This post will show you how to make your own toy binoculars with recycled materials.
Entertaining your toddler doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Using recycled materials and getting creative with what you have sometimes makes the best entertainment.
Do you like crafts? I love crafts. I always have.
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!
I think it’s because I didn’t have a lot of toys as a kid. I had to turn to crafting to make my own fun.
Making things with your hands can be so therapeutic… and fun!
Today, I’m going to walk you through the steps to make these cute toy binoculars.
How to Make Toy Binoculars
For this toy binoculars craft, you’ll need:
- two recycled cardboard tubes,
- ribbon,
- scissors,
- glue,
- and pretty paper.
Step One: Glue the cardboard tubes together
I used an empty paper towel roll and cut it in half. Then I glued the two tubes together to form the binoculars base. I recommend waiting for the glue to dry a bit before moving on to the next step as it will make step 2 a whole lot easier!
Step Two: Glue Pretty Paper around the Outside of the binoculars
Raise your hand if you have a scrapbook paper collection from middle school.
Oh, what? You don’t? Really? Just me, I guess…
Once the paper is glued on, trim the excess. You can go all the way around both tubes, or have the ends meet in between the two paper rolls like I did. (See below.)
Step Three: Poke holes in the sides of the binoculars and attach the ribbon
Totally optional, but if your toddler is like mine, she will drop these binoculars frequently and appreciate having the ribbon to keep them around her neck.
I poked two little holes close together and threaded the ribbon through both holes so the knot would be on the outside and not interfere with the view inside the binoculars.
I know. So fancy.
Play with Your New Toy Binoculars
Once your binoculars are done, call your kid over.
Or if your toddler is like mine, she’ll be anxiously hovering over your shoulder asking, “Are my ‘noculars done yet?”
Strap the ‘noculars on and look out the window for a fun game of I-spy.
Or maybe go on a little safari or scavenger hunt around the yard or in the house.
Need a few ideas? Here’s 17 indoor scavenger hunt ideas to try with your toddler. (And toy binoculars.)
Or just look up at the ceiling.
That’s fun, too.
Your Turn to Make Toy Binoculars
What adventures will you and your kiddo have with your new toy binoculars?
More Activities to Entertain Your Toddler
- DIY Doc McStuffins’ Toy Hospital Accessories
(Make your own stethoscope, bandages, Doc headband, and Big Book of Boo Boos.)
- Two Cotton Ball Sheep Crafts
(This craft also uses cardboard tubes. Oh, and cotton balls.) - Dyed Pasta Bracelet Craft for Kids
(Dyed pasta is so easy to make and making a pasta bracelet will help hone those fine motor skills.)
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!