Looking for a fun and easy animal craft for kids? This Lion Paper Bag Craft is a great way to turn ordinary paper bags into a roaring puppet kids will love. Using a free printable template and a few simple supplies, children can cut, glue, and assemble their very own lion. This craft is a fun way to learn about the king of the jungle while encouraging creativity and hands-on learning. Once finished, kids can enjoy hours of imaginative play with their finished puppet.
Materials
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper Bag
- Free Printable Template
- Markers or Crayons (optional if coloring yourself)
Instructions
Step 1
Gather your supplies and print off your free printable template. You can choose from a blank copy that you can color yourself or a full color version.
Step 2
Cut out your template pieces.
Step 3
Glue the lion head to the bottom of your paper bag (the part that moves).
Glue the lion’s tail down to the body of the bag and the lion’s body over top.
Step 4
If you picked the template version that you color yourself, choose markers, crayons, or colored pencils to decorate your lion. Once everything is colored and assembled, your final product will be a cute lion puppet ready to play with.
Enjoy!
Video Instructions
Prefer video instructions for your crafts? Subscribe to the Crafty Kids Play Youtube Chanel and watch the full video instructions for this lion paper bag puppet here.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Use a Glue Stick for Best Results
Glue sticks help keep this fun activity neat and prevent the paper bag from getting soggy.
Let Kids Color Before Cutting (If Needed)
For younger children, coloring the pieces before cutting them out can make the activity easier.
Make Sure the Head Goes on the Flap
The bottom flap of the bag should move when kids open and close it, helping bring their puppet to life. Be sure the lion’s head is attached to the moving flap.
Pre-Cut Pieces for Younger Kids
If you’re working with preschool crafts, an adult can cut out the individual pieces of the template ahead of time so kids can focus on assembling their puppet.
Add Extra Details
Use markers, stickers, construction paper, or yarn to create a larger mane and give your lion even more personality. Kids can also draw a savanna background to match a zoo animal theme.
Lion Paper Bag Craft Template Download
Download your free printable lion paper bag craft template using the link below this next image. This free template is intended for personal or classroom use only and may not be redistributed or sold.
Benefits of This Craft For Kids
Builds Fine Motor Skills
Cutting, coloring, and gluing help strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination while developing fine motor skills.
Encourages Creativity
Kids can use the lion template as a starting point and customize it with their own colors, patterns, and decorations in a creative way.
Inspires Pretend Play
After creating their lion paper bag puppet, children can use it for pretend play, puppet shows, and storytelling activities.
Supports Learning Through Play
This paper bag lion craft is a perfect craft for lessons about wild animals, habitats, or African wildlife.
Great for Group Activities
Whether you’re using brown lunch bags in the classroom, at home, or during a library program, this project is a great way to keep children engaged and learning together.
More Fun Ideas
The best part about making paper bag puppets is that kids can create an entire animal collection. Try making additional safari animals and use them during story time for even more interactive fun. This adorable lion puppet also pairs well with books and lessons about lions and other safari animals.
Final Thoughts
This lion craft uses basic supplies and a brown paper bag to create an exciting animal puppet kids will be proud of. The finished lion paper bag puppet is a fun way to encourage creativity while introducing children to one of nature’s most fascinating animals. Whether you’re making one at home, in a classroom, or at a camp program, this craft offers a memorable experience with simple materials. Be sure to download the free template and create your own adorable lion puppet today!
