Rolling Race Cars: Toilet Paper Tube Tutorial (Step-by-Step with Pictures)

Recycling TP tubes? Check out this toilet paper roll race car tutorial with step-by-step instructions & pics! And, the cars really do roll!

Are you looking for a fun way to recycle toilet paper tubes? If so, your kids will have a blast with this TP roll craft! Keep reading for step-by-step instructions with photos!

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There are so many fun, kid-friendly crafts you can make with toilet paper tubes, including these super fun race cars! The coolest thing about these race cars is that they really do roll!

My kids had such a blast making and playing with them!

Fortunately, the cars are fairly easy to create and they are made from items that you most likely already have around your home!

Once you have gathered all of your supplies, it’s time to get to work on making these super fun race cars! This is a fun craft for children and adults alike!

So, be sure to not only involve your kids/students, but perhaps create your own race car as well!

Rolling Race Car Instructions:

First, paint the toilet paper tube. This step is completely optional, but in my opinion the cars are much more fun to make and use when they are personalized with paint!

Once the tp tube is dry, use a craft knife and cut a square in the tube so that there is a “seat” for the driver.

Next, use a hole puncher to punch four holes near the bottom of the tube to hold the “axle.”

Cut the drinking straw. You will need two 2-inch pieces. Slide one toothpick into each piece of the drinking straw.

Insert the “axle” (straw and toothpick) through the punched holes.

Next use the thumb tack to poke a hole in the center of each of the bottle tops (wheels).

After making the hole, push the toothpick into the hole so that the wheels are attached to the car. Repeat for the second set of wheels and there you have it…a rolling race car!

Ready to Race?

It’s almost time to test out the race cars! Initially we stopped here and began playing with our cars.

But, it didn’t take long before the wheels started coming off. Check out the helpful hint below to see how we solved this problem.

I got this cool idea from a Family Fun magazine at the doctor’s office.

Have a race car fan? Be sure to check out my FREE printable Racing Racecars Game that helps with number recognition and counting with a die!

Looking for more crafts for kids? Be sure to check out some of my other crafts using recycled materials!

This post was originally published on November 8, 2009.