35 Easy Dinosaur Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Fun, Simple & Parent-Approved!)

If your little one can’t get enough dinosaurs, you’re in the right place! Whether they spend their days stomping around like a T-Rex, digging for fossils, or filling every room with dinosaur toys, these easy dinosaur crafts are the perfect way to turn that excitement into creative, hands-on fun.

The best crafts for toddlers and preschoolers don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simplest activities are often the most memorable. That’s why every craft in this guide uses inexpensive supplies, takes very little prep, and includes easy-to-follow instructions that parents, grandparents, daycare providers, and preschool teachers can confidently tackle.

These dinosaur crafts are designed for children ages 2–5 and help develop important early learning skills like:

  • Fine motor development
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Creativity
  • Sensory exploration
  • Scissor skills
  • Color recognition
  • Problem-solving
  • Imaginative play

Most of the supplies can be found at home or purchased at a dollar store or Amazon (affiliate links included), making these activities budget-friendly as well.

Let’s get crafting!

1. Bubble Wrap Dinosaur Prints

This fun process art activity creates realistic dinosaur skin using bubble wrap. Every print turns out differently, making each dinosaur one of a kind.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Cut a piece of bubble wrap slightly larger than your dinosaur template.
  2. Pour washable paint onto a paper plate.
  3. Help your child roll or dab paint onto the bubble side of the bubble wrap.
  4. Carefully press the painted bubble wrap onto white paper.
  5. Gently peel it away to reveal a fun textured print.
  6. Allow the paint to dry completely.
  7. Cut out a dinosaur shape from the printed paper.
  8. Glue the dinosaur onto a fresh sheet of construction paper.
  9. Add eyes, grass, or clouds with markers if desired.

Make It Extra Fun

  • Try rainbow dinosaurs.
  • Add glitter glue after the paint dries.
  • Use different bubble wrap sizes for unique textures.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor skills
  • Sensory exploration
  • Color mixing
  • Creativity

Parent Tip: Place the bubble wrap inside a shallow baking tray to help keep paint from spreading across the table.

Need dinosaur templates? Drop your email below and we’ll send you our whole collection!

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2. Cardboard Tube Dinosaur Family

Instead of making just one dinosaur, create an entire prehistoric family that children can play with long after craft time is over.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30–40 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint each cardboard tube a different dinosaur color.
  2. Let the tubes dry completely.
  3. Cut heads, tails, legs, spikes, and plates from construction paper.
  4. Glue the pieces onto each tube.
  5. Attach googly eyes.
  6. Draw a smile, nostrils, or spots with a marker.
  7. Make several dinosaurs to create a whole family.

Dinosaur Ideas

  • T-Rex
  • Triceratops
  • Stegosaurus
  • Brachiosaurus
  • Ankylosaurus
  • Parasaurolophus

Skills Kids Practice

  • Cutting
  • Gluing
  • Following directions
  • Imaginative play

Parent Tip: Save toilet paper rolls for a few weeks so you can make a whole dinosaur collection at once. (You can also just buy them too on Amazon!)

3. Dinosaur Footprint Walkway

Kids love making giant dinosaur tracks! This simple craft doubles as a movement activity that encourages pretend play.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Tape a long sheet of paper to the table or floor.
  2. Pour small amounts of paint onto paper plates.
  3. Dip dinosaur feet into washable paint.
  4. Walk the dinosaurs across the paper to create tracks.
  5. Repeat using different dinosaur toys and colors.
  6. Once dry, invite your child to follow the tracks like a dinosaur.

Make It Educational

Ask questions such as:

  • Which dinosaur made the biggest footprints?
  • Which tracks are closest together?
  • Can you count the footprints?

Skills Kids Practice

  • Counting
  • Observation
  • Fine motor control
  • Cause and effect

Parent Tip: Wash dinosaur toys immediately before the paint dries for easy cleanup.

4. Puffy Paint Dinosaur Eggs

This craft combines sensory play with a surprise dinosaur hatchling.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30 minutes plus drying time

Supplies

Directions

  1. Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue.
  2. Stir gently until fluffy.
  3. Divide into bowls and add food coloring.
  4. Draw large dinosaur eggs on cardstock.
  5. Let your child spread puffy paint over the eggs.
  6. Allow the eggs to dry completely.
  7. Cut each egg in half using a zigzag pattern.
  8. Glue a baby dinosaur inside.
  9. Glue only one side of the egg so children can “crack” it open.

