These various types of mazes and labyrinths that I’ve included here are especially interesting to me because they have so many uses. You can use them as meditation tools, as fidgets or sensory toys, as logic puzzles, or just as decoration. Pop a finger maze fidget into a diaper bag for a kid to fiddle with on the go, or set a lovely clay finger labyrinth on the coffee table so guests have something to do with their hands. The possibilities are endless! Here are the DIY mazes and labyrinths I’ve been especially obsessed with recently:
How to Draw a Labyrinth
Fun fact: a labyrinth has only one path from start to finish, while a maze has potential dead-ends, meaning you could travel many different paths as you make your way through it. Mazes are pretty easy to make up on the spot, but in order to complete many of the following projects, you need to already know how to draw a labyrinth. Here’s how!
Decoupaged Finger Labyrinth
This finger labyrinth can utilize a few different upcycled or recycled elements, from scrap string to old newspaper. The result, though, looks like something you’ve glazed and baked in a kiln. You can find images of historical labyrinths online, and I’m currently in the process of recreating several famous ones using this method.
Sewn Finger Maze Fidgets
These finger mazes make terrific fidgets, especially when you’re out and about, because unlike a lot of other fidgets out there–these are SILENT! For my niece’s fourth birthday, I sewed her a larger and a smaller version of this finger maze, and I included a children’s book of Greek myths that are illustrated using mazes. I really like themed presents!
Marble Maze Fidget Bracelet
Need a sewn marble maze that’s even more portable? Make it into a bracelet! Just be warned that the fastener, whether it’s a snap or Velcro, is going to be another source of fidgeting.
CD Case Mazes
Even though my own kids barely know what a CD is anymore, I still have a few old CD cases kicking around. This is a fun way to upcycle them into workable maze toys. Hint: I also have a tutorial for making those wax-covered yarn bits, and my tutorial was so on the nose that I got a cease and desist email from the lawyer of a certain wax-covered yarn bit manufacturer…
Hedge Maze Rug
This project is bonkers, but it is also very, very, VERY cool. Take an existing rug and trim it into a hedge maze!
Stone Path Labyrinth
This natural labyrinth can be laid out with found items, or installed more permanently by using pavers or cinderblocks.
LEGO Marble Maze
Here’s an easy rainy day kid craft: challenge each other to make marble mazes out of your stash LEGOs!
Upcycled Cardboard Maze
Use this giant upcycled cardboard maze as a large-scale marble maze (a great way to encourage teamwork!), or send a toy like a Hexbug or Bee-Bot through it.
Air-Dry Clay Finger Labyrinth
This air-dry clay finger labyrinth is a lot easier to make than it looks. To make it really special, embed natural elements like stones or shells, and paint it to be pretty!
Hand-Stitched Labyrinth
The raised borders of this hand-stitched labyrinth are made from needle-felted wool roving, but you could also hand-stitch yarn or cording to make the paths, or simply embroider them.
Cardboard Box Marble Maze
Marble mazes build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Craft this one easily from a cardboard box and popsicle sticks!
Wooden Wall Ball Maze
Imagine a marble maze stood upright. Instead of tilting it to move the marble and avoid the pits, you have a couple of pulleys. That’s wall ball, and here’s how to build it!
DIY Tsuro
Tsuro, a labyrinth-building board game, is one of my favorite family games. You can make your own version that’s even more fun than the store-bought one! Do YOU have a favorite DIY maze or labyrinth? Tell us about it in the Comments!
