Indoors · Arts & crafts

Stop-motion movie

Use a phone or tablet to make a short animated film with Lego, playdough or toys, one photo at a time.

  • Ages 7–12best for 8–12
  • Half dayabout 30 mins of prep
  • Prep the day beforeplan below
  • Freenothing to buy
  • At home (inside)on a hot day
  • Some helplow mess

Plan it

Good planning makes a good day. Tick things off as you go.

1Day before

2On the day

0 of 2 done ·

You'll need

From home

  • Phone or tablet
  • Lego or playdough figures
  • a box or wall for a backdrop
  • paper for a storyboard

To buy

  • A free stop-motion app
  • a small phone tripod
🪄 Wizard's tip

The camera must not move. Tape it down first and you'll avoid the most frustrating 20 minutes of the afternoon.

How to do it

  1. Plan a short story in 4–6 boxes.
  2. Set up the scene and fix the camera in place.
  3. Move the characters a tiny bit, take a photo, repeat.
  4. Play it back, add sound, and give it a title.

Younger kids: Make a 10-second clip of one toy moving across the table.

Older kids: Write a storyboard, add sound effects and a title card, and premiere it at dinner.

⚠ Safety Supervise app downloads and keep sharing private.

Builds CreativityPlanning & organisingFocus & patienceTeamwork & cooperation

Clean-up 10 minutes.

Make it a bigger day Host a premiere with popcorn and tickets.

Tried it?

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Stop-motion movie