Scarecrows are such a fun autumn theme, and they make perfect characters for kids’ crafts. With this simple paper cup hopping scarecrow craft, children can create their very own scarecrow that’s not just cute but can also hop around when you press it down and let go.
It’s a brilliant way to get into the fall spirit while enjoying some hands-on creativity.
Materials You’ll Need to Make Your Own Paper Cup Scarecrow Craft
To make your hopping scarecrow, you’ll need orange and blue paint, a paint brush, construction papers, two paper cups, a glue stick, a marker, googly eyes, and scissors. These are all simple supplies you probably already have at home or can grab easily, which makes this craft nice and low-prep.
How to Make your Hopping Scarecrow Craft
To make this easy fall craft for kids, start by making the scarecrow’s hat. Cut the bottom part of a paper cup and then cut a circle from construction paper to attach to it. Paint the hat orange and leave it to dry.
Next, prepare the scarecrow’s body. Take another paper cup and cut four small flaps at the bottom to make the feet. Paint this cup blue and let it dry before continuing. Once the paint is dry, add little details with the marker to make it look like clothing.
Now it’s time to connect the parts. Cut a long strip of paper, fold it back and forth like an accordion, and glue it between the hat and the body to create a springy effect. This is what makes your scarecrow hop!
Once the structure is ready, add the face by drawing a smile with your marker and gluing on a nose.
Attach the googly eyes for a fun touch. Cut strips of yellow paper to make straw hair and glue them on underneath the hat. Finally, glue the body onto the legs, and your scarecrow is complete.
Follow along with the easy step by step with instruction pictures below…
Hopping Scarecrow Craft
Make a playful paper cup hopping scarecrow that bounces to life with every press – a fun and easy fall craft kids will love!
Materials
- Orange and blue paint - or your choice of colors
- Paint brush
- Construction paper
- Paper cup
- Glue stick
- Marker
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut the bottom part of the paper cup.
- Then cut a circle and attach it to the bottom part to make the hat.
- Paint it orange and let it dry.
- Glue this to the top of the paper cup, to make the face and hat
- Prepare another paper cup and cut 4 sides at the bottom to make the feet.
- Paint it blue. Make sure to dry it before doing the next steps.
- Once it is dry, draw marks using the marker.
- Cut a long strip of paper then fold alternately.
- Then attach it to the leg paper cup. Later we will attach the body into it.
- Draw a smile using the marker.
- Add the nose.
- Add the googly eyes.
- Cut strips of yellow paper to make the hair.
and attach to the side of the face 
- Attach the face to the leg.
This hopping scarecrow craft is a wonderful way to celebrate the fall season, especially around harvest time or Halloween. Kids love the interactive element of pressing it down and watching it hop back up, and it gives them a chance to work on their cutting, folding, and painting skills. Plus, scarecrows are such cheerful autumn characters that they always bring a smile.
Variations
You can switch up the colors of your scarecrow’s clothes and hat to give each one its own personality.
Try red, green, or purple for a whole field of scarecrows. You could even make mini scarecrows and turn them into a family set.
Learning and Play Ideas
This craft can lead to some fun learning moments too. Talk about why farmers use scarecrows in the fields and how they help protect crops.
Kids can use their finished scarecrows for imaginative play, creating little stories about them coming to life and hopping through the fields.
You can also measure and compare how high each child can make their scarecrow hop!
Once finished, these scarecrows look adorable on a shelf or windowsill as part of your fall décor. Kids will also enjoy showing them off to friends and family, especially when they demonstrate how they hop.
More Fall Crafts for Kids
If your kids loved this hopping scarecrow craft, you might also enjoy some of our other fall ideas. Try making leaf animals, apple stamping art, or paper plate pumpkins for even more seasonal fun.
- Easy Handprint Acorn Craft with Printable Template
- Moving Paper Plate Squirrel Craft
- Fall Leaf Hedgehog With Printable Template
- Upcycled Glitter Autumn Leaf Craft (Fall Decor)
- Popsicle Stick Scarecrow Craft With Free Printable Template
And if you give this hopping scarecrow craft a try, don’t forget to share it with friends or pin it so other families can join in too!
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.