We love paper plate crafts. A paper plate is such a simple material that can be easily transformed into so many things! This is another quick and easy, and pretty mess free paper plate craft idea that Mr Z made last year as he was in “Whale class” in school.
Ever since my son was a toddler, we have been working on crafts together. One of our favorite crafts to do is paper plate crafts. A paper plate is such a simple material that can be easily transformed into so many things! This is another quick and easy, and pretty mess free paper plate craft idea that you can do with your child today.

Supplies for the Paper plate whale
To make this simple paper plate whale craft you will need:
- 1 Paper plate per whale
- Blue paint
- 1 googly eye per whale
- Black marker
- Blue paper for the extra bits
- Scissors
- Glue
How to make a paper plate whale
- Paint the whole paper plate blue, and leave it to dry.
- Once dry, cut a piece from the bottom of the paper plate – about one quarter of the plate as you can see in the pictures here
- Draw out and cut the shapes for the water coming out of the whale, and the piece of paper for the tale. Use your blue paper for this and stick them together as shown
- Add the googley eye
- Add a smile or extra details using your black marker pen
Your paper plate whale is all done! This is an easy craft for young children to do by themselves, or for toddlers to do with a little help. It’s great for an underwater theme.

Isn’t it so cute?
You might also like these fun kids activities on a similar theme:
Underwater play ideas for kids
The underwater world is a fascinating one that children can enjoy exploring. It’s important to have different ways to engage kids as it will keep them entertained for longer periods of time and allow them to learn more about this topic.

Here are some ideas for underwater themed activities you can do with your kids. There are so many areas to explore within this vast topic, from learning about different underwater creatures, to exploring the different parts of the ocean.
- Dolphin Activities for kids
- Finding Nemo Water Play
- Underwater glitter sand
- Water play with water beads and fish
- 5 fish crafts
Children are very curious about letters at this age so you may see yourself looking for activities that involve letters and animals. You can check g words for kids for alternatives way of learning words.
Also for a different way to make a paper plate whale why not try this alternative from Crafts on Sea: O is for Orca : Paper plate killer whale.
More Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
Paper plate crafts for kids are both inexpensive and easy to make. They are great for parents who want to craft with their children but don’t have a lot of time on their hands, and if you have left over paper plates after organising a party then crafting is an ideal way to use them up in a fun and productive way.

There are many different paper plate crafts that one can create, such as wall decor, 3D figures, and even wearable accessories – the only limit is your imagination.
Making these crafts is a great way for children to use their imagination and creativity while also learning about the process of crafting.
Here are just a few more of our simple paper plate craft ideas for kids which you might also enjoy. Have fun!
Paper Plate & Bubble Wrap Chicks Craft
Paper Plate Plane in the Clouds
Paper Plate Handprint Spider and Web
Make sure that you’re following our kids ideas and activities board on Pinterest for even more simple and fun kids crafts:
Follow Anna – In The Playroom’s board kids Ideas and activities on Pinterest.
Do you have a favourite paper plate craft? Share your ideas in the comments
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.
This is so cute! I look forward to doing art and crafts with my son xx
I love paper plate crafts, they are so easy to do but so effective too.
Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…Peppa Pig Muddy Puddles Jumbo Jet {Review}
Love this whale! Too cute… And all from one plate!
…Papper plates, and toilet rolls – endless possibilities 🙂
#tuesdaypinitparty
Steph @MisplacedBrit recently posted…5 Instant Pick Me Up Tools for Parents
What an excellent idea. Very effective! #LAB club
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…9 Favourite French Expressions
Really cute whale!
Thank you so much for linking up with the #pinitparty
Otilia recently posted…Siblings #Noiembrie
This is lovely and such a great activity 🙂 xx #minicreations
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…Am I causing my baby’s Colic?
I love crafts like this, nice for any age and my two could both do them! Thank you !
MoolBoots recently posted…#Alphabetphoto Z is for
I love this whale, would never have thought of making one with paper plates, great idea #minicreations
Loving life with little ones recently posted…Frugi- Gift of giving- A beautiful twirly bow dress
Cute craft! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you stop by again next week!
Samantha @ Stir the Wonder recently posted…How to Make Math Grid Games with Stickers
What a cute whale! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! I’ve pinned you post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Tammy @ TOTS Family recently posted…Color My World Series #4 ~Green. Introducing the Color Green into Daily Activities.
These look great – I will have to do some paper plate crafts with my two. Thanks for sharing with #Playtime
Mummy of Two recently posted…Bonfire Night 2014
Lcas says That whale is soooooooo cool. I don’t think the Mother will have any paper plates left by the time I’ve finished…………. he he
Thanks for lining to #mincreations
kidGLloves recently posted…National Anti-Bullying Week 17th – 21st November 2014
Really beautiful paper whale. I tried to make this.