61 Amazing January Crafts for Kids to Explore and Enjoy

January crafts for kids are a fantastic way to celebrate the magic of winter and the fun little holidays scattered throughout the month. Whether it’s building snowmen indoors, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of unity, or crafting adorable arctic animals, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

We’ve rounded up some of the best ideas to help you bring creativity and joy into your home or classroom this January. From exploring National Penguin Day to making squirrel puppets for Squirrel Appreciation Day, these activities are full of seasonal charm and variety.

Are you looking for more inspiration? Visit our Simple Everyday Mom homepage for even more creative ideas and easy-to-follow tutorials.

January Craft Ideas

January themed kids crafts image collage with the words, "fun to make January crafts for kids"

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Snowman

Snowman Paper Plate

Turn an ordinary paper plate into a frosty friend full of character. With fun features to add, like a carrot nose and a scarf, kids can personalize their snowman with creative touches. This art is a beautiful way to bring winter magic indoors—no snow is required!

kidscraftroom.com

3D Paper Snowman

Bring a snowy friend to life with this three-dimensional paper snowman that stands on its own. Kids will love assembling the layered shapes and giving their snowmen lots of personality. It's a fantastic way to create a winter decoration they can proudly display.

Related: Snowman Shape Craft

Snowman Name

Kids can spell their names in a frosty, fun way by stacking snowballs into a personalized snowman. Each snowball becomes a letter, turning this activity into a mix of art and learning. It's a playful way to boost letter recognition and celebrate individuality.

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Paper Snowman

Layering paper becomes a creative adventure as kids assemble their snowman scene. They can mix and match colors for the scarf, hat, and buttons to make it their own. This activity is great for kids who love exploring textures and colors while creating something whimsical.

Also try: Snowman Photo Craft

Melted Snowman

Imagine the silliness of a snowman caught in the sun—this activity captures that fun moment! Kids can make their snowmen look adorable and unique with creative layering. It's an inventive twist on a winter classic that kids will find hilarious and imaginative.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Paper Snowman Art

Bright white paper, bold black buttons, and a splash of color make this snowman art a standout. Kids can design their snowman against a wintry background, imagining a snowy day. This activity is a perfect combination of storytelling and hands-on fun.

Related: How To Catch A Snowman Craft

Snowman Paper Cup

With this engaging art, transform an ordinary paper cup into a jolly snowman. Children will enjoy assembling their frosty friend with a carrot nose and cozy hat. This activity provides a fun, creative outlet and helps develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

nontoygifts.com

Easy Paper Snowman

Creating a snowman has never been easier or more fun with this simple paper project. With basic shapes to assemble and decorate, it's an excellent choice for younger kids eager to explore art. Plus, they'll love adding their details to make each snowman one of a kind.

Also try: Handprint Snowman Craft

Winter Animals

Torn Paper Polar Bear

Tearing paper turns into a hands-on adventure with this fun polar bear project! Kids will love layering fluffy white pieces to create a textured fur effect that's as soft-looking as real polar bear fur. It's a great way to explore textures while building motor skills in a creative, playful way.

www.craftplaylearn.com

Polar Bear

Creating a polar bear with simple shapes and materials makes this art fun and beginner-friendly. Little ones will love adding playful details to their bear while learning about arctic animals. It's a cheerful project that's perfect for small hands.

Related: Polar Bear Headband Craft

homeschoolpreschool.net

Narwhal Paper Plate

Transforming an ordinary paper plate into a whimsical narwhal creates a magical art experience. Kids can bring this underwater unicorn to life with cheerful colors and a majestic tusk, adding flair to the design and encouraging imagination and artistic expression.

Related: Narwhal Craft

Walrus Tissue Paper

Transform a chilly day into a cozy crafting session with this walrus tissue paper project. Kids will enjoy scrunching and gluing colorful tissue paper to create a textured walrus scene, enhancing their dexterity and artistic expression.

This hands-on activity offers an entertaining way to explore arctic animals while keeping little hands busy and minds engaged.

handsonaswegrow.com

Polar Bear

Creating a polar bear with cotton balls and simple shapes adds a sensory element to this engaging project. Kids will enjoy the soft, fluffy texture while assembling their bear's features. It's a fun way to explore textures and design hands-on.

Related: Polar Bear Tissue Box Craft

double image of polar bear craft side by side

Moving Polar Bear Paper Plate

A clever combination of paper plates and brads lets kids create a polar bear that moves! This interactive project adds a layer of fun as little ones make the bear's legs wiggle and sway. It's a fantastic way to explore simple mechanics while creating an Arctic favorite.

www.craftplaylearn.com

Arctic Fox

Bringing an Arctic fox to life with paper and glue is an entertaining challenge that encourages thinking about shapes and assembly. The fox's fluffy tail and delicate features offer plenty of room for artistic creativity, making it an excellent choice for fostering focus and storytelling.