Make It Extra Fun

Hide a fun dinosaur fact inside each egg.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Sensory exploration
  • Fine motor skills
  • Patience
  • Creativity

Parent Tip: Puffy paint can take overnight to dry, so plan ahead.

Need Easy Dinosaur Activities for Kids?

We created a dinosaur bundle designed for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5 and includes:

  • 50 Page Dinosaur Coloring Book
  • Dinosaur Dot Number Worksheets (1-10)
  • 20-page Dinosaur Tracing Workbook
  • Dinosaur Templates for all the crafts listed
  • A-Z Alphabet Dot Marker Pages
  • Bonus 50 Page Summer Coloring Book & A-Z Alphabet Tracing Workbook

Delivered as an instant PDF download. Print at home on standard letter-size paper. Print as many times as you need — no limits.

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5. Coffee Filter Volcano

Every dinosaur world needs a volcano! This colorful craft looks impressive but is surprisingly simple.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Color coffee filters with washable markers or paint.
  2. Lightly spray with water.
  3. Watch the colors blend together.
  4. Allow filters to dry.
  5. Fold the filter into a cone shape to create a volcano.
  6. Glue the volcano onto paper.
  7. Add cotton balls at the top for smoke.
  8. Place toy dinosaurs around the volcano for playtime.

Optional Addition

Glue strips of red, orange, and yellow paper flowing down the volcano as lava.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Color recognition
  • Creativity
  • Fine motor skills
  • Imaginative play

Parent Tip: Place newspaper underneath while spraying to avoid colorful tables.

6. Dinosaur Fossil Salt Dough

Kids become real paleontologists by making their own fossils to keep forever.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

45 minutes plus baking time

Supplies

Directions

  1. Mix flour, salt, and water until dough forms.
  2. Knead for several minutes until smooth.
  3. Roll dough about ½ inch thick.
  4. Use a cup to cut circles, or simply make flat stones.
  5. Press dinosaur feet or whole dinosaurs firmly into the dough.
  6. Carefully remove the toy.
  7. Bake at 250°F for about 2–3 hours until completely hard.
  8. Allow to cool.
  9. Paint fossils if desired.

Make It Educational

Talk about how real fossils form over millions of years.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Sensory exploration
  • Strengthening hand muscles
  • STEM learning
  • Observation

Parent Tip: Seal finished fossils with clear Mod Podge if you’d like to keep them as keepsakes.

7. Nature Dinosaur Skeletons

Head outside for a nature walk before turning your findings into prehistoric masterpieces. You can also get all the supplies on amazon as well for a fun indoor rainy day activity!

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30–45 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Go on a short nature walk and collect sticks, leaves, and small rocks.
  2. Draw a simple dinosaur outline on cardstock.
  3. Arrange twigs to create the dinosaur’s “bones.”
  4. Use leaves for the body and tail.
  5. Add tiny rocks for feet or eyes.
  6. Glue everything into place.
  7. Let dry completely.

Challenge

Can your child build:

  • A T-Rex?
  • A Stegosaurus?
  • A long-necked Brachiosaurus?

Skills Kids Practice

  • Nature exploration
  • Creativity
  • Spatial awareness
  • Fine motor skills

Parent Tip: This is a wonderful fall activity when colorful leaves are easy to collect.

8. Giant Dinosaur Footprints

Transform your house or backyard into a dinosaur adventure.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

25–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Draw oversized dinosaur footprints on cardboard.
  2. Cut them out.
  3. Let your child paint each footprint.
  4. Once dry, decorate with spots, stripes, or scales.
  5. Tape the footprints throughout your home or yard.
  6. Create a path leading to a hidden dinosaur toy or small surprise.
  7. Encourage your child to stomp from footprint to footprint like a dinosaur.

Make It Extra Fun

Turn it into a scavenger hunt by hiding dinosaur eggs, books, or stuffed dinosaurs along the trail.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Gross motor skills
  • Balance
  • Following directions
  • Problem-solving

Parent Tip: Laminate the footprints with clear packing tape if you want to reuse them for future dinosaur adventures.

Continue on for Part 2, where we’ll make dinosaur crowns, frozen dinosaur rescues, dress-up tails, rainbow scales, and even more easy dinosaur crafts your little paleontologist will love!

