Fun Family Crafts

A library of free craft ideas from toddler to teenager

Cardboard Tube Crafts

Whether it's paper towel rolls or toilet paper tubes, we have hundreds of cardboard tube crafts for you to choose from! From toddler on up, anyone can make something fun from a cardboard tube!

‘The Kissing Hand’ Raccoon

Turn a cardboard tube into Chester, the adorable raccoon cub from ‘The Kissing Hand.’ Or leave the heart off for […]

Milk Carton Pirate Ship

Turn an empty milk carton, egg carton, straws and other recyclables into a cool pirate ship. A perfect craft for […]

Paper Bag Stick Horse

Turn common household recyclables into hobby horse that’s perfect for indoor play. Add a paper bag vest and your little […]

Paper Tube Ball and Cup Toy

Ball and cup toys are so popular right now. Make your own version using empty cardboard tubes decorated with your […]

Printable Paper Tube Animals

Make cute zoo animals for pretend play with these printable coloring pages. Just print, color, cut, and tape!

Kid-Friendly Javelin

Don’t recycle your newspaper and cardboard tubes just yet! Use them to make this easy, fun, and totally safe javelin, […]

Cereal Box Robot

Turn empty boxes, lids, cans and other items into a one-of-a-kind robot. Let your imagination run wild with this recycled […]

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

It only takes a few supplies to make your own sidewalk chalk. Blend colors to customize your chalk collection. Fun […]

For a Dynamite Dad

Fill empty cardboard tubes with Dad’s favorite candy, then decorate them with construction paper, aluminum foil, pipe cleaners and stickers. […]

Flag Windsock

With a few simple supplies, your kids can help decorate for summer holidays with this easy red, white and blue […]

Cardboard Tube Racecar

Vvvvrrroom! Have fun making your own cardboard tube race car. This easy craft is made with recycled items from around […]

Rainbow Binoculars

These easy toy binoculars let you see a rainbow every time! This is a fun activity for a rainy day.

Easter Cross Wreath

Teach the kids about recycling as your craft this Easter wreath. String cardboard tubes onto a wreath-shaped hanger and then […]

Bunny Napkin Rings

Just in time for Easter, these bunny napkin rings will add a touch of whimsy to your Easter table. Made […]

Cardboard Chalk Robot

Make a cardboard chalk robot that you can doodle, draw and write on over and again! It’s easy to do.

Giant Recycled Flower

Gather up a few things from your kitchen and recycling bin to create this giant spring flower. Paper plates, paper cups, […]

Leprechaun Hat Craft

Turn an empty cardboard tube into a cute and happy leprechaun hat! It’s such a fun activity for St. Patrick’s […]

Cardboard Tube Shamrocks

Another great craft made from cardboard tubes – this time we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! Follow our easy directions to […]

Cardboard Tube Leprechaun

If you’re looking for a quick and easy craft that uses items from around the house, this St. Patrick’s Day […]

Cat in the Hat Fascinator for Dr. Seuss Day

Turn two common recyclable materials into an adorable fascinator for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2! It’s so easy to […]

Cardboard Tube Super Scouts

What do you get when you combine a Scout and a superhero? Super Scout! This fun project starts with empty […]

Valentine Party Favor Tubes

These Valentine party favor tubes are made from cardboard tubes and scrapbook paper. They make a pretty addition to your […]

Paper Snowmen

Make these simple paper snowmen to go with the book, Max and Mo Make a Snowman. This would be a […]

Cardboard Tube Cowardly Lion

Turn a cardboard tube and faux fur into a magnificent lion! Whether you prefer a realistic lion or a character […]

Toy Camera

Turn empty boxes, spools and tubes into adorable toy cameras! A fun gift box for photography enthusiasts or a great […]

Cardboard Tube Snake

These cute snakes couldn’t be easier! Paint, cut and decorate your way to a fun and colorful snake, perfect for […]

DIY Viking Ship

Make the Vikings come alive by recreating a longship for your kids to play in! Made from recycled cardboard and […]

Alligator Affirmations Box

Turn empty cardboard tubes, egg cartons and other recyclables into an adorable alligator. Fill him with daily affirmations to build […]

Marker Caddy

Turn empty cardboard tubes and a box into a handy marker caddy! Decorate with construction paper, stickers, markers, tape, paint, […]

Milk Jug Piggy Bank

Don’t recycle those empty milk jugs and toilet paper rolls just yet… use them to make this adorable piggy bank! […]

Cardboard Tube Beaker from The Muppets

It’s that lovable mad scientist assistant, Beaker! What Muppet fan doesn’t have a soft spot for this cute little guy?

