Let the kids have a carnival of their own with these magnificent Mardi Gras Printables for Kids! If you are looking for a way to bring the excitement of New Orleans right into your living room or classroom, you have come to the right place. From elaborate masks to educational word searches, we have everything you need to let the good times roll—or as they say in French, Laissez les bons temps rouler! Festivals are usually known for being times of feasting, but interestingly, there is one festival specifically dedicated to the art of eating. Even its name screams indulgence! We are talking about Mardi Gras, which translates from French to ‘Fat Tuesday’. While adults might associate this holiday with elaborate parades and bustling streets, it is actually a fantastic opportunity to teach children about culture, history, and art. Since Mardi Gras is a "moveable feast" (meaning the date changes every year depending on Easter), it’s always a good time to have a stash of activities ready. Whether you are a teacher planning a lesson unit, a homeschool parent looking for art projects, or just a mom trying to keep the little ones busy on a rainy afternoon, these 10 Mardi Gras printable ideas will save the day. What is Mardi Gras? A Quick Lesson for Kids Before we dive into the scissors and glue, it is helpful to give the kids some context. It makes the coloring and crafting much more meaningful. Mardi Gras is the final day of the Carnival season. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period where many people fast or give up luxuries. Because of this, people historically used "Fat Tuesday" to use up all the rich foods in their pantry—like butter, sugar, and lard—before the fasting began. Fun Fact: Did you know Mardi Gras isn't just an American thing? It is celebrated all over the world under different names: United Kingdom: Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday Germany: Schmutziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday) or Fetter Donnerstag (Fat Thursday) Italy: Martedì Grasso Sweden: Fettisdagen The official colors of Mardi Gras are Purple (Justice), Green (Faith), and Gold (Power). Keep these colors in mind as you print out the activities below! 10 Magnificent Mardi Gras Printables for Kids Here is our curated list of printable activities. You can easily find templates for these online or create simple versions yourself. These ideas cover everything from fine motor skills to math and literacy. 1. The Classic Masquerade Mask Template You simply cannot celebrate Mardi Gras without a mask. In the old days, masks allowed people to mingle with different classes of society without anyone knowing who they were. ** The Activity:** Print out a blank eye-mask template. Make it Fun: Don't just color it with markers. This is the time to break out the craft box. Use feathers, sequins, glitter glue, and plastic gemstones. The gaudier, the better! Attach a popsicle stick to one side so the child can hold it up to their face like a true masquerade guest. 2. "Design Your Own Float" Drawing Prompt The parades (or "Krewes") are the highlight of the celebration. The Activity: Print a sheet that has the outline of a flatbed truck or a wagon. The Creative Spark: Ask your children to design their own parade float. What is the theme? Is it a dinosaur float? A space alien float? This encourages immense creativity and storytelling. They can draw the riders throwing beads to the crowd. 3. Mardi Gras Bingo Cards If you are hosting a party or managing a classroom, Bingo is a lifesaver. The Activity: Print out 4-5 different Bingo cards featuring icons like a Jester hat, a King Cake, beads, a saxophone (for New Orleans jazz), and a fleur-de-lis. The Prize: Use chocolate coins or plastic beaded necklaces as the prizes for the winners. It’s a great way to build vocabulary as you call out the images. 4. The Jester Hat Headband Why should the mask have all the fun? The Activity: This printable usually comes in strips. One strip is the headband, and the other pieces are the three "points" of the Jester hat with circles (bells) on the end. Assembly: Kids color the points in alternating purple, green, and gold. Cut them out and glue them to the headband. Staple the band to fit their head. Now you have a room full of little jesters! 