20+ Pond Crafts and Activities for Kids

From snails and otters to axolotls and crocodiles, there are so many different little creatures that can live in and around ponds. Have fun learning all about these creatures as well as how to make crafts inspired by then in this article. Keep reading to discover all 20+ of these pond animals.

Fun Facts About Ponds

• “Vernal ponds” are ponds that are not present all year round.
• There are many animals that can live in and around ponds ponds such as snails, axolotls and beavers. (All of which we will cover in this article).
• There are over 50 million ponds across the world.

For more fun facts about ponds visit pondinformer.com.

Around here we believe that crafting is the ultimate way to engage your child in a meaningful activity, away from screens, while building skills that will carry them through life. These simple pond crafts help to foster stronger fine motor skills, problem solving, motor planning, overall coordination, communication skills, social skills and so much more!

Of course, it’s not always easy to make time to craft together. To keep it super simple, we stick to a basic master list of craft supplies that fit into one bag. Everything you see here is made from the items in that bag. With this approach, you can get right to the good stuff…no more running to the store or avoiding crafting all together because you didn’t have that essential item needed for a craft. Just fill your bag, and you’re ready to go!

Now on to the crafts…

1. Popsicle Stick Otter Craft for Kids (FREE Template)

Did you know that otters in ponds are a big problem for some people? I can’t imagine not loving having these adorable creatures swimming around in our pond. Learn how to make this pond life crafts when you click HERE.

2. Easy Paper Snail Craft for Kids (FREE Printable)

Did you know that snails can sleep for up to three years? When the temperatures are too dry, they fall asleep to preserve energy and secrete mucus to keep them alive until the humidity increases again. You can make a craft inspired by these amazing creatures when you check out our post “Easy Paper Snail Craft for Kids (FREE Printable)“.

3-5. Flying Dragonfly Craft (FREE Printable)

Continuing with the pond theme, we have these dragonfly crafts. One of the most beautiful things in life is seeing these beautiful bugs skim across the water. The clothespins double this craft as a great way to strengthen your kids fine motor muscles. Want to learn how to make these bug crafts? Check out our post “Popsicle Stick Otter Craft for Kids (FREE Template)“.

6. Paper Plate Duck Craft (with FREE Template)

Did you know that there are over 100 duck species? This paper plate duck craft is the perfect craft to tie in with a lesson about your local flora and fauna. You can learn how to make this craft when you click HERE.

7. Duck Coloring Pages (Free Printables)

If you liked the last craft then you will love these duck coloring pages. Coloring is a great craft to improve hand-eye coordination. You can claim your free, printable coloring pages when you click HERE.

8. Axolotl Coloring Pages (Free Printables)

Fun fact: Although Axolotls and Mud Puppies look similar, they different species from different families. If you’re looking for more coloring sheets to improve your kids’ hand strength, these axolotl coloring pages are exactly what you’ve been looking for. You can get your free, printable coloring pages when you visit our article “Axolotl Coloring Pages (Free Printables)“.

9. Axolotl Craft Puppet (Free Template!)

In need of more pond activities? Try out this paper bad axolotl puppet! Axolotls must be among the cutest animals on earth. I mean… look at them! Want to learn how to make this craft? Click HERE.

10. Beaver Craft for Kids (with Free Craft Template)

Like otters, beavers can also be considered a pest for some families. However, I must say I’d be amazed if I looked out my window and saw them working on their dam. You can learn how to make this paper plate beaver craft when you click HERE.

11. Shell Craft for Kids (with FREE Craft Template)

Did you know that oysters can live in salt-water ponds? This shell craft is so simple that even preschoolers can join in on the fun. You can read the full set of instructions when you check out our post “Beaver Craft for Kids (with Free Craft Template)”.

12. Paper Plate Frog Craft

No collection of pond crafts would be complete without out favorite ribbiting friends…frogs! You can grab the free printable for this paper plate frog craft HERE.

13. Snail Craft {made with Recycle Newspaper!}

If you liked our last snail craft then you will love this one. It even utilizes recycled newspaper to make for a sustainable craft that your little ones will love. You can read the full set of instructions for this snail craft when you click HERE.

14. Platypus Craft {from Recycled Newspaper}

Looking for more pond life activities? Check out this platypus craft! Despite their vaguely similar appearances, platypuses are not related to ducks. You can learn how to make this craft inspired by these interesting creatures when you visit our post “Platypus Craft {from Recycled Newspaper}“.

15. Paper Plate Turtle Craft

There are many different species of turtle that live in ponds. Can you name any? Let us know in the comments! You can learn how to make this paper plate turtle craft when click HERE.

16. Recycle Paper Turtle Craft {with FREE template}

Did you like the last turtle craft? Then check out this recycled newspaper turtle craft. Your little ones will love making this 3-dimensional craft. You can learn how to make this craft when you visit our article “Recycle Paper Turtle Craft {with FREE template }“.

17. Easy Printable Turtle Craft

This simple printable turtle craft is the perfect addition to our pond crafts. It’s absolutely perfect for practicing fine motor skills while leaving loads of room for creativity. You can find the full tutorial HERE.

18. School of Fish DIY Banner Craft

This school of fish is the perfect back to school craft. You can read the full set of instructions for this craft when you check out our post “School of Fish DIY Banner Craft“.

19. DIY Fishing Game

Are you looking for simple games to introduce to your kids or classroom that can double as fine motor activities? Your little ones will love this fishing game! Not only is it fun to play with, but it is a perfect activity to improve hand-eye coordination. You can read the full set of instructions for this craft when you click HERE.

20. Easy Fish Craft for Kids

In need of more pond animal crafts? Check out this fish craft. What kind of fish live in your local ponds? My home state of Pennsylvania has sunfish, catfish, bass and so much more! You can learn how to make this easy fish craft for kids when you click HERE.

21. Crocodile Craft (with FREE Craft Template)

Did you know that some ponds have crocodiles? EEK! You can read the full set of instructions for this crocodile craft when you visit our post “Crocodile Craft (with FREE Craft Template)“. We know you and your kids will love the end result.

I hope that your little ones have loved making these pond crafts. I can’t wait to see what your kids have made!

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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!