Goldfish Toilet Roll Craft for Kids – Free Template
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Goldfish Toilet Roll Craft for Kids – Free Template
Make a splash with this adorable goldfish toilet roll craft! Kids turn an empty toilet paper roll into the cutest little goldfish, complete with big googly eyes, a flowing tail, side fins, and hand-drawn scales. It's a simple, budget-friendly recycled craft that comes together in just a few easy steps. Whether you're exploring ocean animals at home, teaching an under-the-sea theme in the classroom, or looking for a fun Earth Day upcycling project, this happy little goldfish is sure to swim straight into your kids' hearts.
Why Kids Love This Craft
Kids love that this craft starts with something they'd normally toss in the recycling bin — an empty toilet paper roll — and transforms into a swimmable, playable goldfish! They get to paint the body their favorite shade of gold or orange, add those big adorable eyes, and draw on wiggly scales and a cheerful smile. The layered tail fins give it a fun, three-dimensional look, and because it stands up on its own, kids can play with their finished goldfish long after craft time is over. It's a wonderful way to build fine-motor skills through cutting, gluing, and drawing.
What You'll Need
- Empty toilet paper or paper towel roll (cut to about 4 inches long)
- Colored paper (or color the template)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Free printable template (download below!)
How to Make a Goldfish Toilet Roll Craft
Step 1 — Print and prep the template. Print the free goldfish template and color it as needed. Tip: print the template directly onto colored paper to save time on coloring!
Step 2 — Color the roll. Paint or color your toilet paper roll a bright, sunny goldfish gold. Let it dry before moving on.
Step 3 — Cut out the pieces. Carefully cut out all the template pieces — the eyes, side fins, and tail fins.
Step 4 — Attach the side fins. Add glue to the middle of the side fin piece, then set the toilet roll down on top of it so a fin sticks out on each side.
Step 5 — Add the tail. Layer the bottom tail fins together, spreading them apart into a fanned tail shape, then glue them to the inside of the toilet roll at the bottom.
Step 6 — Glue on the eyes. Cut out and glue the big goldfish eyes to the top front of the roll for that classic wide-eyed goldfish look.
Step 7 — Draw the details. Use a marker to draw on a happy smile and wiggly scale lines across the body. And just like that, your goldfish is ready to swim! 🐠
Your cute little goldfish is ready to make a splash! 🌊
🖻️ Get the Free Template 🐾 See More Animal Crafts
Tips for Making It Even Better
- Print the template right onto colored or metallic gold paper to skip the coloring step entirely — perfect for younger crafters or classroom groups.
- Add a little glitter or iridescent paper to the tail and fins for a shimmery, scaly effect that catches the light.
- Make a whole school of goldfish in different colors — orange, gold, and even fancy calico patterns — for a fun ocean display.
- Punch a hole in the top and hang them with string to create a swimming goldfish mobile!