5. King Cake Counting Sheets For the younger toddlers and preschoolers, combine festivity with math. The Activity: Print a sheet with several King Cakes or cupcakes on it. The Math: Ask the child to use playdough or stickers to put "sprinkles" on the cakes. "Put 3 green sprinkles on this cake." "Put 5 gold sprinkles on that one." This creates a tactile math lesson that helps with number recognition. 6. Mardi Gras Word Search For elementary-aged kids, a word search is a great way to improve spelling and concentration. The Words: Hide words like New Orleans, Parade, Beads, Doubloons, Krewe, Jazz, Mask, and Carnival. The Bonus: Add a "mystery word" that is revealed by the unused letters for an extra challenge. 7. Fleur-de-Lis Bunting Decorate your home with the symbol of French heritage. The Activity: Print large triangles with the Fleur-de-Lis symbol in the center. The Decor: Let the kids color them. Punch holes in the corners and string them together with green yarn. Hang this bunting across the fireplace or the classroom whiteboard to instantly set the mood. 8. "If I Were King/Queen of the Carnival" Writing Prompt Literacy is important, even during a party! The Activity: A printable sheet with a decorative border and a picture of a crown. The Prompt: "If I were the King/Queen of Mardi Gras, my rule would be..." The Answers: You will get hilarious answers ranging from "Free candy for everyone" to "No homework on Tuesdays." It’s a wonderful keepsake for parents. 9. Color-by-Number Mosaic This helps with color recognition and following instructions. The Activity: A complex image of a Jester or a detailed mask where each section is numbered. The Legend: 1 = Purple, 2 = Green, 3 = Gold. The result is a vibrant mosaic that looks impressive on the fridge. 10. The Bead Scavenger Hunt Clues Get the kids moving! The Activity: Print out clues that lead to hidden treasures around the house. The Hunt: "I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but never go outside. What am I? (A Keyboard/Piano)." Hide a string of beads at each location. The child with the most beads at the end wins! Why Use Printables for Celebrations? In a digital world, you might wonder why we are suggesting paper activities. Screen-Free Time: It gets kids off tablets and engaging with the physical world. Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, coloring, and gluing are essential for developing the hand muscles needed for writing. Cost-Effective: You don’t need to buy expensive party supplies. A printer and some crayons are pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought decorations. Tips for a Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras Party If you are using these printables as part of a larger celebration, here are a few tips to make it a success: The Music: Stream a playlist of "Kid-Friendly New Orleans Jazz." The brass instruments are upbeat and energetic—perfect for a "second line" parade around the living room. The Food: You can’t talk about Fat Tuesday without food. Serve Beignets (fancy donuts with powdered sugar) or make a "cheater" King Cake using cinnamon rolls and colored icing. Safety Note: If you make a King Cake, do not bake the plastic baby inside. Place it on top or underneath to avoid choking hazards. The Dress Code: Tell the kids to wear anything green, purple, or gold. If they don't have those colors, they can use the printable masks and jester hats they just made! Conclusion Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of joy, community, and history. By incorporating these magnificent Mardi Gras printables, you aren't just keeping the kids busy; you are inviting them into a tradition that spans centuries and continents. So, fire up the printer, grab the glitter glue (don't worry about the mess, it's a festival!), and get ready to celebrate. Whether you are in New Orleans or New York, these activities will ensure your kids have a Fat Tuesday to remember.
education

