Jawsome Shark Crafts for Kids

Shark Crafts for Kids are a fun and exciting way to spark creativity and curiosity in little ones. Kids love sharks because they’re bold, powerful, and full of mystery—just like the deep ocean they live in. Whether it’s Shark Week or just a rainy afternoon, these ocean-themed crafts capture their imaginations and keep them happily engaged.

Shark Crafts for Kids

Shark Crafts for Kids are a fun and creative way to explore ocean life through hands-on activities. Using simple materials, these crafts are perfect for playtime, learning, or party fun for all ages.

Paper Plate Shark

This classic craft turns an ordinary paper plate into a fierce but friendly shark. Kids can paint, cut, and glue their way to creating their own ocean predator. It’s perfect for young children learning about sea animals or for themed classroom activities. With just a few basic materials, the fun comes together quickly and creatively.

• Use blue or gray paint to color the plate like a shark body

• Cut a triangle out for the mouth and use it as the dorsal fin

• Add googly eyes or draw your own for a silly effect

• Use white paper to make sharp-looking teeth

• Let kids add ocean backgrounds or sea creatures around their shark

Toilet Paper Roll Shark

Recycling meets creativity with this simple shark made from a toilet paper roll. It’s great for reducing waste while giving kids a fun animal to play with or display. The round shape works perfectly for forming the shark’s body and jaw. This is a hit for younger children with some adult guidance.

• Paint the roll blue, gray, or even fun colors like purple or green

• Cut a mouth at one end and glue on paper teeth

• Add fins and a tail using construction paper

• Use googly eyes or draw big eyes near the top

• Let kids give their shark a name and story

Shark Fin Hat

Kids will love pretending to swim like sharks with their own fin hat! This wearable craft is not only fun to make but also awesome for imaginative play. Whether for a birthday party or Shark Week celebration, the shark fin hat is always a hit. It’s easy to assemble with just a few pieces of paper and tape.

• Cut out a shark fin shape from sturdy cardboard or foam

• Tape or glue the fin to a strip of paper to fit around the head

• Decorate the fin with glitter, stickers, or blue paint

• Reinforce the band with extra paper if needed for comfort

• Let kids “swim” around pretending to be sharks after it’s done

Shark Puppet (Paper Bag or Stick)

This shark puppet is perfect for storytelling, puppet shows, or dramatic play. It can be made using a paper bag or attached to a stick for easy handling. Kids enjoy creating their own sea characters and putting on a mini show afterward. It encourages creativity and speaking skills too.

• Use a lunch-size paper bag or a popsicle stick as a base

• Create a shark face with markers, paper cutouts, and glue

• Add teeth with white triangles made from paper

• Use felt or fabric scraps to add texture or color

• Let kids act out a shark story after making their puppet

Shark Bookmark Corner

Turn reading time into shark time with this fun corner bookmark. Kids love crafting something useful and cute for their favorite books. The shark’s open mouth grips the corner of the page, making it a cool and functional craft. Ideal for school or library projects.

• Fold a square piece of paper into a corner triangle

• Cut and glue on white teeth, eyes, and fins

• Decorate the shark’s body with patterns or stickers

• Use cardstock for durability

• Encourage kids to gift one to a friend or sibling

Egg Carton Shark

Transform leftover egg cartons into a fun underwater creature. This eco-friendly shark craft lets kids paint, cut, and construct a mini sea animal using recycled supplies. It’s great for group crafting or classroom projects. Plus, it looks awesome when finished!

• Cut out two connected egg carton cups for the shark body

• Paint them blue, gray, or metallic colors

• Glue on paper fins and tails

• Add eyes and a mouth with craft supplies or markers

• Let kids add glitter or mini fish around it for an underwater scene

Shark Sensory Bottle

This calming craft doubles as a fun science project. Kids will love watching glitter and mini shark toys swirl inside their homemade sensory bottle. It’s a great mix of creativity, science, and relaxation—especially for preschoolers and toddlers.

• Use a clear plastic bottle with a tight lid

• Fill it with water, glitter, blue food coloring, and shark figures

• Add baby oil or clear glue for a slow-moving effect

• Seal the lid with hot glue or tape for safety

• Let kids shake and watch it swirl to calm down or explore motion

Handprint Shark Art

This personalized art activity turns handprints into adorable sharks. Kids get to trace, paint, and decorate using their own hands. It’s especially fun for little ones and can be turned into cards or wall art. A keepsake that’s both fun and meaningful.

• Paint the hand gray or blue and press onto paper

• Add eyes, fins, and teeth to the print to form a shark

• Write the child’s name and date for a personal touch

• Decorate the background with waves, fish, or seaweed

• Display the artwork on the wall or fridge

Origami Shark

Great for older kids, this origami shark introduces them to basic paper folding techniques. It’s a fun and challenging way to practice focus and precision. Once completed, the shark can be used as decor or part of a paper aquarium.

