Construction paper is one of those things I always seem to have on hand—tucked in a drawer, slightly crumpled, but ready to go.
And honestly?
It’s one of the most useful tools for keeping kids busy without overcomplicating things.
PIN FOR LATER 📌
These 20 construction paper crafts are simple, creative, and don’t require a full-on craft closet to pull off.
Perfect for rainy days, weekend mornings, or those times when you just need an easy win.
From folded animals to layered shapes and cut-and-glue projects with actual staying power, they’re fun to make and even better to show off on the fridge.
1. Easy Paper Twirl Snake Craft
CREDIT: OUR KID THINGS
These curly paper snakes are proof that simple materials can go a long way. A few bold colors, some squiggly lines, and a pair of googly eyes—and suddenly you’ve got a whole slithery crew. Bonus: they’re easy enough for preschoolers but still fun for older kids who love a bit of pattern play
MORE AMAZING DIY CRAFT IDEAS:
35 Valentine’s Day Crafts That Go Beyond Just Cutting Out Hearts
14 DIY Halloween Garland Ideas That Look Great Draped Literally Anywhere
9 DIY Valentine’s Day Garlands That Are Easy to Hang & Even Easier to Make
23 Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids That Are Surprisingly Cute and Super Low-Lift
12 Spooky-Cute Halloween Wreaths You Can Totally Make at Home
2. Paper Weaving
CREDIT: THE HOUSE THAT LARS BUILT
Paper weaving is one of those crafts that looks way more complicated than it actually is—which is probably why kids love it. It’s hands-on, repetitive in the best way, and super satisfying once the pattern starts to come together. I also like that it sneaks in a little fine motor practice without feeling like a chore.
3. Paper Strip Rainbows
CREDIT: ONE LITTLE PROJECT
These 3D construction paper rainbows are as cheerful as they are satisfying to make. The layered paper loops give them a fun pop-up effect, while the cotton ball clouds add just the right amount of softness. I’ve found they’re great for spring crafts—or honestly, anytime you need a quick mood boost.
4. Quilled Paper Snail Craft
CREDIT: CRAFTY MORNING
These quilled paper roll snails are as cheerful as they come—and a great intro to paper quilling without needing any special tools. Kids can play around with color combos and curl the strips however they like, which makes each little snail totally one-of-a-kind.
5. Black Cat Paper Craft
CREDIT: FIREFLIES & MUDPIES
This little construction paper cat is equal parts cute and quirky—with its wide-eyed expression and springy curled tail, it definitely has personality. It’s a fun one for Halloween, sure, but honestly, it works year-round for any animal-loving kid.
RELATED: 17 Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids
6. Torn Paper Watermelon Craft
CREDIT: FANTASTIC FUN & LEARNING
This torn paper watermelon is the definition of low-effort, high-impact. No scissors, no need for perfect lines—just some ripping, gluing, and a few black dots for seeds. It’s tactile, messy in a good way, and ideal for younger kids who love getting their hands involved.
7. Accordion Paper Flowers
CREDIT: DIY CANDY
These bold and bright construction paper flowers are all about big impact with minimal effort. A few accordion folds, some simple cutting, and suddenly you’ve got petals that pop off the page. You can use these for classroom decor, party backdrops, and rainy day art tables.
8. DIY Paper Chain Rainbow Wall Hanging
CREDIT: PRETTY LIFE GIRLS
This rainbow wall hanging takes the classic paper chain to a whole new level. It’s a little more time-intensive, but the end result? Totally worth it! The color gradient, the texture, the way it comes together row by row—honestly, it looks like something you’d buy on Etsy. Great for older kids or as a collaborative project that doubles as decor.
9. 3D Paper Butterfly Craft
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
This 3D butterfly craft is as sweet as it is simple. The layered wings give it dimension, while the pipe cleaner antennae add just the right amount of sparkle. It’s the kind of project that looks great on a shelf or windowsill.
10. Paper Chain
CREDIT: DIY CANDY
The classic paper chain—simple, colorful, and surprisingly satisfying to make. I’ve seen kids get totally absorbed in picking their color pattern and watching the chain grow. It’s a great group activity, too—especially for classrooms, countdowns, or decorating for just about anything.
11. 3D Paper Cactus Craft
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
These 3D paper cacti are basically the no-maintenance plants of the craft world—adorable, colorful, and zero watering required. Kids can mix shades of green, add tiny blooms, and even decorate the pots. I’ve used them for desert themes, but they also make cute desk buddies or gifts.
12. Ocean Paper Craft
CREDIT: MESSY LITTLE MONSTER
This under-the-sea scene is the kind of craft that feels more like storytelling than just cutting and pasting. With its googly-eyed sea creatures, bright coral shapes, and layered waves, kids can really make it their own. I’ve used this one during ocean unit weeks—it’s always a hit, and it doubles as fridge-worthy art.
13. Mini Paper Teepee Craft
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
These colorful construction paper tents are a fun way to bring a camping theme to life—indoors, no bugs involved. The paper straw “poles” add a playful detail, and kids can personalize them with washi tape, stickers, or mini flags.
14. Easy Paper Poppies
CREDIT: DESIGN IMPROVISED
These paper poppies are bold, bright, and surprisingly elegant for something made with just scissors and glue. The layered petals and fringed centers give them real dimension, and they work beautifully as a bouquet, table decor, or even a classroom display.
15. Easy Popsicle Stick Flower Bookmark
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
These layered paper flower bookmarks are cheerful, colorful, and super beginner-friendly. Kids can mix and match petal shapes and colors, and once they’re done, they’ve got a “bouquet” that doesn’t wilt!
16. Patriotic Streamer Paper Airplanes
CREDIT: OUR KID THINGS
These paper rockets are part paper airplane, part festive firework—and fully fun to make. The tissue paper flames give them a great sense of movement, and kids can go wild decorating them with stars, stripes, or whatever their theme calls for. I’ve used them for Fourth of July crafts, but they’d be just as great for space week or any rocket-loving kid.
CREDIT: ONE LITTLE PROJECT
These Halloween paper garlands are festive, foldable, and honestly way cuter than store-bought décor. From smiling ghosts to spiky bats and pumpkins that pop, each design starts with a simple accordion fold—perfect for practicing scissors skills and patience.
RELATED: 9 Easy Paper Plate Pumpkin Crafts That Kids Will Actually Love
18. Paper Caterpillar Craft
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
This little paper caterpillar has big personality—from its oversized googly eyes to the bright color blocks that make up its body. It’s easy to assemble, super tactile, and works well as part of a bug-themed afternoon or storytime tie-in (I may or may not have paired it with The Very Hungry Caterpillar more than once).
CREDIT: MY NAME IS SNICKER DOODLE
This handprint wreath is one of those crafts that’s both festive and sentimental. Each little cutout becomes a sweet time capsule, especially if you’re working with younger kids. Layer the greens, add some red “berries,” and top it off with a ribbon—it comes together quickly and makes a charming homemade decoration for the holidays.
20. Origami Butterflies
CREDIT: MADE WITH HAPPY
These folded construction paper butterflies are a sweet introduction to beginner origami—and they come together faster than you’d think. The soft curves of the wings give them a lovely dimensional look, and they’re perfect for decorating cards, walls, or windows.