Bears have always been special to kids. From teddy bears on the bed to pandas in cartoons or polar bears in winter stories, children feel close to them.
That’s why bear crafts are such a big hit; they mix fun with a little bit of learning. Parents and teachers often find that these activities not only keep kids busy but also spark imagination.
With just a few basic supplies like paper plates, cotton, or paint, kids can turn simple items into something they are proud of. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a classroom project, or family craft time, bear-themed projects bring smiles and creativity together.
These crafts are easy, engaging, and a sweet way for families to share special moments.
Why Bear Crafts Are Perfect for Kids and Families?
Bears have captured hearts for generations, appearing in beloved stories, cartoons, and toys. From the cuddly teddy bear to the thrilling grizzly, and from the playful panda to the icy polar bear, children naturally connect with these animals.
That’s why bear crafts are more than just fun; they provide comfort, spark imagination, and inspire creativity.
When kids make bear-themed crafts, they are not only creating something cute but also learning important skills. Crafting encourages focus, improves fine motor abilities, and helps kids explore art in a hands-on way.
Best of all, bear crafts can be adapted for every age group, making them an excellent choice for classrooms, family projects, or independent play at home.
Bear-Themed Craft Ideas for Preschool
Preschoolers love bears because they are fun, cuddly, and easy to imagine in stories. Crafting with simple supplies lets kids probe their creativity while building motor skills.
These bear-themed activities are perfect for classrooms, playdates, or family fun at home.
1. Paper Plate Teddy Bear
Turn a plain paper plate into a friendly teddy bear face. Paint the plate brown, then cut and glue on paper ears, a nose, and googly eyes.
Kids can even add bows or stickers to personalize their bear. This craft is quick, safe, and gives children a fun bear to play with.
2. Cotton Ball Polar Bear
Make a soft polar bear by gluing cotton balls onto cardstock in the shape of a bear. Add small black circles for the nose and eyes.
Children enjoy the fluffy texture while learning about polar bears and other animals. It’s a great winter-themed activity that uses simple, everyday items found around the house.
3. Panda Face Handprint Craft
Paint your child’s palm white and fingers black, then press onto paper to create a panda face. Add ears, eyes, and a nose with markers.
This craft combines art and play while giving kids a chance to see their handprints turn into animals. It’s simple, fun, and a keepsake-worthy project.
4. Koala Paper Plate Craft
Paint a paper plate gray and glue on big, fluffy ears made from cotton balls or felt. Add googly eyes and a black oval nose to complete the koala’s face. Kids love the soft ears and funny expression.
This craft also makes a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to Australian wildlife.
5. Teddy Bear Paper Bag Puppet
Give a brown paper bag new life as a teddy bear puppet. Kids can draw or glue on paper ears, eyes, and a nose, then decorate them with crayons or markers.
Once complete, they can use the puppet for pretend play, making storytelling more interactive, fun, and imaginative for little learners.
6. Polar Bear Cotton Swab Painting
Dip cotton swabs into white paint and dot them on blue paper to make a polar bear in the snow. Add details like eyes, ears, and paws with markers.
This craft is fun for little hands and helps kids practice fine motor skills while creating an icy, wintry bear scene.
7. Panda Mask (Paper + Elastic Band)
Cut out a circle from white cardstock and add black paper circles for eyes and ears. Cut eye holes, then attach an elastic band so kids can wear their panda mask.
They’ll love pretending to be pandas while playing. It’s an easy way to encourage imaginative play with a craft.
8. Teddy Bear Ears Headband
Create a headband with teddy bear ears using brown paper or felt. Cut out strips for the headband and attach the rounded ears on top.
Kids can wear them while reading bear stories or singing songs. This wearable craft is simple, fun, and perfect for a preschool classroom dress-up or pretend play.
9. Bear Paw Stamp Painting
Cut sponges into paw shapes, dip them in paint, and let children stamp them onto paper. This creates fun bear paw prints that can fill a page. Preschoolers enjoy stamping and repeating patterns.
A wonderful sensory activity that combines art and playful learning while introducing them to animal footprints.