• Use square origami paper in shark-like colors

• Follow simple step-by-step instructions for folds

• Add eyes and teeth after folding

• Let kids create multiple sharks and name them

• Display the sharks as a mobile or ocean wall

Felt Shark Plushie

Kids who love sewing or crafting with fabric will enjoy making their own shark plush toy. This beginner-friendly project teaches basic sewing and results in a soft toy to play with or gift. It’s great for developing patience and fine motor skills.

• Use a simple shark template to cut out felt shapes

• Sew around the edges with yarn or embroidery thread

• Stuff with cotton or old fabric scraps

• Add eyes, gills, and a mouth using fabric glue or sewing

• Let kids decorate with fabric markers or buttons

Shark Tooth Necklace

Inspired by ocean treasure hunts, this necklace craft gives kids a cool wearable item. It’s fun for pretend play or to wear during a shark-themed event. Easy to customize, and no real shark teeth needed!

• Cut a shark tooth shape from foam or cardboard

• Paint it white, silver, or gold

• String it onto yarn, twine, or a necklace cord

• Add beads or small shells for decoration

• Let kids exchange them like friendship necklaces

Shark Ocean Diorama

Let kids build an entire underwater world for their sharks with this creative diorama. Using a box and various craft supplies, they can build reefs, add fish, and showcase their shark in its habitat. It’s a great project for both learning and fun.

• Use a shoebox or recycled container as the base

• Paint or cover the background in blue and green tones

• Add paper fish, coral, seaweed, and one big shark

• Use cotton balls for clouds and glitter for water sparkle

• Encourage storytelling as they explain their scene

Clothespin Shark Chomper

This interactive shark craft lets kids make a chomping shark using a clothespin. It’s a fun toy as well as a craft project. Kids can use it for pretend play, puppet shows, or even bookmarks.

• Paint the clothespin blue or gray

• Attach shark head and tail to each side

• Add teeth inside the mouth with white paper or felt

• Use markers for details like gills or scales

• Let kids test out the “chomp” action when it’s dry

Shark Footprint Craft

Make memories with this simple but sweet footprint art. Kids step into paint and leave a print to turn into a shark. Great for toddlers or preschoolers, it can also become a keepsake gift for family.

• Paint the foot in shark-like colors and press onto paper

• Add fins, eyes, and teeth to complete the look

• Write the date and child’s name

• Decorate with bubbles or underwater designs

• Frame it or turn it into a greeting card

Popsicle Stick Shark

This is a simple and quick craft using craft sticks, great for younger kids. It can be used as a puppet, toy, or decoration. Kids love seeing their shark take shape with just a few items.

• Glue 3–4 popsicle sticks together as a base

• Cut out and glue on fins, a tail, and a face

• Add eyes and decorate with paint or markers

• Attach a magnet or string to hang it up

• Encourage kids to create different shark species like hammerhead or great white

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Craft time is a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore their creativity while learning new skills. When guiding children through shark crafts, a little preparation and involvement can make the experience safer, smoother, and more educational. These tips will help you turn crafting into a fun and meaningful activity at home or in the classroom.

• Supervise for Safety: Always keep an eye on children, especially when using scissors, glue, or small craft supplies. Use child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue to minimize risks.

• Prep Materials in Advance: For younger children, pre-cut shapes and organize supplies ahead of time. This keeps things moving smoothly and allows more focus on assembling and decorating.

• Encourage Storytelling: After the craft is done, ask kids to name their shark or invent a short story about its ocean adventures. This boosts imagination and language skills.

• Add Learning Elements: Include fun shark facts, videos, or books to turn craft time into a learning moment. Talk about different shark species, where they live, and why they’re important to the ocean.

• Celebrate Creativity: Display kids’ crafts on bulletin boards, fridge doors, or classroom walls. Praising their efforts builds confidence and encourages them to try more creative projects.

FAQ

What age group are shark crafts suitable for?

Shark crafts can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Simple projects like handprint art or paper plate sharks are great for toddlers and preschoolers, while older kids may enjoy more detailed crafts like origami sharks or felt plushies.

What materials do I need for Shark Crafts for Kids?

Most shark crafts use basic supplies like paper, glue, scissors, crayons, paint, and recyclables like toilet paper rolls or egg cartons. Googly eyes, felt, and glitter can add fun details.

Are Shark Crafts for Kids safe for young children?

Yes, with adult supervision. Use child-safe scissors and non-toxic materials. For toddlers, prepare pieces in advance and help with steps involving glue or cutting.

Can these crafts be used for classroom or party activities?

Absolutely! Shark crafts are perfect for Shark Week, ocean-themed lessons, birthday parties, or summer activities. Many of them are easy to adapt for groups.