Deep in the jungle, a roar shakes the trees. Is it a lion, a tiger or something far more ferocious? When you’re working on wild animal crafts with your child, imagination is key to a fun crafting session.
Don’t worry if you’re not super crafty, says Joel Henriques, the founder of Made by Joel and author of the craft book “Made to Play.” “You can create toys from printable templates,” he suggests for those who need help with their wild animal crafts. “Finger puppets and paper animals are a fun place to start.”
Craft time can’t go wrong as long as you’re having fun with your child. Amanda Formaro, the creator of Crafts by Amanda and author of “Duct Tape Mania” and “Rubber Band Mania,” says, “Children also love to spend time with their parents, and craft time is a great way to do that. The act of creating is fun, so enjoy it with your kids while they are still at the age that they want to!”
No matter your level of creativity, your child will love spending time with you while you’re crafting. (It’s also a great activity for your babysitter or nanny to share.) Break out the glue, scissors and paper, and take a trip into your imagination to create some favorite wild animals with your child.
Lions
- Start stamping. Kids of all ages will have fun getting a little messy at craft time with these hand-print and tissue-paper lions from Craftulate — just be sure to lay down newspaper on your table to keep the mess contained.
- Use what you have. Basic household products come together to create this coffee filter lion’s head from Me and My Insanity. By using simple products, you’ll spend more time crafting and less time at the store.
Tigers
- Make it move. Googly eyes and brads are the key to make this realistic tiger from Learn Create Love. Print out the template before coloring and constructing a movable cat.
- Color and fold. Older kids can fold carefully to make this 3-D origami tiger from First Palette. The site also includes several other animals as well if you want to create an entire zoo.
- Create a mess. Shaving cream and food coloring make the perfect tiger’s stripes in this exciting (if a little messy) craft from Play Create Explore. Use different colors to turn this craft into a zebra or brightly striped fish.
Elephants
- Grab the foil. Tinfoil and paints lend a snazzy touch to this beautiful Asian elephant craft from Kid World Citizen that’s worthy of a spot front and center on the refrigerator. Swap the shape to make this any silver or gray animal — try seals, rhinos or snakes.
- Upcycle containers. Save your old milk jugs in preparation to create The Imagination Tree’s colorful elephants. Best of all, you’ve probably got everything you already need.
Alligators and Crocodiles
- Teach letters. Use construction paper and markers to create this simple alligator from Crystal & Co. Not only is the craft fun, but the process of making the alligator can help younger children learn their letters.
- Pop goes the croc. Positively Splendid’s bubble wrap crocodiles will have your kids laughing (and popping those bubbles) as they decorate their animals. Use the same idea to let your kids decorate their own dinosaurs or dragons instead.
Sharks
- Stir things up. Use an old-fashioned wooden spoon to create this happy shark from Activity Village that’s more fun than frightening, or trade the foam fin for a decorative paint job and create a snake instead.
- Makeover your mail. For a unique take on a shark craft, round up some crayons and an envelope to make My Mommy Style’s simple and fun shark that’s much more exciting than your mail normally is.
Parrots
- Turn trash to treasure. Personalize the colors of Busy Bee Kids Craft’s toilet paper roll parrot for a unique bird all your own — minus the squawking.
- Use your yard. The pinecone parrot craft from Family Review Guide will have your kids searching your yard for the perfect bird body, making for an easy way to incorporate some physical exercise into craft time.
UP NEXT: 14 Easy Crafts for Kids.
Natalie Vereen-Davis is a freelance writer and travel blogger. When she’s not busy with her toddler or traveling, she likes to indulge her crafty side by sewing, embroidering and scrapbooking.
