Do your kids enjoy turtles? Here are over 30 fun turtle crafts that any reptile lover would want to make. Get ideas for every age plus some fun facts about these turtley cool creatures!
Turtles capture the hearts of kids due to their adorable appearance, gentle nature and the protective shells they carry on their backs. That is why turtle crafts can be such a big hit with little ones!
They can help kids connect with nature and teach them about the importance of conservation. Plus, crafting sparks the imagination and improves fine motor skills making it a fun and educational experience all in one.
Fun facts about turtles
Before we get into the crafts, let’s check out some interesting facts about turtles:
- Turtles date back to the time of the dinosaurs. That is over 200 million years ago!
- Unlike other turtles, sea turtles can’t retract into their shells.
- The oldest turtle on record lived to the age of 188! So, before you get a turtle as a pet, check to see how long the species you are interested in can live.
- Baby turtles lose their first tooth within an hour of hatching. This tooth was only needed to help them break out of their shell. What do you think the Tooth Fairy would give for that tooth?
- Turtles aren’t really known for being fast walkers. The fastest turtles can go about 3 mph which is similar to the average walking pace of humans.
- On the other hand, sea turtles can be quite fast swimmers reaching speeds of 22 mph!
If you’d like some more fun facts about turtles, take a look at National Geographic Kids.
Ready to dive into the world of turtle crafts for kids? I’ve collected over 30 ideas your kids are going to love!
From turtles made using recyclable materials to ones that you can make float on water, there is something for everyone on this list. Go ahead and scroll down.
Turtle Crafts
Dive into the world of turtles with this list of over 30 turtle craft ideas and activities for kids!
Jumbo Balloon Turtles
These jumbo turtles are made using balloons and large bowls. A super easy craft that kids can help make for a party decoration or just for fun!
Turtle Easter Egg
Get four unique Easter egg decorating ideas for kids: silly monsters, sparkling geodes, baby fruits and veggies, and sweet sea creatures including a swimming turtle!
Crumpled Paper Turtle
Who doesn't love crumpling up paper? This turtle craft is sure to be a hit with your little ones!
Seashell Turtle
Find out how to make your own super cute seashell turtle like the one shown. Use found shells, or purchase some at your favorite craft store.
Perler Bead Turtles
Animal lovers, you’re going to love these 60+ perler bead patterns! These animal perler beads include mammals, fish, reptiles (like these 2 little turtles), amphibians, birds, and more.
Pom Pom Turtle
Your kids will love this fluffy pom pom turtle craft! They can watch the video on TikTok and follow along.
3D Paper Plate Turtle
Download the free template for this three dimensional paper plate turtle craft, or draw your own turtle parts by hand. Either way, your turtle will be awesome!
Paper Cup Turtle
Learn how your kids can make an easy paper cup turtle with a cup, paper and markers.
Plant Pot Turtle
This turtle craft is a combination of plant pots, buttons, and a Styrofoam head. I really enjoy those painted on toes!
Paper Bowl Sea Turtle
Turn a paper bowl upside down and it is practically begging to be a sea turtle shell! Don't you agree?
Turtle Summer Craft
Have fun cutting out shapes and assembling them into this super cute crab and turtle beach scene! A delightful summer craft for kids.
Paper Mache Patchwork Turtle
Isn't this patchwork turtle a cutie? Such a fun paper mache project for kids to try! I really like that she used fabric pentagons for the shell.
Handprint Turtles
Turn your child's handprint into a delightful turtle using paper and buttons!
Mandala Turtle
This is a turtle craft that both kids and adults may enjoy. Color in the mandala turtle and then follow directions for making it 3D.
3D Paper Plate & Cup Turtle
Turn a paper plate and cup into a 3D turtle. Use the free template or draw it by hand. I love the glitter paper used for this craft!
Yarn Weaving Turtle
Rinse and dry that plastic lid from your coffee cup and you can use it for this yarn weaving turtle craft. A great recycling craft for kids!
Pipe Cleaner Turtle
Learn how to make various animals using pipe cleaners! This turtle is super adorable and has step-by-step directions with photos.
Turtle Corner Bookmark
DIY corner bookmarks are great for keeping track of where you are in your book! This easy turtle bookmark is no exception.
Mosaic Art Sea Turtle
Pony beads + heat = adorable mosaic! Find out how fun and easy it is to make this mosaic art sea turtle craft.
Woven Paper Turtles
If your kids enjoyed my DIY Easter egg banner, they will love making these happy woven paper turtles!
Pista Shell Sea Turtle
Enjoy some pistachios while reading The Brave Little Turtle and then you can use the pista shells to make these turtles!
Paper Loops Turtle
Get creative with colors in this paper loop turtle craft. The loops really look like a shell!
Paper Quilling Turtle
Here is an easy paper quilling turtle that your kids can make from construction paper. A great introduction to quilling.
Floating Turtle
This kid's craft idea turns empty applesauce containers and craft foam into turtles and crabs that float!
Handprint Turtle
Download and print the colorful underwater scene and then add your handprint turtle to the picture. You'll turtle-y love it!
Egg Carton Turtle
Turn an egg carton into 12 little turtles with this fun craft for toddlers! Adults may need to help with the cutting, but everything else can be accomplished by kids.
K-Cup Turtle
Empty and clean those k-cups after you enjoy your cup of coffee. You never know when you may want them for a craft like this upcycled k-cup turtle!
Paper Plate Turtle
Here is another easy paper plate turtle craft. This time you only need half of the plate to make a happy turtle who looks like he is standing.
Salt Dough Sea Shell Turtles
Turn a seashell into a turtle shell using salt dough for the rest of the turtle body. You can get creative with colors for this fun craft!
Turtle Painted Rocks
Follow the video tutorial to paint your own turtle on a smooth flat rock. Check it out, it is quite easy to follow along.
Painted Rocks Turtle
Here is a second painted rock turtle craft. This time, you will search for rocks that can be used for the various parts of a turtle!
God's Eye Baby Turtles
You may remember making God's Eyes at summer camp? This is a fun version made with smaller ice cream sticks, colorful yarn, and a Sharpie.
Did you enjoy this list of turtle crafts for kids? Let me know which is your favorite in the comments below. Then take a look at these other awesome animal crafts for kids:
Bee • Bird • Black Cat • Butterfly • Cat • Chicken • Dog • Eagle • Elephant • Frog • Giraffe • Ladybug • Lion • Panda • Shark • Turkey • Turtle • Unicorn