Looking for a fun and frugal craft to celebrate Chinese New Year with your kids? This toilet paper roll dragon craft is the perfect way to bring the spirit of the holiday to life!
Using simple materials and a bit of creativity, your child can create their very own dragon that breathes fire—a symbol of strength, luck, and good fortune in Chinese culture.
This craft is also fantastic because it helps your students develop fine motor skills while sparking their imagination. Whether you’re a homeschool mom, teacher, librarian, or grandparent, this project will add a magical touch to your celebrations!
I’ve got step-by-step instructions for making your dragon. Also, I’m sharing five creative ways you can use this craft for a variety of fun activities.
A Dragon Activity Your Kids Will Love!
Want to make engage your children in a fun activity but don’t have a lot of money to spend? Or maybe you need a creative activity for celebrating Chinese New Year? Perhaps you’re looking for a cool option for screen-free fun?
Well, this simple toilet paper roll dragon craft is terrific for all of those things and many more!
When my boys were young, they each loved to pretend that they were different animals and mythical creatures. My middle son thought it was a blast to be a dragon. His older brothers were really into the book (and movie) series How to Train Your Dragon so it makes sense.
I have such happy memories of his little face lighting up when we made a version of this DIY dragon craft. He was so excited to make a custom dragon – and blow through the tube to “breath fire”. Of course, he also liked making roaring sound effects.
We’ve revisited this craft over the years for Chinese New Year fun, too. I think it’s awesome when you can find budget-friendly ideas that you can be used in multiple ways!
Suggested Supplies for This Breathing Fire Dragon Craft
This easy craft for kids uses just a few materials. Oh, and I have a tip for you: Start a stash of empty toilet paper rolls now so you’ll have plenty to use for making extra TP roll dragons!
Have these supplies prepared so you’ll be all set for craft fun with kids. I’ll add recommendations for tweaking the craft, too.
- Toilet Paper Roll
- Green Felt
- Pom Poms (2 big and 2 small)
- Googly Eyes
- Orange, Red, and Yellow Tissue Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
If you would rather not use felt and glue, you can use paint OR tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) to color the toilet paper roll. We have a metallic Kwik Stix set that has a super cool green that’s awesome for this craftivity!
Other materials that you may want to include for your dragon craft time are:
- Craft feathers
- Pipe cleaners
- Cotton balls
- Foam stickers
- Sequins
- Washi tape
How to Make This Toilet Paper Roll Dragon Craft
01
Prepare toilet paper roll
Cut a sheet of felt that is as wide as the toilet paper roll is long – and long enough to wrap around the roll.
Wrap the felt around, gluing as you go. Hot glue is best for this, but school glue will work fine. It just takes longer to dry.
02
Prepare the eyes of your dragon
While the glue is drying, glue a googly eye to one of the bigger pom poms. Repeat for the second eye.
03
Attach the eyes
Glue the two eyes to one end of the tube, so that the eyes are facing the other end.
04
Attach the nose parts
Glue the two smaller pom poms, side by side, to the other end.
05
Prepare the tissue paper
While the glue is drying, cut out several long strips of both colors of tissue paper.
06
Attach the tissue paper
Glue the tissue paper strips all around the inside of the tube, on the end with the smaller pom poms.
Blow into the tube to make the dragon breathe fire!
5 Creative Ways to Enjoy Your DIY Dragon
Not exactly sure how to use this breathing fire dragon toilet paper roll craft? I encourage you to think outside the box and talk with your students about their ideas. My boys and I have used as part of:
- Celebrating Chinese New Year – Make the craft and read a book with a dragon in it. Your students can make their own dragons breathe fire whenever the dragon is seen in a picture or speaks.
- Celebrating Appreciate a Dragon Day (January 16)
- Greek mythology fun
- Creative brain breaks – Enjoy this craft when you need an easy and affordable activity between subjects
- Indoor winter fun – Stuck inside because of yucky weather? Create an interactive dragon!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Dragon Craft
Yes! While tissue paper gives a great fiery look, you can also use crepe paper (like party streamers), orange or red cellophane, or even cotton balls for a more puffy effect. Just experiment with what you have in your craft stash!
Absolutely! Younger kids can help with preparing the tissue paper and decorating the dragon. An adult or older child may need to help with gluing (if using hot glue gun) and creating the fire.
This craft is great for learning about Chinese New Year traditions and culture. You can incorporate lessons on Chinese zodiac animals, storytelling with dragons, or even explore Chinese art and design. It’s an opportunity to mix creativity with history and cultural exploration!
Take Your Dragon Fun to the Next Level
While this craft is fun on its own, consider adding books and other resources with dragon themes. Such simple ways to extend the learning and keep it relaxed!
Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book (Puffin Lift-the-Flap)The Tale of Nian, A Lunar New Year Story: A Bilingual Children’s Book in English and Mandarin ChineseSpirit of the Dragon: A Chinese New Year Kids Book: Celebrating the Lunar New Year and Learning about Chinese TraditionsHolidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and LanternsThe Truth About Dragons: (Caldecott Honor Book)How to Catch a DragonDragons Love Tacos
⭐ What are your ideas for making and enjoying this toilet paper roll dragon craft for kids? Let me know if you have any questions about the instructions. Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
