hen we think of evergreen pop culture phenomena, we think of glowing lightsabers, epic space battles, and the timeless struggle between the light and dark sides. The Star Wars franchise is one of the few things that truly unites generations. Whether you grew up with the original trilogy, the prequels, or the latest streaming series, the love for this galaxy is universal.
If you have a young Padawan at home, you know that May 4th is a very special date. Known globally as Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you”), it is the perfect excuse to indulge in some intergalactic fun.
But you don’t need to buy expensive merchandise to celebrate. In fact, some of the best memories are made at the crafting table. Whether you are looking for a classroom activity, a party game, or a rainy day project, we have compiled the ultimate list of 20 Star Wars crafts and activities for kids. From recycled droids to paper puppets, these ideas are easy, affordable, and fun for all ages.
Why We Celebrate Star Wars Day with Crafts
Crafting is more than just a way to pass the time; it is a vital developmental tool for children. Combining a beloved theme like Star Wars with arts and crafts offers several benefits:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and painting help strengthen small hand muscles.
- Imaginative Play: Creating characters encourages storytelling and role-playing.
- Sustainability: Many of these crafts utilize recycled materials like toilet rolls and tin cans, teaching kids to repurpose waste.
Let’s jump into hyperspace and explore these 20 amazing ideas!
Category 1: Paper & Cardboard Characters
Simple crafts using materials you already have in your recycling bin.
1. The Baby Yoda (Grogu) Paper Bag Puppet
Everyone’s favorite force-sensitive alien is a must-have for any puppet show.
- How to make it: Take a standard brown lunch paper bag. Cut large, pointy ears out of green construction paper and glue them to the sides of the bag’s flap. Paint the face green and add large black eyes. Use a beige piece of felt or paper for his robe collar.
- Play Tip: Have kids reenact scenes from The Mandalorian!
2. Toilet Roll Stormtroopers
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes!
- How to make it: Paint a toilet roll white. Using a black marker or black paint, draw the iconic helmet details—the brow line, the eyes, and the mouthpiece. You can make an entire army of these in under an hour.
3. Chewbacca Paper Sack Puppet
If you need a co-pilot for your puppet show, the Wookiee is your best bet.
- How to make it: Similar to the Baby Yoda puppet, but this time use brown yarn or shredded brown paper to create “fur” all over the bag. Add a black and silver sash (bandolier) across his chest using construction paper.
4. Star Wars Corner Bookmarks
Keep your place in your favorite Jedi texts with these adorable bookmarks.
- The Concept: Use the classic origami corner bookmark fold. Decorate the triangle to look like different helmets—Darth Vader, Boba Fett, or a simple Rebel Alliance symbol. These are perfect for encouraging reading habits.
5. Paper Plate BB-8
The rolling droid is a favorite among younger kids because of his round shapes.
- How to make it: Use one large paper plate for the body and a smaller paper plate (cut in half) for the head. Paint the orange and grey mechanical details. Use a brass fastener (split pin) to attach the head so it can rock back and forth!
Category 2: Recycled Droids and Ships
Turn trash into treasure with these eco-friendly projects.
6. Tin Can R2-D2 Pencil Holder
This smart-looking craft doubles as desk organization.
- Materials: An empty, clean tin can (soup or vegetable can), white and blue felt (or paint), and glue.
- Instructions: Wrap the can in white felt. Cut strips of blue felt to mimic R2-D2’s panels and glue them on. Add a “red eye” button. It’s a sturdy holder for pencils, markers, or even paintbrushes.
7. Popsicle Stick X-Wing Fighters
- The Build: Paint popsicle sticks grey or white. Glue two sticks together in an ‘X’ shape. Glue a central stick as the fuselage (body). You can use small pieces of straw for the laser cannons on the wingtips.
8. Milk Jug Stormtrooper Helmet
A great mask for dress-up play.
- The Concept: Cut the bottom and handle off a clean plastic gallon milk jug. The remaining shape naturally resembles the structure of a helmet. Use hot glue (adult supervision required) to add bottle caps for ventilators and paint the details.
9. Egg Carton Death Star
That’s no moon… it’s an egg carton!
