Don't you just love penguins?
Whether of the cartoon variety or the real-life one, there's something so cute about them. Whether it's their waddle, their unique black and white coloring, or just the fact that they don't live in the northern hemisphere, making them kind of "exotic" to Americans, I don't know.
What I do know is the penguin exhibit was by far our favorite part of the Gatlinburg Aquarium when we visited years ago.
Below I have a list of 17 penguin crafts designed for preschool/kindergarten/first grade ages.
Whether you're looking for a winter-themed activity or just want to add some cuteness to your crafting repertoire, these penguin crafts are sure to be a hit.
Fun Facts About Penguins
Here are some fun facts about penguins (from City of Albuquerque) that you can discuss with your kids while you're crafting together:
- Penguins' "tuxedo look" are a well-designed camouflage. When penguins swim, the black on their backs helps them blend in with the darkness of the ocean, hiding them from predators looking down from up above. Their white bellies, on the other hand, help them blend in with the bright surface of the ocean, hiding from predators viewing them from below. Clever, huh?
- Penguins aren't just in Antarctica. You can also find them in the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Peru and Chile.
- Male penguins often "woo" a female with gifts -- of rocks. Why? Because the females use these rocks to build a nest.
- Penguins and polar bears don't hang out together. Not because they don't like each other, but because they live on opposite sides of the world.
Here's how to make Chocolate Penguin Cookies out of Nutter Butters!
Penguin Crafts for Kids
Go on a nature walk looking for stones, then come home and paint your own penguin family!
Paper Penguin with Accordion Legs
Your children can have a whole lot of Winter fun, when you help them make this super cute printable penguin craft with accordion legs.
It can be a Christmas craft with the red and green scarf as pictured.
The instructions also include links for how to make an accordian leg reindeer, polar bear, or snowman.
Penguin Name Craf
Get ready for a cute penguin name craft that kids will absolutely love. Dive into this easy activity that helps little ones learn their names and express their creativity at the same time!
Paper Bag Penguin Craft
This fun paper bag penguin turns into a fun penguin puppet kids can play with after.
Cotton Ball Penguin Craft
This adorable cotton ball penguin craft is easy to make for your preschoolers and kindergartners.
With different penguin templates to choose from, your kids will love making this simple winter craft.
Penguin Popsicle Stick Craft
Want to make some fun creatures to hang on your Christmas tree -- or to give as gifts?
These adorable penguins, made of yarn, ribbon, and glitter foam sheets and dressed in scarves, are easy and inexpensive to make. Make best of all, they're mess-free!
Toilet Paper Roll Penguin
Learn how to make this toilet paper roll Penguin for an easy winter craft for kids. This is such a simple and thrifty kid craft.
Penguin (and Penguicorn) Coloring Pages
Okay, so this isn't exactly a craft, but coloring pages are always quick and easy ... and you can sort of make them a craft if you want add things like glitter, or cut them out and glue them to something else when you're finished coloring them.
These free printable coloring pages include "regular" penguins, plus penguicorns -- a cross between a penguin and a unicorn!
Pom Pom Penguins
Make a cute little penguin out of yarn and felt! These pom pom penguins are fun for grade school kids to make together.
Popsicle Stick Penguin Craft
This penguin is made with two sizes of popsicle sticks, acrylic paint, orange cardstock, googly eyes, and -- the best part -- big orange pom poms.
Footprint Penguins
Winter is the perfect season to create Footprint Penguin art with acrylic paint, canvas, and a cozy sock-covered foot from a child you love.
Penguin Finger Puppet Craft
Make adorable finger puppets with this free printable. Just color, cut, and play.
Penguin Cut and Paste Craft {Free Template}
This easy and enjoyable penguin craft requires minimal preparation, making it a favorite activity for kids.
Simply print the provided template and let the child cut out and assemble the penguin pieces.
Paper Penguin Craft with Moveable Flippers
This penguin paper craft has moveable flippers with the help of a paper fastener! What fun!
Penguin Headband Craft
Create an adorable and easy-to-make penguin headband craft that kids will love, using simple materials like construction paper and glue.
Video -- How to Make a Simple Penguin Out of a Paper Plate
This video shows you how to make a penguin out of a single paper plate!
Video --- Rocking Paper Penguin Toy
Here's a cute craft that becomes a toy as well.
Finally, I couldn't resist sharing this Pebble Penguin Family from Sustain my Craft Habit.
Made with a wood slice, pebbles, acrylic paint, and ribbons, this is a penguin craft that you can do!
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