With the summer holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be thinking of ideas to keep the kids entertained. It might be one you’ve never thought of, but cardboard tubes might be your secret weapon.
Whether they’re from toilet rolls, paper towels, wrapping paper, or packaging tubes, these everyday items are perfect for creative, fun, hands-on activities at home.
In this blog, we will share a bunch of creative craft ideas that you can do with your kids this summer. They’re playful, mess-friendly, and guaranteed to keep boredom at bay on those summer days at home.
1. DIY Binoculars for
Nature Walks
Turn two cardboard tubes into a pair of adventure-ready binoculars. Perfect to help your little ones spot birds, bugs, and any mysterious creatures rustling in the bushes.
Toilet roll tubes are ideal for this craft, as they are small in size and lightweight. If you don’t have them to hand, cutting down a larger tube will work just as well.
You will need:
- 2 toilet roll tubes
- Glue or sticky tape
- String or yarn
- Paint or coloured paper
- Scissors (with adult supervision)
- Decorations (stickers, glitter, markers, etc.)
How to make them:
- Glue or tape the two toilet roll tubes side by side. Secure them together with rubber bands whilst they are drying to help keep them in place.
- Punch a small hole on the outer side of each tube.
- Thread your string or yarn through the holes to create a neck strap and then tie knots to make it secure.
- Then decorate! Paint them, wrap them in coloured paper, or let your imagination go wild with stickers, glitter and markers.
Why it’s great:
Homemade binoculars will encourage your kids to explore the outdoors and observe wildlife. Turning any long walk into a mini nature adventure.
2. Homemade Telescope
for Stargazing
Help bring the night sky a little closer with this easy-to-make cardboard telescope. Perfect for warm summer evenings.
A wrapping paper tube or sturdy mailing tube will work best for this craft. This will provide just the right length and shape for the look and feel of a telescope.
You will need:
- 1 long cardboard tube
- A small plastic lens (from old toys, magnifiers, or a craft shop)
- Black paint or paper
- Glue or sticky tape
- Star or space-themed stickers for decoration (optional)
How to make them:
- Paint your tube black or completely wrap it in black paper to help reduce any light reflection at night.
- Attach the lens to one end of the tube using glue or sticky tape.
- Decorate your new telescope with stars, moons, or glow-in-the-dark stickers.
Why it’s great:
This quick and simple project will help get your kids excited about space and constellations. It’s the perfect way to help encourage your kids to ask questions about the stars, planets, astronauts, and more.
3. Mini Bird Feeders for Backyard Wildlife
Bring nature into your garden with this easy-to-make bird feeder.
Any type of cardboard tube can be used for this craft, from toilet rolls to mailing tubes. Making this the perfect craft to reuse what you already have.
You will need:
- 1 cardboard tube
- Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
- Birdseed
- String or twine
How to make them:
- Spread the peanut butter (or nut-free alternative) evenly over the outside of the cardboard tube.
- Roll the tube in a tray of birdseed until it is fully coated.
- Thread the string or twine through the tube and then tie it to a tree branch in your garden.
Why it’s great:
This craft will teach your kids how to care for the local wildlife whilst also encouraging patience, observation, and responsibility. It’s also a great way to watch the birds up close.
4. Cardboard Tube Puppets
Cardboard tube puppets are a great way for kids to bring their stories to life. Whether it’s an animal, a superhero, or a made-up character.
Toilet rolls, paper towel tubes, or mailing tubes will all work well for this craft.
You will need:
- 1 cardboard tube (any size)
- Markers or paint
- Coloured paper
- Googly eyes
- Yarn (for hail or tails)
- Glue and scissors
How to make them:
- Decorate the tube with a face and colourful costume using markers or coloured paper.
- Glue on googly eyes, yarn for hair, and extra features like ears or wings.
- Add a string if you want to hang the puppet, or use it for simple arm or leg movement.
Why it’s great:
This craft will help boost creativity, encourage roleplay, and help your children develop storytelling skills.
5. DIY Bowling Set
Turn your hallway or garden into a mini-bowling alley with this easy-to-make craft.
Mailing tubes or paper towel rolls will work perfectly for this craft, thanks to their sturdiness and tall shape.
You will need:
- 6 to 10 cardboard tubes (mailing or kitchen roll size)
- Paint or markers
- A small rubber or foam ball
How to make them:
- Paint each cardboard tube in a bold colour or pattern. Stripes, numbers, or even silly faces, it’s up to you.
- Let them dry, then stand them all up in a triangle formation.
- Roll the ball and try to knock them all down!
Why it’s great:
This DIY bowling set will help your kids burn off energy while also improving their coordination and motor skills. It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved.
💡 Smart Ways to Make Your Crafting More Sustainable
Want to make your crafts even greener? Try this:
Before you reach for new materials, start your own “tube collection box” at home. Keep it somewhere that is visible and accessible for everyone, like under the kitchen sink or in a craft cupboard.
Encourage the whole family to add used toilet rolls, kitchen roll tubes, wrapping paper tubes, and even mailing tubes from deliveries.
Once the summer crafting fun is over, think about the end-of-life for each project:
- Paint-free tubes can go straight into the compost bin, where they’ll break down naturally.
- Decorated tubes can often be recycled, just make sure to remove any extras like glue, stickers, or any plastic bits first.
By reusing and responsibly disposing of your cardboard tubes, you’re not just making something fun, you’re showing kids how small everyday choices can help reduce waste.
Let the Summer
Crafting Begin
From stargazing telescopes to silly puppets and bird-friendly feeders, cardboard tube crafts are a great way to keep kids busy, creative, and off their screens during the summer holidays this year.
Whether you’re using toilet rolls, paper towel tubes, or sturdy mailing tubes, these simple ideas can help turn a quiet afternoon into something imaginative and fun. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with your kids about reusing, recycling, and looking after the world around them.
We’d love to see what you make! Share your creations with us on social media, and be sure to tag us or let us know your favourite cardboard craft in the comments.