100 Paper Crafts for Kids
We always keep a generous supply of construction paper in our craft bag, in lots of colors. And these paper crafts for kids are exactly the reason. It’s amazing what you can do with just some paper, scissors, glue and a little bit of imagination. Of course, these paper craft ideas are a great place to start, but I’d love to see what crafts you come up with using construction paper too. Let your imagination run wild!
Save these Paper Crafts for Kids for later. Pin to your favorite Pinterest board…
All About the Craft Supplies
Like I said, we keep lots of construction paper in our kids’ craft bag. It’s one of the items on our master list of craft supplies that we use to make all of the hundreds of crafts on this site (and in our shop). It’s like having a capsule wardrobe…but for kids’ crafts instead of outfits. With just 27 basic items that fit into one bag, you’ll be amazed at all of the things you can make by just mixing and matching.
Specifically, we keep a variety pack of heavy weight construction paper, which includes both white, brown and black, as well as the primary colors, light blue, pink, and light green. Most variety packs don’t include gray. So, we also added a small pack of gray paper. You’d be surprised how often we use the gray for lots of different animal crafts.
Our Favorite Paper Crafts for Kids
Basketball Craft Player Puppet (with FREE Template)
Spread the loveThis paper bag basketball craft puppet turns your favorite player into an interactive craft. It leads to hours of creative play. Use the free craft template as a starting point for easy crafting. Then use your favorite team colors and add whatever details you like to really make this fun basketball craft player…
Orca Craft (with FREE template)
Spread the loveThis orca craft is fun and simple to make and takes just a few supplies from your craft bag. Orca whales (aka killer whales) are fascinating sea creatures that often keep us humans in awe of their intelligence and abilities. But they aren’t called “killer” whales for nothing. These majesty animals are truly…
Manatee Craft for Kids (with FREE Template)
Spread the loveThis manatee craft is so fun and simple to make. Have you ever seen a manatee up close? They are fascinating. Such sweet animals that really just look like big potatoes with a tail floating peacefully in the water. Read on to learn some interesting facts about these unique sea creatures. And if…
Cupcake Craft
Spread the loveThis sweet cupcake craft is a simple printable that you can decorate anyway that you like. It’s a great open-ended craft that leaves lots of room for creativity. Plus, it can easily be used as a letter C craft for preschoolers or toddlers. We’ll talk about that later…so keep reading. And be sure…
Easy Dolphin Craft (FREE Printable)
Spread the loveThis dolphin craft is so fun and simple to make. Just use the free printable craft template, and it goes together easy. I remember the last time I went to the beach. The dolphins were my favorite thing. Our family would hang out on the beach at sunset just hoping for a glimpse…
Name Puzzle Printable Crafts (FREE!)
Spread the loveTeaching your child any new skill is best done with hands-on activities that engage more of the senses and feel like play. These name puzzle printable crafts are a super simple way to introduce name recognition and spelling…and take only minutes to prep. You can also work on beginning scissors skills while you’re…
Football Activity for Kids (Name Puzzle)
Spread the loveThis football activity for kids is the perfect learning through play activity for the little sports fan in your life. It’s a simple paper name puzzle in the shape of a puzzle. We provide the template, and you take it from there. If you like this football craft, you’re also going to love…
Paper Mitten Craft for Kids
Spread the loveLet’s get right to it…this simple kids’ craft will take about 5 minutes, is great for any age, and leaves plenty of room for imagination. The steps are few, but the results are pleasantly surprising. So, without further ado (yes, I said ado), enjoy this paper mitten craft! Stick around to the end,…
Easy Ice Skate Craft for Kids
Spread the loveIf I’m totally honest, I’m not a fan of winter. But it does have some perks, like sledding, making snowmen, snuggling under cozy warm blankets with a mug of hot cocoa…and ice skating! Of course, in our family, we’re actually at the rink year round since our son plays hockey. (Yes, a mom…
Snowman Craft (with FREE Template)
Spread the loveThis adorable snowman craft starts with a paper lunch bag and turns into a fun play things or winter decoration. We used a white paper bag, but you can also use a brown one and just paint or color the front. Give your snowman craft its own unique personality with whatever details you…
Elf Craft
Spread the loveThis elf craft is just so completely adorable. It starts with a simple paper lunch bag and then becomes a festive elf that you can use as a Christmas decoration or play with, making up all kinds of amazing stories about the journeys he’s been on. There is no limit to the fun…
DIY Sports Crafts (FREE Printables)
Spread the loveMake cheering for your favorite team even more fun with these DIY sports crafts. Every fan can make their own unique “foam” finger and mini sports penant for game day. We used ours while cheering on the US in the FIFA World Cup games. It made the experience even more fun. And, if…
Thanksgiving Turkey Craft (FREE Template)
Spread the loveThis Thanksgiving turkey craft is so beyond adorable and starts with a simple paper lunch bag. Customize it so that it holds whatever you like in his little feathered “hands”. Then put it on a shelf or the mantle for a sweet DIY Thanksgiving decoration. Download the free turkey craft template for easy…
Hedgehog Craft (beyond Cute!)
