If you’re looking for a cute craft that keeps kids happily creating, this toilet paper roll car is such a fun win. It’s one of those frugal, use-what-you-have projects. And it works for so many themes, like transportation, preschool, or a cool indoor activity.
Over the years, my boys and I have made all kinds of crafts, but these recycled cars have always been a favorite. Your kids will love painting their own cars and adding wheels made from bottle caps. This project is quick to set up and perfect for multi-age groups, too.
In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and fun ways to use your finished cars. You can have this car craft ready to roll whenever you want to brighten your day.
Our Frugal Car Craft That Always Pleased
When I was working on my 3D paper car crafts (printable templates that fold into cars), it brought back such sweet memories. I remembered a simple project I did with my boys – these adorable toilet paper roll cars. My crew loved them, and so did I. They’re frugal, flexible, and fun!
Back in those days, I saved every toilet paper roll because I knew they could turn into something fun. We’d make cars in all kinds of colors. The boys liked to add little numbers and details for race cars.
They’d use whatever supplies they could find at the time. Bottle caps, buttons, or. cardboard transformed into wheels. That’s one of the things I love most about this activity – there’s no one right way to make it.
This toilet paper roll car craft is a screen-free, hands-on win. Try it today or tuck the idea away for a long winter day, hot summer afternoon, or when you need something easy and fun.
Related: Torn paper traffic light craft for kids with free printable templates
Suggested Supplies for This Simple Car Craft
You only need a few frugal supplies to make these toilet paper roll cars. Most of these items are things you already have around the house. Please feel free to swap in alternatives if needed. It’s a delightful low-prep craft for last-minute fun!
- Empty toilet paper roll
- 4 bottle caps
- Paint (any color for the car and black for the wheels)
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Glue
- Optional: washi tape, pom poms, stickers, felt or foam pieces
Rather not use paint (or short on time)? Try tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) or markers to color your cars. It’s fun to experiment and get different textures.
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How to Make Your Toilet Paper Roll Car
This craft comes together in just a few easy steps. Kids can paint, cut, and build their own cars with very little setup. Just follow the instructions below to create a sweet little vehicle that’s ready for play, pretend, and all kinds of creative adventures.
Color and wet the coffee filter.
Start with a white coffee filter. Flatten it out on a protected surface.
Use washable markers to color the entire coffee filter in any design or pattern you like.
Spray the coffee filter with water to let the colors blend together.
Let the coffee filter dry completely.
Color and wet the coffee filter.
Start with a white coffee filter. Flatten it out on a protected surface.
Use washable markers to color the entire coffee filter in any design or pattern you like.
Spray the coffee filter with water to let the colors blend together.
Let the coffee filter dry completely.
Tips for Success with This Car Activity for Kids
Here are a few simple tricks to make this craft even smoother (and more fun!):
- Make extras! Kids usually love making more than one, especially when they discover how quick and easy it is.
- Paint first, assemble later. Let kids paint the car body and wheels before gluing anything together. It keeps the mess down and helps pieces dry evenly.
- Use thicker glue for the wheels. A strong tacky glue or hot glue (for grown-ups) helps the bottle caps or cardboard wheels stay put.
- Pre-cut the seat for younger kids. The little flap is super fun but can be tricky for small hands. Prepping it ahead of time can reduce frustration.
- Protect your table. These little cars roll around a lot during decorating. Lay out a simple craft mat or parchment paper. We’ve used plastic trays to contain the paint, too.
Related: Toilet paper roll traffic cone craft for kids
Creative Ideas and Fun Themes for Your DIY Cars
You can turn these simple toilet paper roll crafts into so many cool themes!
- Car Party Craft: Set up a build-your-own car station with markers, stickers, and numbers. So much fun for DIY decorations and party favors!
- Add More DIY Fun: Make a cardboard garage or car wash.
- Recycling Theme: Focus on reusing materials. Use cardboard wheels, markers instead of paint, or scrap paper details.
- Learning Centers: Perfect for letter of the week (C is for car), transportation units, or storytelling prompts.
FAQs About This Toilet Paper Roll Car Craft
Buttons, cardboard discs, wooden craft wheels, or even circles cut from construction paper all work great. Use whatever you have!
Tacky glue or hot glue (grown-up use only) gives the strongest hold. You can try double-sided tape, too.
Preschool through early elementary love it. Older kids enjoy customizing their own cars by adding more details and designs.
Cool Car Craftivity for Kids
I hope this car craft brings just as much joy to your home or classroom as it did to ours. It’s simple, frugal, and packed with possibilities. I’d love to hear about your experiences and how your children enjoy this activity.
If your kids enjoyed this craft and want even more car-themed fun, make sure to check out my free 3D paper car templates. Wishing you and your kids a bunch of creative screen-free fun!
