Paper Plate Animal Crafts for Kids

By Hannah Cole · October 15, 2026

Why Paper Plate Crafts Work

Paper plates are inexpensive, sturdy, and the round shape naturally suggests animal faces. Children can complete most projects in 20-30 minutes with basic craft supplies (paint, construction paper, googly eyes, glue).

10 Animal Projects

1. Lion

Paint plate yellow. Cut orange and yellow paper strips for mane, glue around edge. Draw or glue face features. Cut paper ears.

2. Frog

Paint plate green. Cut large red tongue shape, glue hanging from bottom. Add googly eyes on top edge. Cut paper legs.

3. Owl

Paint plate brown. Glue overlapping paper feathers (teardrop shapes). Add large googly eyes and orange triangle beak. Cut wing shapes on sides.

4. Fish

Paint plate any color. Cut triangle from one edge (mouth) and glue to opposite edge (tail). Add scales with sequins or tissue paper circles.

5. Turtle

Paint plate green. Draw shell pattern with markers. Cut paper head, legs, and tail, glue behind plate edge. Add googly eyes to head.

6. Cat

Paint plate any color. Cut triangle ears, glue to top. Draw whiskers and nose with marker. Add googly eyes. Optional: yarn whiskers.

7. Penguin

Paint plate black. Cut white paper belly shape, glue in center. Add googly eyes, orange paper beak and feet.

8. Butterfly

Paint plate bright colors. Fold in half to create wing shape. Add pipe cleaner antennae. Decorate wings with markers or stickers.

9. Bear

Paint plate brown. Cut round ears, glue to top. Draw or glue face. Add googly eyes and black pom-pom nose.

10. Peacock

Paint plate blue/green. Cut feather shapes from colorful paper, glue fanning out from top half. Add googly eyes and orange beak at bottom.

Tips for Success

Pre-cut shapes for younger children. Let older children do their own cutting. Use tacky glue for faster drying. Display finished animals by hanging with string or propping on shelves.