Serena Every child has a wild imagination, and what better way to let it run free than with some fun, DIY animal crafts?
Picture this: a group of kids, scissors in hand, eager to create their favorite animals.
A paper plate transforms into a roaring lion’s face, a pinecone turns into a wise owl, and a simple rock becomes a bright red ladybug.
These 25 easy and fun crafts let kids bring their favorite creatures to life using everyday materials—while learning about animals in the process.
Ready for a crafty adventure?
Let’s get started!
Paper Plate Lion
Transform a simple paper plate into a roaring lion by painting it yellow, then adding a mane made from paper strips. Use a pom-pom for the nose and draw the eyes and mouth.
Black Cat Craft
Just in time for Halloween, kids can learn how to make a fun paper bobble head black cat craft. This easy DIY kitty craft includes a free pattern, making it perfect for home or school.
Pinecone Owls
Collect pinecones and turn them into owls by gluing on felt wings, eyes, and a beak. This craft helps kids develop fine motor skills and creativity.
Rock Ladybugs
Paint smooth stones red with black spots to make ladybugs. These little critters are perfect for outdoor decoration or a nature-themed classroom.
Paper Roll Snakes
Cut a cardboard tube into segments, paint them with bright colors, and add a tongue made from construction paper. These snakes can be personalized with any colors!
Squirrel Hat Craft
Each squirrel holds an acorn in its paws and has a big bushy tail. It really is the cutest Fall paper craft ever!
Footprint Fish
Dip kids’ feet in paint to create a fish shape, then decorate with additional details like scales using markers or stickers.
Cotton Ball Sheep
Create a fluffy sheep by gluing cotton balls to a paper plate. Add a cute black face and feet, making it a perfect craft for spring.
Paper Plate Farm Animals
Egg Carton Turtles
Cut and paint an egg carton to make the turtle shell, then add legs, a head, and a tail using construction paper.
Cardboard Box Elephant
Use a large cardboard box as the body and add oversized ears and a long trunk for a fun and interactive elephant craft.
3D Paper Giraffe Craft
3D paper giraffe craft is the perfect engaging activity for pre-schoolers and school early years to strengthen fine motor skills and keep them entertained
Popsicle Stick Crocodile
Glue popsicle sticks to create the body of a crocodile, and then add eyes and a painted mouth. This craft is simple but super fun for little ones.
Button Snail
Create a snail by gluing colorful buttons in a spiral pattern for the shell and adding a pipe cleaner for the body.
Paper Plate Parrot
Decorate a paper plate with colorful feathers to make a parrot. You can even add a beak and legs to complete the bird.
Felt Fox Masks
Cut out fox shapes from felt to create a fun, wearable mask. Perfect for kids to engage in imaginative play.
Paper Plate Monkey Craft
This easy kids’ craft is perfect for jungle animal school themes or for a jungle animal birthday party craft!
Handprint Turtle
Trace the kids’ hands to form the turtle’s body and shell, then decorate with fun designs or stickers to represent the shell pattern.
Cardboard Fox Craft
Cut out a fox shape from cardboard and decorate with painted details like a white belly, brown tail, and big ears.
Paper Cup Penguin
Turn a paper cup into a penguin by painting it black and white, and adding paper for feet, flippers, and a beak.
Paper Elephant Craft
For kids who love elephants, making this fun and easy paper elephant craft is a cute way to spend some crafting time!
Toilet Paper Roll Owls
Use toilet paper rolls to create owl bodies. Glue on feathers, eyes, and beaks, and let kids paint the owl however they like.
Paper Plate Whale
Paint a paper plate blue for the whale’s body and cut out a tail and fins. Add eyes to complete this ocean-themed craft.
Paper Bag Owl
Use a brown paper bag as the base for an owl, and then add paper feathers, a beak, and eyes to complete the adorable creature.
Toilet Paper Roll Bunny
If you’re looking for an easy Easter craft for kids this toilet paper roll bunny craft is perfect.
Paper Plate Frog
Turn a paper plate into a frog by painting it green and adding legs, eyes, and a tongue. This is a great spring or pond-themed craft.
Polar Bear Paper Plate Craft
As the kids finish their last animal craft, the room fills with smiles and laughter.
What started as simple materials—paper plates, buttons, and paint—has transformed into a world full of lions, turtles, and ladybugs.
These crafts weren’t just about making something cute; they sparked creativity and curiosity, and for a moment, the children were transported into a world where their imaginations could run wild.
So, whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a weekend project, these 30+ animal crafts will keep the kids entertained and inspired.
Grab your supplies and let the crafting adventure begin!
