Paper Plate Penguin Craft for Winter and FREE Template

This paper plate penguin craft is the ultimate winter activity for kids. It keep kids engaged, plus, I’ve included a FREE printable template to make this project even simpler.

Thank you for visiting. This post may contain affiliate links to recommended products at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosures and Terms of Use. Don't miss out again, become a  Reader here <--it's FREE. 

If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and educational winter activity, this paper plate penguin craft is just what you need. Not only does it keep kids engaged, but it also helps develop fine motor skills and creative thinking. Plus, I’ve included a FREE printable template to make this project even simpler. Grab your supplies and let’s dive into this frosty fun!

Winter is the perfect time for crafting with the kids! Of course, any time is great for crafting, but the winter break is especially great.

Kids aren’t able to play outside as much as they do for other seasons, they’re home more and that means you’ll need some fun indoor activities to keep them engaged and occupied.

This paper plate penguin craft is one of the simplest and cutest winter activities for kids! Since the season needs filled with winter fun, make a Pipe Cleaner Icicle Craft and a Paper Plate Snowman Craft too!

Why Kids Love Making Paper Plate Penguins

Kids adore penguins, and adults too (I love these black and white animals) . These tuxedo-wearing birds are not only fascinating but also incredibly relatable to little ones. Plus, crafting a penguin is a fun way to bring a piece of the Arctic into your home or classroom. Use these Penguins notebooking pages for kids to write their own penguin story or report.

This activity is simple enough for preschoolers to enjoy, but it’s also versatile enough to challenge older kids. From painting snow dots to assembling their penguin’s flippers, every step is designed to spark joy and creativity. And let’s not forget the sense of accomplishment they’ll feel when their penguin stands proudly on its snowy backdrop or waddles around as a puppet!

Paper Plate Penguin Craft

Supplies Needed for the Penguin Craft

To make this adorable paper plate penguin craft, you’ll need:

• 2 White Paper Plates
• Popsicle stick
• White and blue paint
• Paintbrush
• Black marker
• Glue
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• Construction papers (black, yellow, and blue)
• Glue stick

And don’t forget to download your FREE printable template, which will save you tons of time and effort during the cutting and assembling process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Paper Plate Penguin Craft

Ready to make your penguin masterpiece? Here are the detailed instructions to guide you through every step:

1. Create the Snowy Background

• Paint one paper plate with blue paint and let it dry. This will be your sky.
• Add snow by painting small dots using white paint. A paintbrush tip or Q-tip works perfectly for this!

2. Shape the Snow Mounds:

• Take the second paper plate and cut it in half. For a fun twist, cut scallops along the edge to resemble snowdrifts. It adds texture and makes the craft look extra special.

3. Prepare the Penguin Pieces:

• Print out the template and cut out the pieces. Trace them onto the appropriate construction paper:
  • Black paper: Penguin body and large flippers
  • White paper: Penguin tummy and inside of flippers
  • Orange paper: Penguin feet and beak
• Alternatively, print the template directly onto colored paper to save time.

4. Assemble the Penguin:

• Glue the penguin together. Start with the black pieces and glue the smaller white pieces on the top

• Add the feet and beak, then draw on eyes or glue on googly eyes. Kids can even customize their penguins with accessories like scarves or hats!
• Optional: To make a puppet craft so kids can move the penguin, attach a popsicle stick to the back of the penguin with glue or double-sided tape.

5. Build the Igloo:

• Cut a half-circle from the blue construction paper.
• Paint lines to create the illusion of ice blocks. Let it dry.

6. Combine the Plates:

• Glue or staple the two paper plates together. If you’ve made a puppet, leave an opening at the top for the penguin to move through.

7. Add the Igloo

• Glue the igloo onto the blue paper plate behind the top of the snow.

8. Bring it all Together

• If it’s not a puppet craft, glue the penguin onto the paper plate. If you made a puppet craft slide the penguin through the opening in the middle of the paper plates and let the kids play with it.

Creative Variations on the Penguin Craft

Looking to mix things up? Try these ideas:

• Fantasy Penguins: Use non-traditional colors like pink or purple for a whimsical touch.
• Penguin Families: Make multiple penguins in different sizes to create a family scene.
• Themed Storytime: Pair this craft with a penguin-themed book for a fun and educational activity.

How to Download and Use the FREE Printable Template

Downloading the template is simple:

• Click the link to download the FREE printable.
• Print it on regular or colored paper.
• Cut out the pieces and get crafting!

These templates are perfect for classrooms, playdates, or solo crafting sessions. Plus, they’re reusable for other projects.

Final Thoughts:

This paper plate penguin craft is the ultimate winter activity for kids. From painting snow to assembling their own waddling penguin, every step is packed with creativity and joy. Plus, with the FREE printable template, it’s easier than ever to create something magical.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies, download the template, and let the winter crafting fun begin.

Print the Directions:

Download the Template Here:

More Ideas to Make Winter Perfect

• Hot Chocolate Stand FREE Printable Play Set
• Learning about Hot and Cold Science Activities
• Build a Snowflake STEM Activity + FREE Printable