Do your kids love animals and being creative? Combine their two favorite activities with these 35 fun animal crafts perfect for kids!
Who doesn’t love a trip to the zoo? The excitement of seeing a majestic elephant for the first time, the fascination with the playful antics of monkeys, or the joy of hearing a lion’s roar – these are moments that captivate children and adults alike.
But what if you could bring a slice of this magical world into your home, not with a visit from an actual zoo animal (phew, imagine the chaos!), but through the wonderful world of crafting?
That’s right, my craft-loving friends; it’s time to channel your inner wildlife explorer and dive into the endlessly fun and imaginative realm of animal crafts for kids!
From fluttery butterflies to wise old owls, the animal kingdom is theirs to recreate. And I’m here to guide you through this jungle of creativity with over 35 delightful animal craft ideas that will not only keep those little hands busy but also ignite their imaginations and love for nature’s creatures.
Each craft in this collection has been thoughtfully chosen to inspire joy and creativity in your young artists. Whether your kiddo is fascinated by the slow and steady tortoise or enamored with the regal tiger, there’s something here for every animal enthusiast.
These crafts are more than just a fun way to pass the time; they’re a gateway to learning about the diverse and wonderful animal world.
Imagine the conversations you’ll spark about the habitats of polar bears, the diet of giraffes, or the incredible migration journey of monarch butterflies – all while crafting!
And the best part? These animal craft ideas are not only educational and entertaining but also super easy to make. You don’t need to be a crafting wizard to help your kids create their animal masterpieces.
With simple materials, often found right at home, you and your little ones can embark on a crafting safari, creating memories that are just as precious as the crafts themselves.
So, grab your craft supplies and let’s get ready to explore the wild side of creativity with these animal crafts for kids.
Who knows, you might just find that crafting a cute paper plate panda or a quirky toilet roll fox brings out the child in you too. Let the crafting adventure begin!
Animal Crafts
Your kids are going to love these animal themed crafts, perfect for children of all ages! Great ideas for preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and more.
Koala Mask
Get the free template to make your own koala mask. Kids will have so much fun making these and then playing dress up!
Lion Pillow
Make these cute no sew pillows in fun lion and sun shapes. These are SO easy and littles will love them!
Paper Frog
Construction paper and a toilet paper roll turn into the cutest frog I've ever seen. And that fly? What a cute catch!
Clothespin Butterflies
Learn how to make clothespin butterflies that kids are going to love! This is easy to make with craft paint, pipe cleaners, and other simple supplies.
Paper Cone Giraffe
Make your giraffe as tall as you want with this construction paper and pipe cleaner craft. Just stretch the springy neck up higher if you like!
Owl Pom Pom
Follow the detailed instructions and pictures to make your own DIY owl pom pom! This is a perfect craft to make with kids!
Paper Jellyfish
Looking for an easy ocean animal craft to do? These paper jellyfish are a great under the sea craft to make with preschoolers, kindergarteners, and school-age kids.
Bunny Tail Banner
Learn how to make the cutest bunny garland ever with paper bunnies and pom pom tails! This is easy enough for beginning crafters and kids of all ages.
Recycled CD Flamingo
It is always great when you can reuse something in crafting. What are you going to do with all of those old CDs anyway? Love this!!
Paper Quilled Seahorse
This is a fun beginner quilling craft for kids! Talk about what a seahorse really is while you make your own paper version.
Paper Straw Bats
Various designs of paper straws are used to make the wings of each bat. You really could do this Halloween craft with any animal!
Coffee Filter Butterflies
Make these cute butterflies out of coffee filters using inexpensive supplies! Kids will love to make these for spring or summer.
Embroidery Hoop Turkey
Learn how to make this fun turkey craft for kids using embroidery hoops! It’s so easy . . . both children and adults will enjoy this cute idea.
Whale Phone Holder
Make a fun whale phone holder out of air dry clay. This simple craft is great fun and you can keep it forever to prop up your phone! You could make these phone holders as handmade gifts to give to friends and loved ones.
Animal Perler Beads
Animal lovers, you’re going to love these 60+ perler bead patterns! These animal perler beads include mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and more.
Toilet Paper Roll Yak
Add this to your alphabet or animal crafts with "Y is for Yak"! Look at those little hooves.
Bug Cards
These bug cards are the perfect summer crafts for kids! Make them easily with paper, stickers, ink pads, and other simple supplies.
Gift Horse
This is so adorable! Who knew popsicle sticks and a toilet paper roll could look so cute? These would be great for party favors.
Clay Caterpillar
Make Eric Carle's very hungry caterpillar from polymer clay! Read the book and make him come to life with this simple tutorial.
Penguin Ornament
Add some extra cuteness to your tree this year with these adorable arctic creatures. These Christmas ornaments are so cute!
Perler Bead Bookmarks
Learn how to make perler bead bookmarks using simple supplies! Kids will love this easy project with beads, popsicle sticks, and glue.
Fox Leaf
Just as this blogs name implies, this super cute leaf fox is easy peasy and fun to make!
Handprint Chicken
A fun canvas art project turning a handprint into a chicken (or turkey). Neat artwork you can hang in a kid's bedroom!
Paper Twirl Snake
After cutting and coloring these snakes, just add googly eyes and wrap them around a pen. It is so much fun to see the snakes come to life!
Cat Bookmarks
Learn how to make a DIY cat bookmark using paint chips. Easy craft for older kids and adults.
Origami Shark
With a few folds and some googly eyes, you can make these cute origami sharks! I think it would be fun to make these in a whole bunch of colors.
Fox Gift Box
Make a super cute woodland themed gift box with this fun fox craft idea! Kids will love making it and you probably have a lot of the supplies already.
Bird Bookmark
You won’t have to worry about losing your place the next time you pick up a book to read with these cute felt bird DIY bookmarks. Grab your leftover stash and add this DIY to your list of new felt crafts to make.
Pug Valentine Box
It’s so easy to make this “pugs and kisses” valentine box! So sweet for either boys or girls, and great for Valentine's Day in the classroom.
Cardboard Tube Zebra
Turn a paper towel cardboard tube and some pipe cleaners into a fun zebra! You use the tube to make the body, head, and all four legs.
Leaf Hedgehog
This fun forest animal gets its spikes from real leaves! I’m thinking you can do a variety of animals this way. The website is in Bulgarian but you don’t need a tutorial for this autumn craft – it’s pretty self explanatory.
Felt Piggy Banks
Looking for a fun and useful craft? These felt piggy banks are so easy to make with cheap craft felt that won’t break the (piggy) bank!
Fingerprint Sheep
Use fingerprints to paint the fuzziness onto these sheep – what other animals can you make out of fingerprints?
Pom-Pom Bald Eagle
I love the googly eyes on this cute bald eagle! Stacey also shows you how to use these eagles in a patriotic garland.
Pinecone Turkey
Learn how to make a turkey pinecone in a few simple steps! This is a great Thanksgiving craft for kids.
Paper Polar Bear
Create a polar bear surrounded by snow in the dark night! Use this winter activity as part of a study of the arctic and the animals you can find there.
Paper Plate Chick
This is such a simple Easter kids' craft that turns out so adorable! Kids will love working with the feathers and making the fun accordion legs.
Macaroni Fish
Macaroni fish seems like it would be a delicious dish. However, this is a kid's craft, and a colorful one at that! Try making a variety of ocean creatures.
Did you like these animal craft ideas? I’d love it if you could share this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular animal crafting posts:
Bee • Bird • Black Cat • Cat • Dinosaur • Dog • Ladybug • Shark • Turtle • Unicorn