Are you ready for a fun autumn activity that both kids and adults will love? Today, we’re getting into the spirit of fall with an adorable moving squirrel craft! Not only is this a perfect project for little hands, but we’ve also made it super easy by offering a free squirrel template you can download.
Let’s get ready to craft a playful paper plate squirrel craft. that moves—your preschoolers will be obsessed!
To get started on this fun squirrel craft, you’ll need just a few simple supplies. Grab a couple of paper plates, some paint (orange or any autumn-inspired shades will work perfectly), a paintbrush, and glue.
You’ll also want some construction paper, a pair of scissors, and a popsicle stick for the moving mechanism.
With these supplies, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect fall crafting day!
Got everything? Great! Let’s get started with into this squirrel craft for preschoolers—or honestly, any age because who doesn’t love a good crafty squirrel?
Follow along with the step by step instructions below to make your paper plate squirrel craft with the kids this fall.
Squirrel Craft
Get ready for some fall fun with this adorable moving squirrel craft! With just a few simple supplies, kids can create a playful squirrel that jumps through autumn leaves, bringing their imagination to life in the most charming way. Perfect for little hands and packed with seasonal charm!
Materials
- Paper plate (or two!)
- Paint (orange or autumn colors work great!)
- Paintbrush
- Glue stick
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Popsicle stick
- Marker
- Googly eyes (because googly eyes make everything better)
- Crepe paper (in autumn shades)
Instructions
1. Paint your Paper Plate. First, grab your paper plate and paint it orange (or any autumn-y color that screams, "Fall is here!"). 
Once it’s dry, use your marker to draw a tree trunk. Your squirrel needs a cozy home, after all! 
2. Prep the Leaves. Now, grab a second paper plate and cut out the inner part. 
Here’s where it gets fun! Take strips of crepe paper in fall colors (think reds, oranges, yellows), 
crumble them up, 
and glue them onto the plate. 
It’s like your squirrel is living in a pile of crunchy autumn leaves—so fun, right?
3. Glue the two paper plates together, but leave a gap at the bottom. 
This will be important for making your craft squirrel move!
4. Make the Squirrel. It's time for some squirrel action! Download our free squirrel template, print it out, 
and trace the pieces onto your construction paper. 
Follow the template’s guide to assemble your squirrel step by step. 
Assemble the body. like this 
then the tail 
join them together 
Add details like the cheeks, 
and the ears 
5. Add The Googly Eyes. 
Because no squirrel craft is complete without googly eyes! Go ahead and glue them on. Isn’t your squirrel looking cute already?
6. Now glue the popsicle stick to the back of your squirrel. 
This is going to be the handle that lets you move your squirrel around its leafy home.
7. Insert the popsicle stick into the gap between the two plates, and voila! 
Your squirrel can move around like it's jumping through the autumn leaves. How cool is that?
This preschool squirrel craft is the perfect autumn craft for kids of all ages, and is perfect for kids, parents, and teachers, whether it’s for a cozy day at home or a fun squirrel art project for preschoolers.
It’s simple, fun, and a great way to keep your little ones entertained. Plus, the best part is that you can easily download the free squirrel template, so there’s no need to stress about drawing your own squirrel (unless you’re feeling extra artistic)!
You’ll love this craft for so many reasons! First, it’s easy for little hands to manage, with minimal cutting and simple steps that make it perfect for younger children. The fall-themed fun is unbeatable, with all those beautiful autumn colors bringing a seasonal vibe into your home or classroom.
Plus, the interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement, as the moving squirrel allows kids to play with their creation long after the craft is done!
Whether you’re searching for squirrel crafts for preschoolers or just want a fun way to spend a fall afternoon, this crafty squirrel activity is sure to be a hit. So grab your supplies and get crafting.
And don’t forget, if you need the free squirrel template, you can easily download it right here on our post.
Download Your Free Squirrel Template PDF
Ready to start crafting? We’ve made it super easy with our free printable squirrel template! Just click below to download and get everything you need to make your moving squirrel come to life.
Terms of use: Free for personal use and free for classroom use
With just a few simple supplies and a little creativity, this moving squirrel craft is a perfect way to celebrate the fall season with your kids.
It’s fun, interactive, and brings a playful autumn vibe to any home or classroom. So grab your materials, download the template, and start crafting some adorable squirrels today!
Related: Free Printable Acorn Coloring Pages For Kids
Explore More Fall Crafts for Kids
If you loved making this moving squirrel craft, you’re in for a treat! Check out more fun and easy fall-themed crafts that are perfect for keeping the kids busy and creative all season long. From leaf art to autumn animals, there’s something for everyone.
- Autumn Leaf Face Art With Free Printable Templates
- Easy Handprint Acorn Craft with Printable Template
- Upcycled Glitter Autumn Leaf Craft
- Popsicle Stick Scarecrow Craft With Free Printable Template
- How to Make a Super Cute Fall Fairy Paper Craft with Free Printable Template
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to share it with your friends and fellow crafters! Spread the fun and let others join in on the autumn crafting excitement!
Happy crafting, everyone!
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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