Make a pair of Pringles can binoculars for pretend play, scavenger hunts, or a game of “I Spy.” All you need are two Pringles cans, some paint, a stapler, and a length of yarn.
See our Pringles Can Santa Telescope here.
My preschoolers loved making these Pringles can binoculars and then using them on a walk around the neighbourhood.
Much better than toilet-paper-roll binoculars
We often make toy binoculars from toilet-paper rolls, but this time we used a pair of Pringles cans and the difference is obvious: they’re sturdier and hold up to active play. Little hands can grip them without crushing them, and they’ll last much longer than TP-roll versions.
Another advantage is that these binoculars actually have “lenses.” Instead of open ends like a TP-roll craft, the clear plastic lids on the Pringles cans make the binoculars feel more realistic.
Perfect for make-believe and nature hunts
These binoculars are ideal for imaginative play indoors or for exploring outside. We took ours on a nature hunt and had a blast spotting things around the yard and on our walk.
Here’s how we made them.
How to Make Pringles Can Binoculars:
Supplies:
- 2 Pringles cans with lids
- Serrated knife
- Paint (acrylic or poster paint)
- Thick yarn, shoelace, or ribbon
- Stapler
- Metal skewer or similar tool to punch holes
Instructions:
Remove the bottoms
Carefully cut the bottom off each Pringles can so both ends are open. A serrated bread knife with a sawing motion works well. Remove the lids and set them aside for the next step.
Paint the cans
Paint the outside of the cans with acrylic craft paint or poster paint. You can keep the design simple or let children decorate them with patterns and stickers once the paint is dry.
Note: We’d previously painted these cans for another project, so they were ready when the kids wanted to make binoculars. Painted cans make a quick, colorful craft.
Staple the cans together
Snap the lids onto one end of each can, align the two cans side by side, and staple them together along the seam. The cardboard can be thick, so an adult may need to apply pressure or help position the stapler. We placed a couple of staples just inside the openings, pressed the stapler down as far as it would go, and stapled again for security.
If you prefer, heavy-duty tape can be used instead of staples, but staples make a quick, sturdy join.
Attach the neck strap
Use a soft, thick piece of yarn, a shoelace, or ribbon for a neck strap. Poke a small hole in the outside of each can with a metal skewer or similar tool, thread the strap through, and tie knots to secure it. Make sure the knots are tight so the strap won’t slip through.
Now the binoculars are ready for play!
Looking through them is fun and a little more realistic thanks to the clear lids:
We couldn’t wait to get outside and try them out.
On our walk we used the binoculars to examine lots of things, such as:
the fish in our pond,
the flowers in the garden,
and Nelson the cat, to name a few.
Close supervision required (neck strap)
Because a neck strap can present a hazard, supervise young children closely when they play with these binoculars. If you prefer, leave the strap off entirely to eliminate that risk.
More Pringles Can Crafts and Activities
Pringles Can Santa Telescope
Pringles Can People
Pringles Can Windsock
Pringles Can Drop Box Activity
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