22 Paper Plate Animal Crafts for Kids

This elephant paper plate craft is a great way to introduce elephant-based learning. For the artistically challenged, a printable template is also available.

This paper plate koala craft is just too adorable for words! Use the free template provided, and even little ones will be able to help put it together.

This is one of those crafts that checks pretty much all the boxes. It’s easy, cute, and uses common materials that are easy to find. The handprint chicken paper plate craft is ideal for younger kids who need an activity that doesn’t take much prep.

This silly-looking walrus craft should prompt plenty of giggles once it’s done. The free template makes it super easy to complete, as well.

This big, friendly hippo will cheer up any room he shows up in. While real-life hippos are actually pretty dangerous, this happy fellow will make a child’s afternoon.

While printable templates are always great, it’s also welcome when a craft is simple enough that it doesn’t need one. This handprint paper plate raccoon craft is just the thing for that kind of situation.

This paper plate snail is such a cute idea. Taking scraps of paper to make a semi-mosaic shell pattern produces a really unique animal craft.

These fluffy sheep are the perfect craft for Easter or any time. The free printable head comes in two sizes, so you can make a whole sheep family with different-sized plates.

This giraffe paper plate animal craft is a bit more involved than some of the projects listed here. However, the free template makes it accessible to even younger children.

A paper plate groundhog craft is the perfect way to prepare for Groundhog Day. The dot marker painting style also makes this craft a good way to introduce a child to the art style of pointillism.

The frog paper plate maze might be the most unique craft on the list. It uses basic household supplies and offers substitution options, meaning almost anyone will have what they need. It's easy and quick to make, and kids will have hours of fun with it.

This one goes above and beyond, but it's good to give kids some challenges along the way. The resulting bird nest looks so good that they will want to proudly display the finished project.

Turtles are so cute that everyone seems to love them. Kids will love making this paper plate turtle craft, and parents will love the free printable summer activity pack included in the post.

This precious little pup will brighten any kid’s room it appears in. Additionally, he can be customized to look more like the family dog, based on the colors chosen.

A bright-eyed frog pal like this one will liven up everyone around. Add in an adorable curly tongue and handprint legs, and this frog is a winner.

Here we have a really happy-looking tiger paper plate craft. It was designed to be accessible, even for very young kids, and the free printable template helps make it easy to make.

These paper plate wreath crafts are nice enough to hang as decorations after they are finished. Add in three different printable templates, and this one is loaded with variety.

The only thing better than a pet fish is a pet fish that nobody has to remember to feed. And this little guy can be stuck to a popsicle stick so that kids can enjoy “swimming” him around his bowl.

This cute polar bear paper plate craft is easy to make. It also includes recommendations for polar bear books and toys to extend the fun even further.

While most paper plate crafts tend to stay as flat as the plates they are made with, this one takes things into the third dimension. A printable template ensures the penguin will look just right.

This fuzzy little fellow might just be the actual bluebird of happiness. He’s so soft and touchable that kids will want to hang on to him for as long as possible.

While real jellyfish are a big problem, this easy-to-make one has yarn for stingers, so nobody will get hurt. In addition, the post offers tips for a shark charcuterie board, to extend the ocean-themed fun even further.