Looking for an easy craft that doesn't cost a penny? These adorable cardboard tube toy cars are the perfect rainy day activity for little ones. Made almost entirely from recycled materials, they're quick to put together, encourage creativity and, best of all, they become toys your children can enjoy long after the crafting is finished.
We love finding new ways to reuse everyday items instead of throwing them straight into the recycling bin. It's amazing how something as simple as a cardboard tube can become a racing car with just a few extra bits and pieces!
Whether you're celebrating Earth Day, learning about recycling or simply looking for a fun afternoon activity, these DIY toy cars are easy to make and guaranteed to provide hours of imaginative play afterwards.
What You'll Need:
Cardboard tubes (toilet roll or kitchen roll cut into sections)
Plastic bottle lids (4 per car)
Paper straws or drinking straws
Cocktail sticks or wooden skewers (adult use only)
Paint, pens or stickers for decorating
Hot glue gun (adult use only)
How to Make Cardboard Tube Toy Cars
1. Decorate the Car
Start by letting your little ones decorate their cardboard tube however they like. Paint it in bright colours, add racing stripes, draw windows or even stick on fun stickers. This is where they can really let their imagination run wild.
2. Create the Driver's Seat
Once the paint has dried, carefully cut a wide U-shape into the top of the tube. Gently fold the flap backwards to create a little seat for the driver.
3. Make the Axles
Using a skewer or sharp pencil (adults only), carefully make two holes on each side of the tube near the bottom. Make sure each pair lines up so the wheels will turn properly.
4. Add the Wheels
Thread a cocktail stick through one side of the tube, slide a short piece of straw over the middle (inside the tube), then push it out through the opposite hole. The straw acts like a sleeve, helping the wheels spin more easily.
Make a small hole in the centre of each bottle lid and push them onto each end of the cocktail stick to create the wheels.
5. Secure Everything
Add a tiny blob of hot glue behind each wheel to stop them slipping off. Leave everything to dry before racing their brand new cars around the house!
Let the Racing Begin!
---------------
If your little ones enjoyed making these toy cars, you might also like these fun cardboard tube crafts:
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
.png)
