Cardboard Tube Bees
2-4 Years, 4-6 Years, 6 Plus
Turn recycled cardboard tubes into your very own buzzing bees. This simple craft combines creativity with an opportunity to explore nature, minibeasts and the important role bees play in our environment. Afterwards, use the bees for imaginative play.
Learn what you need to do for this activity
Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Cover the cardboard tube in yellow.
Add black stripes, wings, eyes and antennae.
Talk about the different features of a bee as you create.
Make several bees and use them for imaginative play.
What's Needed:
Cardboard tubes
Yellow & black paper
Glue
Googly eyes or pens
Child-safe scissors
How to Adapt
For younger children: Prepare the pieces beforehand for simple sticking and decorating.
For older children: Let them design and construct their bee independently.
Make it more open-ended: Create flowers, a hive or other minibeasts and build your own little garden world.
Benefits of the Activity
Develops fine motor skills
Supports hand-eye coordination
Encourages creativity and imagination
Builds descriptive language
Encourages curiosity about nature
Introduces early knowledge of insects and habitats
Supports observation and questioning
Encourages imaginative and small-world play
