Crafts with Charlee: DIY Safari Binoculars

Crafts with Charlee: DIY Safari Binoculars

If your kids are anything like mine, they don’t just play. One day they’re running a hotel out of our house, the next day they are on a neighborhood safari for wildlife (a.k.a. alligators). 🐊 And what’s every good explorer’s must-have tool? A trusty pair of binoculars.

Instead of buying some, why not make your own at home? With a couple of toilet paper rolls, a little creativity, and a dash of imagination, your kids can create their very own binoculars. Perfect for safari play, bird watching, or spotting the sibling sneaking snacks. 👀

This month’s Crafts with Charlee project is all about turning something simple into something magical. Here’s how you can do it at home!

Supplies You’ll Need

  • 2 toilet paper rolls (or 1 paper towel roll cut in half)

  • Paint, markers, tissue paper, or paper cutouts for decorating

  • Hot glue (grown-up job)

  • Washi tape or any fun decorative tape

  • Stickers, rhinestones, or whatever treasures your kids love

  • String

  • Hole punch

Step 1: Decorate the Tubes

This is where the fun begins! Let the kids go wild with markers, tissue paper or paint. Pro tip: if patience is in short supply (when isn’t it?), skip the paper cutouts and glue-heavy projects. Markers or tissue paper work faster and dry instantly.

Step 2: Glue the Tubes Together

Once their masterpieces are dry, it’s time for the grown-up job: hot gluing the two rolls side by side. A quick tip - the glue heats the cardboard, so let it cool before handing it back to little hands.

Step 3: Add Washi Tape

Now for some flair. Wrap tape around the top and bottom of each roll. It pulls the whole look together and makes the binoculars feel extra “official.”

Step 4: Go Wild with Decorations

This is the part kids love most. Stickers, rhinestones, glitter (if you’re brave)… let their imaginations run free. There’s no wrong way to decorate safari gear!

Step 5: Add the Strap

Punch one hole on each side of the binoculars. Thread a piece of string through and tie securely. Make sure it’s long enough to go over your child’s head, but not so long that it trips them up during their adventures.

The Big Reveal

And just like that, you’ve got a pair of DIY safari binoculars ready for action. Perfect for backyard safaris, neighborhood walks, or spotting stuffed animals in the living room “jungle.”

Want to take it up a notch? You can hot glue magnifying glasses to the ends of one side for a more “real explorer” feel.

We’d love to see what your little adventurers create! 📸 Share a photo of your binoculars  and tag us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @charli.safari.adventures.

Until next time — happy crafting, Safari Squad!

For an easy to print version CLICK HERE.

Back to blog