10. Brown Bear Finger Painting
Let kids dip their fingers in brown paint to create a fuzzy bear shape on paper. Add details like ears, a face, and a background.
Finger painting gives preschoolers a chance to examine textures while making art. It’s messy fun, but the results are adorable and make great classroom displays.
11. Teddy Bear Shape Collage (Circles & Ovals)
Cut out circles and ovals from brown paper and help kids arrange them into a teddy bear. Glue the pieces together, then add eyes, a nose, and a smile.
This craft is not only creative but also introduces preschoolers to basic shapes in a fun, hands-on way that encourages learning.
12. Koala Paper Cup Craft
Take a paper cup and paint it gray, then glue on paper ears, googly eyes, and a nose. Kids can hold the cup like a puppet or use it as a decoration.
This craft is simple, fun, and adds variety to bear-themed projects by including a much-loved animal from Australia.
13. Popsicle Stick Bear Face
Glue popsicle sticks side by side, then paint them brown and cut them into a circle. Add ears, googly eyes, and a nose to make a teddy bear face.
Kids will love creating a solid little bear decoration. This craft also helps strengthen coordination as they glue, paint, and decorate.
14. Teddy Bear Coloring Craft with Moveable Arms
Give kids a teddy bear coloring sheet where the arms are separate pieces. After coloring, attach the arms with paper fasteners so they can move.
Children enjoy playing with their finished bears, making this craft both creative and interactive. It’s also a wonderful way to improve hand-eye coordination and patience.
15. Polar Bear Snowflake Collage
Provide children with blue paper, white cut-out snowflakes, and a polar bear outline. Kids glue the snowflakes around their bear to create a winter scene.
This activity combines creativity and seasonal fun while introducing children to animals in snowy habitats. It’s easy, engaging, and a perfect preschool winter craft project.
Bear-Themed Craft Ideas for Elementary Kids
At this age, children are ready for crafts that require a little more detail, cutting, and creative steps. These projects challenge their growing skills while still being fun and manageable.
Perfect for school art time or at-home activities, these bear crafts add extra creativity to their play.
16. Origami Panda Bear
Teach kids the joy of folding paper with a simple origami panda. Using black and white paper, they can fold shapes to form a cute panda face.
This craft builds patience and focus while introducing the basics of origami. The finished panda is perfect as a bookmark, decoration, or small gift.
17. Pinecone Teddy Bear
Turn a pinecone into a tiny teddy bear by adding felt ears, googly eyes, and a pom-pom nose. Kids can paint the pinecone brown or leave it natural for a rustic look.
This craft connects them with nature while creating an adorable bear. It’s a great fall activity that uses outdoor treasures.
18. Bear Bookmark (Corner-Style)
Kids can fold a piece of square paper into a corner bookmark, then decorate it with bear features like ears, eyes, and a nose. It’s fun, practical, and encourages reading.
The bookmark is small enough for children to make in class and take home, adding a cute bear friend to their books.
19. Polar Bear Paper Plate Mask
Cut out eye holes from a paper plate and paint it white to create a polar bear face. Add paper or felt ears and use markers to draw a nose.
Attach a string or stick for holding. Kids enjoy pretending to be polar bears, making this craft fun for play and imagination.
20. Panda Rock Painting
Provide smooth stones and black-and-white paint so kids can turn them into pandas. They can paint simple panda faces or full panda bodies.
This project combines creativity with patience as children paint on different surfaces. Painted rocks also make excellent paperweights, gifts, or decorations for gardens and windowsills, extending the fun beyond craft time.
21. 3D Teddy Bear from Cardboard Tubes
Using toilet paper or paper towel rolls, kids can stack and glue tubes to form a teddy bear’s body, head, and arms. Add construction paper, googly eyes, and a nose to bring it to life.
This craft is simple but gives a fun 3D effect, letting kids proudly display their finished bear.
22. Polar Bear Scene in a Jar
Create a snowy polar bear scene inside a small jar. Use cotton balls for snow, glitter for sparkle, and a polar bear cutout or figurine inside.
Kids love shaking the jar to see the snow swirl. It’s a winter-themed craft that doubles as a decoration, adding a magical touch to their projects.
