It's the closing weekend of Chicago International Puppet Theatre. Photo by Richard Termine.
Groundhog Day, Winter Fests, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
The Dupage Children's Museum is a great space for hands-on learning and play. Photo courtesy of the museum
Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Naperville, Illinois (Rainy Day & Winter Fun)
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
30 Things To Do with Your Baby in Chicago
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Kids Empire offers indoor birthday parties at budget prices. Photo courtesy of Kids Empire
Cheap Party Rental Spots in Chicago Great For Kid Birthday Parties
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Fat Shallot has kid-friendly food near Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Fat Shallot
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Chicago for Kids & Families (Under $10!) — Recs From Locals
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Chicago
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Frosty Fest is free this January in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Gurnee Park District
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Chicago in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Snow tubing is a favorite winter activity in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Canva
Chicago's Winter Bucketlist: 33 Things to Do this Winter in Chicago with Kids
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families in 2025
Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places in Chicago Where Kids Can Earn Scout Badges
Try a hands-on museum for the whole family. Photo by Kyle Flubacker courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Things to Do in Chicago That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids
See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids 2025
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in Chicago
If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Chicago
Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Teen Museum Programs in Chicago: Internships, Workshops, and More

Upcycled Animal Treat Boxes

These cute little animals are made from upcycled toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
2/6/14 - By Anna Fader

I adore these cute little animals made from up-cycled toilet paper or paper towel rolls. So simple to make, you can turn them into little favor boxes with treats inside, finger puppets, or just use them for imaginative play. We filled them with candy and glued hearts to the bottom of ours for a sweet Valentine's Day gift. What will you do with yours?

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

I started collecting toilet paper and paper towel rolls a few weeks ago and have been saving them for crafts. You can use one roll per animal or even cut them in half and make little minis.

1. Fold both sides of the top of a toilet paper roll over to form ears.

2. Draw an animal on the tube. Markers work well, but you can use paint or even colored tissue paper cutouts.

3. Put some candy inside and then glue a paper heart to the bottom to look like feet.