Paper Plate Dinosaur Craft

Kids will roar with excitement when they make this fun and easy paper plate dinosaur craft.

This project turns a simple paper plate and toilet paper tube into a playful dinosaur, complete with wiggle eyes and spiky details.

The body is made from half of a painted paper plate, while the head, tail, and spikes are cut from the other half. With legs formed from toilet paper tubes, this craft has a 3D look that kids will love.

It’s simple to make, and the free printable pattern helps ensure the pieces are easy to cut and assemble.

Children of all ages will enjoy this dinosaur craft. Younger kids can paint and help with gluing, while older kids will have fun designing the spikes and creating their own dinosaur style.

Parents and teachers will love how this paper plate dinosaur craft uses basic supplies to create something both imaginative and educational.

There are plenty of perfect occasions for making this craft. Use it as part of a dinosaur unit study to bring prehistoric creatures to life through hands-on creativity.

It’s also a great summer camp activity, classroom art project, or fun birthday party craft for kids who love dinosaurs.

On a rainy afternoon at home, this dinosaur craft can keep kids happily busy while sparking imaginative play afterward.

You’ll love this project because it’s budget-friendly, fun, and easy for kids to personalize. The finished dinosaur stands out thanks to its bright colors, spikes, and 3D legs, and it’s sure to be something kids are proud to show off.

For variations, try cutting the head, tail, and spikes from other materials such as paper, craft foam, or craft felt for a different look and texture.

Kids can also experiment with different colors and patterns when painting their dinosaur body—green is classic, but bright blues, purples, or even rainbow dinosaurs can be a fun twist.

Add glitter, stickers, or scales drawn with markers to make each dinosaur unique.

Ready to get started? Grab your free printable pattern and follow the step-by-step instructions to make your own paper plate dinosaur craft.

How to Make a Paper Plate Dinosaur

Materials:

Paper Plates
Wiggle Eyes
Toilet Paper Tube
Craft Paint – Bright Green, Kelly Green, and Pink
Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Paintbrush
Sponge Dabber
Scissors
Black Marker
Pencil with new eraser
Ruler
Printed Dinosaur Pattern

Instructions:

Paint the inside of the paper plate with bright green craft paint.

Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

*For a mess free craft, use markers or crayons instead of paint.

Paint half of the outside of the paper plate with bright green craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Paint the outside of a toilet paper tube with bright green craft paint.

Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Measure the center of the length of the toilet paper tube and mark the circumference with a pencil line.

Cut the toilet paper tube in half with scissors along the pencil line.

Using scissors, cut a 1/2” long slit at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock on the top edge of both halves of the toilet paper tube.

Cut a second slit right next to the first and remove the small section of tube by pulling it out with your fingers.

Fold the paper plate in half and crease firmly, then cut the paper plate in half with scissors.

Download and print the Dinosaur Patterns, then cut out with scissors.

Trace the dinosaur head, tail, and scales onto the inside half of the bright green paper plate with a pencil.

You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.

Cut out the dinosaur patterns with scissors.

Create a random polka dot pattern by dipping a round sponge dabber into kelly green craft paint and stamping over the dinosaur parts, body and legs. Set aside to dry.

Attach one wiggle eye to the dinosaur’s face with glue. Create one cheek by dipping a new pencil eraser in pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face.

Attach the head and the tail to the dinosaur body with glue.

Glue the scales onto the body and tail of the dinosaur.

Secure the legs to the dinosaur body with glue.

This paper plate dinosaur craft is a fun, creative, and hands-on activity that kids will love making and displaying. With so many opportunities for personalization, no two dinosaurs will ever look the same.