Go Team! Pennant

Wave your team to victory with these team pennants. A frugal craft made from cardboard tubes and construction paper, the […]

Vacation Bible School Jesus Fish Mobile

Turn cardboard tubes and glitter into sparkly fish, then hang them as a mobile. It’s a wonderful project for Sunday […]

Homemade Angry Birds Game

Turn empty toilet paper rolls into a fun, safe, kid-friendly version of Angry Birds that you can play indoors or […]

Bunny Egg Cup

Create adorable egg cups to display your dyed eggs on the Easter table. Can you guess the common items used […]

Yarn Valentine Heart

Follow the simple steps to make a yarn-wrapped heart using an empty cardboard tube. It’s easy to do and is […]

Cardboard Camera

This pretend play camera is loads of fun for young kids. It’s made with common materials you’ll find around the […]

Cardboard Tube Dog

This cute puppy is made from a recycled cardboard tube. Paper towel or toilet tubes are perfect for this project.

Cardboard Tube Sea Creatures

Adorable sea creatures made from construction paper and cardboard tubes.

Cardboard Tube Heart Mobile

Create a beautiful heart mobile to decorate for Valentine’s Day. It’s made from empty cardboard tubes!

Kwanzaa Flag

Fly a homemade flag during Kwanzaa to honor family, community, and the cultures of African people worldwide. It’s an easy […]

Cardboard Tube Perry the Platypus

Transform an empty cardboard tube into Perry the Platypus Agent P. It’s easy and great for pretend play.

Paper Plate Pelican

Create a pelican using paper plates and cardboard tubes. This easy project is fun to pair with a study of […]

Mini Koinobori – Japanese Flying Carp

Create this mini version of koinobori, Japanese flying carp. Display them on Children’s Day or any time.

Cardboard Aliens

Turn cardboard tubes into friendly aliens. Let your creativity go wild with this project!

Shoebox Pinto Pony

Turn a shoebox, cardboard tubes and other supplies into an awesome pinto pony. Use the box to hold art supplies […]

Candy Cane Taste Test

Give an interactive, edible gift that’s sure to get any candy lover in the spirit of Christmas! This gift is […]

Thanksgiving Cardboard Tube Characters

This cute craft project is fun to make and only requires a few inexpensive supplies. The kids will love making […]

Fine Motor Spiders

These Fine Motor Spiders are a great way to have some fun while developing your little one’s fine motor skills, […]

Cardboard Tube Pumpkins

This is a fast and fun fall craft that is suitable for young kids to do with help or for older kids […]

Olympics-Themed Note Card

An Olympics-themed party is fun any time, but is especially great during an Olympic year. These note cards can be […]

Cinco de Mayo Dancing Girls Mini Piñatas

These Cinco de Mayo Dancing Girls Mini Piñatas start as empty cardboard tubes. And since they’re piñatas, there’s candy hidden […]

Mini Piñata Mariachi

This adorable mariachi is a miniature piñata in disguise. It all starts with a cardboard tube.

St. Patrick’s Day Paper Tube Craft

Use the printables to make these cute unicorn, cloud and leprechaun cardboard tube craft for St. Patrick’s Day. It couldn’t be easier!

Cardboard Tube Leprechaun Hat

Turn empty toilet paper rolls into festive leprechaun hats. It’s an easy recycling project for kids.

Disney-Themed Invitation

This adorable invitation is great fun for a Disney-themed party. Change out the mouse ears for Christmas ornaments or other […]

Hanging Pencil Holder

There are so many uses for a cardboard tube. Try making a convenient hanging pencil holder!

Cardboard Tube Spooky Characters

Turn empty cardboard tubes into fun Halloween-themed creations, like a spider, cat, jack-o-lantern or bat. This easy, mess-free activity lets […]

Wall-Mounted Tunnels

Make this cool set of tunnels on the wall, and your kids will love sending toy cars and balls through […]

Twine-Wrapped Containers

Wrap twine or yarn around shipping tubes or other cylinders to make cool containers to hold art materials or office […]