Summer Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids
Looking for creative summer toilet paper roll crafts for kids? These 10 easy, budget-friendly ideas turn cardboard tubes into hours of summer fun & memories!

Summer toilet paper roll crafts are about to become your new favorite way to keep the kids busy. You already have the supplies in your craft closet, so why not put them to good use? Grab some paint, googly eyes, and empty tubes, and let’s get crafting!
What Are These Crafts, Exactly?
Toilet paper rolls might seem like trash, but they’re actually a craft supply goldmine. With a little imagination, those cardboard tubes turn into flamingos, sharks, sandcastles, and all kinds of summer-themed creations.
These crafts are budget-friendly, low-mess (mostly!), and perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, you’re recycling something you’d normally toss anyway. 🌟
Why You’ll Love These Ideas
First off, these crafts are ridiculously easy on your wallet. You probably already have most of the supplies at home, so there’s no last-minute craft store run required.
Second, these projects are simple enough for little hands, yet fun enough that older kids won’t roll their eyes at you. My own kids get more excited about a cardboard tube shark than half the toys in their room. Go figure!

A Fun Way to Play, Beat the Heat, and Spark Creativity
When it’s too hot to play outside, crafting is the perfect indoor escape. These projects keep little hands busy while the AC does its thing. Or take them outside and enjoy the sun!
Kids get to choose colors and make each craft their own. There’s no wrong way to build a googly-eyed octopus, you know? Plus, cutting and painting help build fine motor skills. Sneaky learning at its finest. 😄
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Supplies You’ll Need
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Acrylic or washable paint
- Paintbrushes
- Construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- School glue or a glue gun (adults only!)
- Markers or crayons
- Printable templates (sharks, parrots, flamingos, and more)
- Streamers or tissue paper (for windsocks and tropical flair)
Shop everything you might need by clicking on the images below to learn more!
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, mix things up. Try painting a whole ocean scene with fish, octopuses, and sharks lined up on a shelf.
You could also turn these into a themed craft night with friends, where everyone brings their own tubes and decorates together. Or string a few crafts into a summer garland to hang on the porch or across a playroom window.
10 Summer Toilet Paper Roll Crafts
Toilet paper rolls are one of the most versatile craft supplies around, making them perfect for creative summer projects. With a little paint, paper, and imagination, these simple cardboard tubes can be transformed into colorful flamingos, tropical parrots, beach-themed creations, and more. These summer toilet paper roll crafts give kids a fun way to recycle everyday materials while building fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. Here are 10 summer toilet paper roll crafts that are easy to make and full of seasonal fun.










Ways to Use the Finished Crafts
These crafts don’t have to sit on a shelf. Use them as party decorations, sweet handmade gifts for grandparents, or a fun centerpiece for a summer-themed dinner table.
Wrap It Up
There you have it, a whole list of summer toilet paper roll crafts to keep your kids busy and creative all season long. Grab your supplies and get crafting today!
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More craft ideas for summer:
- Summer Handprint Crafts
- Sidewalk Chalk Ideas
- Backyard Summer Fun
- Ice Cream Crafts
- Mermaid Crafts
- Pirate Crafts
- Water Activities for Kids
- Mermaid Crafts
- Pirate Crafts
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