5 Easy Paper Towel Crafts for Kids

Staying at home for extended periods of time is sure to cause some restlessness—especially when there are kids involved!

Now you can turn each day at home into an exciting new adventure. All you need is a few paper towel rolls and a little imagination. Even though spending more time at home often means using more paper towels, recycling paper towel rolls can open the door to endless possibilities for you and your kids.  

Here are 5 simple ways to re-purpose your cardboard rolls while sprinkling some creativity on your daily routine!

1. Super-Secret Spy Glasses

Kick off a game of " I Spy" with a custom pair of secret spy binoculars.

Directions:

• Cut a paper towel roll in half to make two separate pieces.
• Wrap each piece in construction paper, securing the paper with clear tape or hot glue.
• Decorate the construction paper with markers, stickers and colored tape.
• Attach the two pieces together with hot glue. 
• To make a neck strap, poke two small holes into the sides of each roll, insert a piece of string through the holes and secure the string with a knot.

2. Fantastic Fortresses

Build an entire cardboard kingdom fit for a young king or queen.

Directions:

• Wrap several paper towel rolls in construction paper, securing the paper with clear tape or hot glue.
• Draw windows and doors on each roll to make royal-looking castles and towers.
• Make flags by wrapping a skewer with washi tape and cutting small triangles in the tape.
• To give your tower a roof, trace out the bottom of a small bowl on construction paper to create a circle shape.
• Cut out the circle, cut a triangle into the circle then fold the paper into a cone shape.
• Place the cone on top of the roll.

3. Runaway Racecars

You don't need a driver's license to race these cute cars!

Directions:

• Cut a paper towel roll in half to make two separate pieces.
• Wrap one piece in construction paper to create the base of your car.
• Use a sharp blade to cut a square into the top of the base.
• Make two small cuts on each end of the roll (this is where the tires will be placed).
• Use the end of the roll to trace two small circles on construction paper.
• Cut out the circles and use them to cap off the ends of your car by attaching them with tape or hot glue.
• Decorate the car with markers, stickers, crayons or colored tape.
• Make wheels for your car by cutting out small black paper circles and attaching them to the body of the car with metal brads.

4. Creative Cuff Bracelets

You may be inside the house, but that doesn't mean you can't look your best!

Directions:

• Cut a paper towel roll in half to make two separate pieces, then cut completely through the side of each piece.
• Give each roll a quick coat of paint.
• Dry each roll with a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
• Decorate each roll by gluing on gems, sequins, and other colorful items. 
• Let the bracelets dry overnight.

5. Big Bubble Blowers

OK, the secret's out! Bubbles are way more fun when you blow them inside!

Directions:

• Pour 2 tbsp of dish soap into the bottom of a shallow bowl.
• Slowly dip the tip of a paper towel roll into the soap. (*Note: Try not to make the soap too frothy).
• Gently blow into one end of the roll and enjoy the bubbly fun.

>Now you can turn each day at home into an exciting new adventure. All you need is a few paper towel rolls and a little imagination. Even though spending more time at home often means using more paper towels, recycling paper towel rolls can open the door to endless possibilities for you and your kids.