We have the cutest paper plate animal crafts today. Making animals with paper plates is a favorite kids craft of preschoolers, Kindergartners and even older kids. We hope these creative paper plate craft animals will inspire you at home or in the classroom.

Animal Paper Plate  Crafts

With some paper plates and paints you can make your own zoo for your kids! These paper plate crafts are great for boredom busters or as part of an animal learning unit craft.

Related: More paper plate crafts for kids

Let’s make animals out of paper plates…

1. Fish Paper Plate Crafts

We love the bright colors and variety in these adorable fishies! From clown fish to polka dotted and everything in between, your little ones can let their own creativity shine when making their own personalized fish!

More fish paper plate crafts:

2. Mouse Paper Plate Crafts

This sweet little mouse can be your companion for lots of sweet stories. Or stand on his own at a little mouse party or in a cat/mouse combination! While the real animal might make us skittish, we can’t get enough of this cute little guy!

3. Lady Bug Paper Plate Crafts

Every one loves lady bugs, and this adorable craft is sure to be a crowd pleaser! The wings even open and close to reveal a little surprise underneath!

4. Parrot Paper Plate Crafts

We can’t get over how cute these paper parrots are! The little leg/stick to hold them with makes it a lot easier on the little ones too. They won’t break their craft when they try to play with them this way!

5. Penguin Paper Plate Crafts

There is just something so love-able about penguins! This sweet little guy is no different. Super easy to make with some simple folds, painting, and gluing!

6. Giraffe Paper Plate Crafts

• Try this super cute preschool giraffe paper plate craft!
• The little horns just make this one as cute as she could possibly be! You’ll need to make time to let one coat of paint dry on this giraffe plate, but the adorableness totally makes up for the wait time!

7. Snake Paper Plate Crafts

Some quick painting and some clever cutting make this sweet bouncy snake that your kids will LOVE.

8. Zebra Paper Plate Crafts

Isn’t this little zebra just a cutie! Paper, paints, and paper plates makes this adorable zebra!

9. Pig Paper Plate Crafts

Use plates, paint, googley eyes and pieces of egg carton to make the nose! We can’t get over the adorableness here! You can even make a full size paper pig using this tutorial!

10. Spider Paper Plate Crafts

The little spider craft is made with eyes and pipe cleaners! You can even add a string to let him climb up and down your wall (or any spare water spouts you may have lying around).

11. Turtle Paper Plate Crafts

These turtles are so cute! Your kids will love making their shells as colorful as possible! It even has a simple template for the head, legs, and tail.

12. Toucan Paper Plate Crafts

We’re loving all the curves on this Toucan paper plate craft from Pink Stripey Socks! And it’s got a fancy paint job! It’ll take some clever cutting, and then this gorgeous bird will come to life. It’s one of the prettiest paper plate crafts!

13. Snail Paper Plate Crafts

You’ll need a little extra paper to make the body of the snail, but some paints and swirls will make this gorgeous snail’s shell look just right!

Or make this cute paper plate snail craft that uses cotton balls for paint brushes!

14. Bird Paper Plate Crafts

We love the combination of colors and feathers for this gorgeous bird! Since you are combining colors every bird will have it’s own unique hues and beauty!

More Paper Plate Bird Crafts for Kids

15. Sheep Paper Plate Crafts

Shredded paper make this sheep look all nice and fluffy! You could even exchange black felt for the paper used on the face and ears to make her fuzzy!

16. Polar Bear Paper Plate Crafts

This paper plate polar bear craft project thrives in cold or warm weather, making for fun all year round!

17. Cat Paper Plate Crafts

We love the arch to this kitty’s back! His ears and tail make him look almost real!

18. Dog Paper Plate Crafts

Make this cute paper plate dog that is leaping in the air. It is an easy paper craft for kids of all ages.

19. Whale Paper Plate Crafts

Chop off the bottom of this plate to make this whale with a tale! He even has paper-water blowing out from the top!

20. Shark Paper Plate Crafts

Try and easy shark paper plate craft or a more advanced fierce shark paper plate craft with moveable jaws.

21. Hedgehog Paper Plate Crafts

Folding, coloring, and some quick snipping with scissors will make this adorable hedgehog!

22. Duck Paper Plate Crafts

Add some feathers for extra softness to this little ducky. We love the character that his feet and beak add as well!

23. Jellyfish Paper Plate Crafts

Paper plate jellyfish are the cutest ever! Simple to make and have long streamers for extra color and fun.

24. Bunny Paper Plate Crafts

This sweet bunny rabbit is so colorful, and it is sure to make your kiddos smile.

25. Lion Paper Plate Crafts

Make this adorable paper plate lion craft that is easy enough for preschoolers who are just learning scissor skills.

Want More Crafting Fun? We Have Loads Of Ideas:

And if you are curious… here are 6 reasons why arts and crafts for kids are beneficial for their development!

Leave a comment: Do your little ones love animals as much as we do? Which of these paper plate crafts are your favorite?