Zoo Animal Paper Plate Crafts
It’s time to get your craft on! Choose one or more of these zoo animal paper plate crafts to do with your kids. 25 awesome ideas!
Whether you’re studying zoo animals or just animals in general, these paper plate crafts will go great with your upcoming lessons.
They’re also a great way to get kids excited about an upcoming trip to the zoo or to wrap up a recent trip.

Zoo Animal Paper Plate Crafts
Is there anything more meaningful than spending time with your children or preschoolers?
I found these creative and unique paper plate crafts that cover all areas of the zoo!
So, break out the craft supplies because you are in for a special treat.
All you need is paper plates, paint, googly eyes, card stock, marker, stapler, and glue are all you need to make these sweet koala bears!
If you are looking for an easy and creative idea, this paper polar bear is just what you need. Plus, the kids will go crazy for it!
It’s impossible not to giggle when you lay eyes on this parrot paper plate.
They are easy to make and allow your child to use their imagination when working on his parrot.
Don’t forget about everyone’s tallest friend the giraffe!
Not only are the giraffes the cutest thing ever, but they are also really quick and easy to put together.
Fierce tiger paper plate crafts will make the kids “roar” and carry on while laughing and playing.
All you need is paper plates, construction paper, glue, and googly eyes.
You can’t have a trip to the zoo without running into a lion!
These paper plate lions are terrific and will bring a smile to your kid’s face.
Break out the craft supplies because it’s time to make a creative elephant paper plate craft!
Our cute little penguin friends make the perfect paper plate craft.
Your children are going to be so excited when you tell them you are making penguins.
Going to the zoo is loads of fun, but it’s even better when you can make zoo animals and noises in your own home.
This friendly zebra paper plate craft is undoubtedly going to be a hit.
Any preschooler is going to be so happy to make a bright, beautiful and colorful peacock paper plate craft.
Are you looking for a fun lion craft to pair with your favorite books about lions?
If so, this adorable paper plate lion craft is just what you need!
BOOKS ABOUT ZOO ANIMALS
Below, I’ve featured just a handful of preschool books about zoo animals that will help your preschoolers learn more about the animals that live in a zoo.
You should be able to find them at your local library or bookstore. If you can’t find them locally, you can click each image cover to purchase them on Amazon.
Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
How the Zebra Got Its Stripes – As a group of African animals hang out at the local watering hole, they share funny stories about how the zebra got its stripes. At the end of the book, fun facts explain why zebras really have stripes.
Zoo Animals – As children page through this beautiful book, they will learn the names of many animals they meet at the zoo! Each page offers a short description of the featured animal and its habitat.

Round Out Your Unit with These Activities:
Kids will practice counting a fun variety of zoo animals with these four zoo counting activities! They’re perfect for your math centers!
Zoo animal books for toddlers! Board books that toddlers can hold and manipulate as they learn about zoo animals around the world!
From craft templates to scavenger hunts and everything in between. Pique your little one’s interest in zoo animals with these zoo preschool theme printables.
Zoo Animals Ideas for Kids
Add some plastic zoo animal figures to your pretend play area for kids to explore. They’ll have so much fun using them to act out zoo books or other imaginative play scenarios.
Read Do You Know Hank the Hippo, and let your preschoolers act out the story with an adorable crocheted hippo toy.
Set up a zoo animals sensory bin with this kit! Filled with a mixture of textures, bright and vibrant colors, this kit will let your little one explore for hours.

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.