Popsicle Stick Arctic Fox

Simple popsicle sticks take center stage in this Arctic fox project, creating a sturdy base for a cute animal. Kids can explore shapes and colors while piecing together the fox's unique features. It's a resourceful way to turn everyday items into something special.

www.giftofcuriosity.com

Black and White Polar Bear

High-contrast black-and-white details make this polar bear project stand out in a crowd. Kids can explore symmetry and contrast as they bring this arctic animal to life. It's a fun introduction to bold design with an arctic twist!

Also try: Polar Bear Cup Craft

Polar Bear Name

Kids will love creating polar bears perched on icy name blocks, combining wintertime fun with a personal flair. This activity cleverly sneaks in letter recognition and spelling practice as kids assemble the ice blocks to spell their names.

With an easy-to-use template, it's a fantastic way to inspire hands-on creativity while strengthening motor skills.

www.mymommystyle.com

Paper Plate Walrus

Creating a walrus from a paper plate lets kids play with shapes and colors in a fun, hands-on way. The oversized tusks and silly features give plenty of room for creativity. This art is a fantastic Arctic animal project for kids of all ages.

Also try: Walrus Name Craft

Paper Plate Walrus

Kids can create a playful walrus with big tusks and a goofy grin using paper plates as a base. This activity combines shapes and textures to make assembly a creative puzzle. It's a fun, hands-on way to learn about Arctic animals while crafting.

kidscraftroom.com

Paper Plate Snowy Owl

Turning a paper plate into a snowy owl captures the magic of winter with feathery fun. Kids can decorate their owl with layered wings and a wise expression, using creative touches to make it their own. The final result is as charming as it is imaginative.

Also try: Snowy Owl Paper Plate Craft

Snowy Owl Name

Adding a name to a snowy owl design makes this project personalized and interactive. Kids will enjoy piecing together the owl while practicing their spelling skills. It's a creative activity that blends art and literacy into one project.

www.redtedart.com

Toilet Paper Roll Narwhal

Upcycling a toilet paper roll into a narwhal turns an everyday item into a source of creativity. The magical tusk and cheerful design invite kids to add their imaginative flair. It's an eco-friendly activity that's as fun as it is resourceful.

Handprint Walrus

Tracing little hands to make a walrus activity gives kids a personal connection to their artwork. The playful use of handprints for the walrus's body is both inventive and fun. It's a great way to celebrate individuality while creating something adorable.

www.artycraftykids.com

Polar Bear Card with a Pop-Up Heart

Making a polar bear card with a surprise pop-up heart is heartwarming art kids will adore. Combining paper folds with cute designs makes it a thoughtful and interactive project—a lovely way to spread a little winter cheer.

Related: Tissue Paper Polar Bear Craft

Handprint Arctic Fox

Turning a handprint into an Arctic fox makes for a personal and creative activity kids will love. The fox's fluffy tail and unique details bring charm to every design. It's a sweet keepsake that celebrates individuality.

www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Snowy Owl Winter

Creating a snowy owl is a fun way to explore the beauty of winter animals with creative flair. Kids can decorate their owls with soft textures and bright eyes for a lifelike look. The simple assembly keeps things easy while encouraging self-expression.

Also try: Paper Bag Snowy Owl Craft

Sponge Painted Snowy Owl

This project combines painting and assembling to create an adorable snowy owl, making it an ideal choice for the colder months. As kids paint the owl's body and attach its features, they enhance their fine motor skills and enjoy a hands-on experience.

taminglittlemonsters.com

Paper Plate Snowy Owl

Transforming a paper plate into a snowy owl is a wonderfully tactile experience for kids. The art invites kids to create their wintry friend, from its soft feathers to its vast, curious eyes. Once finished, it's as enjoyable to make as it is to admire.

Related: Snowy Owl Contact Paper Craft

Handprint Snowy Owl

Using handprints to make a snowy owl offers a fun and personal touch to art. Kids will enjoy seeing their hands become part of the design as they add feathers and features. It's a memorable way to explore art and animals together.

kidsactivitiesblog.com

Cute Narwhal Paper Plate

In this simple and fun DIY, a paper plate becomes a cheerful narwhal. The project's playful tusk and colorful details encourage kids to explore their imaginations. It is a beautiful way to combine art and a love for ocean creatures.

National Penguin Day

Penguin Photo

Kids will love turning their favorite picture into a fun penguin-themed keepsake. Combining playful art with a personal touch is a beautiful way to make something adorable and unique.