23. Felt Bear Finger Puppets
Cut out simple bear shapes from felt, glue or sew two pieces together, and leave an opening at the bottom for fingers. Add googly eyes and small felt features for details.
Kids can use their new finger puppets for storytelling and play. This activity also introduces basic sewing or fabric gluing techniques.
24. Koala Hanging Craft
Help kids make a hanging koala using a paper cutout and a clothespin. Attach the koala to a string or branch so it looks like it’s climbing. This project is playful and interactive, giving children a way to display their craft.
They’ll love moving the little koala around to different spots.
25. Bear Silhouette Watercolor Painting
Have kids paint a colorful watercolor background and then glue or draw a black bear silhouette on top. The contrast creates a striking piece of art.
This project blends painting and cutting skills while teaching about shadows and shapes. It’s a creative way for children to express themselves through color and design.
26. Teddy Bear Valentine’s Card
Kids can cut out a teddy bear holding a big heart and decorate it with markers or stickers. This makes a thoughtful card for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion.
It’s a sweet, personal project that combines creativity and kindness. Children enjoy making something special they can give to friends or family.
27. Christmas Bear Ornament
Using felt, paper, or foam, children can cut out bear shapes and decorate them with festive colors. Add ribbon so the ornament can hang on a tree.
This seasonal craft is simple but meaningful, allowing kids to create holiday keepsakes. Each ornament becomes a unique treasure, making it a cherished addition to family traditions.
28. DIY Teddy Bear Puzzle
Draw or print a teddy bear picture, then cut it into puzzle-like pieces. Kids can color or decorate the bear before it’s cut.
Once finished, they can challenge themselves or their friends to put it back together. This craft combines art with problem-solving and doubles as a fun game after creating.
29. Panda Pencil Topper
Use felt or craft foam to make a little panda face, then glue it to a pencil eraser cap or stick. Kids will enjoy decorating their school supplies with this cute accessory.
It’s small, fun, and easy to make. Panda pencil toppers also make great gifts or party favors for classmates.
30. Bear Paw Necklace
Kids can create necklaces by cutting out bear paw shapes from paper, foam, or clay, then threading them onto a string. Decorate with markers, paint, or beads to add personal flair.
This craft is easy and fun while giving children something they can wear or share. It’s creative jewelry-making with a playful bear twist.
Bear-Themed Craft Ideas for Tweens & Teens
Tweens and teens often enjoy crafts that feel a little more grown-up, skill-based, and creative. These bear-themed projects are perfect for developing fine motor skills, patience, and personal style.
From sewing and painting to jewelry-making and mixed media, these crafts give older kids the chance to examine their creativity in new ways.
31. DIY Felt Teddy Bear Plushie (Basic Sewing)
Using felt, stuffing, and simple stitches, tweens can make a small teddy bear plushie. This project teaches beginner sewing skills while resulting in a cuddly keepsake.
It’s rewarding, practical, and a stepping stone to more advanced sewing. Teens can even customize their bears with bows, buttons, or embroidery to make each one unique.
32. Koala Felt Keychain
Cut koala shapes from felt and stitch or glue them together with a keyring attached. Add small details like ears, eyes, and a nose with fabric paint or felt pieces.
This is a quick sewing project that results in a useful accessory. Teens love personalizing keychains for backpacks, purses, or as small handmade gifts.
33. Panda Origami Box
With black and white paper, teens can fold an origami box featuring a panda’s face. The design is both playful and functional, perfect for holding small items like jewelry or notes.
This project sharpens patience and precision while giving older kids a fun storage container. It’s a blend of art and practicality.
34. Bear-Themed Tote Bag (Fabric Paint Project)
Provide teens with plain canvas tote bags and fabric paints so they can design their own bear-themed artwork. From cute teddy bear faces to bold bear silhouettes, this craft allows self-expression.
The finished bags are practical and stylish, making this project one that blends fashion with creativity. Teens can carry or gift their creations.
35. Brown Bear Wall Hanging (Yarn + Cardboard)
Using yarn and cardboard cutouts, teens can create a textured brown bear wall hanging. Wrap yarn around a bear shape and add felt details for eyes, ears, and nose.
