There is something undeniably magical about lions. Whether you grew up singing along to The Lion King or simply marveling at these majestic creatures at the zoo, the “King of the Jungle” holds a special place in our hearts.
With World Lion Day approaching on August 10th, there is no better time to celebrate these big cats. But you don’t need a safari ticket to get up close and personal with the pride. All you need are some basic art supplies, a little imagination, and a free afternoon.
Below, we have compiled a massive list of 20 cute and easy lion crafts for kids. These projects are perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and even older kids who want to practice their artistic skills. From recycled materials to nature walks, we have a project for every interest.
Why We Love Lions (And Fun Facts for Kids)
Before we dive into the glue and glitter, let’s turn this into a learning opportunity. Teachers and parents know that crafting is always more engaging when there is a story behind it. Here are some fascinating facts to share with your little cubs while they craft:
- The Roar: A lion’s roar is so loud it can be heard from 5 miles (8 kilometers) away! They usually roar at night to communicate with their pride.
- Sleepy Cats: Despite being powerful hunters, lions are incredibly lazy. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day.
- Girl Power: In a pride, the lionesses (females) do almost all of the hunting. They work as a team to catch food for their families.
- Every Mane is Unique: Just like human fingerprints, no two lions have the exact same whisker pattern.
- Big Eaters: A male lion can eat about 40kg of meat in a single meal—that’s roughly a quarter of his body weight!
Now that we are experts on the King of Beasts, let’s get crafting!
20 Roar-some Lion Crafts for Kid
1. The Classic Paper Plate Mask
Let your child transform into a lion!
- Supplies: Paper plate, yellow/orange paint, brown yarn, elastic string.
- How-to: Cut holes for the eyes. Paint the plate yellow. Punch holes around the rim and thread brown yarn through to create a fluffy mane. Attach the elastic string to the sides so your child can wear it.
2. Fork-Painted Lion
This creates a fantastic texture that mimics real fur.
- Supplies: White paper, yellow paint, orange paint, plastic fork.
- How-to: Draw a circle in the center of the paper for the lion’s face. Dip the back of a plastic fork into orange paint and stamp it in a circle around the face, moving outward like sun rays. It creates a spiky, furry mane effect effortlessly.
3. Recycled CD Lion Face
A shiny, reflective craft that recycles old technology.
- Supplies: Old CD/DVD, yellow paper, googly eyes, sharpies.
- How-to: The shiny side of the CD is the face. Cut thin strips of yellow and orange paper. Glue them to the back of the CD so they stick out like a mane. Glue googly eyes and a nose on the shiny side.
4. Corner Lion Bookmark
Encourage reading with a ferocious buddy.
- Supplies: Yellow origami paper (or a square cut from construction paper).
- How-to: Fold a classic origami corner bookmark. Cut a separate jagged shape from orange paper for the mane and glue it to the back of the triangle. Add eyes and whiskers. Now, the lion “bites” the page to save your spot!
5. The “King of the Jungle” Handprint
A keepsake craft parents will cherish.
- Supplies: Yellow and orange paint, white paper.
- How-to: Paint the child’s palm yellow and their fingers orange. Press it upside down on the paper. The palm is the lion’s face, and the fingers are the mane flowing downward. Once dry, draw on the face details.
6. Toilet Roll Lion
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes!
- Supplies: Toilet paper roll, yellow paint, pipe cleaners (for the tail).
- How-to: Paint the roll yellow. Cut a circle for the face and fringed paper for the mane, then glue it to the top of the roll. Poke a hole in the back and insert a pipe cleaner for a tail. These can stand up on a desk!
7. Leaf Lion (Nature Craft)
Perfect for an autumn walk or a summer day outdoors.
- Supplies: Cardboard circle, glue, large dried leaves (yellow/brown).
- How-to: Draw a lion face on the cardboard. Go outside and collect leaves. Glue the leaves around the back of the cardboard circle to create a magnificent, natural mane.
8. Pasta Mane Lion
Great for fine motor skills and sensory play.
- Supplies: Rotini or Penne pasta, glue, cardstock.
- How-to: Draw a lion face. Have the child glue dry pasta noodles in a circle around the head. You can even paint the pasta orange beforehand or leave it natural for a rustic look.
