If there’s one thing we parents know, it’s that kids absolutely love dinosaurs. The sheer size, the wild variety, and the element of mystery that surround these prehistoric creatures capture children’s imaginations like nothing else. So, how about channeling this enthusiasm into a fun, creative activity? Let’s make a paper plate dinosaur craft!

Let’s dive into a simple yet engaging craft project that combines your child’s love for dinosaurs with their creativity: The Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft. It’s a hands-on, budget-friendly activity that’s perfect for a rainy day, a playdate, or just a regular afternoon. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up, which is always a bonus for us busy parents!
This craft uses just a handful of common household items and transforms them into a colorful, homemade dinosaur that your little ones will be proud to show off. So, let’s jump into the world of crafting with your little paleontologists!
How To Make A Paper Plate Dinosaur
This Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft is an engaging yet straightforward craft project that children can complete with minimal adult supervision. The aim is to construct a cute and colorful dinosaur using everyday materials, bringing an extinct creature to life with just paper and paint. And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert in arts and crafts to help your child with this project. It’s simple, enjoyable, and yields a delightful dinosaur that your child can proudly display.
This craft doesn’t demand specialized art supplies. Here’s what you need:

● Paper plate ● Green paint ● Paint brush ● Marker ● Pencils ● Glue stick ● Construction paper (green and yellow)
The simplicity of the required materials makes it an accessible craft, suitable for a quick weekend project or as a part of your child’s homeschool curriculum.

Paper Plate Dinosaur Craft
Journey back to the age of dinosaurs with this delightful and educational Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft. Perfect for fostering fine motor skills, creativity, and a love of history, this craft is accessible for all skill levels. Utilizing everyday items like paper plates, paint, and construction paper, kids can bring their very own dinosaur to life!
The craft begins with a simple paper plate, transforming through various stages into a colorful, friendly dinosaur. It's more than just a craft project - it's a tool for learning and fun, a chance for children to delve into the ancient world, and a path towards developing their creativity and resourcefulness.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Green paint (kids washable paint is fine)
- Paint brush
- Marker
- Pencils
- Glue stick
- Construction paper (green and yellow)
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
- Gather your materials and print out the template PDF (download below)
- Cut the paper plate in half. Then cut curves on both edges of it.
- Paint it with green and let it dry.
- Print and cut the template
- Trace the shapes onto the green paper
- Cut out the green dinosaur pieces that you traced.
- Attach the body parts of the dinosaur one by one to the paper plate. You may refer to the photo.
- Cut triangles from the yellow paper and add it to the curve of the paper plate.
- Cut circles of different sizes from the yellow paper then add it to the body of the dinosaur.
- Lastly, add his eyes. Add a yellow circle
- And then a black dot with the marker
- And you’re done!
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Extra Time (for drying): 1 hour
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Why do children love dinosaurs so much? It could be their enormous sizes, their distinctive shapes, or the mystery surrounding their existence and extinction.
From the sharp-toothed T-Rex to the gentle herbivorous Brachiosaurus, each dinosaur tells a unique story, instilling awe and intrigue. This Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft is a great way to encourage your child’s love for these ancient creatures, fostering a blend of creativity, learning, and fun.

Benefits of The Craft
Engaging children in craft projects like the Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft comes with numerous benefits. It’s more than just a fun-filled activity. It aids in developing fine motor skills as kids cut, paint, and glue. It also boosts their creativity, encourages concentration, and enhances their ability to follow instructions.
Crafting is also a great way to introduce kids to the concept of recycling and reusing. Using a simple paper plate, we’re teaching them how resourcefulness can lead to creativity. Moreover, this dinosaur craft could also be an excellent springboard for a lesson about dinosaurs, encouraging an interest in history and science.
Download Dinosaur Craft Template PDF
Click below to download the free printable template for the dinosaur head and legs, to use for our easy paper plate dinosaur craft.
Terms of use: free for personal use, and free for classroom use. Not for commercial use.
Revisiting the age of dinosaurs through a simple craft project can be an exhilarating journey for kids. This Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft, with its simplicity and charm, can be a source of endless fun and learning. It not only keeps children engaged but also contributes to their overall development.
This craft project is an invitation to tap into your child’s curiosity about dinosaurs, channeling it into a creative venture. So gather your materials, pull up your sleeves, and embark on this wonderful crafting journey with your child. The result is guaranteed to be rewarding—a dinosaur that your child brought to life, sparking joy and a sense of accomplishment. So, unleash your inner paleontologist and create a friendly dinosaur to adorn your child’s room, and who knows, inspire the next generation of dinosaur enthusiasts!
More Dinosaur Crafts and Activities
- Layered Hidden Dinosaur Soaps Recipe
- Dinosaur Colouring Pages for Kids
- Dinosaur Sticky Wall
- Sensory Play – Ways to Play with Toy Dinosaurs
More Paper Plate Crafts
- Crayon Resist Water Color Paper Plate Rainbow Craft
- Easy Paper Plate Fish Craft
- Paper Plate Caterpillars
- Paper Plate Whale
- My World Paper Plate Craft
- Paper Plate Plane in the Clouds
- Paper Plate Spider-Man
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Thanks so much for your support.

Happy Crafting!

We have been included in the most recent article on the Best Dino DIY Crafts by the international educational publisher Twinkl – you can read more here.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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