Cotton Ball Penguin Craft (Free Printable Template)

This cotton ball penguin craft is a fun and easy winter activity for kids of all ages. Using a free printable penguin template, kids can explore textures while creating their own adorable penguin friend. Whether the cotton balls are left whole or pulled apart, each penguin turns out a little different-and that’s part of the fun.

This is a great low-prep craft for home, preschool, or the classroom and works well as a winter, snowy-day crafting, animal units or Arctic animal activity.

After the holidays are over and it’s starting to feel a little gloomy outside, I love to brighten our days with fun winter crafts for kids. Simple projects like this one, these adorable no-sew sock snowmen, this pinecone bird feeder, and these coffee filter snowflakes are perfect for cozy afternoons and classroom activities.

This cotton ball penguin craft is a fun and easy winter craft for kids that combines creativity with sensory play.

Why You’ll Love This Penguin Craft

• Low-prep printable winter craft
• Encourages sensory exploration
• Builds fine motor skills
• Great for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary
• Works well for home or classroom crafts

Supplies Needed

• Free printable penguin template
• White cotton balls (whole or pulled apart)
• Glue stick
• Printing paper – I used 11×14, but this should also work on 8×10
• Foam beak (or orange paper)
• Googly eyes
• Scissors – if cutting the beak

How to Make the Cotton Ball Penguin Craft

Print the penguin craft template. Click on the printable, press CRTL plus the P button on your keyboard. If you are using the longer paper like I did, choose the option to print 11×14.

Use a glue stick to apply a thick layer of glue to the penguin’s head and belly area.

Add cotton balls to the glued section.

• Leave them whole for a fluffy look, or
• Pull them apart for a soft, snow-like texture.

Press gently so the cotton sticks well.

Glue on the foam beak and googly eyes to finish your penguin craft.

Allow the craft to dry completely before displaying.

Learning Benefits of This Winter Craft

This penguin craft for kids is more than just cute—it supports:

• Fine motor development
• Sensory play and exploration
• Creativity and decision-making
• Seasonal and animal-themed learning

Penguin Craft Variations & Ideas

• Use liquid glue for extra texture and longer sensory play.
• Mount the penguin on blue paper and add snowflakes or glitter for a winter scene.
• Pair it with penguin books or winter-themed stories for a complete activity.

Free Printable Penguin Template

Download the free cotton ball penguin printable below to get started. This easy winter craft for kids is always a favorite and makes an adorable winter classroom or fridge display.

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