Easy Alligator Craft for Kids (Fun Moving Activity)

Looking for a fun and easy alligator craft for kids? This interactive alligator craft is a hands-on animal activity that kids will love because it actually moves! Using simple craft supplies and an easy template, children can create their own playful alligator while practicing creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.

This easy alligator craft is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-aged kids learning about reptiles, zoo animals, wetlands, or swamp habitats. Whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, or during an animal-themed lesson, this fun activity keeps kids engaged while learning through play.

One of the best things about this alligator craft is that the fun continues after the crafting is finished. Since the alligator moves, kids can use it for imaginative storytelling, pretend play, or even create an entire swamp animal collection.

If you enjoy making this alligator craft, you’re also going to love making this crocodile craft, this frog craft , these wild zoo crafts and this turtle craft.

Save this Alligator craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

Skills This Craft Builds

This moving alligator craft helps children strengthen important developmental skills while creating something fun.

Kids practice:

• Fine motor skills
• Scissor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Creativity
• Following directions
• Problem-solving
• Imaginative play

Best Ages for This Craft

Preschoolers

Younger children will enjoy decorating the alligator while adults help with cutting and assembly.

Kindergarteners

Kindergarten-aged kids can complete much of the craft independently while practicing coordination and sequencing.

Elementary Kids

Older children often enjoy adding details and creating imaginative play scenarios after the craft is complete.

Alligator Craft Variations

Rainbow Alligator Craft

Let kids decorate their alligator with bright colors and patterns instead of traditional green scales.

Crocodile Version

Turn the craft into a crocodile by changing the colors and discussing differences between alligators and crocodiles.

Swamp Scene Craft

Add lily pads, water, fish, and plants to create a full swamp habitat around the alligator.

Puppet Version

Attach a craft stick or paper bag to turn the alligator into a puppet for storytelling.

Animal Books to Pair With This Craft

The only thing better than making crafts is combining creating with reading a good book on the same topic. It’s a great way to also encourage a love of reading.

Fun Facts About Alligators

• Alligators can run up to 35 mph for a short period of time.
• They can’t survive in salt water.
• They can weigh more than 1000 pounds.
• Their gender is determined by temperature in the nest.
• The alligator’s eyes glow in the dark.
• Alligators have about 75 teeth and go through 3000 in a lifetime.

To learn more about alligators, check out this article from Alligator Alley.

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How to make an Alligator Craft

No two alligators are the same, and yours shouldn’t look just like mine either. Use traditional green or make your alligator craft with a rainbow of colors. Just use your imagination.

SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Green construction paper
• Clothespins
• Large popsicle stick
• Green paint (or washi tapes)
• Pompom
• Paper plate
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Googly eyes
• Markers
• Alligator craft template

To make crafting with your kids actually do-able and fun (like it should be), we always stick to a list of basic supplies that fit into one bag for all of the crafts that you see on this site. We never stray from the master list so that once you fill your bag, you’re ready to craft along over and over again, even when time and money is tight. Now let’s craft some memories!

Check Out the Video Tutorial for This Fun Alligator Craft

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Paint the Pieces

• Lay out 5 clothespins and a large popsicle stick on a paper plate.
• Use a pompom to paint them with green paint. You can choose to paint one side or both.
• Set them aside and let them dry.

Step 2: Use the Alligator Craft Template

• Download and print the alligator craft template. We printed directly onto green construction paper.
• Use your markers to add some details to the alligator.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Alligator Craft

• Now cut out all of the parts in the craft template.

Step 4: Begin Assembly

• Now that the paint has dried, clip the 5 clothespins side by side onto the popsicle stick. These act as the middle section of your alligator.

Step 5: Add the Alligator’s Head

• Start with the head of the alligator and cover it in glue.
• Then attach it to your popsicle stick, positioning it so tha tthe clothespins fall in place as the body of your alligator.
• Put one of the legs in place on the glue.
• Place the other alligator head on top, sandwiching the popsicle stick in the center.

Step 6: Then Add the Tail

• Repeat step number 5 for the tail of your alligator craft.

Step 7: Finish Off Your Alligator Craft

• Add some googly eyes to your alligator’s face.
• Then draw on a smile.

Now that you know how to make this super fun alligator craft, don’t stop at one. Go ahead and make another.

Keep the Crafty Fun Going!

How to skip the paint

The above instructions call for using paint, but there’s a super fun way to skip the paint all together using my favorite craft supply…washi tape! For step 1, instead of getting out the paint, cover the popsicle stick and the 2 main sides of your clothespins with washi tape in green patterns. It can be all the same washi tape or mix it up. You’re going to love how it turns out and how little mess is required.

Here are even more Animal Crafts to make

Craft Stick Otter Craft

Platypus Craft

Paper Crocodile Craft

Share With Us

Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and email it to us directly by clicking here or use #inthebagkidscrafts on your social media!

FAQ about this Easy Alligator Craft???