This adorable little cardboard tube alligator is a fun kids craft using recycled paper towel tubes, googly eyes, and some paint!

Why we love this project

If you homeschool, run a child care, or teach any elementary-aged kids, this cardboard tube alligator would be a great supplement to your curriculum. Add this fun craft project when you are studying the letter A, talking about the rainforest or swamps, or if you have a zoo unit coming up.

The sheer number of cardboard tube crafts I have made over the years is mind blowing! I raised four kids so there was always opportunity for crafting and creating. Now that my kids are grown, I will still make kid’s crafts, but now I make them for you. This cardboard tube alligator is no exception.

Supplies you will need

I know that some prefer not to use toilet paper tubes for crafting. This cardboard tube alligator is actually made with a paper towel tube as a toilet paper tube is simply too short. You could use a toilet roll if you wanted to, but your alligator would look a little stubby. I’m sure the kids wouldn’t care!

• 11-inch paper towel tube
• green and white craft paint
• glue dots
• paintbrush
• scissors
• pinking shears
• googly eyes
• craft glue
• black fine point marker

How to make a Cardboard Tube Alligator

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Cut the tube into two sections – 4-inches and 7-inches. Set the 4-inch piece aside for another craft project.
2. Use the pinking shears to cut 1.5 (one and a half) inches into one end of the tube. Repeat this same cut on the other side. Then cut two more slits from the end of the tube at a 45-degree angle, joining them with the ends of the first two slits. This creates the open mouth.
3. Using regular scissors at the opposite end of the tube, cut out the tail using the photo guide below.
4. Take the tail piece that you just cut from the tube and flatten it. Cut that piece into four equal pieces for the alligator’s feet.
5. Cut toes from the foot pieces.
6. Shape the mouth with the pinking shears. Cut so that both sides are angled and trim the front edges so they look like teeth.
7. Paint the entire tube with green paint.
8. Paint the feet green.
9. When everything is dry, paint the teeth white.
10. Add a glue dot to the flat end of each foot.
11. Attach the legs to the alligator’s body.
12. Add googly eyes and use a fine point marker to add nostrils.

More cardboard tube crafts

If you liked this craft for the kids and you enjoy cardboard tube animal projects, you’ll also want to check out my cardboard tube stork, this cute cardboard tube jellyfish, and these cool cardboard tube bald eagles.