Cardboard Tube Pirate Ship

Ready to set sail on a high seas adventure without leaving your home? This week, we're making a cardboard tube pirate ship that's perfect for sparking imaginations and bringing some nautical fun to your playtime. Grab your supplies, and let’s embark on this crafty voyage together!

Activity the Day

Cardboard Tube Pirate Ship

Transform everyday materials into a seafaring vessel.

Things You’ll Need:

• Cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel rolls)

• A small cardboard box (like a tissue box)

• Paints, markers, or crayons

• Glue or tape

• Scissors

• Craft sticks or straws

• Paper for sails

• String (optional for rigging)

Step-by-step Process:

1. Start with your small cardboard box. This will be the main body of the ship. Paint or color it to resemble a pirate ship. Get creative with colors and designs.

2. Insert craft sticks or straws into the cardboard tubes. These will serve as the masts for your sails. Secure the masts inside the box using glue or tape.

3. Cut out sails from paper. You can use white paper and decorate it with pirate symbols or colors. Attach the sails to the masts with glue or tape. For added realism, use string to create rigging between the masts.

4. Add any additional details to your ship. You might want to draw portholes, an anchor, or even a pirate flag. Let your imagination run wild!

Once your pirate ship is ready, encourage your kids to come up with pirate tales. They can draw maps, hide "treasures" around the house, and even dress up as pirates to enhance the experience.

💡 Inspiration

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Blog post similar to today’s activity (Link)

Why we love this activity

Creating a pirate ship from cardboard tubes is more than just a fun activity; it’s a gateway to imaginative play. Your kids will love sailing their ship across the living room seas, hunting for treasure, and maybe even encountering a sea monster or two.

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