Spread the loveThis hedgehog craft is simply the sweetest. You can choose to make it colorful or more traditional muted tones. It’s great as a preschool craft or toddler craft too, and placing the tissue paper squares is the perfect fine motor activity. Of course, kids of any age will enjoy making this adorable animal…
Gnome Craft (with Free Template)
Spread the loveThis gnome craft is so much fun to make and even more fun to play with as a puppet when you’re done creating. We chose traditional Christmas colors to make ours an adorable Christmas gnome craft, but this puppet can be made any time of the year. Just choose a different color scheme….
DIY Halloween Cards
Spread the loveMaking DIY Halloween cards is not only fun, but then you get to teach your kids about how to think of others when they give it to someone as a special treat (not trick). And this craft project leaves so much room for creativity. I promise you that no two cards will look…
Fun Fall Activities for Kids Paper Chain
Spread the loveI love this idea of planning fun fall activities for kids using a paper chain. Put the links together as a family and talk about all of the fun things you want to do during the Autumn months, when the weather is just absolutely perfect for so many fun things. Then as the…
Rocket Name Craft (with FREE Template)
Making a craft is a fun and simple way to teach name spelling and writing. And this rocket name craft is so much fun. We’ve written the child’s name, one letter on each section of the rocket, so that the parts can be moved around and put in the right order. Starting with letter identification…
Paper Bat Craft (Process Art!)
Spread the loveThis paper bat craft is extra special and one of the easiest crafts you will ever make with your kids. We’re going to use a process art technique that I call “squish” painting. It’s also sometimes call warshak painting because it results in designs that are symmetrical like those used for the Warshak…
Paper Plate Cat Craft {Get the FREE Template}
Spread the loveThis adorable paper plate cat craft has this little kitty curled up into a ball, sleeping the day away. In our version, the cat is orange with with stripes, but you can choose your own colors and make your cat look however you like. The only limit is your imagination. If you like…
Penguin Craft for Kids
Spread the loveThis penguin craft for kids starts with a simple paper lunch bag and turns into such a completely adorable animal craft. It’s the perfect make and play craft. And, of course, penguins are the perfect winter craft, but you can make him any time of the year and enjoy the process. And if…
Hammerhead Shark Craft (with FREE Template)
Spread the loveSharks are amazing creatures, truly majestic in so many ways. And this hammerhead shark craft is extra special. Honestly, this type of shark is so fascinating and unique in it’s look. But I still wouldn’t want to come face to face with it in the ocean. How about you? Let’s learn a little…
Teddy Bear Craft (with FREE Craft Template)
Spread the loveThis teddy bear craft is so cute you almost want to snuggle him. This is a great teddy bear craft for preschool but is also appropriate for kindergarteners or even elementary aged kids. If you really don’t want to mess with paint, then use markers or crayons to color the bear’s head and…
Paper Ice Cream Craft (with FREE Craft Template)
Spread the loveAround here, our favorite summer treat is ice cream! Of course, we never agree on what the best ice cream is. My youngest son prefers anything chocolate. I like mint chocolate chip. My husband enjoys cookies and cream the most. And then there’s my oldest son who’s allergic to milk but still loves…
Possum Craft for Kids (with FREE Craft Template)
Some people have strong opinions about possums. They either hate them or they love them. We know you are absolutely going to love this possum craft though. It’s so ugly it’s cute! It takes just a few supplies from your craft bag and has a pipe cleaner tail so that you can hang it up, as it likes to be upside down.
