If you have a kid who loves dinosaurs as much as mine did, this paper plate dinosaur craft is going to be a hit.
There is something about dinosaurs that instantly grabs their attention, whether they are stomping around the living room pretending to be a T-Rex or carrying dinosaur toys everywhere they go.
What I love most about this craft is how simple it is.
It uses basic supplies you probably already have at home, keeps little hands busy, and gives toddlers a chance to paint, glue, and create their own colorful dinosaur.
Best of all, there is no right or wrong way to make it, which makes it perfect for younger kids.
If you’re looking for a fun dinosaur activity for toddlers and preschoolers, this one is easy to set up and always gets lots of smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Dinosaur Craft
This craft is simple enough for toddlers but fun enough for preschoolers too.
Children get to practice painting, cutting, and gluing while creating something they are excited about. It is also a great opportunity to talk about dinosaurs, colors, and shapes while crafting together.
And since paper plates are inexpensive, it is an easy activity to repeat whenever your little one wants to make another dinosaur.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate
- Green paint (or any color your child chooses)
- Paintbrush
- Green construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Black marker
- Googly eye (optional)
How to Make a Paper Plate Dinosaur
Step 1: Paint the Paper Plate
Start by painting the entire paper plate your dinosaur color.
Most kids choose green, but blue, purple, orange, or rainbow dinosaurs are just as fun.
Set the plate aside and allow it to dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Fold the Plate
Once the paint is dry, fold the paper plate in half.
The curved edge will become the dinosaur’s back, while the folded edge helps create the body shape.
Step 3: Cut Out Dinosaur Spikes
While the plate is drying, cut several triangle shapes from construction paper.
These will become the dinosaur’s spikes.
Toddlers can help choose colors while older preschoolers may enjoy helping cut them out.
Step 4: Glue the Spikes Along the Back
Glue the paper triangles along the curved top edge of the folded plate.
Space them evenly so they look like dinosaur plates or spikes running down the back.
This step is often a favorite because the dinosaur really starts to take shape.
Step 5: Add the Head
Cut a small dinosaur head shape from construction paper.
Glue it onto one side of the folded plate so it sticks out slightly.
You can make the head round, long, or even a little silly-looking.
Step 6: Add the Tail
Cut a simple tail shape and glue it onto the opposite side.
The tail helps balance the dinosaur and makes it look complete.
Step 7: Create the Legs
Cut four small rectangle shapes from construction paper.
Glue two legs near the front and two near the back underneath the folded plate.
Now your dinosaur can stand on its own.
Step 8: Add the Face
Use a black marker to draw a smile and nostril.
You can also glue on a googly eye or simply draw an eye with a marker.
Every dinosaur ends up with its own personality at this stage.
Step 9: Let Everything Dry
Allow the glue to dry completely before playing with or displaying the dinosaur.
Once dry, your toddler can proudly show off their creation.
Why This Craft Is Great for Toddlers
This dinosaur craft helps little ones practice important skills while having fun.
As children paint, glue, and position the pieces, they are building:
- Fine motor skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Creativity
- Color recognition
- Problem-solving skills
Since there is no perfect way to make a dinosaur, it also encourages confidence and independence.
Fun Dinosaur Variations
One of the best things about this craft is how easy it is to customize.
- Make a rainbow dinosaur using multiple paint colors.
- Add glitter for a sparkly dinosaur.
- Use pom-poms instead of paper spikes.
- Create a whole dinosaur family in different sizes.
- Add stickers to decorate the body.
- Turn it into a stegosaurus with extra-large spikes.
Paper Plate Crafts for Kids!
This easy paper plate dinosaur craft is a fun way to spend an afternoon with toddlers and preschoolers.
It is simple to prepare, uses inexpensive supplies, and gives kids a chance to get creative while making something they will be excited to show off.
If you have a little dinosaur lover at home, this is one craft that is guaranteed to get lots of roars of approval.
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