece of tape inside the tube to reinforce them.
7. Add More Bells (Optional): For an even jingle-ier sound, you can tie multiple bells onto a single string, or even tie shorter strings with bells directly to the holes without threading them through.
8. Let it Dry and Jingle: If you used paint or glue, allow everything to dry completely. Once dry, your cardboard tube jingle tambourine is ready to be shaken and jingled!

Plate and Ribbon Tambourine

This vibrant and visually appealing tambourine is perfect for younger children. The ribbons add a lovely visual element as they twirl and dance with the music.

Materials:

• Sturdy paper plates (2 per tambourine)
• Jingle bells
• Ribbons or colorful yarn scraps
• Scissors (adult supervision required)
• Hole punch
• Stapler
• Craft glue or strong tape
• Decorating supplies: crayons, markers, stickers

Instructions:

1. Decorate the Plates: Let your child go wild decorating the outside of both paper plates. They can draw, color, or stick on a variety of fun decorations.
2. Prepare the Ribbons/Yarn: Cut your ribbons or yarn scraps into various lengths. Aim for pieces that are about 8-12 inches long.
3. Attach Bells to Ribbons: For each ribbon or yarn piece, tie a jingle bell to one end. You can tie a knot just above the bell to secure it.
4. Punch Holes: Take one of the decorated paper plates. Use a hole punch to make holes around the edge of the plate, about 1-2 inches apart.
5. Attach Ribbons: Thread the free end of each ribbon (the end without the bell) through a punched hole from the outside to the inside.
6. Secure the Ribbons: On the inside of the plate, tie a knot in the ribbon to secure it. If the knots are small and might slip through, you can add a bit of glue or tape on the inside for extra reinforcement.
7. Assemble the Tambourine: Place the second decorated paper plate on top of the first one, with the decorated sides facing outwards. The ribbons should be sandwiched between the two plates.
8. Staple Together: Carefully staple the edges of the two plates together all the way around. Make sure the staples are close enough to keep the plates securely joined and prevent the ribbons from falling out.
9. Reinforce with Glue/Tape (Optional): For added durability, you can run a line of craft glue or strong tape around the stapled edge to create a stronger seal.
10. Shake and Admire! Once everything is secure, give your plate and ribbon tambourine a shake and enjoy the jingling and the beautiful visual display of the ribbons!

Fabric Scrap Shaker Tambourine

This project is a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps and create a soft, comforting sound. It’s a great option for younger children who might be sensitive to louder noises and offers a lovely tactile experience.

Materials:

• Small fabric scraps (various textures and colors)
• A small fabric pouch or drawstring bag (you can buy these or make one from a larger scrap)
• Items to fill the pouch for sound:
  • Dried beans
  • Rice
  • Lentils
  • Small beads (larger ones for younger children)
• Scissors (adult supervision required)
• Optional: Sewing machine or needle and thread for making a pouch

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pouch: If you don't have a pre-made fabric pouch, you can easily create one. Cut two identical rectangular pieces of fabric. Place them right sides together and sew around three sides, leaving one of the longer sides open. Turn the pouch right side out. For a drawstring pouch, you'll need to create a channel at the top for the drawstring.
2. Choose Your Fillers: Gather your dried beans, rice, lentils, or beads. Discuss with your child what kind of sounds they think each item will make.
3. Fill the Pouch: Help your child fill the fabric pouch with their chosen sound-making materials. Again, don't overfill it – about one-quarter to one-third full is usually sufficient for a good shake.
4. Add Fabric Scraps: Now for the fun part! Let your child stuff the remaining space in the pouch with the fabric scraps. Encourage them to use a variety of textures and colors. This will add to the sensory experience and slightly dampen the sound, making it softer.
5. Close the Pouch:
   • For a simple sewn pouch: Once filled, carefully sew the open end shut. Ensure it's sewn securely so nothing can escape.
   • For a drawstring pouch: Gently pull the drawstring closed and tie it securely. You can add a knot or even a decorative bow.
6. Test the Sound: Give your fabric scrap shaker a gentle shake. It should produce a soft, rustling, and slightly rattling sound.
7. Decorate (Optional): If you haven't already, you can decorate the outside of the pouch with fabric markers or by sewing on appliques.