Looking for More Dinosaur Fun?

If your little dinosaur fan isn’t ready to stop, our Dinosaur Activity Bundle is packed with even more screen-free learning and creative fun for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5.

Inside you’ll get:

  • 🦖 50-Page Dinosaur Coloring Book
  • Dinosaur Dot Number Worksheets (1–10)
  • 20-page Dinosaur Tracing Workbook
  • ✂️ Dinosaur Templates for all the crafts in this guide
  • 🔤 A–Z Alphabet Dot Marker Pages
  • 🎁 FREE Bonus: 50-Page Summer Coloring Book
  • 🎁 FREE Bonus: A–Z Alphabet Tracing Workbook

Everything is delivered as an instant PDF download. Simply print at home on standard letter-size paper and reuse the pages as often as you’d like.

Regularly $4.99 — on sale today for just $2.99! The Summer Coloring Book and Alphabet Tracing Workbook are included free during this limited-time promotion.

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Part 2: Dinosaur Crafts 9–16

The fun continues with even more dinosaur crafts that toddlers and preschoolers will love! These activities encourage creativity, pretend play, sensory exploration, and fine motor development—all while keeping prep simple for parents.

9. Paper Plate Stegosaurus

This classic preschool craft gets a fun dinosaur makeover! The paper plate creates the perfect curved body for a friendly Stegosaurus.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint the paper plate green and let it dry.
  2. Fold the plate slightly in half to give it a rounded body shape.
  3. Cut four short legs from construction paper (or clip on clothespins).
  4. Cut a long tail and a small dinosaur head.
  5. Cut several triangle shapes for the Stegosaurus plates.
  6. Glue the legs, head, and tail onto the plate.
  7. Glue the triangles along the dinosaur’s back.
  8. Add a googly eye and draw a smile.

Make It Extra Fun

  • Decorate the dinosaur with fingerprints or sponge-painted spots.
  • Add a paper sun, volcano, and grass to create a prehistoric scene.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Cutting
  • Gluing
  • Color recognition
  • Fine motor development

Parent Tip: Younger toddlers can use pre-cut pieces while preschoolers practice cutting them independently.

10. Dinosaur Egg Surprise Dig

Part craft, part sensory activity, this project becomes an exciting dinosaur excavation!

Ages

2–5 years

Time

25–35 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Place a mini dinosaur or stickers inside each plastic egg.
  2. Fill a sensory bin with kinetic sand or rice.
  3. Bury the eggs throughout the bin.
  4. Give your child scoops and brushes.
  5. Encourage them to carefully excavate each egg.
  6. Open each egg and discover the surprise inside.
  7. Count how many dinosaurs were rescued.

Make It Educational

Talk about how real paleontologists carefully uncover dinosaur fossils.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Sensory exploration
  • Counting
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Pretend play

Parent Tip: Add small rocks and plastic plants to make the excavation site feel even more realistic.

11. Cotton Ball Dinosaur Painting

Painting doesn’t always require a paintbrush! This fun dinosaur craft lets toddlers create colorful prehistoric artwork using fluffy cotton balls, making it easy for little hands to explore painting in a new way.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–25 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Draw or print a large dinosaur outline on white cardstock.
  2. Pour small amounts of washable paint onto paper plates.
  3. Clip a cotton ball with a clothespin, or let your child hold the cotton ball with their fingers.
  4. Dip the cotton ball into the paint.
  5. Dab the paint all over the dinosaur using gentle up-and-down motions until it’s completely covered.
  6. Allow the paint to dry.
  7. Add a googly eye or draw an eye with a marker.
  8. Decorate the background with grass, volcanoes, clouds, or a bright sun.

Make It Extra Fun

  • Use different colors to create rainbow dinosaurs.
  • Try making dinosaur spots by using several cotton balls with different paint colors.
  • Stamp green handprints around the dinosaur to create prehistoric trees.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor skills
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Color recognition
  • Sensory exploration
  • Creativity

Parent Tip: Clothespins make great “paintbrush handles” and help strengthen the small muscles in little hands while making the cotton ball easier to hold.

Need dinosaur templates? Drop your email below and we’ll send you our whole collection!

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Thank you!

We will send you an email within 24 hours!

12. Dinosaur Sticker Habitat

This low-mess craft is perfect for toddlers who love stickers.

