Paper Roll Mermaids – Easy Mermaid Craft for Kids
Perfect for ocean themes, summer fun, or magical mermaid birthday parties!
These Toilet Paper Roll Mermaids are an adorable and eco-friendly craft that kids will love! Using simple materials you already have at home (hello, recycled cardboard tubes!) and our free printable tail and shell patterns, this activity is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
Whether you’re teaching an ocean unit, planning a birthday party, or just looking for a magical rainy-day project, this mermaid craft adds a touch of sparkle and imagination to your crafting time.
🧵 Materials Needed:
Empty toilet paper rolls
Paint, dot markers, or crayons
Bubble wrap
Yarn (for hair)
Googly eyes
Glue stick or hot glue (with adult help)
Scissors
Printable mermaid tail & shell template
Optional: glitter glue, sequins, rhinestones
🧠 Learning Objectives by Age Group
Age 0–6 months
Visual stimulation from colors and textures
Listening to caregiver narration during craft prep
This is a great option for babies if you put the paint and bubble wrap into a plastic bag to keep little fingers paint free
Age 6–12 months
Sensory exploration of textures (yarn, cardboard)
Observation of process and imitation
Age 12 months–2 years
Begin gluing larger pieces with help
Color identification and vocabulary (tail, shell, hair, etc.)
Age 3–4 years
Cut and glue with support
Practice sequence: first paint, then glue, then decorate
Pretend play with finished mermaid
Age 4–6 years
Cut and assemble independently
Create patterns and choose colors intentionally
Retell stories or imagine their mermaid’s adventures
✨ Instructions:
Color or paint the toilet paper roll to create your mermaid’s body and tail scales. Dot markers work great for making a bubbly scale pattern!
Cut and glue the printable tail and shell top onto the tube.
Add googly eyes and draw on a smile with a marker.
Glue on yarn hair in your favorite style—braids, ponytails, or loose waves!
Decorate! Add sequins, glitter glue, or stickers for extra sparkle.
Let dry and start your under-the-sea adventures!
🧒 Why We Love This Craft
Eco-friendly: Reuse paper rolls instead of tossing them!
Open-ended creativity: Every mermaid looks different.
Low-prep: Just print, snip, and glue.
Imaginative play: Turns into a toy when you’re done crafting.
This is the perfect “setup once, enjoy for hours” craft that grows with your child’s abilities.