15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts for Kids: Celebrating a Timeless Classic

by SHAHII

Let’s celebrate an evergreen classic today with some super fun Sesame Street crafts for kids! Whether you are looking for the perfect activity for Sesame Street Day on November 10th, getting ready for Elmo’s birthday on February 3rd, or celebrating the cookie-loving legend on Cookie Monster’s birthday on November 2nd, you have come to the right place.

Many childhood experiences are unique to specific generations. I know that only people of a certain age will understand the struggle of a skipped CD or the sound of dial-up internet. However, it is incredible that there is one cultural phenomenon that has enthralled kids across every single generation, from Generation X all the way to the current Gen Alpha. Yes, we are talking about the colorful, educational, and heartwarming world of Sesame Street.

As one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history, Sesame Street has evolved over the decades, yet its core characters remain beloved icons. My personal favorite has always been Cookie Monster (who doesn’t love cookies?), but I know there are die-hard fans for Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, and even the lovably grumpy Oscar.

In this guide, we will explore the history of this amazing show and dive into 15 creative, educational, and fun crafts that you can make at home with simple supplies.

How Did Sesame Street Begin? A Brief History

Before we get the glue sticks out, it is worth sharing a little history with your kids. It adds a layer of appreciation to the crafts you are about to make.

In the mid-1960s, nearly every home in America had a television set. Young children were watching over 25 hours of TV a week. The problem? Most of the programs were either too violent or simply mindless entertainment. This sparked an idea in Joan Ganz Cooney, a producer, who wondered: Could television actually be used to educate children?

She wanted to create a show that mirrored the fast-paced nature of commercials but filled the screen with numbers, letters, and social lessons. The original working title for the show was actually 123 Avenue B, but it was eventually changed. The name ‘Sesame’ was chosen because of the phrase “Open Sesame” from Arabian Nights, indicating that this show was a door to a place where magic and learning happen.

The very first episode aired on November 10, 1969. Since then, November 10th has been celebrated as Sesame Street Day. As we celebrate over five decades of learning and laughter, let’s bring that magic into our homes with these hands-on projects.

15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts for Kids

These crafts are designed to be easy, affordable, and excellent for developing fine motor skills.

1. The Classic Paper Plate Elmo

Elmo is arguably the most popular monster on the street, and his bright red fur is iconic.

  • The Supplies: A paper plate, red paint (or red tissue paper), orange pom-pom, and white cardstock.
  • The Activity: Have your child paint the entire paper plate red. For a sensory twist, glue scrunched-up squares of red tissue paper all over to mimic “fur.” Cut out two large white circles for eyes and use a black marker for pupils. Glue the orange pom-pom in the center for his nose. It’s simple, classic, and always a hit with toddlers.

2. Cookie Monster Paper Bag Puppet

Cookie Monster has five fingers (unlike most other Muppets who have four), but for this craft, you just need a paper lunch bag.

  • The Supplies: Brown paper lunch bag, blue paint, black construction paper, and brown paper.
  • The Activity: Paint the bag blue. The flap of the bag serves as the mouth. Cut out a large black semi-circle and glue it under the flap so when the puppet “talks,” the mouth opens. The best part? Cut out cookie shapes from brown paper and draw chocolate chips on them. Glue a cookie to one of the puppet’s hands!

3. Big Bird Yellow Feather Headband

Big Bird is tall, yellow, and full of curiosity. Let your child become the bird!

  • The Supplies: A strip of yellow cardstock (measured to your child’s head), bright yellow feathers, and glue.
  • The Activity: Staple the cardstock into a headband loop. Let the kids go wild gluing yellow craft feathers all over the band. For the front, cut out pink and blue eyelids from construction paper to mimic Big Bird’s colorful face. This is great for imaginative play.

4. Oscar the Grouch’s Trash Can Pencil Holder

We can’t forget our favorite grouch. This craft doubles as storage!

  • The Supplies: An empty, clean tin can (soup size), grey paint, green pom-poms, and googly eyes.
  • The Activity: Paint the tin can grey (or wrap it in aluminum foil for a shiny metal look). Create Oscar’s head using a large green pom-pom or a ball of green yarn. Glue eyes and a unibrow (very important!) onto the green ball, then glue him peeking out of the top of the can. It’s perfect for storing crayons.

5. Bert and Ernie Toilet Roll Duo

You can’t have one without the other. These best friends are perfect for a recycling craft.

  • The Supplies: Two toilet paper rolls, yellow and orange paint, yarn (black and orange), and striped paper.
  • The Activity: Paint one roll yellow (Bert) and one orange (Ernie). Use the striped paper to make their iconic sweaters. The key difference is the head shape—leave the roll round for Ernie, but maybe pinch the top of Bert’s head to make it look longer. Add their hair using yarn.

6. Count von Count Number Chain

“One craft! Two crafts! Ah ah ah!”

  • The Supplies: Purple construction paper, black markers, and a stapler.
  • The Activity: Cut purple paper into strips. Have your child write a number on each strip. Loop them together to create a paper chain. Create a “Count” face to glue at the very top of the chain. This is a fantastic way to practice counting while crafting.

7. Grover’s Super Hero Mask

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Super Grover!

  • The Supplies: Blue paper plates or felt, string, and a pink pom-pom.
  • The Activity: Cut a mask shape out of the blue material. Cut out eye holes. Glue a pink nose in the center. To make it a “Super” mask, add a little helmet made from silver foil or grey paper on top.