Ages

2–4 years

Time

15–20 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Give your child a blank sheet of cardstock.
  2. Invite them to create a dinosaur world using stickers.
  3. Draw rivers, mountains, or dirt paths with crayons.
  4. Add clouds, sunshine, flowers, or rocks.
  5. Tell a story about the dinosaurs living in their habitat.

Extend the Activity

Ask questions like:

  • Which dinosaur is the biggest?
  • Where does the baby dinosaur sleep?
  • What does your dinosaur eat?

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor skills
  • Language development
  • Creativity
  • Storytelling

Parent Tip: Save leftover stickers in a folder for future rainy-day activities.

13. Fork-Painted Dinosaur

Painting with forks creates a fun textured dinosaur skin that’s completely different from using a paintbrush.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Draw or print a large dinosaur outline.
  2. Dip the back of a plastic fork into paint.
  3. Stamp and drag the fork across the dinosaur.
  4. Repeat with different shades of green, blue, or brown.
  5. Allow the paint to dry.
  6. Add an eye and draw a smile.

Make It Extra Fun

Try making rainbow dinosaurs or using metallic paint for “magical dinosaurs.”

Skills Kids Practice

  • Sensory exploration
  • Hand control
  • Creativity
  • Color recognition

Parent Tip: Cover the table with newspaper since fork painting can get messy.

Need dinosaur templates? Drop your email below and we’ll send you our whole collection!

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Thank you!

We will send you an email within 24 hours!

14. Dinosaur Crown

Your little one can become the king or queen of the dinosaurs with this easy wearable craft.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Measure a strip of green paper around your child’s head.
  2. Cut colorful triangles for dinosaur spikes.
  3. Glue the spikes along one edge.
  4. Decorate with crayons or stickers.
  5. Staple or tape the crown to fit comfortably.
  6. Wear the crown while pretending to stomp like a dinosaur.

Make It Extra Fun

Host a dinosaur parade around the house!

Skills Kids Practice

  • Cutting
  • Pattern recognition
  • Creativity
  • Pretend play

Parent Tip: Let siblings each design their own unique dinosaur crown.

15. Handprint Dinosaur Garden

Turn your child’s handprints into a colorful prehistoric masterpiece you’ll treasure for years.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

25–35 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint your child’s hand with washable paint.
  2. Press the hand firmly onto cardstock.
  3. Repeat several times using different colors.
  4. Once dry, turn the handprints into dinosaur spikes, trees, or giant leaves.
  5. Add a dinosaur cutout in the middle.
  6. Draw flowers, grass, rocks, and clouds around the scene.

Keepsake Idea

Write your child’s name and the date at the bottom before displaying.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Sensory exploration
  • Creativity
  • Fine motor development

Parent Tip: These make wonderful gifts for grandparents.

16. Dinosaur Binoculars

Kids can become dinosaur explorers searching for prehistoric creatures in the backyard, living room, or local park.

Ages: 2–5 years

Time: 20–25 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint or wrap each toilet paper roll with green construction paper.
  2. Glue the two rolls side by side.
  3. Decorate with dinosaur stickers, spots, stripes, or scales using markers.
  4. An adult punches one hole on each outside edge.
  5. Tie yarn or ribbon through the holes to create a neck strap.
  6. Let the glue dry before wearing the binoculars.

Make It Extra Fun

Go on a dinosaur safari around the house or yard and hide toy dinosaurs for your child to discover.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor development
  • Creativity
  • Imaginative play
  • Hand-eye coordination

Parent Tip: Hide dinosaur books, stuffed animals, or plastic dinosaurs around the room to turn the craft into an exciting scavenger hunt.

Next up in Part 3, we’ll finish the collection with even more creative dinosaur crafts—including Frozen Dinosaur Rescue, Rainbow Dinosaur Scales, Leaf Dinosaurs, Shadow Art, a Cardboard Dinosaur Cave, a Build-Your-Own Dinosaur Habitat, plus a helpful FAQ section and a conclusion packed with tips for parents.

The Ultimate Dinosaur Printable Bundle for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Want even more dinosaur activities? Our printable Dinosaur Activity Bundle is filled with educational and creative activities designed specifically for children ages 2–5.

