Have kids scuttle on over to make this adorable handprint crab craft to learn about sea life in a hands-on way. This cheerful crustacean features the child’s little hands as the crab’s legs, making a cute keepsake. It’s an excellent addition to any August activity lineup with a summer theme.

Once their crabs are scuttling around, be sure to check out more of our ocean crafts for kids to find activities that work well during storytime, summer camps, or in the classroom.

Cover Image of Crab Handprint Craft with the word Handprint Crab Craft For Kids with free template in the middle

Crab Handprint Craft Idea

This sea animal art gives little ones a chance to transform their own handprints into a happy red crab using just a few supplies!

Kids will be excited to see their own tiny hands turned into wiggly legs, and proud to see it displayed on the fridge or on a bulletin board at school or daycare.

To kids, this will just seem like a fun project, but you’ll know it’s packed with developmental benefits as well.

When preschoolers trace their little hands, practice scissor skills, and follow simple directions, they build fine motor strength and boost confidence. This is a fantastic way to engage preschoolers in an activity that’s fun and beneficial.

Supplies

Colored cardstock or construction paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Crab template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)

Click here to see our favorite kids’ craft supplies.

Directions

Start by downloading and printing the template. Once the template is printed, gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this crab to life!

Hand holding Crab Handprint Craft template

First, assemble the crab by positioning the two handprints with thumbs pointed up and fingers pointed outward. Slightly overlap the palms and glue them in place.

Hand gluing the two cut out hand together of Crab Handprint Craft

Next, guide your child to secure the two crab claws by gluing them to the pointer finger of each hand.

Hand gluing the crab claws of Crab Handprint Craft

Click here to see why I recommend these craft supplies

Now, help your child glue the eyes onto both of the thumbs.

Hand gluing the eyes of Crab Handprint Craft

Position the mouth to the center of the two handprints and glue it in place.

Hand gluing the mouth of Crab Handprint Craft

Place and glue the tongue on the lower part of the mouth.

Hand gluing the tongue of Crab Handprint Craft

Finally, encourage your child to glue the cheeks on each side of the mouth.

Hand gluing the cheeks of Crab Handprint Craft

Be sure to check out our handprint crafts for kids while you’re here! Your kids will love creating more fun DIYs like this one!

Hand holding finished example of Crab Handprint Craft

Cute Torn Paper Crab Craft

Summer Book Ideas For Kids

The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!

Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.

The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!

Two finished example of Crab Handprint Craft

Kids’ Under The Sea Activities

Handprint Jellyfish Craft – This jellyfish idea is a fun and easy activity for kids of all ages. It’s perfect for a summer day or for any time you want to bring a little bit of the ocean into your home. You only need a few supplies to make this adorable handprint jellyfish, so let’s get started!

Try this quick Crab Paper Cup Craft!

Paper Plate Fish Craft – If your kids love bright and colorful projects, this one is for them. This simple idea is sure to bring lots of enjoyment – not to mention, it makes for a great decoration too.

Hang them up in your child’s room, or use them as party decorations for an underwater-themed birthday!

Collage image of Kids' Under The Sea Activities

Octopus Handprint Craft – This octopus is a fun activity that helps kids practice their fine motor skills. All you need is some paper, scissors, and glue, and your kids will have a blast making their own octopus friend.

Humpback Whale Puppet Craft – Our downloadable template makes this project a breeze. Your little one will love putting together their lovable whale puppet. Let your child’s imagination take the lead, and watch them bring their creations to life with a whale puppet show!

Ocean Activities For Kids

These ocean pattern block mats are a great activity for kids. They help to refine their fine motor skills and learn shapes.

Crab Worksheets

The activity also helps to develop hand-eye coordination. The best part about ocean pattern block mats is that they can be used over and over again.

Kids will love these color by number ocean animal printables! This activity is a great way to help them learn about colors and numbers while having fun.

There are seven different printables to choose from, each with a different scene. They will love seeing their finished creation come to life.

Collage image of Ocean Activities For Kids

Our jellyfish worksheets help put a fun twist on learning! Kids can practice recognizing and writing the letter J while learning more about jellyfish.

These worksheets are the perfect no-prep activity to keep kids entertained while learning something new.

Finished example of Crab Handprint Craft

These ocean cutting practice worksheets are great for developing fine motor skills and practicing scissors skills.

Your little learners will have so much fun cutting along the different dotted lines to complete each worksheet! Just print, cut, and let the learning begin!

Try this Crab Name Craft!

Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

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