Looking for a creative way to keep little hands busy this summer without making another trip to the store? One of the best craft supplies might already be in your recycling bin: empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls. These simple cardboard tubes are the perfect base for fun, affordable, and imaginative projects—and the best part is, you likely have everything you need right at home.
Here are seven kid-approved ideas to turn cardboard tubes into castles, creatures, racecars, and more. Each one is easy to adapt to your child’s age and interests, with just a few common household supplies.
1. Fishing Game Craft
Create a colorful fish, add a magnet, and turn it into an easy, homemade fishing game.
How to Make It:
- Cut a paper towel roll in half.
- Round one end, then cut two notches in the other to form a tail.
- Tuck the notches inward and glue in place.
- Decorate with paint and googly eyes, then glue a small magnet underneath the “mouth.”
- Tie a paperclip to a string and attach it to a stick to complete your fishing rod.
Extra Tip: Spread out a blue towel or use a large mixing bowl as your "pond" for indoor play.
2. Castle Tower
Build a royal tower for dolls, knights, or action figures using just paper, scissors, and imagination.
How to Make It:
- Wrap a cardboard tube in construction paper.
- Draw on windows and doors.
- Make a cone roof by cutting a circle from paper, slicing a triangle from it, and rolling it into a cone.
- Tape or glue the roof onto the tube.
- Add a toothpick flag on top for a finishing touch.
Make It Bigger: Use multiple toilet paper rolls to build a full castle village.
3. Binoculars
Encourage outdoor adventures or imaginative play with this easy set of cardboard binoculars.
How to Make It:
- Cut a paper towel roll in half.
- Cover each half with construction paper and decorate with stickers, tape, or markers.
- Glue the two tubes together side by side.
- Punch holes on the outside edges and attach yarn for a neck strap.
Try It: Use your binoculars to explore George Mitchell Preserve or play backyard safari.
4. Racecar
Design and decorate a mini racecar and then host a family “Grand Prix” around the house.
How to Make It:
- Cut a roll in half and wrap it in paper.
- Cut a small rectangle on top for a seat.
- Use cardstock to make wheels and attach with glue or brads.
- Decorate with markers, number stickers, or stripes.
Add Some Action: Race your cars down a cardboard ramp or hallway track.
5. DIY Paint Stamps
Make your own shaped stampers for creative painting sessions.
How to Make It:
- Cut the roll into 2–3 inch sections.
- Gently bend each piece into a shape like a heart, star, or flower.
- Dip in washable paint and stamp onto paper.
Project Ideas: Use your stamps to decorate homemade cards, gift wrap, or artwork to hang on the fridge.
6. Bird Feeder
Get crafty and give your backyard birds a treat with this classic DIY project.
How to Make It:
- Spread peanut butter or sunflower butter over the roll.
- Roll it in birdseed, then slide it over a tree branch or hang it with yarn.
Local Tip: Bring your bird feeder along on a walk through WG Jones State Forest and hang it during your visit.
7. Cardboard Creatures
Transform rolls into owls, monsters, cats, or anything else your kids can imagine.
How to Make It:
- Paint or wrap the roll in paper.
- Add googly eyes, yarn hair, or paper ears.
- Use leftover scraps to create wings, tails, or facial features.
Extend the Play: Use your creatures in a puppet show or create a whole animal habitat.
Keep the Creativity Going
These simple crafts are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination while recycling everyday items. Whether it’s a rainy day activity or a quiet afternoon project, cardboard tube crafts are an easy win for parents and a big hit with kids.
Looking for more kid-friendly craft ideas and local fun? Be sure to subscribe to Macaroni KID The Woodlands - Montgomery for weekly updates on events, activities, and free family fun.
You may also like:
- Beat the Heat with Ice Block Rescue
- Ultimate Free Summer Guide for Kids: 100+ Fun & Easy Boredom Busters
- Hands in the Clay: Come And Make It!
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