Your instant download includes:

  • 50 Dinosaur Coloring Pages
  • Dinosaur Dot Number Worksheets (1–10)
  • 20-page Dinosaur Tracing Workbook
  • Printable Dinosaur Craft Templates
  • A–Z Dinosaur Dot Marker Alphabet Pages
  • BONUS Summer Coloring Book (50 Pages)
  • BONUS A–Z Alphabet Tracing Workbook

Print everything at home on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper and enjoy unlimited personal printing.

Normally $4.99, now just $2.99 for a limited time. The two bonus books are included free while this special offer lasts.

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Part 3: Dinosaur Crafts 17–35 + FAQs

We’ve reached the final section of our dinosaur craft adventure! These last projects combine sensory play, STEM learning, imaginative play, and creative art. Many of these crafts become toys that children can continue playing with long after the crafting is finished.

17. Frozen Dinosaur Rescue

Little paleontologists will love rescuing dinosaurs trapped inside giant blocks of ice.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

15–20 minutes (plus freezing time)

Supplies

Directions

  1. Place several plastic dinosaurs into a container.
  2. Fill with water until the dinosaurs are covered.
  3. Add a few drops of blue food coloring if desired.
  4. Freeze overnight.
  5. Remove the ice block and place it in a large tray or outside.
  6. Give your child warm water, spray bottles, droppers, and spoons.
  7. Encourage them to melt the ice and rescue each dinosaur.

Make It Extra Fun

Freeze plastic leaves or small pebbles with the dinosaurs for an even more exciting excavation.

Skills Kids Practice

  • STEM exploration
  • Cause and effect
  • Fine motor skills
  • Patience

Parent Tip: Complete this activity outdoors on warm days for easy cleanup.

18. Rainbow Dinosaur Scales

This colorful collage helps children practice cutting while creating beautiful textured dinosaurs.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30–40 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Cut dozens of small circles from colorful paper.
  2. Draw or print a large dinosaur outline.
  3. Starting at the tail, glue the circles so they overlap like scales.
  4. Continue until the dinosaur is completely covered.
  5. Add an eye and decorate the background.

Variations

  • Use tissue paper instead of construction paper.
  • Try only shades of green.
  • Create a rainbow dinosaur.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Scissor skills
  • Patterns
  • Fine motor development
  • Color recognition

Parent Tip: Punch paper circles with a hole punch to save time for younger children.

Need dinosaur templates? Drop your email below and we’ll send you our whole collection!

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Thank you!

We will send you an email within 24 hours!

19. Dinosaur Bone Matching Puzzle

Turn learning into a game with this homemade matching activity.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

25–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Draw several large bone shapes.
  2. Cut each bone in half using different zigzag or wavy lines.
  3. Write matching letters, numbers, shapes, or colors on each pair.
  4. Mix all the pieces together.
  5. Invite your child to rebuild each dinosaur bone.

Learning Ideas

  • Uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Numbers
  • Colors
  • Shapes
  • Beginning sounds

Skills Kids Practice

  • Matching
  • Early literacy
  • Problem-solving
  • Fine motor skills

Parent Tip: Laminate the puzzle pieces for repeated use.

20. Dinosaur Egg Carton Hatchlings

These adorable baby dinosaurs look like they’re hatching right out of their eggs! This easy recycled craft is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and encourages hours of imaginative play afterward.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

25–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Cut the egg carton into individual egg cups.
  2. Let your child paint each cup in fun dinosaur egg colors.
  3. Allow the paint to dry completely.
  4. Cut small dinosaur heads, tails, arms, and feet from construction paper.
  5. Glue the pieces inside and around each egg cup so the dinosaur looks like it’s hatching.
  6. Add googly eyes and draw a smile with a marker.
  7. Display the baby dinosaurs together or use them for pretend play.

Make It Extra Fun

  • Decorate the eggs with spots, stripes, or zigzag patterns.
  • Hide the hatchlings around the house for a dinosaur egg hunt.
  • Give each baby dinosaur a silly name.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor development
  • Creativity
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Imaginative play

Parent Tip: Save empty egg cartons throughout the year—they’re perfect for dozens of fun preschool crafts!

21. Leaf Dinosaur Collage

Nature becomes the art supply in this beautiful seasonal craft.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Collect a variety of leaves on a nature walk.
  2. Arrange leaves into the body of a dinosaur.
  3. Use twigs for legs, tails, or necks.
  4. Glue everything in place.
  5. Draw eyes and a smile.
  6. Add grass, flowers, or a volcano around the dinosaur.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Nature observation
  • Creativity
  • Spatial awareness
  • Fine motor development

Parent Tip: Press leaves inside a heavy book overnight if they’re curled.

