Shark Paper Bag Puppet
- Jessie
- Sep 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
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Get ready to dive under the sea with this Shark Paper Bag Puppet Craft for Kids! Perfect for ocean lovers, this easy and engaging craft lets kids turn an ordinary paper bag into a fierce but friendly shark puppet ready for endless pretend play. Whether you’re teaching an ocean unit at school, hosting a shark-themed birthday party, or just looking for a fun rainy-day project, this printable shark craft is sure to make a splash. Simple supplies, step-by-step instructions, and loads of creativity make this craft a must-try for kids who love sea creatures and storytelling.
This DIY shark puppet combines art and imagination for an underwater adventure right at your table. Kids can color, cut, and glue their puppet using the printable template, then slip their hands inside the paper bag to make the shark’s mouth open and close. It’s a great way to develop fine motor skills while encouraging creative expression. Once finished, these sharks are perfect for puppet shows, storytelling, or classroom displays. Best of all, each puppet turns out unique—some might be fierce and toothy, while others are silly or friendly!
Parents and teachers love this project because it’s easy to prep and fun for all ages. Simply print the shark template, grab a paper bag, crayons or markers, glue, and scissors, and you’re ready to start crafting. It’s an affordable, low-mess activity that works beautifully for preschoolers, kindergarteners, or elementary students. This paper bag shark craft is especially popular during ocean week, Shark Week, or any summer craft session where kids want to explore life under the sea.
Sharks are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean, which makes them perfect inspiration for kids’ crafts! Did you know there are over 500 different species of sharks, ranging from the tiny dwarf lantern shark—only about 8 inches long—to the enormous whale shark, which can grow over 40 feet? Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, even before the dinosaurs! Fun facts like these make this craft both creative and educational—turning art time into a chance to learn more about ocean life and conservation.
This craft also encourages pretend play and storytelling. Once their sharks are complete, kids can use them in imaginative puppet shows about deep-sea adventures, ocean rescues, or undersea friendships. Puppetry helps children build confidence, express emotions, and practice language skills in a fun and natural way. Plus, it’s a great way to engage groups—each child can make a different sea creature to add to the underwater cast!
If your kids love this Shark Paper Bag Puppet, be sure to check out other jaw-some shark crafts on the blog! Our Shark Paper Mask lets kids become the shark themselves, while the Shark Cootie Catcher adds a playful twist to classic paper fortune tellers—filled with fun shark facts and ocean-inspired fortunes. Together, these projects create a whole series of shark crafts for kids that combine creativity, learning, and ocean adventure.
This printable shark craft is not only fun—it’s a great addition to ocean-themed learning. Teachers can use it to complement lessons on marine life, habitats, and the importance of ocean conservation. Parents can pair it with storybooks about sharks or ocean animals for a full day of educational fun. With its mix of coloring, cutting, and gluing, it’s a well-rounded craft that helps kids practice patience, focus, and hand-eye coordination.
Whether you’re celebrating Shark Week, planning an ocean-themed birthday party, or just exploring the wonders of the sea, this Shark Paper Bag Puppet Craft for Kids is the perfect activity to dive into. It’s creative, educational, and filled with bite-sized fun! So grab your supplies, print your template, and let your little artists swim into a world of imagination as they make their very own shark puppets that are sure to make waves!
Assembling these puppets is easy to do. Start by downloading and printing your free Black & White Shark Paper Bag Puppet template at the bottom of the post. Print on 8.5x11 white paper. Color the shark however you want.
How To Make A Shark Paper Bag Puppet
Materials You'll Need
Shark Paper Bag Puppet Template
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Scissors
Glue
A paper lunch bag
Step 1: Print and Color Your Paper Bag Puppet
Start by downloading our Paper Bag Puppet template and print on 8.5x11 white paper. Once printed, it's time to unleash your creativity! Let your child color the puppet with markers, crayons or colored pencils.
Step 2: Cut Out Your Paper Bag Puppet
Carefully cut along the outlines of your colored paper bag puppet. Take your time to make clean and precise cuts.
Step 3: Glue
Glue the fins to the back of the body of the shark. Glue the body to a paper bag.
Glue the dorsal fin to the back of the head. Glue the head onto the bag.
How do I download the Shark Paper Bag Puppet Template?
Sign up to become a member of Artsy Kids Zone to download. The best part is that memberships are FREE! Not only will you gain access to this project but you will also gain access to this Artsy Kids Zone downloads.
***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.
Discover a world of creative fun beyond paper bag puppets! 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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