Hirshhorn: Colorful Kaleidoscope

Create your own rainbow kaleidoscope with this fun and informative art activity from the Hirshhorn Museum!

Explore Here!
Smithsonian

Learn about rainbows, reflection and refraction in this hands-on activity from the Hirshhorn. Follow the step-by-step instructions and decorate your kaleidoscope materials with your favorite colors. Try to experiment with your kaleidoscope in different light! For more information about this activity, please click Explore Here!

‍

Resources
Downloadable PDF
Activity Type
Age Group
6 +
Adult Involvement
Helpful
Materials Needed
A cardboard tube (toilet paper rolls work well), Three strips of aluminum foil and three strips of thick white paper (all cut to the same length as your cardboard tube, and 1 ¼ inches wide to fit within the diameter of the cardboard tube), Tape, a white paper circle at least 3 inches in diameter, a pipe cleaner cut in half, Markers, Decorative materials (paint, markers, pens, stickers, etc.) for the outside of your kaleidoscope tube
Time Required
1-2 hours
Choose another Activity
No items found.
Related Activities
No items found.

Gallery Examples

No gallery examples are available at this time
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Sign Up to learn when new activities are added to the Explore! Sandbox

DONATE

facebook

instagram

contact

Copyright © 2026 Explore Children's Museum
395 Ingraham St NE Washington, DC 20011
Privacy PolicyDesigned by IFMM