22. Dinosaur Shadow Art

A simple flashlight creates amazing dinosaur artwork.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

20–25 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Place a dinosaur toy on a table.
  2. Shine a flashlight so it casts a shadow.
  3. Trace the shadow with a pencil.
  4. Decorate the traced dinosaur with crayons or markers.
  5. Repeat using different dinosaurs.

STEM Extension

Experiment with moving the flashlight closer or farther away.

Ask:

  • Which shadow is the biggest?
  • What happens when the light moves?

Skills Kids Practice

  • Observation
  • Science exploration
  • Creativity
  • Hand-eye coordination

Parent Tip: Turn off the lights for an even more dramatic effect.

23. Cardboard Box Dinosaur Cave

A simple shipping box becomes hours of imaginative fun.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

45–60 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Lay the box on its side.
  2. Cut an opening to create the cave entrance.
  3. Paint the outside brown or gray.
  4. Add tissue paper vines around the entrance.
  5. Glue paper rocks, grass, and trees around the cave.
  6. Place dinosaurs inside.
  7. Let your child decorate the cave however they’d like.

Make It Extra Fun

Add battery-operated tea lights inside the cave for a magical glow.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Creativity
  • Pretend play
  • Fine motor development
  • Problem-solving

Parent Tip: This doubles as a wonderful storage space for dinosaur toys.

24. Dinosaur Paper Plate Nest

Create a cozy prehistoric nest filled with colorful dinosaur eggs! This simple paper plate craft is easy enough for toddlers while giving preschoolers plenty of opportunities to get creative.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint the paper plate brown and allow it to dry.
  2. Cut or tear strips of brown construction paper to look like sticks and grass.
  3. Glue the paper strips around the plate to create a dinosaur nest.
  4. Cut several large egg shapes from colorful construction paper.
  5. Let your child decorate the eggs with spots, stripes, squiggles, or fingerprints.
  6. Glue the finished dinosaur eggs inside the nest.
  7. Add a dinosaur sticker or paper baby dinosaur peeking out from behind one of the eggs.
  8. Let everything dry before displaying your prehistoric nest.

Make It Extra Fun

Instead of gluing all the eggs down, leave a few loose and hide them around the room. Give your child a basket and send them on a dinosaur egg hunt before returning the eggs to their nest.

You can also write numbers on the eggs and practice putting them into the nest in numerical order.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Fine motor development
  • Color recognition
  • Cutting and tearing
  • Counting
  • Creativity
  • Imaginative play

Parent Tip: For younger toddlers, cut out the egg shapes ahead of time and let them focus on decorating and gluing. Preschoolers can practice cutting their own simple egg shapes.

25. Build Your Own Dinosaur Habitat

Save the best for last! This project combines many of the crafts you’ve already made into one incredible prehistoric world.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

45–60 minutes

Supplies

  • Shoebox
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls
  • Blue paper
  • Brown paper
  • Small rocks
  • Sticks
  • Plastic dinosaurs
  • Artificial moss (optional)
  • Craft sand (optional)

Directions

  1. Turn the shoebox on its side.
  2. Cover the inside with green and brown paper.
  3. Create a river using blue paper.
  4. Add rocks, sticks, moss, and sand.
  5. Build a paper volcano.
  6. Add cotton-ball clouds.
  7. Place dinosaurs throughout the habitat.
  8. Encourage your child to tell stories about the dinosaurs that live there.

Story Prompts

  • Which dinosaur is the leader?
  • Where do the baby dinosaurs sleep?
  • What happens when the volcano erupts?
  • Can all the dinosaurs share the water?

Skills Kids Practice

  • Storytelling
  • Problem-solving
  • Creativity
  • Pretend play
  • Early STEM thinking

Parent Tip: Leave the habitat out for several days. Children will often return to it again and again, creating new stories each time.

Keep the Dinosaur Learning Going!

If your child loves these dinosaur crafts, they’ll have even more fun with our printable Dinosaur Activity Bundle made just for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5.

