Make an adorable hopping penguin that bounces up and down!
This charming arctic winter craft uses paper cups and simple folded paper to create a cute penguin.
Kids love making this Antarctic animal and pressing it down to watch it bounce back up.
Hopping Penguin Paper Cup Craft Materials
Here's what you'll need to make your penguin:
Essential Supplies:
- Two paper cups
- Black paint
- Paint brush
- White, black and orange cardstock
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Free penguin printable template
How to Make a Hopping Penguin Paper Cup with Kids
This arctic craft is great for kids ages 5 and up. You'll want to help with cutting the cups and putting it all together.
Step 1: Paint the Paper Cups
- Take two paper cups and trim the rim edges off both of them
- Paint both cups with black paint to make them look like the penguin's body
- Let the paint dry completely
- On one cup, cut out a rectangle shape
Step 2: Print and Cut the Penguin Pieces
- Print out the penguin template and cut all the pieces
- Trace the pieces onto your white and orange construction paper
- Cut them out carefully
- Use a black marker to draw pupils on the eyeballs
Step 3: Assemble and Detail the Pieces
- Assemble all the penguin pieces one by one as shown in the picture
- Glue the white belly piece, eyes, and orange beak together
Step 4: Glue the Body to the Cup
- Glue the penguin's white belly piece to the paper cup
Step 5: Add the Face & Feet
- Glue the eyes to the penguin's face
- Attach the orange beak in the middle
- Add the little feet to the bottom
Step 6: Create the Hopping Mechanism
- Cut two strips of black cardstock
- Glue the two corners together so you form an ‘L' shape
- Fold the strips in an accordion or zigzag pattern, alternating the direction with each fold
- When you get to the end, glue the end pieces together and cut off any overhanging bits.
Step 7: Connect the Cups
- Glue the folded strips to your decorated penguin cup
- Pop the one cup over the other paper cup to complete your craft
- Press down on the penguin and let it bounce! The folded paper springs back and makes it bounce up and down
Final Thoughts on This Hopping Penguin Tutorial
This antarctic winter craft is perfect for teaching kids about penguins and arctic animals.
The cute black and white penguin with its bright orange beak makes an adorable winter craft.
Kids love making this penguin craft and often want to create a whole penguin colony to go with their first one!
Ready for more fun winter crafts? Check out these favorites:
- DIY Fluffy Winter Blue Slime Recipe
- 23 Adorable Snowman Crafts For Kids
- 25 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids
Explore our kids craft blog for even more creative crafts that combine learning with imaginative play!
