9 Adorable Paper Plate Animal Crafts to Make with Kids

Looking for a fun and creative way to keep the kids entertained? Paper plate animals are a fantastic craft idea! With just a few simple supplies, children can create colourful creatures while improving their fine motor skills and exploring their artistic side. Whether it’s painting, cutting, or gluing, these crafts are easy, engaging, and great for all ages. Let’s dive into nine adorable paper plate animals that will bring creativity and joy to your craft time!

1. Cute & Fluffy Paper Plate Dog

Dogs are loyal, lovable, and fun to craft! This easy paper plate dog is perfect for little animal lovers. It’s a fantastic way for kids to practise their scissor skills while learning about different dog breeds.

How to Do It:

1. Start by painting the paper plate in your chosen colour – brown, black, or even a spotted Dalmatian pattern!
2. Cut out two floppy ears from construction paper and glue them onto the plate.
3. Use googly eyes, a black pompom nose, and a marker to draw a happy mouth.
4. Add extra details, like a red felt tongue or a cute bow tie, to make your pup unique!

2. Jiggly Paper Plate Jellyfish

Turn a simple paper plate into a magical sea creature! This jellyfish craft is not only fun but also introduces kids to marine life and the importance of ocean conservation.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate in bright ocean colours – think blues, purples, and pinks!
2. Once dry, cut the plate in half and glue on googly eyes.
3. Cut long strips of crepe paper or ribbon and attach them to the flat edge of the plate to create flowing tentacles.
4. For a sparkly effect, sprinkle some glitter on the tentacles!

3. Lovely Ladybird Paper Plate Craft

Ladybirds are a symbol of good luck, and this adorable craft is a great way to teach kids about insects while having fun.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the entire plate red and let it dry.
2. Cut out a black semicircle for the head and glue it to the plate.
3. Use black paint or paper to add the ladybird’s signature spots.
4. Attach pipe cleaner antennae and googly eyes to complete your little insect!

4. Buzzing Paper Plate Bee

Bees are fascinating creatures and play a vital role in pollination. This paper plate bee craft is a great way to teach kids about their importance while enjoying a fun painting activity.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate with alternating yellow and black stripes.
2. Cut out two large wings from white paper and glue them to the back.
3. Add a cute face with googly eyes and a friendly smile.
4. Finish with pipe cleaner antennae for an extra fun touch!

5. Slithering Paper Plate Snake

This simple yet exciting craft is perfect for kids who love reptiles! The spiral shape makes the snake look like it’s slithering across the table.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate in bright green or patterned colours like a real snake.
2. Once dry, cut the plate into a spiral, starting from the outer edge and working inward.
3. Attach googly eyes and a red paper tongue to the snake’s head.
4. Hang it up and watch it curl and move like a real snake!

6. Fantastic Paper Plate Fox

This paper plate fox is a fantastic autumn craft and a great way to introduce kids to woodland animals.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate orange and let it dry.
2. Cut out two triangle-shaped ears from orange paper and glue them on top.
3. Use white paper to create a snout and inner ears, then glue them in place.
4. Finish with a black nose and googly eyes to bring your fox to life!

7. Chirpy Paper Plate Owl

Owls are wise, mysterious creatures, and kids will love making their own feathery friend.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate brown, grey, or any colour you like.
2. Cut out two large eyes and a small triangle beak from coloured paper.
3. Use cupcake liners, feathers, or crumpled tissue paper to add a textured effect for the owl’s feathers.
4. Fold the top edges of the plate to create little owl ears for an extra cute touch!

8. Wiggly Paper Plate Crab

This wiggly crab is perfect for summer or beach-themed crafts. It’s fun, easy, and full of personality!

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate bright red and let it dry.
2. Cut out two large claws from red paper and glue them to the sides.
3. Attach pipe cleaner legs underneath the plate to make it look like the crab is walking.
4. Use googly eyes on long paper stalks for a classic crabby expression!

9. Majestic Paper Plate Peacock

Peacocks are one of the most colourful birds, making them perfect for a vibrant craft project.

How to Do It:

1. Paint the paper plate in shades of blue and green.
2. Cut out feather shapes from construction paper in different colours and glue them around the edge of the plate.
3. Add a small blue circle in the centre for the peacock’s body, then glue on googly eyes and a tiny beak.
4. Decorate with glitter, sequins, or stickers for an extra fancy touch!

Let Creativity Take Flight!

Paper plate animals are a fantastic way to spark creativity in kids while keeping them entertained. These crafts encourage imaginative play, fine motor skills, and an appreciation for nature. With just a few paper plates, paint, and some fun decorations, kids can create their own little zoo! Which animal will you try first?