20 Zoo Animal Crafts for Preschoolers

There are many opinions about zoos, both for and against the very concept. However, one thing nobody can deny is the learning opportunities they present. There are so many animals to see and learn about.

But some days, a zoo trip just isn’t in the cards. That doesn’t mean the learning has to stop, though. These 20+ zoo animal crafts for kids are the perfect way to learn about zoo animals while hanging out at home or in the classroom!

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Materials for These Preschool Zoo Animal Crafts:

Want to get started on one of these zoo animal preschool crafts ASAP? Here’s a list of some of the materials needed. It is not an all-inclusive list, but it does contain most of what’s needed to make the activity of your choice.

Toliet paper rolls
Brown paper bags
Construction paper
Glue
Popsicle sticks
Paper plates
Paint
Markers

Paper Plate Lion

Looking for a cute and easy zoo craft to make with your kids? This adorable paper plate lion craft is always a hit! With its fluffy mane and simple supplies, it’s the perfect activity for a zoo-themed unit, a preschool animal lesson, or a rainy afternoon at home.

by Kidz Craft Corner

Paper Plate Brown Bear

This cute brown bear is such a simple but fun craft! Whether you are learning about zoo animals or hibernation, this paper plate craft is a must!

by Kidz Craft Corner

3D Paper Lion Craft

This 3D paper lion stands up, just like magic. The lion template guarantees he has the right shape for the craft to work.

by Mommy Made That

Paper Roll Monkey Craft

Crazy, playful monkeys are a popular favorite at any zoo. Turn an old toilet paper roll into an adorable little monkey pal for kids to play with.

by Arty Crafty Kids

Elephant Paper Plate Craft

A paper plate is the perfect base for a fun elephant friend. This simple craft is a great way for kids to get some scissors practice.

by Mom Wife Busy Life

Paper Zoo Animal Crafts

This zoo animal craft offers four different animal options instead of settling for just one. Grab a bunch of colored construction paper and see what you can make.

by Mama of Minis

Toilet Paper Roll Giraffe Craft

This toilet paper roll giraffe can only be described with one word. Epic. This is a big craft, but the results are amazing, and kids will love it.

by Taming Little Monsters

Lion Paper Craft

What zoo worth its salt doesn’t have the king of beasts? This printable lion craft is a great way to help kids bring the mane event to their homemade zoo.

by Ottawa Mommy Club

Paper Plate Tiger Craft

But if there are lions, there must also be tigers. Arguably even better hunters than the lions, this paper plate tiger ensures the jungle cat is represented, too.

by Little Ladoo

Paper Plate Bear

After the lion and the tiger, we have a bear (oh my). The printable template makes a paper plate bear that is less imposing and more adorable.

by The Printables Fairy

Cardboard Animal Toys

Grab an old cardboard box and be amazed by the possibilities. This project shows how to make a whole squad of animal friends to play with.

by Red Ted Art

Zoo Animal Finger Puppets

This zoo animal craft requires a little light sewing, but it’s very basic to keep things manageable. The resulting animal finger puppets will hold up for hours of play time.

by In the Playroom

Paper Bag Fork Painted Zebra Craft

Who knew making a paper bag into a zebra puppet was so easy and fun? Fork painting makes the perfect zebra stripes for this fun little guy.

by Our Kid Things

Tiger Art Project with Rousseau

This tiger craft focuses more on the art aspect of arts and crafts. Styled after the artist Henri Rousseau, the template allows children to model his precise brush strokes and color choices.

by Little Bins for Little Hands

Animal Popsicle Puppets

This free-form idea for animal puppets allows for lots of creativity. Be sure to check out the blog to learn about the nine benefits of puppet play.

by Lorena & Lennox

Elephant Craft

Here is a great zoo animal craft for all elephant lovers. The template makes him turn out just right, and it’s easy to do.

by Crafting Jeannie

Blow Paint Lion Craft

Merge creativity with convenience with this blow-painted lion craft. The contrast between the printable template lion and the wild, blow-painted mane makes for a fascinating visual.

by Kids Craft Room

Lion Paper Plate Craft

Perfect for toddlers, this paper plate lion has a little of everything. There’s painting, cutting, and gluing. The printable template ensures that it will turn out just right.

by Raise Curious Kids

L is for Lion Handprint Art

This lion printable is perfect for letter association and is a fun handprint craft. Kids supply the lion’s mane with a couple of handprints to complete this craft.

by Homeschool of 1

Jungle Hand Print Craft

This is an enjoyable craft idea that gets the whole family involved. Using everyone’s handprints, make an elephant family.

by Rainy Day Mum

Paper Bag Puppet Tiger Craft

This is the ideal zoo animal craft for little ones. Print out the template and glue all the parts to a paper bag to make a fun tiger puppet that they will love playing with.

by Messy Little Monster

Zoo Animal Crafts

Anyone who still has a newspaper lying around needs to try this craft. By recycling newspapers, you can make loads of cute zoo animals.

by The Best Ideas for Kids

More fun crafts:

Read About Zoo Animals:

If your little one loves learning about outer space, pair these fun crafts with a few favorite space books! Here are three great picks to dive into together:

Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire – A classic beginner book about a spotted creature who wants to live in the zoo! Simple text and fun illustrations make it a kid favorite.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals – Packed with colorful photos and simple facts about lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and more. Kids love flipping through this one to learn about real zoo animals.

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