Cardboard tubes (some people call them paper rolls) are perfect for creating crafts that engage children in pretend play once craft time is finished.

They are also great for using in a variety of STEM activities for kids.  

This Flying Dragon Craft is a fun cardboard tube craft that doubles as a simple STEM activity.  

It uses materials you probably already have on hand, which means your child can get busy creating their very own flying dragon toy, without you having to hunt fancy craft stores for supplies.  

Do you know a child that loves dragons?

Dragon activities like this one are sure to be a hit!   

Your child may also love this homemade dragon cake and homemade dragon pinata.   They’d be fun dragon crafts for kids that are older, or make them for a dragon themed party.  

This dragon craft had my son roaring and smiling as he made his homemade dragon fly over and over again.   Your child is going to love it, too!

Flying Dragon Craft

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Materials Needed:

• empty cardboard roll (4-6 inches long)
• construction paper
• yarn (or heavy string)
• markers
• wiggly eyes
• scissors
• craft glue

Decide what color you want your dragon to be. 

We chose green, but your child can make their cardboard tube dragon whatever color they choose.  They might even want to make it have multiple colors, using a different color for the wings, body, and head.  

Measure the length of your cardboard tube and cut a strip of construction paper that wide so it will cover the tube. 

Glue this paper around the tube.  You could also use clear tape to hold it in place.

Fold a piece of construction paper in half and draw a wing shape on the paper, with the folded edge being where the wing would meet the dragon’s body.  Cut out the wing shape so that when you unfold it, you have 2 wings that are connected.

Glue the wings to the cardboard tube.

Use construction paper to create a tail and a head for the dragon.  For our head we cut a piece that looks a bit like an acorn with 2 small horns. 

Your child may choose to cut a simple circle shape.  Or they may get even more creative when making their paper dragon head.  

Attach the wiggly eyes to the head and use markers to complete the dragon’s face.

Glue the tail and head to the cardboard tube.

Let the glue dry completely before doing the next part.

How to Make a Flying Dragon Toy

Cut 4-5 feet of yarn (or heavy string). 

Fold it in half and loop it over a doorknob so an equal amount hangs on both sides.  You could also hang it from a hook or the knob on a cabinet.  

Thread the loose ends of the yarn through the top of your cardboard dragon so they stick out the bottom.

To make the dragon fly, hold the two ends of the yarn, one in each hand, and pull your hands apart to separate the yarn.

As you move your hands apart, the dragon will fly to the top of the yarn. When you bring your hands back together, the dragon will slide back down.

Dragon STEM Activity 

This simple kids dragon craft is also a wonderful STEM activity. 

The yarn is actually acting like a lever in this activity.

Pulling the yarn pieces apart and to the sides changes the angle of the yarn to the tube.  The yarn, working as a lever, pushes the dragon up. 

When you change the angle of the yarn so it’s back to the center, the dragon slides back down with the help of gravity.

We had so much fun with this flying dragon craft and STEM activity.  I know your child will love it, too.

You may also enjoy:

• Musical STEM Activities
• Design a Boat that Floats
• How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

Our Favorite Craft Materials

Updated from November 2, 2018.

The post Flying Dragon Craft first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

But what about the boys?  

For boys who aren’t in to all the hoopla surrounding this overly girly holiday, here are some awesome Valentines Ideas for Boys.

Why wait for the 14th?  Your child will love these 14 Days of Love Ideas.  

Valentines Ideas for Boys

• Red Hot Slime  —  Slime is always fun.  Boys will have fun making this slime, using candy red hots hearts to give it a holiday twist.  (Be sure to have a few extra for tasting!) 
• Candy Heart Science  —  Use those conversation hearts for some fun and tasty experiments.  
• Erupting Lava Lamp  —  There is just something about making things explode and make a mess that boys love.  This Valentine-themed science experiment will have them begging to do it over and over.  
• Cupid’s Quiver and Arrows —  This would be so much fun for pretend play.
• Heart Bombs — Boys will have fun making these  heart bombs fizz to expose the hidden surprise inside.    
• Funny Valentine’s Day Books for Boys —  When it comes to holidays, I love finding books to read with the kids.  If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day books that will have him giggling,  check out these.

Boy Valentine Crafts

Looking for Valentine craft ideas your son won’t run from?   Check out these Valentine ideas to try at home or Scout meetings. 

• Looking for the perfect box to collect those Valentine’s Day cards?  Check out these boys Valentine boxes. 
• Valentine’s Day Jet Pack — Boys will blast off to adventure with this fun craft. 
• Valentine Robot —  This robot would be so fun to craft together as you explore shapes.   
• Cupid’s Arrows —  Kids will have fun making these arrows you can fly like paper airplanes.
• Paper Heart Penguins —  Who can resist a cute penguin?  You may also want to check out these Paper Heart Animals.

Homemade Valentines for Boys

Cards are a big part of Valentine’s Day.  

Whether your son is making the cards for friends at school, or you are looking for one to give your son, these Valentine cards for boys will make him smile.  

• Valentine Spoon Superheroes  — These are so creative and would be a fun make for a class party.   Your son can choose to skip the pink and make them with capes of red and blue instead.  
• Straw Rocket Valentine  —  When it comes to Valentines for boys to make, this one is going to get people talking.  The secret is, it really flies!  
•  Paper Plate Dinosaur Valentine —  Boys love dinosaurs.  These homemade dinosaur valentines would be fun to make at home to give friends and relatives.  
• Footprint Race Car — This footprint craft is perfect for boys that love cars.  
• Hand Print Monkey Valentine —  Make it as a card, or put it on a canvas for a beautiful keepsake.   I can see it as a fun Cub Scout Valentine craft that kids can give parents afterwards.  
• Monster Truck Valentines —  Have you ever tried painting with trucks?  Use the artwork to make some one of a kind, all boy, Valentines.
• Printable Car Card — This adorable car Valentine says, “I wheelie like you!”  It’s perfect for adding a toy car to as an extra special gift. 
• Non-Mushy Valentines — These printable cards would be fun for any boy to hand out to friends at school. 

Girls may love all the frilly pink hearts and flowers, but boys shouldn’t feel left out this February.  These Valentines ideas for boys are sure to be big hits.

Know someone with boys?  Be sure to share these ideas!

You may also like:

• 14 Days of Love Notes
• 50 Heart Crafts & Activities 
• Cherry Explosion — Valentine’s Day Science 

Originally published January 18, 2016.

The post Awesome Valentine’s Day Ideas for Boys first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.