The 1980s were known for breakdancing, big hair, walkman cassette players, and advances in digital technology, with one of the most prominent in the gaming industry being the introduction of Pac-Man. That nostalgic little circular yellow creature with a never-ending appetite is not only iconic but one of the most popular games of all time, influencing decades of pop culture as attributed to its simplistic yet ingenious design. And while the younger generations may not have experienced the magic of Pac-Man firsthand, it’s never too late to get in on the fun! Grab your kids or reminisce with friends and family with this DIY Pac-Man game you can make at home. 

*Parental supervision is required for this craft.

Grab your supplies to start creating memories: 

See below for a checklist of items needed: 

  • Medium-sized cardboard box  
  • Yellow duct tape
  • Yellow and black craft paint
  • Card stock
  • Popsicle sticks 
  • Paper clips
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
  • Paper plate or paint palette
  • Hot glue
  • Markers
  • Utility knife
  • Bottle cap lid
  • Plastic wand or long popsicle stick (4x) 
  • 1/2“ x 1/8“ disc magnets 

 

Instructions:  

  1. Begin by folding the flaps inside your box.
  2. Tape your box closed.
  3. Paint the top of your box with black craft paint to resemble the Pac-Man game screen.
  4. Wait until the paint is completely dry. 
  5. Once dry, place a layer of your yellow duct tape around the edges of the box to serve as the game console sides. 
  6. Make your Pac-Man cutouts, tracing a bottle cap on your cardstock paper, and drawing the mouth accordingly. 
  7. Color in each Pac-Man circle with a yellow marker and outline with a black border, if desired.
  8. Cut each Pac-Man out individually and set aside.
  9. Create your game maze on top of the black screen using various lengths of popsicle sticks. If you only have one size of stick, use scissors to cut the sticks to your desired length. 
  10. Once your pieces are cut to size, glue them to the top of your box by placing a dab of hot glue on each piece. 
  11. Place a small amount of yellow craft paint on a paper plate or art palette and dab the famous yellow food dots on your maze between the walls (popsicle sticks). 
  12. Next, create a set of multicolored ghosts from your construction paper by either tracing a template you can find online or freehanding them. Color each accordingly and cut them out. 
  13. Place a small dab of hot glue on both the Pac-Man and ghosts, affixing a paper clip to the back of each piece.
  14. Create three or four magnetic wands by taking your plastic wands or craft sticks and placing a dab of hot glue on the end, attaching your disc magnets securely.
  15. Using your utility knife, cut out all four sides of your box, creating an opening large enough to comfortably fit your hand in. 
  16. Once complete, place your Pac-Man and ghost creations on top of your box and reach your wand inside the box cut out to move your shapes and play the game. 
  17. Ask a couple of friends to play as the ghosts, controlling them with the other wands. 
  18. Invite the entire family to join in on the fun! 

Go Back in Time with Apex Magnets

Reminisce about simpler times with magnetic crafts that will take you back to your teenage years! Whether you are looking for a bit of nostalgia or easy ways to make your next camping trip a success, we are your one-stop shop for all things magnets! From start to finish, and every step in between, our magnetic masters are here to help! Give us a call at 1-304-257-1193 and make sure to visit our weekly blog for the latest DIYs, news, and more!