Doodle cubes are a fun art activity for kids that allows them to see how their 2D designs can translate into 3D designs. Great for spatial awareness!
Updated June 2025
As a designer by trade, I am often focused on how things look in 3 dimensions. So today I’m excited to translate a 2-dimensional activity: drawing, into a 3-dimensional project with you: doodle cubes. Depending on the age of your children this can be as basic as drawing on our template. Or it can be as complex as trying to match up 2D pattern sections to create flowing color and form.
And doodling is such an important pastime to foster in kids.
Several research studies have been done that suggest that doodling actually helps people commit to memory the ideas that they are listening to while drawing. Doodling is said to help people retain information, foster creative thinking, and believe or not, help people focus. I also find doodling incredibly relaxing.
Here’s how to make doodle cubes!
How to Make Doodle Cubes for Kids
MATERIALS
- Cube template (download here)
- Paper or cardstock
- Markers, paints, ballpoint pens, Sharpies
- Scissors
- Glue and/or tape
INSTRUCTIONS
- Print out the template for doodle cube
If you are going to paint your cubes, print them on cardstock. If you are going to use pens, you can print them on regular paper.
- Doodle! Or paint or draw
Here’s the BIG TIP: Try and start a line or color block on the tick marks along each side of the cube. This will guarantee that the lines will continue around the side of the cube and appear to flow. You can also use the letters to find the matching side of the cube.
- Cut it out
Fold along the light lines with crisp folds and cut along the solid lines.
- Add glue to the tabs
Tuck them UNDER the cube sides and press together. Alternatively or in addition to the glue you can add tape to the sides. The cubes are delicate so parents may wish to do this step for younger children who might crush the cube while trying to glue it.
You’re done! Make a few of these and explore how 2D patterns translate into 3-dimensional objects!
I hope you will give doodling a try with our Doodle Cubes and turn mindless sketching into a little 3D surprise!
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