Children can add their flair to the penguin's accessories, creating a one-of-a-kind display for the fridge or classroom.

iheartcraftythings.com

Plastic Spoon Penguin

This inventive activity transforms A simple plastic spoon into a playful penguin friend. Kids can paint and accessorize their penguins, bringing their icy creations to life in a fun and unexpected way.

It's an excellent chance to repurpose everyday items into adorable characters for play or display.

Also try: Torn Paper Penguin Craft

Tacky the Penguin

Inspired by the beloved character, this activity brings a whimsical story to life through art. Kids can decorate their penguins with bright patterns and silly details that match Tacky's fun personality.

It's a fantastic way to encourage storytelling and imaginative play while celebrating a favorite book.

www.craftymorning.com

Popsicle Stick Bow Tie Penguin

Popsicle sticks make the perfect base for creating dapper penguins, complete with charming bow ties. Children will have fun assembling their penguin shapes and picking colors or patterns for the bow.

A great blend of construction and creativity, this activity helps kids build focus while making something cheerful.

Related: Popsicle Stick Penguin Craft

nontoygifts.com

3D Shape Penguin

A three-dimensional twist adds extra fun to making penguins from paper shapes. Young artists can explore how circles, ovals, and cones form an entertaining waddling friend. This project introduces basic geometry while offering many ways to customize the penguin's look.

Also try: Paper Cup Penguin Craft

Penguin Handprint

This penguin project turns a handprint activity into a charming memory-maker. Kids will enjoy painting their hands to create the penguin's body and adding personal touches like googly eyes or a bright beak.

Perfect for keepsakes, this activity captures a moment in time while encouraging artistic expression.

buggyandbuddy.com

Waddling Penguin Winter

This activity brings movement into the mix, letting kids create a waddling penguin. The interactive element adds excitement, turning their project into a toy that inspires imaginative play. Exploring winter themes while developing fine motor and problem-solving skills is fun.

kidscraftroom.com

Pop-Up Penguin

Making a pop-up penguin card is an entertaining way to surprise friends or family. The process combines art and engineering as kids learn to create a movable penguin that pops up when opened. Creativity and clever construction make this activity as entertaining as the finished piece.

www.frugalmomeh.com

Simple Shape Paper Penguin

In this accessible and colorful art, paper shapes turn into cheerful penguins. Children can mix and match colors for the penguin's accessories, making each one as playful as they like. It's a fun introduction to shapes, design, and imaginative decorating.

Related: Penguin Shape Craft

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Paper Penguin

This charming penguin project combines paper art with icy fun. Kids can layer simple pieces to build their penguin's body, adding fun details like a scarf or hat. This quick and engaging activity is perfect for chilly afternoons or classroom creativity.

Also try: Penguin Name Craft

National Bird Day

Cardinal Handprint

Bring a little winter magic indoors with cheerful cardinal art made from handprints! Kids will love seeing their hands transformed into a bright red bird, with fun details that make it pop. It's a great way to celebrate the beauty of winter birds while encouraging creativity and fine motor skills.

nontoygifts.com

Bird Craft

Kids can design their feathery friends with a fun, straightforward paper bird activity! From choosing colors to assembling wings and tails, the process is full of opportunities for self-expression.

It's an easy way to blend art and learning while highlighting the diversity of our feathered friends.

Related: Bird Paper Bag Puppet Craft

Handprint Hummingbird

Create a vibrant hummingbird using handprints for wings ready to flutter away! Kids can explore imaginative designs by adding colorful feathers and unique patterns to their hummingbirds. This activity is perfect for introducing kids to the charm of hummingbirds while engaging their artistic side.

happyhooligans.ca

Winter Birds

Celebrate the wonders of winter wildlife with a playful bird-making activity using recycled materials! This project encourages kids to create their colorful flock, inspiring storytelling and imaginative play.

With textures and layers to explore, it's an engaging way to teach about birds in a hands-on, eco-friendly way.

Martin Luther King Day

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Paper Plate Peace for MLK Jr. Day

Create a meaningful project that blends artistry and a powerful message of unity. Kids can decorate a paper plate with bright colors and symbols of togetherness while reflecting on the importance of peace.

This activity is a simple yet impactful way to introduce children to big ideas in a way they can understand and enjoy.

sunshinewhispers.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Handprint Unity Wreath

Celebrate diversity by combining handprints into a colorful wreath, symbolizing unity and friendship. Each handprint adds a personal touch, making the art a heartfelt reminder of working together.

It's an engaging way for kids to learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision while proudly creating something meaningful.

www.craftymorning.com

Creative Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Explore ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with inventive and hands-on activities. From thoughtful designs to bright, bold expressions of kindness and equality, kids can create projects that inspire conversation.