This project is decorative and fun, introducing fiber art in a simple way. The finished wall hanging makes a cozy addition to any room décor.
36. Bear Bead Bracelet or Keyring
Teens can string beads together to make a bracelet or keyring featuring tiny bear charms or paw prints. This craft introduces jewelry-making while giving them wearable art.
It’s also a great group activity for parties or clubs. Each bracelet can be personalized with different colors, making every finished piece unique and expressive.
37. Polar Bear Snow Globe (With Small Figure)
Create a winter wonderland snow globe using a small jar, glitter, water, and a tiny polar bear figurine. Teens enjoy assembling these decorative pieces and shaking them to see the “snow” fall.
It’s a craft that combines creativity and science, resulting in a magical keepsake that can be displayed year-round or given as a gift.
38. Panda Dreamcatcher (Circle Frame + Yarn + Beads)
Using a hoop, yarn, and beads, teens can make a dreamcatcher decorated with panda ears and a painted panda face. This combines traditional dreamcatcher techniques with playful animal design.
The craft allows for lots of creativity in colors and decorations. Finished dreamcatchers make wonderful room décor, adding a touch of fun and culture.
39. Paper Mache Bear Mask
Teens can create a life-sized bear mask using papier-mache layered over a balloon or mold. Once dry, it can be painted as a realistic bear, panda, or polar bear.
This project requires patience but results in a dramatic piece for display or costume use. It’s a fun introduction to sculpting and painting.
40. Teddy Bear Shadow Box (Mixed Media)
Create a shadow box with teddy bear cutouts, stickers, or small 3D elements. Teens can combine painting, gluing, and arranging to tell a story or theme.
It’s a project that introduces mixed media art, allowing for endless creativity. Each shadow box becomes a personal keepsake and a way to inspect design and storytelling.
41. Bear-Themed Scrapbook Page
Encourage teens to make scrapbook pages with bear stickers, stencils, or drawings. They can add photos, journal entries, and decorative elements to tell a story.
This activity combines art and memory-keeping, making it meaningful and personal. Scrapbooking is also relaxing and helps develop design skills while celebrating special memories with a bear theme.
42. Crochet Mini Bear (Beginner Amigurumi)
Teens with an interest in yarn crafts can try crocheting a mini bear. Simple amigurumi patterns are beginner-friendly and rewarding.
The finished bears are small, soft, and perfect as keychains or toys. This craft teaches patience and introduces fiber art skills that can grow into a lifelong hobby. Each crocheted bear feels special and handmade.
43. Bear Silhouette Canvas Painting
Teens can paint colorful backgrounds on canvas and layer black bear silhouettes over the top. This striking contrast creates modern, stylish art pieces.
It’s a great project for expressing creativity with color blending and design. The finished paintings can be displayed at home, given as gifts, or used to decorate teen bedrooms.
44. Koala Felt Bookmark
Make a cute bookmark from felt shaped like a koala. Teens can stitch or glue pieces together and attach them to a ribbon. It’s simple yet functional, encouraging reading while adding personality to books.
This craft makes an excellent handmade gift, combining creativity with usefulness. It’s also a wonderful, quick sewing project for beginners.
45. Clay Panda Figurine
Using modeling clay, teens can sculpt small panda figurines. They can form simple shapes like balls for the body and head, then add ears, arms, and details.
Once dry or baked, the pandas can be painted for extra charm. This project introduces sculpting skills and results in adorable decorations or gifts that feel truly personal.
Mix Bear-Themed Craft Ideas for Family and All Ages
Bear crafts aren’t just for kids; they can be enjoyed by the whole family. These projects are perfect for parties, family bonding, or group activities at school or community events.
With food, games, and creative projects, these ideas bring everyone together in a fun, bear-inspired way.
46. Bear Paw Cookies (Baking Craft)
Bake simple round cookies and decorate them with chocolate chips arranged like bear paw prints. Kids can help with placing the “claws,” making it a family-friendly kitchen project.
The cookies look adorable and taste delicious, perfect for parties or themed events. This activity combines baking fun with creativity, leaving everyone with a sweet reward.