8. Abby Cadabby’s Magic Wand

For the kids who love pink, sparkles, and magic.

  • The Supplies: A chopstick or dowel, heavy cardstock, glitter, and ribbons.
  • The Activity: Cut a star out of cardstock and let the child decorate it with as much glitter and gems as possible. Glue it to the stick. Tie long, flowing ribbons at the base of the star so they swirl when the wand is waved.

9. The “Letter of the Day” Collage

This is inspired by the educational segments of the show.

  • The Supplies: A large sheet of paper, magazines, and glue.
  • The Activity: Pick a letter (e.g., “B”). Draw a huge “B” in the middle of the paper. Have the child hunt through magazines to cut out things that start with B (Ball, Bear, Boat) and glue them onto the letter. It’s a craft that teaches phonics.

10. Handprint Characters

As mentioned earlier, characters have distinct hands.

  • The Supplies: Paint in red (Elmo), blue (Cookie), yellow (Big Bird), and green (Oscar).
  • The Activity: Paint your child’s hand with the chosen character color and stamp it onto white paper. Turn the paper upside down—the fingers become the legs/body, and the palm is the head. Add googly eyes and mouths once the paint dries.

11. Yip Yip Martians Pom-Poms

These aliens are hilarious and very easy to make.

  • The Supplies: Yarn (blue or pink), pipe cleaners, and ping pong balls.
  • The Activity: Make a large yarn tassel. The top of the tassel is the head. Glue two ping pong balls (with pupils drawn on) to the top. Use pipe cleaners to shape their antennae. When you shake them, their yarn “tentacles” wiggle just like on the show!

12. Cookie Monster’s Slime

Sensory play is huge right now, and blue slime is perfect for this.

  • The Supplies: Clear glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, blue food coloring, and plastic cookie charms (or brown buttons).
  • The Activity: Mix your standard slime recipe and dye it bright blue. Mix in the “cookies” (buttons). Kids love stretching the “fur” and hunting for the cookies inside the slime.

13. Rubber Ducky Soap

“Rubber Ducky, you’re the one!”

  • The Supplies: Clear melt-and-pour soap base, small rubber ducks.
  • The Activity: Melt the soap base (adult supervision required). Pour it into a mold and place a tiny rubber duck inside. Let it harden. Now, bath time is fun time with Ernie’s favorite toy trapped inside the soap!

14. Character Corner Bookmarks

Encourage reading with these cute page holders.

  • The Supplies: Square origami paper in character colors.
  • The Activity: Fold a simple origami corner bookmark. Decorate the triangle flap to look like the face of Elmo or Cookie Monster. The mouth should be the opening where the page slides in.

15. Dorothy’s Fish Bowl Suncatcher

Elmo loves his goldfish, Dorothy.

  • The Supplies: Clear contact paper, orange tissue paper, permanent marker.
  • The Activity: Draw a fishbowl shape on the non-sticky side of contact paper. Peel the backing. Let your child stick orange tissue paper (for the fish) and green tissue paper (for seaweed) onto the sticky side. Seal it with another piece of contact paper and cut out the bowl shape. Hang it in the window!

Why These Crafts Matter

Beyond just being “super fun,” these crafts serve a developmental purpose, much like the show itself.

  1. Color Recognition: Sesame Street characters are primary and secondary colors (Red Elmo, Yellow Bird, Blue Grover, Green Oscar, Orange Ernie). Sorting materials by character helps reinforce color names.
  2. Emotional Intelligence: Discussing the characters while crafting helps kids understand feelings. “Why is Oscar grouchy?” or “Why is Elmo happy?” are great conversation starters during art time.
  3. Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, painting, and wrapping yarn are essential for strengthening the hand muscles needed for writing later in school.

Conclusion

The magic of Sesame Street lies in its simplicity and its heart. It taught us that it’s okay to be grouchy sometimes, that cookies are a “sometimes food,” and that everyone is welcome in the neighborhood. By bringing these characters to life through art, you are passing down a tradition of joy and learning to your children.

So, grab your glue sticks, put on the “Sunny Days” theme song, and get crafting! Whether you are making a simple Paper Plate Elmo or a complex Yip Yip Martian, the most important part is the time spent together.

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