DIY Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets – Fun Printable Craft for Kids
- Jessie
- Sep 6
- 5 min read
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Dinosaurs never go out of style when it comes to kids’ crafts and activities. Whether your little ones are obsessed with T-Rex, Triceratops, or Stegosaurus, they’ll roar with excitement over this DIY Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets craft for kids. Using our printable puppet templates, children can color, cut, and create their very own dinosaurs that snap and chomp with the help of a clothespin. It’s the perfect combination of creativity, hands-on fun, and imaginative play.
If you’ve been searching for a printable dinosaur craft that’s simple to set up but keeps kids entertained for hours, you’re in the right place. These dinosaur clothespin puppets are designed with bold outlines and easy-to-cut shapes, making them ideal for kids of all ages. Parents and teachers love them because they’re low-prep, budget-friendly, and instantly engaging. Kids love them because they bring their favorite prehistoric creatures to life!
One of the best things about this DIY puppet activity is how versatile it is. Use it as a rainy-day project, a classroom center activity, or even as a dinosaur birthday party craft. Because the puppets come in a printable format, you can make as many copies as you need. Print them in black-and-white so kids can color their dinosaurs any way they like—or choose the pre-colored versions for a quick and easy activity.
Crafts like this are more than just fun; they’re also educational. As kids color and cut their puppets, they’re building fine motor skills, practicing scissor safety, and strengthening hand-eye coordination. Once the dinosaur puppets are assembled, they can be used for storytelling, puppet shows, or pretend play, sparking creativity and boosting social skills. That’s the magic of combining crafts with imaginative play—it’s learning disguised as fun.
Teachers especially appreciate how these printable dinosaur puppets can be integrated into lesson plans. They’re perfect for a dinosaur unit, a reading activity (kids can use their puppets to act out stories), or as a reward craft after a science lesson about prehistoric animals. Because they only require basic supplies—paper, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, and clothespins—they’re easy to prep for a whole classroom at once.
Parents, on the other hand, love how these puppets double as screen-free entertainment. Instead of relying on devices, kids can spend an afternoon creating their own little dino world. Once they’ve made a few, they can even set up a puppet theater and put on a dinosaur show for the family. It’s a craft that keeps the fun going long after the glue dries.
Another great feature is that this project is budget-friendly and mess-free. There’s no need for expensive supplies, glitter explosions, or complicated steps. All you need is the downloadable dinosaur clothespin puppet template and a few everyday craft materials you already have at home. Within minutes, kids will be coloring, cutting, and giggling as their dinosaurs come to life.
And if your kids can’t get enough dinosaur fun, you’ll love exploring the other dino-inspired crafts on the blog. From printable paper dinosaur feet kids can actually wear, to dinosaur finger puppets perfect for pretend play, dinosaur masks that let kids “ROAR!” like their favorite prehistoric creatures, and even dinosaur water gun painting for an outdoor summer twist—there are endless ways to keep the dinosaur magic alive. Be sure to check out the full collection of crafts to make your next dinosaur day unforgettable!
So, whether you’re planning a dinosaur-themed party activity, looking for a new classroom printable craft, or just need an engaging project for a rainy day, these DIY Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets are sure to be a hit. Get ready for hours of prehistoric play, lots of laughter, and a craft your kids will remember long after the last roar.
How To Make Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets
Materials You'll Need
Printable Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets Template
School Glue
Scissors
White Cardstock Paper
Printer
Markers, Crayons or Colored Pencils
Clothespins
Step 1: Print the Templates
Download and print the dinosaur puppet templates on 8.5 x 11 white card stock paper. Cardstock is best for durability, especially since the puppets will be clipped and played with.
Step 2: Color Your Dinosaurs
Let the creativity roar! Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to decorate each dinosaur. Kids can choose bright greens, fiery reds, or even rainbow patterns. They can add spots, stripes, or scales — and for extra fun, glue on sequins or stickers to make their dinosaurs truly unique.
Step 3: Cut Out the Dinosaur Pieces
Start by cutting around the edge of the dinosaur shapes. Don’t stress about cutting perfectly on the line—it's totally okay to leave a little white space around the edges. This makes it much easier for younger kids (and less frustrating for everyone!).
Next, you’ll need to carefully cut out the two puppet pieces—the top half and the bottom half—right along the dotted lines. These pieces are sized to fit on the top and bottom sections of the clothespin, so precision is key here. Take your time and help little ones with the tricky parts to make sure the pieces line up properly for puppet play.
Step 4: Glue to Clothespins
Using glue, attach the top half of the dinosaur to the top part of the clothespin and the body to the bottom. When the clothespin opens and closes, your dinosaur puppet will move and talk!
These Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets are more than just a craft—they’re a roaring adventure waiting to happen! Whether your child is putting on a dinosaur puppet show, adding them to their prehistoric toy collection, or proudly displaying their colorful creations, this activity is guaranteed to bring smiles and spark hours of imaginative play.
Don’t forget to explore our other puppets, like Pirate Clothespin Puppets, Lion Paper Bag Puppet, Gorilla Cootie Catcher, and even the Horse Paper Bag Puppet for some farmyard excitement. Each craft is designed to keep kids entertained, learning, and creating through hands-on play.
How Do I Download the Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets Template?
You can purchase the Dinosaur Clothespin Puppets Template directly from Artsy Kids Zone. The template is available in two options: black and white (perfect for kids to color and customize) or pre-colored (ready to print, cut, and play).
After purchase, you’ll receive an instant digital download—no waiting, no shipping costs. Simply download the PDF, print at home, and start crafting! By purchasing, you’ll not only enjoy this fun project, but you’ll also be supporting Artsy Kids Zone so we can continue creating more creative activities for kids.
***These printables are intended for personal and school use exclusively. Unauthorized copying, uploading, republishing, distributing or alteration of these files in any manner is strictly prohibited. If you plan to showcase these printables, please ensure to include a link back to artsykidszone.com.
Explore More Creative Crafts
Discover a world of creative fun beyond mermaids! Dive into our collection of imaginative crafts that are perfect for kids of all ages. Explore the Bee Toilet Paper Roll Craft, where you can transform simple household items into adorable buzzing bees. Or, flutter over to our Butterfly Coffee Filter Craft, where you can create vibrant and colorful butterflies using coffee filters and simple art supplies. With these engaging activities, there's always something new and exciting to discover at Artsy Kids Zone. Let your creativity soar and embark on a crafting adventure today!
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