Hippo Paper Bag Puppet
- Jessie
- Jun 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
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Get ready for some big-mouthed fun—because today we’re crafting the most huggable, hilarious, and happy Hippo Paper Bag Puppet you’ve ever seen! Whether your child is wild about animals, obsessed with silly voices, or just loves getting creative, this craft is the perfect way to keep little hands busy and imaginations running wild.
This hippo might not live on the savanna, but it’s sure to bring a roar of laughter to your living room (or classroom)! With its wide mouth, chubby cheeks, and cartoon-style charm, this puppet is ideal for storytelling, pretend play, and even impromptu puppet theater productions starring your favorite jungle friends. Bonus points if your hippo sings, dances, or performs a dramatic reading of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."
Our Hippo Paper Bag Puppet is a no-fuss, mess-friendly project that works great with preschoolers, early elementary kids, and even older kiddos who just want to add their own creative flair. All you need is a paper lunch bag, our free printable template, and a few simple supplies like paper bags, crayons, scissors, and glue. That’s it—no fancy crafting gadgets required!
This is also the perfect craft for zoo-themed lessons, animal units, or just a rainy afternoon at home when you're looking for something that’s both fun and functional. Once your child makes their hippo puppet, the storytelling opportunities are endless. Will it be a grumpy hippo? A hippo who dreams of ballet? A hippo who tells knock-knock jokes? The choice is theirs!
And let’s not forget: puppets are more than just crafts—they’re sneaky little learning tools! With a puppet in hand, kids build fine motor skills through cutting and pasting, boost their language skills during play, and explore emotional expression as they bring their characters to life. Who knew a chunky paper hippo could pack such a punch?
Check Out These Other Paper Bag Puppet Templates:
Want to take it a step further? Pair your hippo puppet with other animal crafts (we’ve got a lion, an owl, and elephants too!) and put on a full animal puppet show. Or use it during storytime to act out your favorite hippo-themed picture books. There are so many ways to turn this simple paper bag into a world of imaginative play.
And if your kids love puppets as much as we do, don’t stop with the Hippo! Be sure to check out our other printable paper bag puppets on the blog—like our Cow, Lion, Robot, and Pirate puppets! You can create an entire puppet zoo, launch an epic farm-themed puppet show, or just keep adding to your collection of crafty characters.
So grab your craft supplies, warm up your best hippo voice, and let’s get started! Scroll down for the free template and step-by-step instructions to create your own Hippo Paper Bag Puppet—because no jungle is complete without a hippo who knows how to put on a show.
How To Make A Hippo Paper Bag Puppet
Materials You'll Need
Printable Hippo Paper Bag Puppet Template (available for download)
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Scissors
Glue
A paper lunch bag
Step 1: Print the Template
Start by printing out the paper bag template on 8.5x11 white paper or cardstock. Templates are FREE to download and can be found towards the bottom of the post.
Step 2: Color Your Hippo Paper Bag Puppet
Let your child get creative! Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color in the puppet's head, ears, and body. Classic gray hippos are always cute, but rainbow hippos are totally welcome too!\
Step 3: Cut Out Your Paper Bag Puppets
Carefully cut along the outlines of your colored paper bag puppet. Take your time to make clean and precise cuts.
Step 4: Assemble & Glue Your Paper Bag Puppet
Now it’s time to bring your hippo to life! First, take your paper bag and lay it flat with the flap facing up (this flap will become the puppet’s face). Start by gluing the body to the section underneath the flap—this is the main part of the bag that covers your hand.
Then, glue the hippo’s head on top of the flap so it overlaps slightly with the body. This way, when you open and close the flap, it looks like your hippo is talking! Let it dry for a few minutes before you start playing.
Direct Your Puppet's Journey
Once the glue has fully dried, your Puppet is all set for exciting adventures! Slip your hand through the paper bag opening and kickstart the puppetry fun. Foster imaginative play, weave captivating stories, or stage puppet shows alongside other paper bag characters. The potential for creativity is boundless!
How To Download Hippo Paper Bag Template:
How to download the Hippo Paper Bag Template? Simply sign up to become a member of Artsy Kids Zone to gain access to our exclusive downloads. The best part is that memberships are completely FREE! Not only will you gain access to this art project, but you'll also unlock a treasure trove of Artsy Kids Zone downloads. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive emails from Artsy Kids Zone with updates, new craft ideas, and special offers. It’s a great way to stay inspired and keep your little ones engaged with fun, creative activities!
***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.
Whether your kiddo wants to craft a pirate puppet, make a hatching dragon egg, or try their hand at magical crayon resist art, we’ve got something to spark every imagination. Our projects are made with kids in mind—easy to prep, fun to make, and perfect for classrooms, rainy days, or weekend adventures at the kitchen table. So don’t be shy—dig in, get messy, and let your child’s creativity run wild at Artsy Kids Zone!
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