30+ Lion Crafts for Kids That Are Perfect for Playtime or Learning

Have a little one who loves animals? These lion crafts are full of color, texture, and imaginatioan and great for play and learning. Whether you’re working with preschoolers or planning a themed activity day, there’s something here for every age and skill level.

If you’re exploring the whole animal kingdom, check out our favorite zoo animal crafts for even more wild ideas your little ones will enjoy.

Promotional graphic for 30+ lion crafts for safari theme week, with a collage of lion-themed children’s craft projects in the background.

two side by side examples of lion paper cup craft

Paper Cup Lion

Kids can transform a simple paper cup into a mighty little lion with this easy art project. Using a printable template for the lion's face, they cut and color the pieces, then attach them to the cup to create a cute lion that can stand upright.

The finished lion is perfect for a zoo theme or learning the letter “L.” The template and full instructions are on the blog.

www.artycraftykids.com

Curly Paper Plate Lion

Kids cut and curl paper strips for this imaginative lion project to form a bouncy, curly mane around a paper plate face. They will love practicing their scissors skills and shaking their lion to see the curly mane rustle and bounce, bringing their creation to life.

This hands-on project inspires pretend play (roaring encouraged!) and the blog has all the steps to make your curly-maned lion.

Related: Lion Worksheets

raisinglittlesuperheroes.com

Cupcake Liner Lion

Who knew a few leftover cupcake liners could turn into a cute lion's mane? In this easy project, kids flatten and glue the crinkly cupcake liners around a circle (or paper plate) to create the lion's fluffy, 3D mane, then add a friendly face in the middle.

This activity is a clever way to recycle baking cups into art, and the blog post has all the details to help you make your own roaring masterpiece.

two side by side examples of lion toilet paper roll craft

Toilet Paper Roll Lion

Don't toss out those empty toilet paper tubes – kids can turn them into a pride of adorable lions! In this activity, they paint or wrap a tube in yellow paper, add a fluffy paper mane (using either a template or cut strips), and glue on a friendly lion face with googly eyes and a pom-pom nose.

This eco-friendly project is perfect for jungle pretend play or a zoo theme, and the blog offers a free template plus easy instructions to help you create your lions.

www.thecrafttrain.com

Lion Spoon Puppet

In this clever DIY toy project, wooden spoons become roaring lion puppets. Kids paint the spoon head to make the lion's face, and give it a fluffy yarn mane. Then, they can put on their own little safari puppet show with the finished lion (you can even make a lioness, too!).

Also try: Lion Card Craft

www.artycraftykids.com

Mixed Media Newspaper Lion

Don't toss that old newspaper, kids can turn it into a roaring lion art piece with some paint and creativity. In this mixed-media project, children paint newspaper pages in bright lion colors and then cut or tear them into shapes to form the lion's mane and face, gluing the pieces down and adding details like eyes and whiskers.

Lion Paper Plate

A plain paper plate turns into a friendly lion face with just some paint and paper. Kids can paint the plate in lion colors (or use yellow paper), then add the provided printable pieces like ears, eyes, and a cute nose to bring the lion to life.

This classic zoo animal project is simple enough for little ones to make and adorable to display; the blog has a free template and complete guide to help you along.

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Lion Leaf

In this nature-inspired activity, take art time outdoors by gathering leaves to make a lion's mane. Kids glue dry leaves all around a lion's face (using a printable template for the face) to create a wild, textured mane that makes the lion look extra fuzzy and fun.

This fall project perfectly combines art with a nature walk, and the blog post includes the lion face template and tips to get started.

Related: Zoo Animal Tracing Worksheets

kidsactivitiesblog.com

Paper Plate Lion

Here's a classic lion art where a paper plate becomes an adorable lion face with a fringed mane. Kids paint the plate in lion colors (brown around the edge for the mane and yellow in the center for the face), then snip the edges of the plate and ruffle them to create a textured mane.

Add some googly eyes and a cute nose, and you will have a friendly lion perfect for preschool or zoo camp. Head over to the blog for simple step-by-step directions.

Paper Bag Lion Puppet

A simple paper lunch bag turns into a roaring lion puppet with just some creativity. Kids glue on a mane (often using pre-cut paper pieces or a template), add a lion face on the bag's folded flap, and suddenly they have a lion that can “talk” when they move its mouth.

This puppet is a fantastic project for pretend play and story time, and the blog provides a free template plus step-by-step instructions to make your own.

www.redtedart.com

Toilet Paper Roll Lion

Lion art with a heartfelt twist uses heart shapes to make an adorable “Love Lion” from a recycled toilet paper roll. Kids assemble and decorate their lion with heart cut-outs (for the mane, nose, or cheeks) and cheerful colors like red and pink, making it a perfect little Valentine's Day project.

