Give this zebra handprint craft a try, and watch as kids transform a simple handprint into a stripey safari animal! With just some paint and paper, they can make their zebra buddy, complete with bold black-and-white patterns.
This easy and mess-free project is perfect for preschoolers who love exploring colors and shapes. Once their zebra is ready, they’ll be thrilled to show off their work!
And for parents, it’s a sweet keepsake of those tiny hands before they grow bigger. Download the printable, grab some supplies, and let the creativity begin!
Looking for more ideas? Check out our favorite handprint crafts for kids to keep the little ones busy this spring!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy.
Zebra Craft Idea
This activity allows preschoolers to practice tracing, cutting, and coloring in a relaxed setting. As their zebra takes shape, they can add stripes and other fun details to bring it to life—one step at a time. Before they know it, their striped friend will be ready for an imaginary safari!
Grab the free template and follow the simple steps below to get started.
Supplies
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers
- Zebra template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)
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 zebra to life!
First, help your child trace their hands onto a piece of white paper and cut it out. Position the handprint with the fingers pointed down, then draw hooves at the ends of the zebra’s legs with a black marker.
Draw stripes on the body and legs.
Use a pink marker to draw the inner ears on the zebra’s head.
Place the head onto the thumb and glue it down.
Now, draw stripes on the tail piece with a black marker.
Finally, encourage your child to glue the tail to the back of the zebra’s body.
Now that our zebra is ready to roam the wild or be part of an imaginary story! While you’re here, take a look at more of our zoo animal crafts for even more creative ideas!
Fun Panda Paper Bag Puppet Craft
Zoo Animal Books For Kids
The Fascinating Animal Book For Kids is a great book for curious kiddos! Find facts on almost any animal your child is learning about. This is a great resource to have in your home library collection.
The View At The Zoo is a silly book about all the animals at the zoo. When the people come to take a look at the animals, they see all sorts of sights! But, there’s a twist to this book that you have to read for yourself and laugh about!
Giraffes Can’t Dance is a sweet and fun book about Gerald the Giraffe. He can’t dance, but doesn’t stop trying! He finally finds his own rhythm when he meets an unlikely friend.
Animal Paper Crafts
Lion Paper Cup Craft – Who knew an ordinary cup could become the king of the jungle? With some snipping, gluing, and a splash of color, kids can create their own friendly lion. This project builds coordination and encourages patience, but most importantly, it brings a whole lot of joy!
Once finished, their little lion buddy is ready for storytelling, pretend play, or proudly sitting on display.
Elephant Toilet Paper Roll Craft – Get ready for a jumbo-sized dose of creativity! This adorable craft starts with a simple cardboard tube but quickly transforms with big, floppy ears and a personality to match.
Cutting, folding, and assembling the pieces helps strengthen little fingers, and watching their wide-eyed elephant come together is a confidence booster like no other. Once complete, this gentle giant is set for all sorts of imaginary adventures!
Tiger Headband Craft – This stripey headband lets kids become the fiercest felines around! Putting together tiger features like eyes and ears is an excellent practice for small hands, helping those fine motor skills grow along the way.
Once their bold stripes are in place, it’s time to let out a big ROAR and jump into some pretend jungle fun!
Try this Giraffe Handprint Craft
Peacock Handprint Craft – Tiny hands turn into dazzling feathers in this colorful project! With each snip and dab of glue, kids create a one-of-a-kind peacock that’s as bright and unique as they are.
It’s a great opportunity to practice following instructions and letting creativity take flight—like a peacock showing off its tail!
Free Animal Printables For Kids
These jumbo-sized elephant worksheets make early learning exciting! From tracing to mazes, each page keeps kids engaged while giving their brains a little workout. Every finished challenge brings confidence—plus, who wouldn’t want to spend time with these gentle giants?
Penguin tracing worksheets bring a flurry of excitement to early learning! Kids sharpen their motor skills one adorable penguin at a time with each wobbly line and carefully traced letter. These icy waddlers turn every stroke into a chilly learning experience that keeps little ones focused and entertained.
Our owl-cutting practice worksheets give kids a reason to flap their scissors with excitement! Each snip helps strengthen their scissors skills and build focus, all with the help of some wide-eyed feathered friends.
Wavy lines, zigzags, and shapes keep those fingers moving, making scissors practice something worth hooting about!
Homeschool Happiness’ zoo animals ABC order worksheets bring the excitement of the wild straight to young learners, turning alphabet practice into an adventure! With lions, elephants, and zebras leading the way, kids get to sharpen their ABC and snipping skills alongside their favorite creatures.
Organizing words alphabetically isn’t just a brain booster—it’s a ticket to a jungle of discovery!
Share With Us
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!
Handprint Zebra Craft For Kids
Materials
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers
- Zebra template
Instructions
- Download the free zebra template, print and cut out the pieces you need.
- Begin by tracing your child’s hands onto a piece of white paper and cut out. Position the handprint with the fingers pointed down, then draw hooves at the ends of zebra leg.
- Draw stripes on the body and legs.
- Use a pink marker to draw the inner ears on the zebra’s head.
- Place the head onto the thumb part of the handprint and glue it down.
- Now, draw stripes on the tail piece with a black marker.
- Finish off by gluing the tail to the back of the zebra’s body.
Free Zebra Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.