This project is an ideal way to combine learning and creativity in a celebration of a great leader.

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Featured image of the Handprint Squirrel Craft

Squirrel Handprint

Celebrate small hands and big imaginations with a charming squirrel project! Kids will love creating a keepsake using their handprints, turning them into adorable bushy-tailed critters.

Exploring animal themes while adding a personal touch that is perfect for showcasing on the fridge is fun.

www.artycraftykids.com

Squirrel Nature

Combine creativity with a love for the outdoors by creating a squirrel using natural treasures. Kids can gather leaves, sticks, or other natural finds to design a unique woodland-inspired creation. It's a beautiful way to connect art with the beauty of the natural world.

Also try: Squirrel Craft

Squirrel Puppet

Bring stories to life with a playful squirrel puppet made from simple materials. This project allows kids to express their artistic flair while creating a buddy for imaginative playtime adventures. Perfect for acting out forest tales or just having some giggly fun with friends!

intheplayroom.co.uk

Moving Paper Plate Squirrel

Add a dynamic twist to creating a squirrel that can move! Kids can make a furry friend that jumps into action using paper plates and clever folding. The interactive design makes this a hit for playtime while sparking an interest in how things work.

LEGO Day

meaningfulmama.com

LEGO Ninjago Coffee Filter

Transform ordinary coffee filters into vibrant, action-packed Ninjago characters with a mix of color and imagination. Kids will love blending bold shades to create unique ninja masks while honing their artistic flair.

This project offers a playful way to explore character design and storytelling inspired by their favorite LEGO heroes.

www.craftymorning.com

Paper Bag LEGO Man Puppet

Turn a simple paper bag into a customizable LEGO man puppet with bright colors and clever shapes. Kids can create their LEGO-inspired character, perfect for imaginative play or putting on a puppet show.

This activity combines hands-on fun with opportunities for creative expression.

frugalfun4boys.com

LEGO Photo Frame

This frame is a playful way to showcase favorite memories. It combines art with classic LEGO buildings. Kids can decorate the edges with colorful bricks, making their frame art. It's a fantastic keepsake idea that blends construction skills with personal flair.

www.redtedart.com

Easy LEGO Ninja Robot

Build and decorate a ninja robot inspired by LEGO in an art full of imaginative possibilities. Kids can experiment with different designs, adding personality and flair to their creations.

It is a fun blend of building and art that lets little ones explore their inventive side.

www.artycraftykids.com

LEGO Movie Printable Character Puppets

Printable templates make it easy for kids to bring their favorite LEGO Movie characters to life as puppets. With vibrant colors and fun features, kids can recreate scenes or invent their own adventures. This creative activity is perfect for fans of LEGO and storytelling alike.

Chinese New Year

Easy Chinese Dragon

Bright and bold, this dragon art is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year with style and fun. Kids can layer colorful pieces to design their dragon, adding wiggly eyes for a playful touch. It's a festive way to introduce cultural traditions through hands-on creativity.

alittlepinchofperfect.com

Dragon Handprint

This dragon, a keepsake and an art form in one, uses handprints to form its fiery body. Kids will enjoy painting and arranging their dragons to create a unique design with a personal touch. It's a meaningful way to combine art and memory-making during the holiday.

Related: Dragon Handprint Craft

www.hellowonderful.co

Recycled Dancing Dragon Puppet

This engaging activity invites children to transform everyday items into a colorful dragon that dances and sways, bringing the festive spirit to life. As they assemble and decorate their dragon, kids will enhance their hand-eye coordination and storytelling abilities, all while learning about cultural customs.

This imaginative project offers an entertaining way to repurpose materials and create a memorable keepsake for the Lunar New Year.

nontoygifts.com

Handprint Chinese New Year Dragon

Bring the spirit of Chinese New Year to life by creating a dragon with handprints and colorful details. Kids can layer their prints to form the dragon's flowing body, adding creative embellishments. It's a fantastic way to combine festive traditions with an artistic twist.

Related: Torn Paper Dragon Craft

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

45 Delightful Winter Crafts For Preschoolers
7 Great Winter Animal Books For Preschoolers
30 Adorable Winter Animal Crafts For Kids

Sam

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.

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Terry

Tuesday 7th of January 2025

How can I get all of these amazing crafts to print out ?

Kamille - Community Support Assistant

Wednesday 8th of January 2025

Hi! To access all the amazing crafts, just visit the blog posts where each one is featured. At the end of each post, you’ll find a sign-up option to download the templates!

Meagan

These look amazing . Where can I get them ?

Thank you! If you go to that blog post and scroll to the end of the post, you’ll be able to sign up for the template!