Related: Monkey Toilet Paper Roll Craft

www.hellowonderful.co

Paper Tube Lion

Make an adorable 3D lion out of a recycled paper tube and a small foam ball in this creative project. Kids attach the foam ball as the lion's head on the tube body, then add a fun mane made of curly pipe cleaners and little pom-poms for paws and a tail, bringing their mini lion to life.

This activity uses everyday materials you probably have at home, and the Hello Wonderful tutorial includes a step-by-step video to guide you.

Lion Headband

Kids will love turning themselves into the jungle king by making a lion headband they can wear. Using a printable template for the lion's face and ears, they color and cut out the pieces, then attach them to a paper band that fits around their head.

The result is a fun dress-up prop that leads to instant imaginative play (cue lots of roaring!). The blog has the template and instructions to make this cute costume piece.

kidscraftroom.com

Scrape Painting Lion

Kids get messy in a good way with this scrape painting lion activity that results in a vibrant, streaky mane. They drop dollops of paint onto paper and then drag a scraper (like a piece of cardboard or an old credit card) through it to create incredible multicolor streaks, which become the lion's bold mane when cut out.

Related: Elephant Name Craft

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Toilet Paper Roll Lion

For a fun 3D art, kids can make a standing lion using an empty toilet paper roll as the body. They wrap the tube in yellow paper, add a circle for the lion's face, and give it a shaggy mane by gluing on many short paper strips (plus googly eyes and a pom-pom nose for extra cuteness).

Related: Monkey Cutting Activity Pages

Handprint Lion

Kids use their very own handprint to make this adorable lion keepsake. They trace their hand on paper (or paint their hand and stamp it) to form the lion's mane, then add a drawn or cut-out face in the middle of the palm area.

This activity is simple, inexpensive, and a sweet way to preserve your child's handprint; the blog even provides a free template to help you along.

nontoygifts.com

Torn Paper Lion

This lion project doubles as a fine motor activity because kids tear paper into pieces to create the lion's magnificent mane. Using a simple lion template as a base, little ones glue on scraps of orange, yellow, and brown paper, filling the lion's face and mane with a cool mosaic effect.

It's an easy, low-cost project perfect for preschoolers learning about zoo animals, and the blog provides the template and instructions to get started.

www.artycraftykids.com

3D Paper Lion

This eye-catching activity stands out—kids assemble paper pieces to create a 3D lion that can stand independently. Using a printable template, they cut out and decorate the lion's parts (body, head, legs, etc.), then slot or glue them together to make a freestanding paper lion.

This project is a fun construction activity that lets kids explore colors (you can mix paints or paper hues for the mane), and the blog has the template and assembly guide you'll need.

Also Try: Zebra Handprint Craft

Lion Craft

Little kids can create a friendly lion's face using paper, glue, and a handy template. This preschool-friendly project involves making a big round mane (either by cutting a paper circle or using the template) and then adding a cute lion face in the middle.

This activity is quick, budget-friendly, and great to do one-on-one or with a class—head to the blog for the free template and easy instructions.

taminglittlemonsters.com

Spin Art Paper Plate Lion

Kids can turn a plain paper plate into a whirlwind of color for a lion's mane using a salad spinner. They simply put the plate in the spinner with a few drops of paint, give it a spin, and end up with a unique splattered design that makes the perfect wild mane for their paper plate lion.

www.sightandsoundreading.com

L is for Lion Toilet Roll

This simple lion project ties in perfectly with learning the letter “L”. Kids paint or wrap a toilet paper roll to make the lion's body, then add a mane and face, creating a cute lion that reinforces the “L is for Lion” connection.

Related: Tiger Headband Craft

Lion Name

Help little ones practice spelling their name with this personalized lion art. Using the provided template, kids make a cute lion face and mane, then glue the letters of their name around the mane or below the lion to create a fun name display.

This creative keepsake also doubles as a learning activity, and the Simple Everyday Mom site has the free template and instructions.

www.theottoolbox.com

Lion and Lamb Self-Regulation

Here's a unique activity that uses the idea of “lion” and “lamb” behaviors to help kids learn self-regulation. Children explore big, loud feelings versus calm, quiet behavior by acting out or creating a lion (for the fierce emotions) and a lamb (for the gentle ones), then practicing how to switch from “lion mode” to “lamb mode” when they need to calm down.

This exercise is a creative way to build emotional coping skills through play, and the blog explains the whole lion-and-lamb technique for parents and teachers.

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Salad Spinner Lion

A kitchen salad spinner becomes a fun painting tool in this art, which uses spin art to create a unique lion's mane. Kids drop some paint onto a paper plate (or cardstock circle) and spin it, splattering and swirling the colors into a one-of-a-kind design.

