Recycled Toys Your Kids Can Make

Some of the favorite toys for kids are ones that have been "upcycled." Parents love using recycled materials, and kids do too. It's amazing what items around the house and a little imagination can create.

01 of 06
Cardboard Box Train

Kids Activities Blog

A cardboard box train is easy to put together and will give your child a great way to get creative with recycled items. Have your child start thinking of what boxes to save, in different shapes and sizes. It only takes only three steps. Just glue, paint and draw.

Supplies needed:
- Cardboard boxes
- Cork
- Glue
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Black permanent marker
Cardboard box train tutorial from Kids Activities Blog
02 of 06
Coffee Can Drums

Kids Activities Blog

If you have any empty coffee cans in the house, you'll love this creative craft turned toy. It lets kids create music with their very own coffee can drums. Kids tap into their creativity making their drums, and then they can spend hours fine-tuning their musical prowess banging on their homemade instrument. Call it the best bang for your buck.

Supplies needed:
- Coffee can
- Balloon
- Scissors
- Packing tape
Coffee can drums from Kids Activities Blog
03 of 06
Toilet Paper Roll Train Craft

Kids Activities Blog

Cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and other items are fantastic for making crafts. Have your family members save them rather than tossing them. This upcycled toy train is inexpensive to make because you probably have all of the materials at home. Gather them up and then see how much fun your child has with this toy.

Supplies Needed:
- 6 toilet paper roll tubes
- 1 skinny cardboard tube like the center of a tin foil roll
- 20 plastic lids
- Craft paint
- Foam brushes
- Yarn
- Hole punch or something to make a hole in the cardboard tube
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Toilet paper roll train tutorial from Kids Activities Blog
04 of 06
Cardboard Playhouse

Kids Activities Blog

So many cardboard toys for kids are large. This toy can be packed up and made portable. It is made up of three panels that tie together, so there is opportunity for your child to paint six different scenes (front and back of three panels). This playhouse comes together easily.

Supplies needed:
- Corrugated cardboard
- Craft knife
- Paint
- Hole punch
- Twine
Cardboard playhouse from Kids Activities Blog
Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05 of 06
Wacky Balls

Kids Activity Blog

This is a great craft and toy for older kids. Wacky balls are those squishy balls (like a hacky sack) that you kick with the object of keeping them from touching the ground. When not playing with them with your feet, you can squish them in your hands.

Supplies needed:
- Balloons
- Flour
- Spoon
- Scissors
- Funnel
Wacky Balls from Kids Activities Blog
06 of 06
Reusable Sponge Water Bombs

Kids Activities Blog

Making water bombs is an easy activity that your kids will love to do. They can be reused again and again. Best of all, they are made from sponges that are probably hanging out under your kitchen sink.

Supplies needed:
- Sponges
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Marker
- String
Sponge water bombs from TheChicSite