Nature-Inspired Tambourine

Bring the outdoors in with this nature-inspired tambourine! It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and create an instrument that’s truly unique.

Materials:

• Sturdy cardboard (e.g., from a cereal box or a thicker cardboard sheet)
• A round object to trace (e.g., a plate, bowl, or lid)
• Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision required)
• Popsicle sticks or sturdy twigs
• Small natural items for sound:
  • Acorn caps
  • Small pebbles
  • Dried seed pods
  • Small, smooth shells
• Strong glue (hot glue gun recommended for quick and secure adhesion – adult supervision essential, or a strong craft glue)
• Paint or markers for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the Cardboard Base: Trace a round object onto your sturdy cardboard to create a circular base. Cut out the circle. You’ll want a reasonably sized circle, perhaps 6-8 inches in diameter.
2. Prepare the Popsicle Sticks/Twigs: You can leave the popsicle sticks as they are, or if using twigs, make sure they are clean and dry. You can also paint the popsicle sticks or twigs in natural colors if you wish.
3. Attach the Sticks/Twigs: Arrange the popsicle sticks or twigs around the edge of your cardboard circle, overlapping them slightly to create a rim. This is where your natural items will be attached. Use a strong glue (like hot glue) to secure them firmly in place. Ensure they are well-adhered so they don’t detach during play.
4. Gather Natural "Jingles": Go on a nature walk with your child and collect small, interesting items that can make a sound. Acorn caps, tiny pebbles, dried seed pods, and small shells are excellent choices. Ensure they are clean and dry.
5. Glue on Natural Items: Using your strong glue, attach the natural items to the popsicle sticks or twigs, and also onto the surface of the cardboard circle. Aim for a good scattering of items to create a varied sound. You can group similar items together or mix and match.
6. Add a Handle (Optional): If you want to make it easier to hold and shake, you can glue a sturdy twig or a few popsicle sticks together to form a handle on the back of the tambourine.
7. Let it Dry: Allow all the glue to dry completely. This is very important for durability.
8. Test Your Nature Tambourine: Once dry, give your nature-inspired tambourine a gentle shake. Listen to the unique sounds of nature that you’ve collected and assembled!

Tips for Success

• Safety First: Always supervise young children during crafting and play, especially when using scissors, glue guns, or small items that could be a choking hazard. Ensure all materials are non-toxic.
• Sound Exploration: Talk to your child about the different sounds the various materials make. This is a great opportunity for early science and sound exploration.
• Durability is Key: For younger children, use strong tape or glue to secure all parts. Reinforce lids on jars and ensure no small parts can easily detach.
• Get Creative with Decoration: Let your child lead the decoration process. The more personal it is, the more they'll love playing with it.
• Vary the Sounds: Experiment with different fillings and embellishments. A mix of beans, rice, and small beads can create a complex and interesting sound.
• Make it a Group Activity: These are perfect for playdates or family craft afternoons. Everyone can make their own unique tambourine.
• Travel-Friendly: Once complete and fully dry, these tambourines are perfect for packing in a travel bag. They’re lightweight and provide hours of entertainment without taking up too much space.
• Clean-Up: Have a designated area for crafting and be prepared for a little mess. Laying down newspaper or a craft mat can make clean-up much easier.

Conclusion

And there you have it – five fantastic ways to create your very own DIY travel tambourines! From simple shaker jars to nature-inspired creations, these projects offer a wonderful blend of creativity, sensory play, and musical fun. Not only will your child have a unique instrument to enjoy on your next adventure, but they’ll also have the pride of having made it themselves. These DIY tambourines are more than just toys; they are tools for imagination, rhythm, and joyful expression. So, pack your craft supplies, gather your little musicians, and get ready to shake, rattle, and roll your way to memorable moments, wherever your travels may take you! Happy crafting and happy music-making!

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