Horse Paper Bag Puppet
- Jessie
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
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Giddy up and get ready to gallop into a world of imagination with our adorable Horse Paper Bag Puppet craft! Whether your child dreams of riding on the open prairie, leading a magical unicorn parade, or simply loves anything with a mane and tail, this craft is a sure bet for fun. With just a few simple supplies and our easy-to-use template, your little crafters will be off to the races in no time—creating their very own horse puppet that’s perfect for storytelling, pretend play, and puppet shows.
This friendly little horse may be made from a lunch bag, but it’s bursting with personality! Big eyes, flowing mane, twitchy ears, and even space to color in your favorite coat color—will your puppet be a chestnut, a dappled gray, or a rainbow horse from a far-off fantasy farm? The beauty of this project is that it’s all up to your child’s imagination. They get to decide what kind of horse they create—and give it a name, voice, and even a backstory if they want!
Paper bag puppets are one of our favorite crafts because they’re low-mess, super affordable, and endlessly customizable. They’re great for preschoolers learning about animals, perfect for kindergarten themes like "Down on the Farm," and a hit at birthday parties or rainy day playdates. Plus, they double as toys when the crafting is done—so you get both an art project and hours of creative fun!
Not only does this project spark imaginative play, it also helps build fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and coloring. Young learners get to practice following directions while still expressing their creativity. You can even sneak in a little learning by talking about horse breeds, sounds, or how horses are used on farms and in history.
And if you're planning a full puppet show? Be sure to check out our full stable of animal puppets! You can pair your horse with a pig, cow, or sheep for a barnyard bash—or let it lead a magical parade of unicorns, dragons, and forest creatures. The possibilities are endless when you're the puppet master!
Check Out These Other Paper Bag Puppet Templates:
Want to take it a step further? Pair your horse 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 horse-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 Horse! 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.
How To Make A Horse Paper Bag Puppet
Materials You'll Need
Printable Horse 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 Horse 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 brown horses are always cute, but rainbow horses 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 horse 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 horse’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 Horse Paper Bag Template:
How to download the Horse 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.
More Horse Themed Crafts
If your kiddo is horse-obsessed, you’re in the right place—because the horsing around doesn’t stop with just a paper bag puppet! 🐴 On the blog, we’ve got a whole stable of horse-themed crafts to explore. From gallop-worthy coloring pages to a horse cootie catcher that’s full of fun surprises, there’s something for every little equestrian. And don’t forget the printable horse mask—perfect for pretend play, dress-up days, or turning the living room into a rodeo arena. Saddle up and check them all out for a full day of horse-powered fun!
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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