Paper Googly Eyes
Spread the loveIn our bag of craft supplies, we always keep some googly eyes. I am personally a fan of adding this little bit of quirkiness to crafts, but I also know that they’re the only thing on our master list of craft supplies that are not eco friendly. So, I also wanted to give…
Paper Animals (Squirrel, Raccoon & Bunny)
Have you ever seen that classic children’s craft of the paper lanterns? They are a super simple and fun craft for kids of any age. We are taking that idea and amping it up about a thousand notches to make these totally adorable paper animals. This collection includes a raccoon, squirrel and bunny to choose…
DIY Father’s Day Cards {FREE Printables}
Spread the loveWhat’s better than a handmade card to show your love? These free printable DIY Father’s Day cards are just the thing. Your kids will enjoy making them and feel so proud to give them to dad with their own special message inside. You can choose from several designs to print and make. Even…
R2D2 Craft for Kids {FREE Craft Template}
If you have watched even one Star Wars movie, you know that the real hero of the story is R2D2. And this R2D2 craft is simple to make and can lead to hours of creative play as he goes on adventures of his own. The only limit is your imagination. If you love Star Wars,…
Beehive Craft {With Paper Bees}
Spread the loveBees are so important to a happy and healthy world. And this beehive craft is simple and fun to make. You can print the pre-colored beehive background or print the coloring page beehive. Then makes as many little bees as you would like to buzz around the hive. Keep it simple or give…
Armadillo Craft for Kids {FREE Template!}
Spread the loveA simple paper animal craft is a great project to get started with if you’re wanting to create more with your family. This armadillo craft takes just a few basic craft suppplies from “in the bag”, and is super easy when you use the free printable armadillo craft template. Once you make him,…
Snail Craft {made with Recycle Newspaper!}
Spread the loveWho knew that a snail craft could be so adorable? And this one is made extra special using some recycled newspaper to give it a special look. This simple paper craft goes together quickly, especially when you use the free snail craft template. Once you finish it, make up some stories and play…
Newspaper Owl Craft {with FREE Template!}
Spread the loveThis newspaper owl craft is completely adorable and fun to make. We used print, but you can also use the comics for this stuffed animal craft. It gives it an even more whimsical look. And, if you like this owl craft, you are going to love making this paper bag owl, these snowy…
Dog Crafts for Kids {Get the Templates}
Spread the loveI love it when a craft just makes you smile. And you cannot help but smile when you see these dog crafts for kids. Each one is cuter than the one before. I haven’t been able to pick a favorite…the bulldog? the poodle? the pooch? or the maltese? They are all perfect little…
Paper Shark Craft {Free Craft Template}
Spread the loveSharks are amazing creatures, truly majestic in so many ways. Though, I don’t know many people who would like to meet them face to face. But this paper shark craft lets you get up and personal in a super fun way. We used basic gray paper, but please take some liberties and mix…
Penguin Craft {with Recycled Newspaper}
Spread the loveThis penguin craft starts with a little paint and goes from there. It’s fun to see the different elements and textures, like recycled newspaper for the tummy, come together to form a work of art. This winter craft can also turn into a teaching tool with one little tweak. Stick around to the…
Life-Sized Sunflower Craft for Kindergarten
Spread the loveThis is a super fun sunflower craft for kindergarten because it is as tall as the kiddo when it is finished. And, of course, this flower craft can also be enjoyed by preschoolers and elementary aged kiddos too. One of my favorite sites is a field full of sunflowers. It is a happy…
Shark Crafts for Kids {Baby Shark Puppets}
Spread the loveThese shark crafts for kids can be any shark you want. It can be a great white or you can turn them into the colorful characters from Baby Shark like we did. It just takes a few tweaks, and we have provided free printables to make crafting with your kids super easy. These…
Paper Turkey Craft {with FREE Thanksgiving Craft Template}
Spread the loveThis paper turkey craft would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving holiday table. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved in the festivities. Have them make several and add then to the table for a pop of color. And no two turkeys should look the same. Make them as individual…
Elephant Craft for Kids
Spread the loveDid you know that elephants are one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. this elephant craft for kids is not only easy to make with the template, but it offers a great opportunity to learn about these special creatures. And since it stands up on its own, make several and put…
Recycle Paper Turtle Craft {with FREE template }
Spread the loveThis paper turtle craft is extra special because it is made from recycle newspaper which you likely already have on hand. Why let something go to waste when you can make something so adorable instead? And make crafting even easier by printing out the free template. Save this Paper Turtle Craft for later….