The bundle includes:

  • 50-page Dinosaur Coloring Book
  • Dinosaur Dot Number Worksheets (1–10)
  • 20-page Dinosaur Tracing Workbook
  • Printable templates for every dinosaur craft in this article
  • A–Z Alphabet Dot Marker Pages
  • FREE 50-page Summer Coloring Book
  • FREE A–Z Alphabet Tracing Workbook

Download instantly, print from home, and make as many copies as your family needs.

For a limited time, the entire bundle is only $2.99 (regularly $4.99). The Summer Coloring Book and Alphabet Workbook are included at no extra cost during the sale.

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Bonus Dinosaur Crafts 26–35

26. Dinosaur Paper Bag Puppet

Bring dinosaurs to life with an easy puppet that’s perfect for storytelling and imaginative play.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–25 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Lay the paper bag flat with the flap facing up.
  2. Cut out a dinosaur head, tail, arms, legs, and spikes from construction paper.
  3. Glue the head onto the flap of the bag.
  4. Attach the legs, tail, and spikes.
  5. Add googly eyes and draw a smile.
  6. Slip your hand inside and make your dinosaur roar!

Skills Kids Practice

  • Storytelling
  • Fine motor skills
  • Creativity
  • Imaginative play

27. Dinosaur Shape Collage

Practice early geometry while building colorful dinosaurs from simple shapes.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

25–30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Cut circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares.
  2. Challenge your child to build a dinosaur using only shapes.
  3. Glue the pieces onto cardstock.
  4. Add an eye and simple background.

Learning Extension

Ask your child:

  • How many triangles did you use?
  • Which shape is the biggest?
  • Can you find a circle?

Skills

  • Shape recognition
  • Counting
  • Creativity
  • Fine motor development

28. Dinosaur Sponge Painting

Swap paintbrushes for kitchen sponges to make colorful prehistoric artwork.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20 minutes

Supplies

  • Kitchen sponges
  • Clothespins (optional handles)
  • Washable paint
  • White paper
  • Dinosaur outline

Directions

  1. Cut sponges into simple shapes.
  2. Dip into paint.
  3. Dab around the dinosaur outline.
  4. Layer different colors for texture.
  5. Allow to dry.

Skills

  • Hand strength
  • Color mixing
  • Creativity

29. Dinosaur Balloon Prints

Create fun circular dinosaur bodies using balloons instead of brushes.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

20–25 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Inflate a small balloon.
  2. Dip the bottom into paint.
  3. Stamp circles onto paper.
  4. Let them dry.
  5. Add dinosaur heads, tails, legs, and spikes using construction paper.

Skills

  • Sensory play
  • Creativity
  • Fine motor skills

30. Dinosaur Nest Craft

Build a cozy nest for baby dinosaurs.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

25 minutes

Supplies

  • Brown construction paper
  • Shredded paper
  • Glue
  • Small plastic dinosaurs
  • Cotton balls
  • Crayons

Directions

  1. Cut a large nest shape.
  2. Glue shredded paper inside.
  3. Add cotton-ball “eggs.”
  4. Place baby dinosaurs in the nest.
  5. Decorate the background with grass and sunshine.

Skills

  • Creativity
  • Pretend play
  • Fine motor development

31. Dinosaur Footprint Measuring Game

Combine crafting with early math skills.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Trace large dinosaur footprints.
  2. Cut them out.
  3. Measure different objects around the house using the footprints.
  4. Ask questions like:
    • How many dinosaur footprints long is the couch?
    • How many footprints from the door to the table?

Skills

  • Measuring
  • Counting
  • Gross motor movement

32. Dinosaur Rainbow Suncatcher

Brighten a window with a colorful dinosaur decoration.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30–40 minutes

Supplies

  • Contact paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Black construction paper
  • Scissors

Directions

  1. Cut a dinosaur shape from black paper, leaving only the outline.
  2. Stick contact paper behind the opening.
  3. Tear colorful tissue paper into small pieces.
  4. Cover the sticky area.
  5. Hang in a sunny window.

Skills

  • Color recognition
  • Fine motor skills
  • Creativity

33. Dinosaur Story Stones

Turn ordinary rocks into storytelling prompts.

Ages

3–5 years

Time

30 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Paint different dinosaurs, volcanoes, trees, eggs, and fossils onto rocks.
  2. Let dry.
  3. Place all the rocks in a basket.
  4. Pull out three or four rocks and invent a dinosaur story together.

