If your kids are into crafts (lol isn’t that basically a kid requirement?), maybe you already have no shortage of go-to ideas and inspiration. Perhaps you have a whole catalogue of DIYs to do — sourced from friends and the friendly internet alike. And it’s true that the kid craft options — from a DIY kaleidoscope to clothespin and chalk paint crafts to Mason jar projects — can seem endless. So how do you choose? Here’s a tip: Ask yourself, what do kids love even more than they love crafts? Answer: Animals. Thus, behold: the cutest and easiest animal crafts out there, so your kids can craft — and bark and squawk and roar — to their hearts’ delight.
I mean, just a quick scroll through Pinterest makes it clear that the animal craft kingdom is truly where it’s at, DIY-wise. You just can’t beat how adorable most of these cute critter projects are; they make for cute toys, decor and more. Plus, plenty of the animal craft ideas we found use readily available everyday household and food packaging items you’d normally toss out or recycle right away (think paper towel and toilet paper rolls). So why not do your DIY one better and repurpose your trash into fancy fauna works of art you’ll cherish?
Look ahead for our favorite animal crafts for kids. Lions and turtles and (koala) bears, oh my!
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A version of this story was originally published in June 2018.
Alpaca Craft
This one is such an easy DIY; you really only need embossed craft paper and some imagination. The Inspiration Edit has the step-by-step how-to.
Toilet Paper Roll Narwhal
A shiny cardboard narwhal toilet paper roll craft with a bright yellow horn?! Who could say no! Red Ted Art has the tutorial.
Foldable Fishy Craft
This fish craft is simple enough for little kids, but chic enough that you can even use it for adultish party decor — beach-themed baby shower, anyone? Go to Buggy and Buddy for the how-to.
Stained Glass Unicorn
And speaking of oh-so-elegant crafts, this “stained-glass” unicorn is easy but not childish at all. Oh Happy Day shares how to make it using colorful acetate gel filters.
Newspaper Koala Craft
Grab an old newspaper and pick up a few other items from the arts and crafts store, including colored card stock and wiggly eyes, to make this cute koala craft.
Craft Stick Crocodile
The best part about Easy Peasy and Fun’s craft stick crocodile is your kids are building themselves a toy — instead of you buying them one. That’s a win for all involved, right?
Paper Plate Hedgehog
How adorable are these paper plate hedgehogs? Kids will have a blast finger-painting the plates. And the adorable “toy” they’ll have once it dries will be worth all the mess.
Animal Track Stamps
All you need for this incredibly easy, educational and fun project are cardboard pieces, sponges, card stock, a hot glue gun and an ink pad. Then, just get to stamping.
Paper Roll Animals
Instead of tossing those paper towel and toilet paper rolls, transform them into cute paper roll animals. Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls will show you how.
Fork-Print Panda Bear
For this clever project, simply use a fork to paint the panda’s face onto colored paper. Kids will love using their food utensil as a “brush” — just make sure to thoroughly wash before transitioning it back to its original use! Or, you know, use disposable.
Forest Animals Cootie Catchers
Remember learning how to make these origami fortune-tellers? Here’s a creative way to not only teach kids how to make their own, but also turn them into absolutely adorable forest animals. Easy Peasy and Fun has a PDF download for $2.99, or use these make-your-own face stickers from Amazon.
Egg Carton Turtles
Another project that allows you to repurpose waste is this egg carton turtle craft. Have kids paint the egg carton green and then decorate their tiny turtles with googly eyes and any pattern they want on the shells.
Peacock Craft
What makes this DIY peacock project so fun is that little ones can choose any vibrant-colored feathers they like. Or they can even use the real thing, below.
Craft Stick Fox
You basically can’t go wrong with popsicle sticks when it comes to crafts. Once the kids are all done making their own fox faces, super-glue a magnet to the back to proudly display them on your fridge.
Pin it!
Pin these easy and cute animal crafts for little kids.
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