Hopping Paper Cup Bunnies Cute Jumping Bunny Craft 2 Ways

Looking for a fun and easy Easter craft? These paper cup bunnies are not only cute — they actually hop and jump! With just a few simple supplies like paper cups, rubber bands, and our free printable bunny ear template, you can create a playful bunny that moves in two different ways. The hopping bunny scoots forward with a wind-up motion, while the jumping bunny launches into the air when pressed down. It’s a simple STEM-inspired craft that’s great for kids and perfect for Easter! Follow our step-by-step instructions below to make your own paper cup bunny. Will yours hop, jump, or both? Let’s get crafting!

Helpful Tips:

Get our free printable paper cup bunny ears template:

The link below will take you to our free, printable paper cup bunny ears template! The PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the template on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper or cardstock.

»> Paper Cup Bunny Ears Template «<

How do the paper cup bunnies hop and jump?

The hopping bunny moves forward using a simple wind-up mechanism. Inside the cup, a rubber band twists around bottle caps, storing energy. When released, the rubber band unwinds, causing the bunny to scoot forward. The jumping bunny works like a spring-loaded catapult. When you press the cup down, the stretched elastic stores energy. Releasing it lets the elastic snap back, launching the bunny into the air. This fun Easter craft for kids doubles as a STEM activity, teaching about energy and motion in a hands-on way!

How many paper cups do I need to make this jumping bunny craft?

You’ll need 1 cup for each bunny, plus an extra cup for the jumping bunny to hop off of.

Can I still make the hopping paper cup bunny if I don’t have Play-Doh?

If you don’t have Play-Doh to weigh down the bottle caps for the hopping bunny, you can try:

Clay (air-dry or homemade salt dough) Sticky tack Small coins or washers (tape them in place) Hot glue (fill the caps and let it dry) Marbles or beads glued inside the caps

While you can technically skip the weight, we found that adding it helps propel the bunny forward more effectively. And if you don’t have any of these materials, you can still make the jumping bunny version!

Why isn’t my paper cup bunny working properly?

Since this craft involves moving parts, it may take some adjustments to get it working smoothly. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Try a different elastic. Not all rubber bands are created equal! A band of the right length that has more tension works best. Adjust the rubber band tension. If the elastic is too loose or too tight, the bunny may not move properly. Try tweaking it until you find the right balance. Check the bottle cap weights. If the hopping bunny isn’t moving well, the caps may be weighted incorrectly or not attached securely to the rubber band. Ensure that the caps are in the middle and not dragging too much. Experiment with different setups. Small adjustments to the rubber band, weights, or how the elastic is positioned can make a big difference!

These paper cup bunnies are not only adorable, they’re interactive, too! Whether they hop forward or jump into the air, they’re a fun way to celebrate Easter while exploring a bit of STEM learning. Try experimenting with different bunny faces, colours, and elastic tensions to make each one unique!