Skills

  • Language development
  • Creativity
  • Imagination

34. Tissue Paper Dinosaur Mosaic

Create a colorful dinosaur using hundreds of tiny tissue paper squares.

Ages

2–5 years

Time

30–45 minutes

Supplies

Directions

  1. Tear tissue paper into small squares.
  2. Spread glue over one section of the dinosaur.
  3. Stick tissue paper onto the glue.
  4. Continue until the dinosaur is completely covered.
  5. Let dry.

Skills

  • Finger strength
  • Patience
  • Fine motor control


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35. Build a Dinosaur Museum

Finish your dinosaur unit by displaying all the crafts you’ve made!

Ages

2–5 years

Time

45 minutes

Supplies

  • Table or bookshelf
  • Dinosaur crafts
  • Toy dinosaurs
  • Index cards
  • Markers
  • Tape

Directions

  1. Gather your favorite dinosaur crafts from this list.
  2. Arrange them on a table or shelf.
  3. Make simple labels for each dinosaur.
  4. Invite family members to visit your “museum.”
  5. Let your child act as the museum tour guide and explain each creation.

Make It Extra Fun

Give everyone a pretend admission ticket and encourage your child to share fun dinosaur facts they’ve learned along the way.

Skills

  • Public speaking
  • Confidence
  • Organization
  • Imaginative play

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these dinosaur crafts best for?

Most of these activities are designed for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5 years. Younger children may need help with cutting and gluing, while older preschoolers can complete many of the crafts independently.

What are the easiest dinosaur crafts for toddlers?

If you’re crafting with a younger toddler, start with:

  • Bubble Wrap Dinosaur Prints
  • Dinosaur Sticker Habitat
  • Painted Rock Dinosaurs
  • Dinosaur Snack Necklace
  • Frozen Dinosaur Rescue

These require very little preparation and are perfect for short attention spans.

Can I use these crafts in a preschool classroom?

Absolutely! Most of these crafts work well for daycare centers, preschool classrooms, homeschool lessons, library programs, and dinosaur-themed birthday parties. Many can also be adapted for larger groups by preparing materials ahead of time.

Where can I find inexpensive craft supplies?

Many of the supplies can be found at:

  • Dollar stores
  • Craft stores
  • Big-box retailers
  • Grocery stores
  • Nature walks around your neighborhood!

You probably already have many of the basics at home.

How can I make these crafts more educational?

Add simple learning opportunities while you craft:

  • Count dinosaur spikes.
  • Sort dinosaurs by size or color.
  • Practice letter sounds with dinosaur names.
  • Measure dinosaur footprints.
  • Read a dinosaur book before or after the activity.
  • Encourage your child to invent stories about their dinosaurs.

Before you go! Save Big on Our Dinosaur Printable Bundle

Want one easy download filled with dinosaur activities? Our Dinosaur Bundle gives you hundreds of pages of learning and fun for kids ages 2–5.

You’ll receive:

  • 50-page Dinosaur Coloring Book
  • Dinosaur Dot Number Worksheets (1–10)
  • 20-page Dinosaur Tracing Workbook
  • Printable Dinosaur Craft Templates
  • A–Z Alphabet Dot Marker Pages
  • BONUS 50-page Summer Coloring Book
  • BONUS A–Z Alphabet Tracing Workbook

Your purchase is delivered instantly as a PDF that prints on standard letter-size paper. Print the activities again and again whenever you need them.

Today’s price is just $2.99 (regularly $4.99). The two bonus books are free for a limited time, so don’t miss the sale.

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Final Thoughts

Crafting is about much more than making something cute—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen little hands, encourage creativity, and create lasting memories together.

Whether your child is painting dinosaur footprints, rescuing frozen dinosaurs, or building an entire prehistoric habitat, these activities invite them to explore, imagine, and learn through play.

The best part? Most of these crafts use simple supplies you already have at home, making them easy to pull out for rainy days, homeschool lessons, preschool themes, birthday parties, or just a fun afternoon together.

Don’t worry about perfection. Crooked spikes, extra glue, and colorful dinosaurs are all part of the fun. Your child won’t remember whether the craft looked perfect—they’ll remember spending time creating it with you.

Happy crafting, and don’t forget to let out a few dinosaur roars along the way! 🦖

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