- How to make it: Cut out one cup from an egg carton. Paint it grey. Draw the “superlaser” circle dish with a black marker. These are small, but they make great game pieces for board games.
10. Cardboard Tube Lightsaber Hilts
Before you add the “blade,” you need a handle.
- The Craft: Use a sturdy paper towel roll. Wrap the bottom in silver duct tape or foil. Use black electrical tape to create buttons and grips. It’s the safest way to start Jedi training
Category 3: Wearable Tech and Gear
Get ready for the ultimate cosplay adventure.
11. Pool Noodle Lightsabers
This is the ultimate activity for a Star Wars party because it is safe and active.
- Instructions: Cut pool noodles in half. Wrap the bottom end with silver duct tape to create the handle. Use black tape for details. Now, let the kids battle it out in the backyard—no bruises, just fun!
12. DIY Princess Leia Buns
You don’t need long hair to rock the General’s look.
- The Hack: Take a brown headband. Glue two large brown yarn pom-poms or rolled-up brown felt circles to the sides. It’s instantly recognizable and very cute for photos.
13. Yoda Ears Headband
- How to make it: Cut a strip of green construction paper to fit around the child’s head. Cut two long, pointy ears and staple them to the sides.
- Activity: Encourage the kids to speak in “Yoda syntax” (Object-Subject-Verb) while wearing them. “Fun this is!”
14. No-Sew Jedi Tunics
- The Material: Use an old, oversized brown or beige t-shirt.
- The Cut: Cut a slit down the center of the shirt (from the neck down). Tie a belt (rope or fabric strip) around the waist. Instant Jedi robes without a single stitch!
15. Paper Plate Masks (Vader & C-3PO)
- The Craft: Cut eye holes in paper plates. Paint one gold for C-3PO and one black for Vader. Attach a popsicle stick to the bottom so kids can hold them up to their faces like a masquerade mask.
Category 4: Sensory Play and Science Activities
Engage the mind and the senses.
16. Galaxy Slime
Kids love slime, and space slime is even better.
- The Recipe: Use clear glue, liquid starch (or borax solution), and lots of black, purple, and blue glitter. Swirl the colors together to look like a nebula. It’s a great sensory activity.
17. LEGO Rescue Mission
- The Setup: Take your existing Star Wars LEGO minifigures and freeze them in a block of ice (mimicking Han Solo in carbonite).
- The Activity: Give the kids salt, warm water, and toy tools to “excavate” and rescue the heroes. It’s a fun science lesson on melting points.
18. Lightsaber Sensory Bottles
- The Calm Down Jar: Fill a water bottle with water, clear glue, and a lot of food coloring (red, blue, or green). Add glow-in-the-dark stars or glitter. Seal the lid tight. Shaking the bottle creates a swirling “force” effect that is very calming.
19. Death Star Pinata
- The Party Hit: Cover a round balloon in papier-mâché. Once dry, paint it grey and add the details. Fill it with candy and let the young rebels take a swing at destroying the ultimate weapon.
20. Galaxy Rock Painting
- The Art: Collect smooth rocks. Paint them black. Use a toothbrush to splatter white paint (stars) over them. Paint words like “Hope,” “Jedi,” or “Force” on them. You can hide these around your neighborhood for others to find.
Tips for a Successful Star Wars Day
If you are planning to do these activities on May 4th, here are a few tips to make the day run smoothly:
- Set the Mood: Play the iconic John Williams soundtrack in the background while you craft. The “Imperial March” makes even pasting googly eyes feel epic.
- Themed Snacks: Serve “Wookiee Cookies” (chocolate chip cookies) or “Yoda Soda” (lime sherbet and sprite) to keep energy levels high.
- Encourage Creativity: There is no “wrong” way to make art. If a child wants a pink Darth Vader or a rainbow Stormtrooper, let them! The Force is about following your instincts.
Conclusion
Star Wars is more than just a movie franchise; it is a universe of imagination that encourages bravery, hope, and creativity. By engaging in these 20 Star Wars crafts and activities, you are building memories that will last a lifetime.



