Easy Paper Dinosaur Craft (Free PDF printable template)

Looking for a fun and creative dinosaur-themed activity for kids? This Easy Paper Dinosaur Craft is a simple yet impressive 3D paper project that young children will love. With a free PDF printable template and easy-to-follow steps, this craft is perfect for home, classroom, or preschool activities.

Free Dinosaur Craft Template (3 Versions)

We offer a free printable dinosaur template in three convenient versions:

• Color version – ready to cut and assemble
• Black-and-white version for coloring – perfect for creative kids
• Black-and-white version for cutting from colored cardstock – ideal for sturdy crafts

Get your free printables at the bottom of this post

In this tutorial, we will walk through a step-by-step craft using the black-and-white template for cutting from colored cardstock.

Materials Needed

• Free dinosaur PDF printable template
• White paper (for printing the template)
• Colored cardstock (any color you like – we chose green)
• Double-sided colored paper (A4 size)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Black marker

Step-by-Step Dinosaur Craft Tutorial

Print the template

Print the black-and-white cutting template on white paper.

Cut out the template pieces

Carefully cut out the dinosaur body, leg, and eye.

Transfer to colored cardstock

Use the paper pieces as patterns to trace the shapes onto colored cardstock.

You can choose any color you like – we chose green.

Cut out one body and four legs from the cardstock.

Make the accordion (fan) body

Take a sheet of double-sided colored paper (A4 size), fold it in half, and cut it into two equal parts.

From one half, fold the paper into an accordion (fan).

Create the 3D fan shape

Fold the accordion in half and glue the two ends together.

You should get a volumetric fan shape.

Assemble the dinosaur

Glue the 3D fan piece onto the dinosaur’s body.

The dinosaur silhouette now looks three-dimensional and recognizable.

Add the details

Glue four legs to the bottom of the body — two closer to the neck and two closer to the tail.

Glue on the eye.

Draw the face

Use a black marker to draw an eyebrow, nostril, and a friendly smile.

You can also add simple patterns or dots to decorate the dinosaur’s skin.

Your simple 3D paper dinosaur craft is now complete!

Benefits of This Dinosaur Craft for Children

Creating this paper dinosaur is not only fun but also highly beneficial for child development:

• Fine motor skills – cutting, folding, and gluing strengthen hand muscles
• Creativity and imagination – choosing colors and adding patterns encourages self-expression
• Focus and patience – following steps improves concentration
• Spatial awareness – working with 3D elements helps children understand shapes and volume
• Confidence – completing a craft gives children a sense of accomplishment

This activity is suitable for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students.

Where You Can Use This Paper Dinosaur Craft

• Dinosaur-themed lessons or units
• Preschool and kindergarten art activities
• Classroom bulletin boards
• Home crafting time
• Birthday parties or dinosaur-themed events
• Kids’ room or playroom decorations
• Educational centers and libraries

Final Thoughts

This Easy Paper Dinosaur Craft is a wonderful combination of simplicity, creativity, and educational value. With a free printable template and a fun 3D design, it’s an engaging activity that kids will want to make again and again.

Download Free PDF printable template Easy Paper Dinosaur Craft

Download the free PDF template, grab some paper, and start crafting your own friendly paper dinosaur today!