Mermaids are one of those mythical creatures that kids can’t get enough of!
We love them just as much, so we created this mermaid toilet paper roll craft.
Not only is it fun to make, but it’s also a fun way to upcycle your old cardboard tubes!
Download the free printable template and make it with young kids of all ages.
Be sure to watch our quick video tutorial below to see exactly how we made it. And if you like this craft, try out all of our fun mermaid activities for kids.
Cardboard Tube Mermaid
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Supplies
- Toilet paper rolls (or new cardboard tubes)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Tape
- Markers
- Mermaid template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the mermaid template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Begin to create the mermaid by gluing the mermaid’s hair to the back of the head.
Place the bangs over the forehead and glue it in place.
Next, glue the mermaid tail to the bottom of the mermaid’s torso.
Use a marker to draw on the cheeks and the mermaid shell swim top.
Take the completed mermaid and glue it to the ocean background rectangle.
Place a piece of tape on one end of the rectangle, then wrap it around the cardboard tube. Take another piece of tape and secure the other end to the toilet paper roll.
Isn’t that a cute mermaid craft?!
Ocean Unit Study For Kids
Don’t stop here! Create an entire ocean unit study for kids around this mermaid craft. We’ve got lots of great ideas to get you going!
We love borrowing books from the library or buying some to add to our home collection. Reading is a great way to introduce a new unit and as you know, has tremendous benefits! Below are some of the top rated ocean books for kids!
Pinkalicious and Aqua, the Mini-Mermaid – Fans of the Pinkalicious series of books will have to add this mermaid-themed adventure to their collection! This book also comes with a sheet of stickers!
How To Catch A Mermaid – This vibrant book is great for mermaid fans! Join the kids to see if their schemes will land them a mermaid!
The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!
Of course, we love crafts and think they’re always room for more of them! If you want some more ocean crafts, check out some of our top choices below:
- Handprint Pirate Craft – Pirates and mermaids are great together, and this handprint craft is so fun!
- Clownfish Craft – This craft is super easy and great for littles!
- Mermaid Paper Craft – Create another fun mermaid craft, made solely from paper.
If your kids love coloring, try out these mermaid coloring pages, these boy mermaid coloring pages, or these ocean coloring pages.
For some educational activities, try out these color by number ocean animals or use these ocean animal printable preschool worksheets.
We also love these Little Mermaid color by sight word printables from 123 Homeschool 4 Me!
This ocean sensory bin is great for when you want something done for you. If you prefer the DIY route, try out this frozen ocean sensory bin.
The ocean playdough kit is a great way for kids to get hands-on with their play. Plus, the pre-made dough is ready to go, so all you need to do is open the box and start playing.
It’s a fun way to explore the ocean world without getting wet, and it’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills. So whether your child is a beach bum or a landlubber, the ocean play dough kit is sure to be a hit!
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Mermaid Toilet Paper Roll Craft For Kids
Materials
- Toilet paper rolls or new cardboard tubes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Tape
- Markers
- Mermaid template
Instructions
- Download the mermaid template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Begin to create the mermaid by gluing the mermaid’s hair to the back of the head.
- Place the bangs over the forehead and glue it in place.
- Next, glue the mermaid tail to the bottom of the mermaid’s torso.
- Use a marker to draw on the mermaid shell swim top.
- Take the completed mermaid and glue it to the ocean background rectangle.
- Place a piece of tape on one end of the rectangle, then wrap it around the cardboard tube. Take another piece of tape and secure the other end to the toilet paper roll.
Free Mermaid Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
sofia
Wednesday 2nd of July 2025
Could I have the mermaid template please? We loved the art
Sam
Wednesday 2nd of July 2025
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the confirmation link sent to you. Or if you’re already a subscriber, you just need to enter your email in the form at the end of the post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈
Isha
Thursday 11th of May 2023
Its Beautiful . My daughter would love to make
Sam
Friday 12th of May 2023
Thanks! Since you’re already an email subscriber, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of any post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page 🙂
Nancie
Thursday 29th of July 2021
mermaid template
Sam
Monday 2nd of August 2021
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of the post to have the link sent to you ?