Summertime is a fun time of year because the kids are off from school. But, it can also mean that they become bored easily.
Kick boredom to the curb and have some summer crafting sessions instead!
This paper plate fish craft is colorful, easy to make, and best of all fun. It’s a simple ocean craft for kids that can help them work on fine motor skills, cutting, following directions, and more!
Watch our quick video tutorial to see just how simple it is to make and then be sure to download the free template.
This fish craft is ideal for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary aged children!
Colorful Fish Craft

Supplies
- Paper plate
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Fish template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.

Paint a paper plate in 1-2 thin coats of bright paint. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Place the fish body template on the paper plate, trace, and cut it out.

Position the stripes in the middle of the body, glue them on, then cut off the excess paper.

Glue the eye just to the left of the fish’s nose. Use a black marker to draw a small smile below the eye.

Take the top fin and glue it towards the back of the body, just above the tail fin.

Next, take the bottom fin and glue it to the bottom side of the fish.

Finish off the fish by gluing the side fin to the bottom of the fish, in between the bottom fin and the mouth.

We’re certain your kids are going to love creating this colorful fish craft!

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!

Want some more ocean craft ideas to make this summer? Try out some of our favorite below!

This ocean sensory bin is great for when you want something done for you. If you prefer the DIY route, try out this frozen ocean sensory bin.
Another fun option is this ocean play dough set. It’s sparkly and comes with several cool fish!
Share With Us
Did you make this craft with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s craft 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!
Get Our Favorite Paper Plate Crafts!

Paper Plate Fish Craft For Kids
This colorful and fun paper plate fish is the perfect summer craft for kids!
Materials
- Paper plate
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Fish template
Instructions
- Download the fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Paint a paper plate in 1-2 thin coats of bright paint. Let it dry completely before moving on.
- Place the fish body template on the paper plate, trace, and cut it out.
- Position the stripes in the middle of the body, glue them on, then cut off the excess paper.
- Glue the eye just to the left of the fish's nose.
- Use a black marker to draw a small smile below the eye.
- Take the top fin and glue it towards the back of the body, just above the tail fin.
- Next, take the bottom fin and glue it to the bottom side of the fish.
- Finish off the fish by gluing the side fin to the bottom of the fish, in between the bottom fin and the mouth.
Barb
Sunday 4th of June 2023
This looks like a fun project
Sam
Wednesday 7th of June 2023
Thanks!
Catherine
Wednesday 10th of May 2023
Hi, I would like to use this for my kids, but I don't see anywhere to put my email address to get the free templates? Thanks
Sam
Friday 12th of May 2023
It's above the comments section, under the heading titled "Free Fish Template". If you're not able to see it, it most likely means you have a firewall or adblocker blocking it from appearing. If you can allow the page or try from a personal device, you should be able to see it. Also, some readers say they're not able to see it on Chrome, but they can on other browsers. You may be able to try that as well ◡̈
Majken
Monday 1st of August 2022
Wanna use this fish in my classroom :)
Sam
Monday 1st of August 2022
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of the post and the link will be sent to you ?
Marcia
Wednesday 8th of June 2022
This will be perfect for our ocean theme!
Sam
Thursday 9th of June 2022
Awesome! So glad!
Paula Marks
Friday 13th of August 2021
Great idea. Could I have your paper plate fish template sent to my email? Think it would be a great craft for my kids. Thanks and blessings, Paula
Sam
Tuesday 17th of August 2021
Thanks! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of the post to have the link sent to you ?