Easy Penguin Craft for Kids (Printable Template)

Winter crafts are some of my favorites, and this easy penguin craft for kids is one you’ll want to pull out again and again. With this penguin printable template, kids can build their own bundled-up penguin complete with a cozy hat and scarf, perfect for a winter unit, an Arctic animals theme, or just a snowy afternoon at home.

Because the template does most of the work, this project is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids. They get to practice coloring, cutting, and gluing while ending up with an adorable penguin they’ll be so proud of.

Grab the Penguin Craft Template

Before you start, download and print the penguin craft template on white cardstock.

• Print one template per child.
• Kids can color directly on the template, or you can trace the pieces onto colored cardstock if you want a thicker, more durable penguin.
• Print at 100% for a full-size penguin or scale it down in your printer settings for mini penguins.

(Set a big stack out and let kids make a whole waddle of penguins!)

Supplies You’ll Need

• Penguin craft template (printed on cardstock)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Googly eyes (optional but super cute!)

How to Make This Easy Penguin Craft for Kids

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions. Use the photos in this post to help kids see exactly what to do next.

1. Color the Penguin Pieces

Start by coloring the penguin template.

• Color the penguin body black or dark gray.
• Color the hat and scarf in any winter colors your kids love, blue, teal, pink, purple, or a rainbow of stripes.
• Color the beak and feet orange.

This step is perfect fine-motor practice and lets kids add their own personality to the craft.

2. Cut Out All the Pieces

Next, carefully cut out each part of the penguin:

• Penguin body
• Belly
• Feet
• Beak
• Scarf pieces
• Winter hat and hat band/pom-pom

Younger kids may need some help with the smaller curves. Older kids can practice cutting right on the lines for extra scissor control.

3. Build the Penguin Body

Now it’s time to put your paper penguin craft together.

1. Glue the white belly piece onto the center of the penguin body.
2. Flip it over and smooth out any bumps so everything lies flat.

Already looking cute!

4. Add the Feet

Glue the two orange feet at the bottom of the penguin body so they peek out just below the belly.

Make sure they’re facing the right direction, little scallops pointing outward.

5. Attach the Face

1. Glue the beak in the middle of the penguin’s face, just above the belly.
2. Add the printed eyes from the template or glue on a pair of googly eyes for extra silliness.

Kids love this part because their penguin suddenly comes to life.

6. Wrap the Scarf

Take the scarf pieces and glue them around the penguin’s neck:

• Glue the long scarf piece across the front.
• Glue the short “hanging” piece on top to look like it’s wrapped and dangling down.

You can even draw on little lines to make it look knitted.

7. Top It with a Winter Hat

Finally, add the winter hat:

1. Glue the hat piece to the top of the penguin’s head.
2. Glue the hat band across the bottom of the hat.
3. Finish it with the pom-pom circle on top.

Your cozy winter penguin craft is done!

Ways to Use This Penguin Craft Template

This printable penguin craft is super flexible and easy to fit into your plans:

• Winter classroom craft: Set up a penguin station and let each student create one. Hang them on a bulletin board with a snowy background.
• Arctic animals theme: Use it while learning about penguins, habitats, and cold climates.
• Story extension: Pair it with a favorite penguin book and have kids make their own character after reading.
• Name practice: Write each child’s name on the belly or scarf for a fun literacy activity.
• Fine-motor center: Coloring, cutting, and gluing make this a great hands-on fine-motor activity.

Tips for Making the Penguin Craft Even Easier

• For younger preschoolers, pre-cut the pieces so they just color and glue.
• Print on cardstock if you want the penguins to last longer or stand up in a display.
• Add glitter glue or snowflake stickers around the penguin for an instant winter scene.
• Let kids choose their own scarf and hat colors to make a whole class of unique penguin personalities.

This easy penguin craft for kids is simple to prep, low-mess, and always a hit. Grab the template, set out the supplies, and watch your little ones create the cutest winter penguins to decorate your home or classroom.

More Winter & Animal Crafts Kids Will Love

If your kids adored this easy penguin craft, they’ll love making a whole collection of cute critters next. Try one of these simple ideas next time you need a quick project:

• Paper Frog Craft for Kids – Another big-eyed, friendly face that’s perfect for practicing cutting circles and ovals.
• Easy Pufferfish Paper Craft – Add spiky triangles and bright colors for a fun ocean-animal theme.
• Simple Reindeer Paperbag puppet – A sweet holiday reindeer that’s great for Christmas parties or December centers.
• Paper Bag Penguin Puppet – Turn your penguin obsession into a puppet show with this fun printable.
• Simple Christmas Tree Craft for Kids – An easy cut-and-glue tree that pairs perfectly with your winter animals.

Penguin Template