47. Teddy Bear Cupcakes with Chocolate “Claws”
Frost cupcakes with brown icing to resemble teddy bears, then add chocolate pieces as little claws. Kids can decorate with candy eyes or sprinkles to personalize each one.
Baking together is a fun bonding activity, and the results double as both craft and treat. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays or family celebrations.
48. Panda Rice Balls (Onigiri Food Art)
Shape cooked rice into small balls and decorate them with seaweed cutouts to make panda faces. This craft doubles as a snack and is great for introducing kids to fun food art.
Families can assemble them together, experimenting with different expressions. It’s a creative way to make mealtime playful and thrilling for everyone.
49. Bear-Shaped Sandwiches (Cute Lunchbox Idea)
Use a bear-shaped cookie cutter to create sandwiches in fun shapes. Add details with cheese, olives, or veggies to make faces. This craft is simple, quick, and perfect for themed parties or school lunches. Kids will love helping out and eating their creations. It turns an ordinary meal into something special and bear-themed.
50. DIY Bear Story Stones (Paint Small Rocks)
Collect smooth stones and paint them with different bear characters or paw prints. Families can use the stones for storytelling, arranging them to create fun adventures.
This activity encourages creativity and imagination for all ages. Plus, the painted rocks can be kept as keepsakes or used as decorations around the house or garden.
51. Bear-Themed Board Game (DIY Spinner + Pieces)
Design a simple board game with bear characters, paw print paths, and a homemade spinner. Families can create the game together, coloring and cutting out the pieces before playing.
This activity is fun, interactive, and educational, teaching kids patience and rules. Once finished, the game can be enjoyed again and again on family nights.
52. Family Teddy Bear Picnic (Decorate Hats & Placemats)
Host a teddy bear picnic where kids decorate paper hats and placemats with bear faces and paw prints. Everyone brings their favorite teddy bear to join the fun.
This activity mixes crafting, play, and outdoor enjoyment. It’s perfect for sunny afternoons and creates lasting memories while encouraging families to get creative together.
53. DIY Bear Calendar (Kids Draw Bears for Each Month)
Create a family calendar where children draw a bear design for each month. Use different themes, like a polar bear for January or a panda for spring.
This project is fun, practical, and long-lasting. Families can use the calendar throughout the year, making it a creative keepsake that celebrates everyone’s artwork and teamwork.
54. Bear Paper Chain Garland (For Parties)
Make a festive paper chain by cutting strips of colored paper and connecting them into loops. Decorate each loop with bear faces or paw prints.
This craft is simple enough for kids yet fun for adults, too. It’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or classroom parties, adding a bear charm to any celebration.
55. Bear Party Hats (Cone-Shaped Hats with Ears)
Create fun party hats by rolling cardstock into cones and adding paper or felt bear ears. Kids can decorate their hats with markers, stickers, or glitter.
These hats are great for birthdays, school parties, or family gatherings. Everyone loves dressing up, and this craft doubles as both a creative activity and a festive party accessory.
56. Teddy Bear Diorama (Mini Shoebox Scene)
Transform a shoebox into a tiny teddy bear world. Use cutouts, figurines, or handmade trees and furniture to create a scene.
Kids and parents can design it together, making it a long-lasting project. Dioramas encourage storytelling and creativity, letting families build unique displays that can be treasured as keepsakes or used for play.
57. Family “Bear Hunt” Craft
Make binoculars from cardboard tubes and cut out bear shapes to hide around the house or yard. Families can then go on a playful “bear hunt.” Inspired by the classic storybook, this craft combines making with active play.
It’s a wonderful way to blend imagination, exercise, and teamwork for kids and parents alike.
The Bottom Line
Bear-themed crafts are a wonderful way to spark creativity, build skills, and enjoy quality time together.
From simple paper plate bears for preschoolers to sewing projects and food crafts for older kids and families, there’s something here for everyone.
These ideas utilize readily available materials and can be adapted for use in classrooms, during playdates, or as family time activities.
If you’re painting, gluing, folding, or baking, each project adds a little fun and a lot of imagination.
So gather your supplies, pick your favorite bear craft, and let the creativity begin. With bears as your inspiration, every craft becomes playful, memorable, and full of joy.
