How to Make Your Own Binoculars Using Toilet Paper Rolls

If you're looking for a fun craft to do with your wildlife-loving children during the summer holidays, we've got just the thing for you: making your very own binoculars.

This fun activity can lead to bird watching, or a nature-themed game of I Spy from the living room window (if the weather is a bit rubbish!) - and with homemade binoculars, you get an excellent image quality!

We've included everything you'll need, full instructions on how to make binoculars at home, and what wildlife you might spot using them!

Items You'll Need

• Two Toilet Paper Rolls (The Cardboard toilet roll tubes)

• Paper

• Scissors

• Glue

• String

• Pen or a hole punch

• Felt-tip pens

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tubes

Take two clean, empty toilet paper rolls. These will be your "eyepiece tubes." If you want a realistic touch, glue a small round piece of clear plastic (like from food packaging) to one end of each roll for pretend lenses.

Step 2: Attach the Tubes

Glue or tape the two rolls side by side so they resemble a pair of binoculars. Line them up evenly, and make finer adjustments so they’re comfortable to look through.

Step 3: Add the Central Focus Slider (Optional)

Cut a strip of cardboard or sturdy paper and glue it across the top or bottom of the tubes. This acts as a central focus slider and also helps hold the binoculars together firmly.

Step 4: Punch Holes for the Strap

Use a hole punch to make a hole on the outer side of each roll.

Step 5: Add the Strap

Cut a length of string or yarn (60–80 cm works well) and tie each end through the holes. This neck strap makes it easy to carry during adventures.

Step 6: Decorate Your Binoculars

Now that your binoculars are built, it’s time to get creative!

Kids can decorate using:

• Felt-tip pens for doodles, patterns, animal prints, or names

• Stickers and washi tape for extra colour and texture

• Paint for bold designs (let dry completely before using)

Wildlife to Spot With Your Binoculars

Robins

What they look like: Small birds with bright red or orange chests and brownish backs.
Where to spot them: Perching on fences, trees, or hopping across the lawn.

Ladybugs

What they look like: Tiny round beetles with red backs and black spots.
Where to spot them: On leaves, flowers, or garden plants.

Butterflies

What they look like: Colourful wings that flutter, can be orange, blue, white, or patterned.
Where to spot them: Around flowers, gardens, and sunny spots.

Squirrels

What they look like: Bushy tails, gray or reddish fur, very fast and jumpy.
Where to spot them: In trees, running across lawns, or near bird feeders.

Bumblebees

What they look like: Fuzzy yellow-and-black striped flying insects.
Where to spot them: Buzzing around flowers, especially on warm days.

Ducks

What they look like: Webbed feet, flat bills, often green-headed (mallards) or brown.
Where to spot them: Near ponds, lakes, or rivers.

Frogs

What they look like: Green, brown, or spotted, with big eyes and long legs.
Where to spot them: Near ponds, wet grass, or muddy spots.

Snails

What they look like: Slimy bodies with spiral shells on their backs.
Where to spot them: On wet ground, garden walls, or under leaves after rain.