Looking for a simple, fun, and creative winter activity for kids? This paper plate polar bear craft is perfect for little hands! Whether you’re planning a winter-themed lesson, a rainy-day craft, or just looking for an easy way to keep kids engaged, this adorable bear craft is a winner. It’s budget-friendly, requires only basic materials, and helps kids bring their favorite Arctic animal to life. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this craft a success!

Why Kids Will Love This Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
It’s Super Simple: No complicated steps or fancy materials just a paper plate and a few easy-to-find items.
It’s Hands-On Fun: From gluing to cutting, kids get to use their hands, making this a great sensory activity.
They Can Get Creative: This craft encourages creativity kids can customize their polar bears with fun colors or add their unique details.
It’s All About Polar Bears! What’s not to love about these cute, fluffy Arctic creatures? This craft ties in beautifully with polar bear art activities and stories about Arctic animals.
Perfect Keepsake: Once finished, the polar bear face can be displayed as a decoration, a puppet, or even a fridge masterpiece.

The Benefits of This Polar Bear Craft for Kids
Not only is this polar bear craft fun, but it’s also packed with developmental benefits:
Fine Motor Skill Development: Cutting, gluing, and assembling help improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Boosts Creativity: Kids get the chance to think outside the box, experiment with materials, and personalize their craft.
Educational Tie-Ins: Pair this craft with lessons on Arctic animals, polar bear habitats, or even books like Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Sensory Play: The soft cotton balls, smooth paper plates, and sticky glue make this an excellent sensory experience for younger children.

Materials You’ll Need To Make This Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your polar bear to life:
- Paper plate
- Googly eyes
- Pink and white construction paper
- Black pom-pom or paper circle
- Black marker
- Glue
- Scissors
Optional: You can use a polar bear craft template printable for added ease or include cotton balls for a fluffy variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Before starting, choose a clean and flat surface for crafting. Cover your table with newspaper, a crafting mat, or an old cloth to protect it from glue spills and mess. Keep all materials within reach to make the process smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Ears
Take a piece of white construction paper and draw two medium-sized circles for the outer ears. Each circle should be about 2 inches in diameter (adjust based on the size of your paper plate).
On a piece of pink construction paper, draw two smaller circles for the inner ears. These circles should be slightly smaller than the white ones, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Carefully cut out all four circles using scissors. If working with younger kids, pre-cut these pieces to make it easier for them.
Glue the pink circles onto the center of the white circles to create layered ears. Let the glue dry for a few minutes.

Step 3: Attach the Ears to the Paper Plate
Turn your paper plate upside down (the back of the plate should face you). This will be the polar bear’s face.
Place the prepared ears on the top edge of the plate. Position them evenly on both sides for symmetry.
Use glue to attach the ears to the back of the plate, ensuring that the pink side faces forward. Press gently for a secure hold.
Step 4: Add the Eyes
Take two googly eyes and decide on their placement. They should sit in the upper middle portion of the plate, just below where the ears are attached.
Apply a small dab of glue to the back of each googly eye and stick them onto the plate. If you don’t have googly eyes, draw two large circles with a black marker or cut out circles from paper.
Press down gently on the eyes and let them dry for a few minutes.

Step 5: Create the Nose
For the nose, cut a small black circle from construction paper or use a pre-made black pom-pom. The circle should be about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the nose slightly below the googly eyes in the center of the plate.
Apply glue to the back of the circle or pom-pom and stick it onto the plate. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it sticks properly.
Step 6: Draw the Mouth
Take a black marker and draw a simple mouth below the nose. Start by drawing a small “U” shape directly under the nose.
Extend a straight vertical line from the bottom of the nose to connect it to the top of the “U.” This creates a classic polar bear smile.
If you want to add more detail, you can also draw small dots on either side of the mouth to mimic whisker markings.

Step 7: Final Touches and Adjustments
Inspect your craft to ensure all parts are securely attached. If any edges are peeling or loose, reapply glue and let it dry.
Clean up any stray glue or marker marks with a damp paper towel for a polished look.
If you’d like, personalize the polar bear by adding extra features like eyebrows, rosy cheeks, or sparkly decorations.
Step 8: Let It Dry
Once dry, your polar bear craft is ready to display or play with!
Set your finished craft aside in a safe spot where it won’t be disturbed. Allow all the glue to dry completely (approximately 20–30 minutes).