Once the paint dries, you can use the colorful plate as the lion's wild mane—just add a paper face in the middle, and your lion is complete (the blog provides all the instructions to help).

www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Animal Alphabet L is for Lion

Learning the alphabet meets creativity in this “L is for Lion” project. Kids create the letter L (using paper or a template) and then transform it into a lion by adding a mane, a face, and little paws or a tail, effectively turning the letter into the lion's body.

Engaging and educational, this activity reinforces letter recognition through art, and the blog provides the template and instructions for this clever alphabet project.

www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Lion Mask

Kids can unleash their inner lion by making and wearing this playful lion mask. Using a paper plate or cardstock as the base, they decorate it with paint and add a mane around the edge (think cut paper strips, yarn, or even handprint cutouts for the fur), then cut out eye holes so they can see while they roar.

This mask is an excellent activity for pretend play and storytelling, and it even sneaks in some fine motor practice with all the cutting and gluing—the blog provides the complete how-to for this roarsome project.

www.hellowonderful.co

Lion Leaf

This adorable lion art brings nature into art time by using real leaves for the lion's mane. Have your child collect some pretty leaves from outside, then glue them in a circle around a lion's face (you can draw one or use the provided template) to give the lion a beautifully textured, natural mane.

You can create a super cute fall decoration and enjoy a fun combination of a nature walk with art time. Check out the Hello Wonderful tutorial (with video) to see how you can do it!

artsymomma.com

Recycled K-Cup Lion

Crafty individuals can turn those used K-Cup coffee pods into adorable mini lions! In this project, kids paint or cover a small empty coffee pod to be the lion's body, then add a paper circle or pom-pom for the face and surround it with a mane (made from paper strips, yarn, or felt) around the cup's rim.

This clever upcycling project is perfect for an animal theme, and the Artsy Momma blog shows you how to make these tiny “pod” lions step by step.

www.craftymorning.com

Pasta Noodle Lion

Dry pasta becomes art supplies in this inventive lion project! Kids paint or dye a bunch of pasta noodles (like bow-tie pasta or broken spaghetti) in lion colors and then glue them around a paper lion face to create a textured, 3D mane.

This activity is a cute sensory project that repurposes pantry items into art, and the Crafty Morning tutorial shows you how to make your pasta lion.

Related: Tiger Paper Bag Puppet

sunshinewhispers.com

Ferocious Lion Paper Plate

This lion paper plate art is “ferociously” fun, featuring a big curly mane that kids will love to create. Little ones cut paper into strips, curl them around a pencil, and glue them all around a paper plate to make a thick, bouncy mane for their lion (great scissor practice!).

Give the lion a fierce or friendly face, and you have an adorable decoration or pretend play prop—check out the blog for the full curly-mane tutorial.

www.thekeeperofthememories.com

Paper Plate Safari Lion

With this fun art, you can make a quick and easy lion for a preschool safari theme. Kids start by painting a paper plate for the lion's face. Then, they cut out many little pieces from colorful patterned paper scraps and glued them around the plate to form a vibrant mane.

The Keeper of the Memories blog provides all the instructions for the safari lion project, making it a great way to use up scraps and get creative with colors and patterns.

myboredtoddler.com

Color Blending Paper Plate Lion

Let your little ones discover color mixing while making a lion project! In this art activity, kids use two paint colors (red and yellow) on a paper plate and swirl them together, watching the colors blend into new shades for the lion's mane.

After the paint fun, you just add some simple paper details (eyes, ears, nose) to turn the painted plate into a roaring lion face — it's a fantastic way to combine a color lesson with art time, and the blog has all the details.

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Paper Plate Lion

Convert a plain paper plate into the king of the jungle with minimal fuss. Kids just paint the plate lion-yellow, cut out a bunch of small fringes or triangles for the mane, and glue them around the plate's edge (then add a cute face) to make a lion.

As easy as it gets, this activity is perfect for little ones, and you can find the tutorial on the Easy Peasy and Fun site.

meaningfulmama.com

Lion Paper Bag Puppet

Designed to accompany the Bible story of Daniel in the Lion's Den, this paper bag lion puppet is perfect for church or home. Kids use a brown paper bag as the puppet base and decorate it to look like a lion, creating a friendly lion character for storytelling.

Also Try: Elephant Popsicle Stick Craft

www.lookwerelearning.com

Lion Toilet Paper Roll

Here's another adorable way to make a lion from a toilet paper roll that's simple enough for young kids. You just cover the tube in paper or paint it, then add a paper mane (or even a cupcake liner mane) around one end and stick on a cute lion face—googly eyes and a little nose bring it to life.

This easy-peasy activity is excellent for a quick zoo unit project or a rainy day activity, and you can find the full tutorial on the Look! We're Learning blog.

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

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60+ Easy Fall Crafts For Kids
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photograph of found of Simple Everyday Mom, Sam

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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.

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