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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.

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.