Groundhog Day is such a fun and unique tradition, and what better way to celebrate than with an adorable Groundhog Day paper bag puppet?
This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and is a creative way to combine crafting fun with a little seasonal learning. With our free printable template, you’ll have everything you need to create a cute groundhog that pops up to check for its shadow.
Whether you’re crafting with a classroom or your family at home, this groundhog puppet craft activity is a delightful way to mark February 2nd.
What is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd and is rooted in a quirky tradition. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If there’s no shadow, spring will arrive early!
This fun celebration dates back to the 18th century and has German origins, where they used hedgehogs instead of groundhogs. Today, Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog, takes center stage in Pennsylvania every year, capturing the attention of everyone curious about the weather prediction.
So, let’s celebrate this fun holiday with an easy Groundhog Day craft – a great way to get kids involved and excited about this tradition.
Materials Needed for the Groundhog Day Puppet Craft
For this craft, you’ll need a paper lunch bag, construction paper, a glue stick, double-sided tape, scissors, and a marker. And don’t forget the groundhog template to piece together the groundhog’s head, inner ears, and the top of the body. The flap portion of the paper bag is where the magic happens as the groundhog comes to life.
Paper bag puppets are a classic craft that never goes out of style. They’re easy to assemble, inexpensive, and provide hours of imaginative play. This groundhog puppet is perfect for reenacting the Groundhog Day tradition or simply having fun pretending to pop up and look for shadows.
This fun craft activity is a wonderful addition to Groundhog Day activities. Young children will enjoy the simplicity of assembling the pieces, while older kids can get creative with details like the mouth line and expressions. It’s a great activity for both classrooms and homes, especially when paired with lesson plans or a visit to the local library to check out some groundhog books.
The groundhog paper bag puppet craft offers hands-on fine-motor practice while teaching kids about Groundhog’s Day traditions. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate science lessons into crafting by discussing early spring predictions or exploring the groundhog’s role in nature.
For added fun, use the puppets for puppet shows that re-enact a sunny day or shadow sighting. Pair this craft with coloring pages or other animal crafts to make a full day of fun crafts. Whether it’s for kindergarten activities or family time, this puppet craft is sure to bring smiles as kids shout, “Happy Groundhog Day!”
How to Make Your Groundhog Paper Bag Puppet
This craft is simple and fun! With our step-by-step guide, you’ll have your groundhog ready in no time.
Ground hog paper bag puppet
Celebrate Groundhog’s Day with this cute little guy! Our Groundhog Paper Bag Puppet Craft is a fun project that turns paper lunch bags into a whimsical groundhog body with cute ears and a cheerful face.
With a simple printable groundhog paper bag puppet template, you’ll have a fun way to create a puppet perfect for pretend play or a puppet show.
Materials
- A paper bag
- Double-sided tape
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- A marker
- The free printable template
Instructions
- Cut the templates and trace them onto their corresponding construction papers, then cut them out again.
- Assemble the templates one by one, tracing them onto the colored construction paper
- Like this
into 
- and this
into 
- Now attach them together. Like this for the first set
this create's the groundhog's head. - Attach the head to the top flap of the paper bag.
- Using the second set of templates, get ready to attach the body to the front of the paper bag, and add some details
- Add the pink inner ears, and the nose along with the groundhog's big teeth
- Now attached the body and arms
- Use the marker to add your eye details
- Using the marker, add the finishing details, such as a smile,
whiskers, 
and small dots to give your groundhog its personality. - Your groundhog day paper bag puppet is ready!
This Groundhog Day paper bag puppet is an engaging and hands-on activity that boosts fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and gets kids excited about this quirky holiday. They’ll love cutting, gluing, and adding their personal touches to their groundhog.
Once complete, the puppet becomes a playful tool for storytelling and imaginative play, making it an all-around win for parents and kids alike.
Download the Free Printable Ground Hog Craft Template
To make this craft even easier, we’ve provided a free printable template that includes all the pieces you’ll need for your groundhog puppet.
Simply download, print, and let the fun begin!
Terms of use: This groundhog paper bag puppet printable is free for personal use and classroom use, not for commercial use. Do not redistribute this file.
It’s a fun project that blends creativity and learning seamlessly. Have so much fun crafting and celebrating this quirky holiday with your cute little guys!
More Crafts for February
February is packed with fun occasions, from Groundhog Day to Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and Black History Month. It’s the perfect month to keep little hands busy with creative and educational crafts that celebrate the season and special days.
- Valentine Slime Recipe And Free Printable Slime Valentine Cards
- Valentine Snail Craft with Printable Template
- Black History Month Watercolor Art Project
- 30 Red White & Blue Patriotic Crafts For Kids
More Paper Bag Puppets
Paper bag puppets are a classic crafting favorite that never gets old! If you enjoyed making your Groundhog Paper Bag Puppet, you’ll love trying other fun and creative paper bag puppet ideas. They’re perfect for pretend play, storytelling, and exploring imaginative themes.
- Nurse Paper Bag Puppet with Printable Template
- Easy Paper Bag Apple Craft
- Easy Paper Bag Pumpkin Craft for Kids
If you loved this craft, please share it with friends and family so they can join in on the fun too. Spread the word about this adorable Groundhog Day activity and let’s make crafting memories together!
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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