Thanksgiving Mini Scrapbook for Kids
Spread the loveThis Thanksgiving mini scrapbook is such a great way to record your family memories. Take pictures of everyone at the feast. Then have them write what they are thankful for on one of the tags that you create for the album. I’ve done this a couple of years and really cherish those little…
Halloween Kids’ Activity Paper Airplanes
Spread the loveI am so excited for this Halloween kids’ activity of making and playing with paper airplanes because I know that it is going to allow you to create so many family memories. It’s just one of the activities that are included in our Fall Family Fun Night Challenge. Have you signed up yet?…
Pumpkin Memory Game
Spread the loveYou are going to love making and playing this pumpkin memory game. In this part of the country, it just beginning to actually feel like fall. I had to turn on the heat in the house last night to avoid freezing solid and pulled out all of my sweaters, which I love! Make…
Paper Turtle Craft {FREE template}
Spread the loveThis paper turtle craft really comes to life with a stuffed newspaper shell, paint and free printable template. No two turtles are the same. We used some traditional colors and patterns, but there are no limits or rules here. If you prefer that your sea turtle has a rainbow shell and a mohawk,…
Constellation Activity for Kids {Salt Painting!}
I have yet to meet a kiddo (or adult for that matter) who is not fascinated by space. This constellation activity encourages children to explore beyond our world. The printable constellations are great for teaching, story telling and just growing the imagination. And salt painting is super satisfying as you watch the colors spread through…
Printable Animal Crafts (Great Sensory Activity!)
Spread the loveThese super simple printable animal crafts are so much more than they seem. So many kids seek out sensory input to feel “just right”. And then there are those that are sensory averse and try to avoid sensation. In both instances, one of the most effective forms of sensory input to achieve regulation…
Soccer Ball Craft {from Recycled Newspaper!}
Spread the loveThere isn’t anything in my craft bag that can make an actual soccer ball (though that would be fun), but there are the perfect supplies for this soccer ball craft made from recycled newspaper. It doesn’t take much, goes together rather quickly and can lead to fun beyond making this sports craft. This…
Christmas Picture Frame Crafts
Spread the loveEvery preschool classroom I go into is looking for simple Christmas crafts for preschoolers to send home for mom and dad to treasure. These easy DIY Christmas picture frames (that can also be made into ornaments) are just the thing! These are the perfect Christmas gifts for kids to make and share. Who…
Horse Craft {with FREE template}
Spread the loveWe are adding another farm animal to our collection, a horse craft. And, it starts with just a few basic popsicle sticks. Your horse does not have to look like mine. The only limit is your imagination. It could be a white stallion or black with white spots or pink with a white…
Christmas Craft Nativity (Printables)
Spread the loveThis Christmas craft Nativity is a little different than most Nativity crafts that you have probably made in the past. First of all, it is simple flat paper. But also, it is a way to display the nativity scene in a unique place in your home. There are 2 versions of this banner,…
