Tp Roll Binoculars
Toilet Roll Binoculars
One of the easiest activities you’ll ever do, and still one of the most loved.
We used recycled toilet rolls for this one, and the kids decorated them first with textas, crayons or stickers. Then we added a rubber band at either end to hold the rolls together. String was tied onto the rubber bands so they could wear them around their necks on a walk.
My favourite tip with this is adding a peg in between the rolls. It leaves just the right amount of space for little noses, so they sit more comfortably and feel a bit more like “real” binoculars. You can even thread little leaves or feathers through the rubber bands for decoration… easy and beautiful.
This activity is great as a quick add-on before a nature walk or scavenger hunt. Kids love having something in their hands, and the play just naturally flows from there.
You’ll need
Two empty toilet rolls per child
Rubber bands (2 per pair of rolls)
String or twine
Decorating supplies (textas, crayons, stickers)
Pegs (wooden ones work well)
Optional: foraged nature items for decorating
How to make them
Let the kids decorate their toilet rolls however they like. Once they’re done, place a rubber band around each end to hold the two rolls together. Slide a peg in between them at the centre to leave space for their nose. Tie string onto each side of the rubber bands to make a strap they can wear around their neck. If they want to add leaves or flowers, they can gently tuck them into the rubber bands.
What it encourages
Creative play
Fine motor skills
Awareness of tools and how we use them
Nature observation
Independence and imagination
A last note
Keep the setup relaxed. There’s no need for glue or tricky cutting. The peg trick makes all the difference and means they’ll actually want to wear them. Remind kids to collect gently if they’re decorating with foraged items—check for critters and only take what’s loose or abundant. These are great for spotting birds, bugs, or just pretending they’re off on a big adventure.