Crafting Tips For Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
Tip 1: Pre-cut pieces like the ears, nose, and inner ear circles if you’re working with toddlers or preschoolers. This keeps the focus on gluing and assembling, which is more fun and manageable for small hands.
Tip 2: Choose non-toxic, washable glue for safety and easy cleanup. If you’re working with heavier materials like pom-poms or cotton balls, a thicker craft glue like Tacky Glue will provide a stronger hold.
Tip 3: When attaching the ears to the back of the paper plate, press them down firmly for a few seconds to ensure they stick well. If they keep slipping, consider using tape as extra support while the glue dries.
Tip 4: If googly eyes aren’t sticking well, use double-sided tape or glue dots as an alternative. For a fully eco-friendly option, cut out eye shapes from leftover paper or cardboard and draw the pupils with a marker.
Tip 5: Use a small paintbrush or a cotton swab to apply glue precisely. This avoids glue clumps and keeps the finished product looking tidy.

Tip 6: If you want the craft to last longer, reinforce the paper plate by gluing a layer of cardboard behind it. This is especially useful if you plan to display the polar bear as a decoration or use it in storytelling.
Tip 7: Don’t rush the drying process! Let each glued part dry for at least 10–15 minutes before moving on to the next step. This prevents pieces from shifting or falling off.
Tip 8: If you have cotton balls, let kids stretch and fluff them to create a textured fur effect around the polar bear’s face. This adds a sensory element to the activity.
Tip 9: Kids can give their polar bears a name, draw accessories like a bow tie or scarf, or even create a mini family of polar bears for storytelling fun.
Tip 10: Once the crafts are done, showcase them on a wall or board as a mini “Arctic Gallery.” This boosts kids’ confidence and makes their efforts feel appreciated.

Fun Variations For Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
Cotton Ball Polar Bear: Add texture by covering the paper plate with cotton balls before assembling the face. It creates a soft, fluffy look kids will love.
Polar Bear Mask: Cut out holes for the eyes and attach a string or popsicle stick to turn the craft into a wearable mask. Perfect for pretend play!
Fork Paint Polar Bear: Replace construction paper with fork-painted details! Dip a fork into white paint and use it to create fur-like streaks across the paper plate.
Arctic Animal Collection: Create a whole Arctic-themed set by adding penguins, seals, or snowy owls to your crafting project.
3D Polar Bear Puppet: Attach your polar bear to a popsicle stick for a puppet or glue it onto cardboard for a sturdy display piece.

FAQs For The Paper Plate Polar Bear Craft:
Q: What age group is this polar bear craft best for?
This craft is perfect for preschoolers, kindergartners, and even early elementary kids. You can simplify or add details to make it suitable for any age.
Q: What if I don’t have googly eyes?
No problem! You can cut out circles from black and white paper to create eyes, or simply draw them on with a marker.
Q: How do I tie this polar bear craft into a lesson?
Use this craft as part of a lesson on Arctic animals or polar bear habitats. Pair it with a book like Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? or a short educational video.
Q: Can I add more to the polar bear craft?
Absolutely! Consider adding a snowy background, cotton ball fur, or even glitter for a wintery touch.
Q: How do I make this polar bear craft eco-friendly?
Swap googly eyes and pom-poms for recyclable paper or leftover crafting materials you already have at home.
This paper plate polar bear craft is a fun, simple, and engaging way to keep kids entertained while encouraging creativity and learning.
From classrooms to cozy crafting afternoons, this project is sure to be a hit.
Whether you go classic or explore fun variations, the result will always be adorable.
So grab your supplies and get crafting—your kids (and their new polar bear friends) will thank you!
We’d love to see your adorable paper plate polar bear craft! Share your pictures on Pinterest. Your unique ideas might even inspire others!
SAVE THIS PAPER PLATE POLAR BEAR CRAFT PIN FOR LATER!!!
