Recycled tubes – Toddler

Cardboard tubes are perfect for toddlers’ exploratory play.

Did you know?

Toddlers are fascinated by objects emerging from a postage tube.

For active toddlers, chasing a ball is always fun. By providing a tube to post it into, your child is also refining their placement skills and understanding of the way things move, an early science skill!

Add language

You can help your child learn to anticipate and predict by using words such as “1, 2, 3, go…” or “Here it comes”.

Variations

Cardboard tubes (from lunch wrap) make a safe bat for hitting balloons whilst toddlers are still learning to aim.

Cardboard tubes are great for looking through and exploring the world from a different perspective.

Cardboard rolls also make perfect drum sticks to go with the saucepan ‘drum kit.’ Being light, they are easy and safe for toddlers to control (and slightly easier on the ears than spoons!!!). They also make great didgeridoos!

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how playing with recycled tubes can be a great activity for babies, children and playgroups.

Activities listed under “toddler” are suitable for children aged 1-3 years. Toddlers enjoy activities that include exploring their environment and finding out how things work.

Play ideas

Flower stamps

Sandpit play