Looking for easy crafts for kids to keep little hands busy? These Paper Plate Baby Farm Animals are the perfect toddler craft! Using just a few basic supplies, kids can create their own adorable baby pig, chick, and lamb — all while practicing fine motor skills and having fun.
Note from Vicky: This adorable craft originally appeared as a guest post by Nicola from Multicraftingmummy. While that site is no longer online, I’m so glad we can still share her creative idea here!
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If you enjoy this activity, check out this Sea Lion Craft and these fun Animal Crafts for Toddlers for more paper plate animals.
Why Kids Love Farm Animal Crafts
There’s something about baby farm animals that kids adore - especially in the springtime when everything feels fresh and new. These paper plate crafts bring all the fun of the farm right to your kitchen table.
- They’re playful and familiar – Pigs, chicks, and lambs are animals little ones recognize and love.
- They spark creativity – Kids get to imagine what colors, textures, and features their animals should have.
- They’re great for fine motor skills – From gluing cotton balls to cutting shapes, these crafts keep little hands busy in the best way.
- They celebrate the season – Spring is all about new life, and these baby animals are the perfect way to welcome it.
Whether you’re crafting at home, in a classroom, or just looking for an easy afternoon activity, these sweet paper plate animals are sure to bring big smiles. If you like this activity, be sure to check out Painting Activities for Toddlers.
Supplies for Paper Plate Farm Animals
Each baby farm animal craft starts with a paper plate and just a few extra supplies. Some materials are used for multiple animals, while others are unique - so here’s a list to help you get everything you need.
Paper Plate Baby Lamb
- 1 paper plate
- 1 black paper circle (for the face)
- 4 black paper rectangles (for the legs)
- Cotton balls
- 2 googly eyes
Paper Plate Baby Chick
- 1 paper plate
- 1 yellow circle of paper (for the face or body)
- 3 orange triangles of paper (for the beak and feet)
- Yellow paint
- 2 googly eyes
Paper Plate Baby Cow
- 1 paper plate
- 1 black paper circle (for the face)
- 1 small pink paper circle (for the nose)
- 2 small pink paper triangles (for the ears)
- 4 black paper rectangles (for the legs)
- 2 googly eyes
- Cotton balls (for texture)
- Clothespins (optional – great for a fun 3D effect)
- Black paint (for spots or legs)
Paper Plate Baby Pig
- 1 paper plate
- 1 pink paper circle (for the face)
- 2 small dark pink paper triangles (for the ears)
- 1 small dark pink paper circle (for the nose)
- 4 pink paper rectangles (for the legs)
- Pink paint
- 2 googly eyes
How to Make Paper Plate Farm Animals
Each animal comes together in just a few simple steps! The directions are easy to follow and perfect for crafting with toddlers or preschoolers.
Paper Plate Baby Lamb
- Glue cotton balls all over the paper plate.
Tip: Pour glue onto a second plate so little hands can dip and stick more easily.
- Glue the black paper circle into the center of the cotton-covered plate — this will be the lamb’s face.
- Attach the black paper rectangles to the back of the plate to make the legs.
- Add the googly eyes to bring your lamb to life!
Top tip – to adapt this activity for older children to enjoy as well, have them cut out the black circle and rectangles.
Paper Plate Baby Chick
- Paint the paper plate yellow and let it dry completely.
- Glue the yellow paper circle in the center of the plate — this is the chick’s body.
- Glue one orange triangle to the yellow circle to create the beak.
- Glue the other two orange triangles to the bottom back of the plate to make the feet.
- Finish by adding two googly eyes.
Top tip – This would be really cute with some feathers glued on as well.
Paper Plate Baby Cow
- Clip a cotton ball into a clothespin and dip it into black paint. Dab spots all over the paper plate and let it dry.
- Glue the black paper circle in the center for the cow’s face.
- Add the pink paper circle for the nose and the two pink triangles for the ears.
- Glue on the googly eyes.
- Attach the black paper rectangles to the back of the plate for legs.
- For a fun extra touch, add clothespins onto the plate to give it a 3D effect.
Paper Plate Baby Pig
- Finger paint the paper plate with pink paint. Let it dry fully before moving on.
- Glue the pink paper circle onto the center of the plate to make the pig’s face.
- Add the two small dark pink triangles toward the top for ears, and glue the small dark pink circle in the center for the nose.
- Stick on the googly eyes.
- Attach the pink paper rectangles to the back of the plate for legs.
Farm Animal Crafts
Farm animal crafts are a fun way for young kids to do a hands on activity while learning about animals they love. These simple projects are perfect for little hands. They’re especially great for spring or just a rainy day activity at home!
Tips for Crafting with Toddlers
Tip 1: Prep ahead
Cut out all the paper shapes before you begin, and organize supplies for each animal in its own tray or container. This helps keep kids focused and keeps the mess mostly contained.
Tip 2: Embrace the mess
Keep wipes or a damp cloth nearby for any messes. Cover your surface with a plastic tablecloth or newspaper can also help.
Tip 3: Use a glue dipping plate
Pour liquid glue onto a paper plate so kids can dip cotton balls or paper pieces easily. It’s much more toddler-friendly than squeezing from a bottle!
FAQs About Paper Plate Baby Farm Animals
These crafts are great for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5). Older kids may enjoy helping or adding their own creative twists!
Yes, you can. Cut out the paper pieces ahead of time and set up each animal’s supplies in labeled containers.
No worries! Swap in pom poms, tissue paper, or even scrap fabric. Use whatever materials you have on hand — kids won’t mind!
Yes! These crafts involve painting, gluing, and placing small pieces which are all great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Making these paper plate baby farm animals with your toddler is a great way to spend time together. Whether you're making one animal or all of them, each one is a chance for little ones to have hands-on fun!
Jessie Mosley says
Really interesting blog. Keep sharing.
Brandy Morrow says
You are doing a great job. I love your ideas. Thanks for sharing with us.
Katie Jones says
Hi Vicky! I’ve just come across your website looking for interesting activities to do with my 10-month-old daughter. I love this Paper Plate animals, and I’m also going to try your idea. She is going to love it! Your website is going to be a great resource for us!