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Indoor activity

Cardboard Tube Penguin

Transform a humble cardboard tube into an adorable standing penguin with paint, paper, and googly eyes!

Ages 3-6 1-2 hours Education 4/10

Materials

  • Cardboard Tubes
  • Googly Eyes
  • Paper
  • Poster Paint
  • PVA Glue
  • Scissors

Illustrated Steps

1

Paint the Tube Black

Paint the entire outside of your cardboard tube black and leave it to dry fully. This is your penguin's body — cover every bit.

2

Add the White Tummy

Cut an egg shape from white paper and glue it to the front of the dry tube to make the penguin's white tummy.

3

Make Wings and Beak

Cut two oval wings from black paper and a small orange triangle for the beak. Fold the beak so it sticks out and glue everything on.

4

Add Eyes and Feet

Press on two googly eyes above the beak. Cut two orange feet, fold a tab on each, and glue under the tube so it stands up.

What You’ll Create

An adorable standing penguin made from a cardboard tube! With black paint, a white paper tummy, a paper beak and wings, and googly eyes, you’ll have a characterful penguin that stands on any shelf.

How to Set It Up

Step 1: Paint the Tube Black

Paint the whole outside of a cardboard tube black and leave it to dry completely. This forms the penguin’s body — make sure you cover every bit of cardboard.

Step 2: Add the White Tummy

Cut an egg shape from white paper slightly smaller than the front of the tube. Glue it to the front of the dry tube to make the penguin’s white tummy.

Step 3: Make Wings and Beak

Cut two small oval wings from black paper and a small triangle from orange paper for the beak. Fold the beak in half so it sticks out. Glue the wings to the sides and the beak to the front of the tube.

Step 4: Add Eyes and Feet

Stick two googly eyes above the beak. Cut two small orange foot shapes from paper, fold a tab on each, and glue them under the tube so the penguin stands upright.

Have fun!

Make a whole penguin family — try different sizes of tube for parents and chicks! Give your penguin a tiny paper fish or a paper scarf. Name them and write a little story about their icy adventures.

Why It’s Amazing

This activity builds fine motor skills — cutting, folding, and precise gluing strengthen the small muscles in your hands and fingers, the same ones used for handwriting and playing instruments. Artists often see potential in everyday objects — a cardboard tube is really just a penguin waiting to be discovered!

Pro Tips

💡 Let each layer of paint dry fully before adding the next — wet paint smears! 💡 Use PVA glue diluted with a little water for a stronger, clearer bond. 💡 Stand the penguin on a small paper disc if the base isn’t flat.