DIY Toilet Paper Roll Boat Craft for Kids
Looking for a fun and simple craft project to do with your little ones? This easy 3D Toilet Paper Roll Boat Craft is perfect for kids of all ages and great for the summer time. With just a few supplies, you’ll have a cute little sail boat that offers hours of fun.
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Whether you’re a busy parent or a preschool teacher looking for a hands-on activity, this DIY boat craft is an ideal way to keep little hands busy. It’s quick, easy, and so much fun—plus, it’s a great way to recycle those empty toilet paper rolls! Let’s dive into the steps and get crafting!
Have more toilet paper rolls that need using? Try this Fun Toilet Paper Roll Robot Craft for Kids, Easy Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft, or our Easy DIY Toilet Paper Roll Rocket Craft for Kids.
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
📌What You’ll Need
- Toilet Paper Roll
- Construction Papers
- Paper straw
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ruler
- Hole punch
✨How to Make Boat Out of a Toilet Paper Roll
Step 1: Start by grabbing a toilet paper roll for your boat base. If you’d prefer something sturdier, you can use cardboard instead.
Step 2: Carefully cut down one side of the roll to open it up.
Step 3: Unfold and flatten the roll to prepare it for shaping. Print and cut out the free template, then trace the guide onto your flattened roll or cardboard.
Step 4: Using the template lines as a guide, trace on using a pencil.
Step 5: Fold the ends of the boat vertically to start forming the shape.
Step 6: Cut along the diagonal lines on each corner, but be careful—only cut up to the vertical fold lines, not through them.
Step 7: Similarly, cut diagonally on all four corners and use an awl to make a hole in the center.
Step 8: Fold back each corner flap along the diagonal lines.
Step 9: Flip the piece over and start overlapping the diagonal flaps. Glue each pair together to form the boat’s ends.
Step 10: Next, fold and glue the larger side flaps together to strengthen the structure.
Step 11: Now it’s time to make the sail! Fold a piece of red construction paper in half
Step 12: Use the template to cut out a triangle sail. Punch a hole at the top and bottom.
Step 13: Open the fold.
Step 14: Slide a paper straw through both holes in the sail to complete the mast.
Step 15: Insert the bottom of the straw through the center hole in your boat base. You’ve got a sailboat!
Step 16: Cut out two circles from blue craft paper.
Step 17: Layer them on top of a darker blue paper and glue together.
Final step: Glue the round pieces on the boat.
💡Helpful Tips
- Pre-cut shapes for younger kids to make the project go more smoothly in a group setting.
- Don’t skip folding first! The diagonal folds help the boat take shape—fold before you glue.
- Hot glue can speed up drying if you’re short on time (adult use only or older kids).
What a super simple and fun toilet paper roll boat craft that kids will love! It’s a great way to get them crafting and have a blast while making something special with materials you already have at home. Plus, it’s a perfect activity to keep little hands busy on a rainy day or for a quick after-school project.
✅Get the Free Printable Boat Craft Templates
Easy Boat Craft for Kids
Supplies & Materials
- Toilet paper roll or cardboard
- Red and blue craft paper
- Paper straw
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hole punch
- Awl or pencil to poke hole
- Sailboat template see link in the notes
Instructions
- Cut the toilet paper roll lengthwise and flatten it.
- Trace the sailboat template onto the flattened roll.
- Fold the short ends up along the vertical lines.
- Cut diagonal lines on the corners up to the folds (not through).
- Fold the diagonal flaps backward, flip the piece over, and glue matching corners together.
- Fold and glue the long side flaps to secure the boat shape.
- Fold red paper in half, cut a triangle sail using the template, and punch holes at the top and bottom.
- Thread a paper straw through the sail and insert it into a center hole in the boat.
- Optional: Cut out two blue circles, add detail with a pen, and glue to the boat for decoration.