9. Paper Bag Puppet
Time for a puppet show!
- Supplies: Brown paper lunch bag, construction paper.
- How-to: The bottom flap of the bag serves as the lion’s head. Glue a paper mane around the flap. Draw the mouth under the flap so when the child moves their hand, the lion “talks.”
10. Cupcake Liner Lion
A simple craft for toddlers.
- Supplies: One orange cupcake liner, one smaller yellow paper circle.
- How-to: Flatten the orange cupcake liner and glue it to a piece of paper. Glue the yellow circle in the center. The crimped edges of the liner look exactly like a mane!
11. Popsicle Stick Fence Lion
- Supplies: 8-10 popsicle sticks, glue, paint.
- How-to: Glue the sticks side-by-side (use a stick across the back to brace them). Paint them yellow. Add a cardstock mane and face on top. This makes a sturdy decoration or a fridge magnet.
12. Yarn Wrapped Lion
Excellent for practicing wrapping and dexterity.
- Supplies: Cardboard cutout of a lion, orange yarn.
- How-to: Cut a lion shape (or just the head) out of thick cardboard. Tape the end of a long piece of orange yarn to the back. Let the child wrap the yarn around and around the lion’s head to create a fuzzy, textured mane.
13. Fingerprint Lion Family
- Supplies: Ink pad (yellow/orange), thin black marker.
- How-to: Press a thumb down for the Daddy lion, a pointer finger for the Mommy lion, and a pinky for the cub. Use the marker to draw tiny tails, ears, and manes on the prints.
14. No-Sew Felt Lion
- Supplies: Yellow and orange felt, fabric glue.
- How-to: Cut two yellow circles and one larger orange flower shape (for the mane). Sandwich the orange mane between the two yellow circles and glue. Stuff slightly with cotton if you want it puffy.
15. Wooden Spoon Lion
- Supplies: Wooden cooking spoon, paint, yellow yarn.
- How-to: Paint the back of the spoon yellow (this is the face). Tie short strands of yellow and orange yarn onto the handle right below the spoon part to create a mane.
16. Dandelion Lion
- Supplies: Paper, glue, real dandelion flowers.
- How-to: Draw a lion’s body on a piece of paper, but leave the head blank. Glue a real yellow dandelion flower where the head should be. It’s 3D, beautiful, and temporary!
17. Button Art Lion
- Supplies: Canvas or sturdy card, lots of orange/yellow buttons.
- How-to: Draw the outline of a lion. Fill the “mane” area with glue and have the child place buttons of different sizes to fill in the color. This creates a beautiful mosaic effect.
18. Foam Cup Lion
- Supplies: Styrofoam or paper cup, yellow paint.
- How-to: Turn the cup upside down. Paint it yellow. Glue paper ears to the top (the bottom of the cup) and draw a face. Use yarn for a tail.
19. Heart-Shaped Lion
Show some love with this geometry craft.
- Supplies: Construction paper (red, pink, orange, yellow).
- How-to: Construct the entire lion using only heart shapes. A large upside-down heart for the face, smaller hearts for ears, and many hearts arranged in a circle for the mane.
20. The “Shredded Paper” Lion
A great way to use scrap paper.
- Supplies: Yellow/Orange scrap paper, scissors, glue.
- How-to: Have kids practice their scissor skills by cutting paper into thin strips (or use a shredder). Glue these chaotic strips around a paper plate face for a wild, untamed mane look.
Tips for a Successful Craft Session
- Prep Ahead: If you are working with very young children (toddlers), cut out the shapes beforehand so they just have to focus on gluing and coloring.
- Embrace the Mess: Lions are wild animals, and lion crafts should be a little wild too! Don’t worry if the paint goes outside the lines or the mane is a little crooked.
- Combine with a Movie: These crafts are the perfect activity to do while watching your favorite lion-themed movie or reading a book like The Lion & The Mouse.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating World Lion Day or just enjoying a rainy afternoon doesn’t have to be complicated. These 20 cute and easy lion crafts prove that you can create something adorable using items you likely already have in your recycling bin or craft drawer.
Whether you choose the Fork Painted Lion for its texture or the Handprint Lion for a sentimental keepsake, you are helping your children develop fine motor skills while learning about the animal kingdom.
