Learn how to make toilet paper roll binoculars for kids! These are perfect for summer fun, and use materials you already have at home. Plus there are free printable papers if you need them.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but stop throwing away your toilet paper rolls.

Seriously.

You bought the toilet paper. The cardboard tube is free. Why not squeeze one more activity out of it before it heads to the recycling bin?

These toilet paper roll binoculars are one of those projects that takes almost no effort but somehow keeps kids entertained way longer than you’d expect.

Give a child a pair of homemade binoculars and suddenly they’re tracking birds, spotting squirrels, searching for treasure, and investigating suspicious activity involving the family dog.

It’s a whole thing.

What I love about this project is that you probably already have everything you need. Grab a couple of TP rolls, some ribbon or yarn for the strap, a pair of scissors, and whatever decorating supplies are lurking in your stash.

Stickers are always popular, but markers, paint, washi tape, pom poms, and glitter all work too.

And unlike some projects that require seventeen steps and a degree in engineering, these come together fast. Even younger children can help decorate while an adult handles the trickier parts.

If you’re helping with assembly, a little hot glue works great for attaching the ribbon securely.

The best part is that no two pairs ever look the same. Some children want rainbow binoculars. Some want camouflage. Some will use every single sticker they can find in your house. I recommend emotionally preparing yourself for that possibility.

Whether you’re planning a scavenger hunt, heading outside for nature exploration, or just trying to survive a summer afternoon, these toilet paper roll binoculars are an easy win. They’re inexpensive, fun to make, and give kids something to play with long after the crafting is done.

Now let’s turn those paper tubes into something adventure-worthy. Grab the tutorial below!

PS – I have some fun printable papers you can grab that are featured in the post so you don’t need to buy anything – print them here.

toilet paper tube binoculars feature image

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4.50 from 2 votes

Binoculars from Toilet Paper Rolls

Learn how to make the cutest DIY binoculars with TP rolls! This is a fun summer project for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary children.

Prep Time5

Active Time30

Total Time35

Type: Kids Crafts

Yield: pair

Cost: $1

Equipment

Scissors
Ruler
Pencil(s)
Paper punch or awl

Materials

2 Toilet paper tube(s) or paper towel rolls
1 piece Scrapbook paper
Double stick tape
Regular tape
Tacky glue
48" Yarn or ribbon

Instructions

Measure the paper to fit the toilet paper rolls and draw a line with the pencil. Trim using scissors or a craft knife.
Trim two pieces of paper the same way for one pair of binoculars.
Grab one toilet paper roll and one piece of paper. Place the paper design side down on the working surface and add double stick tape to the inside (you can also use craft glue).
Roll the paper around the toilet paper roll. I found it easy to use the glue bottle inside the paper tube, place at one end, and roll to the other. Secure where it overlaps with tape or glue.
Cut ribbon to fit around both ends of the toilet paper roll.
Glue the ribbon at each end of the toilet paper roll, all the one around, with the craft glue. Let dry. Repeat previous steps with a second roll.
Pick one of the tubes and put a dot of glue on both the top and bottom ribbon where the seams comes together. Press the two tubes together and let set.
Add more glue at the seam where the tubes come together, on both the top and bottom. This keeps them secure with play.
Cut three lengths of yarn the same length to make the strap (measure for the child's size). Knot at a certain point and tape the ends.
Use a small hole punch or an awl to create a hole on both sides of the toilet paper rolls up near the ribbons, at the same height on each side.
Insert the ends of the length of yarn into the holes on either side and tie knots (a few) to secure.
Kids can use the string to hang the toilet paper tube binoculars around their neck.