Looking for fun, simple, and creative paper crafts for kids? These quick and easy DIY projects are perfect for sparking imagination while keeping little hands busy. From tissue paper sunflowers to foam animal puppets, these crafts use basic materials like construction paper, foam, tissue paper, and even toilet paper rolls. Whether it’s a summer craft or a fun animal project, your kids will love making these colorful creations. Get ready to create with these step-by-step instructions for each craft!
If you’re looking for simple and creative paper crafts to keep your kids busy, you’ve come to the right place!
These quick and easy projects are perfect for little hands and use materials you likely already have at home, like construction paper, tissue paper, foam, and even toilet paper rolls.
From creating cute animal figures to bright summer-inspired sunflowers, each craft is designed to be fun, engaging, and full of imagination. With step-by-step instructions, your kids will have a blast making these colorful creations!
1. Paper Plate SunflowersÂ
Brighten up your child’s day with this cheerful sunflower craft! Using a paper plate as the base, kids can create their own sunflowers by adding construction paper petals and stems. This fun and easy activity is perfect for welcoming summer and makes a great homemade decoration.
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Yellow and brown construction paper
- Green pipe cleaner or paper strip
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut yellow petals from construction paper and glue them around the edge of the paper plate.
- Cut a brown circle and glue it in the center of the plate.
- Attach a green pipe cleaner or a strip of green paper as the stem.
- Let it dry and display your bright sunflower!
2. Toilet Paper Roll ButterfliesÂ
Transform an empty toilet paper roll into a beautiful butterfly! This craft allows kids to use their creativity to design colorful wings and patterns. It’s a great way to recycle materials while making something fun and decorative.
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Markers
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut butterfly wings from construction paper.
- Decorate the wings with markers, stickers, or additional paper shapes.
- Glue the wings to the back of the toilet paper roll.
- Attach googly eyes and draw a smile on the roll.
- Let dry and enjoy your butterfly!
3. Summer Themed Paper Fans
Beat the summer heat with these easy paper fans! Kids can personalize them with bright colors and patterns, creating a refreshing summer activity.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Popsicle sticks or straws
Instructions:
- Cut a rectangular piece of construction paper.
- Fold the paper accordion-style (back and forth like a fan).
- Attach a popsicle stick or straw to the bottom of the fan using glue.
- Decorate the fan with summer-themed drawings, such as sun, clouds, or beach scenes.
- Once the glue dries, your fan is ready to use!
4. Foam Cup AnimalsÂ
Kids can create their own zoo at home with these adorable foam cup animals! With just a few simple materials, they can design their favorite animals and bring them to life.
Materials:
- Foam cups
- Construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut ears, noses, and tails from construction paper.
- Attach them to the foam cup with glue.
- Stick on googly eyes and draw details with markers.
- Let dry and enjoy your adorable animal creation!
5. Paper Chain SnakesÂ
This easy craft is perfect for little ones who love making things move! The linked paper chain creates a wiggly snake that kids can play with or use as a fun decoration.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Markers
Instructions:
- Cut strips of construction paper.
- Form a loop with one strip and glue the ends together.
- Thread another strip through the first loop and glue to create a chain.
- Repeat until you have a long snake.
- Cut and glue a small forked tongue and draw eyes.
6. Construction Paper Dinosaurs
Make a prehistoric adventure come to life with construction paper dinosaurs! This craft is a perfect way to inspire kids to explore the world of dinosaurs while being creative.
Materials:
- Construction paper (green, brown, and other colors)
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut out the shape of a dinosaur body from green construction paper.
- Cut out legs, arms, and a tail from additional paper.
- Glue the body and parts together to form a dinosaur.
- Add eyes, a mouth, and spikes using markers or construction paper.
- Let everything dry, and your dinosaur is ready to roam!
7. Origami BoatsÂ
A classic paper-folding craft, origami boats are fun to make and even more exciting to float in water! Kids can customize their boats with colors and patterns.
Materials:
- Construction paper
Instructions:
- Fold a piece of construction paper in half.
- Fold the top corners to meet in the center, forming a triangle.
- Fold the bottom flaps upward on both sides.
- Open the bottom and flatten into a diamond shape.
- Pull the sides outward to create a boat.
- Float your boat in water and enjoy!
8. Sunshine Paper Plate MaskÂ
Kids can become their own little rays of sunshine with this fun and cheerful mask! It’s a great summer craft that can also be used in role-playing games.
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Yellow and orange construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Craft stick
Instructions:
- Cut out the center of a paper plate.
- Cut sun rays from yellow and orange construction paper.
- Glue the rays around the outer edge of the plate.
- Attach a craft stick to the bottom as a handle.
- Hold up the mask and shine bright like the sun!
9. Paper Towel Roll Rocket Ships
Blast off into space with this fun rocket ship craft! Kids will love creating their own space explorers with paper towel rolls.
Materials:
- Paper towel roll
- Colored construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
Instructions:
- Paint or cover the paper towel roll with colorful construction paper.
- Cut out a cone shape for the rocket’s tip and glue it to the top.
- Cut out rectangular pieces for rocket fins and glue them to the bottom of the roll.
- Use markers to draw windows, doors, and designs on the rocket.
- Let it dry, and your rocket ship is ready to soar!
10. Foam Sun VisorsÂ
A great summer craft, these foam sun visors help kids stay cool while showcasing their creativity. They can decorate their visors with stickers, glitter, or drawings!
Materials:
- Foam sheets
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Elastic string
- Stickers or markers
Instructions:
- Cut a visor shape from a foam sheet.
- Punch holes on the sides.
- Thread elastic string through the holes and tie knots.
- Decorate with stickers, markers, or glitter.
- Wear your custom-made sun visor outdoors!
These quick and easy paper crafts are the perfect way to spark creativity and keep your kids entertained for hours!
Whether they’re making playful animals, vibrant sunflowers, or fun summer projects, each craft offers an opportunity for imaginative expression.
With simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions, these projects are ideal for rainy days, summer afternoons, or any time you want to create something special together. So gather your supplies and let the crafting fun begin!