Paper Plate Igloo Craft for Kids (Free Printable)

Paper plate igloo craft for kids is a fun and easy winter craft that brings the Arctic to life at home or in the classroom. Using simple supplies like a paper plate and cup, kids can create a 3D igloo scene, decorate it with a winter character, and add icy details like water and fish for hands-on creativity. This craft is perfect for cozy afternoons, preschool activities, or any snowy-day project that encourages imagination and fine motor skills.

I love winter crafts—they’re a great way to spend a cozy afternoon with the kids while it’s cold outside. Crafts that build fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and explore winter or Arctic themes like this paper doily snowman craft, water bottle penguin craft, and these no-sew snowman socks are all perfect for getting creative with a seasonal theme and enjoying time together while making lasting memories.

What Kids Will Love About This Craft

• Creating a 3D igloo using a cup
• Coloring the water and adding fish or stickers
• Personalizing the printable winter character
• Open-ended creativity—every igloo scene turns out unique
• Hands-on fine motor practice

Supplies Needed

• Sturdy paper plate (10-inch or thick for durability) – I found a 10 pack at the Dollar Tree that I think works great!
• Foam or paper cup for the igloo
• Black marker
• Light blue marker or crayon (for the water) – if you’d rather – light blue paint
• Scissors
• Glue stick or liquid glue – if using liquid glue, try a tacky, quick-drying glue like Beacon 3-in-1, or allow for drying time with a school glue.
• Free printable winter character (printed on cardstock)
• Optional: cotton balls for snow, fish stickers, glitter glue

How to Make the Paper Plate Igloo Craft

Prep the winter character printable: Print the winter kids onto cardstock. Once you open the link, press CTRL plus “P” to print. There are 4 characters per page. Divide them so each child has one to color.

Have kids color their character using crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

Cut out the character, making sure to cut around the dotted rectangle under the shoes—this will be the tab used for gluing the character next to the igloo.

Flip the paper plate upside down for a sturdy base.

Draw a curved line across the plate with a black marker to divide it into water and land.

Color one half light blue to represent water and leave the other half blank. If you want to make this a painting activity, have the kids paint one half light blue.

Cut a doorway in your foam or paper cup to create a 3D igloo. Use a black marker to draw ice blocks on the cup.

Fold the tab under the winter character and glue it next to the igloo so it stands on the plate.

Add fish details to the water by drawing or using stickers.

Optional: sprinkle cotton ball snow or glitter for extra winter flair.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a thick paper plate for sturdiness
• Pre-cut the igloo doorway for younger kids
• Glue sticks are easy, but liquid glue holds cups better
• Encourage kids to draw snow or fish for more interaction
• Cardstock makes the printable character sturdier and easier to stand

Fun Variations

• Add cotton ball snow around the igloo
• Use fish stickers instead of drawing fish
• Glitter glue on the igloo blocks for an icy effect
• Turn it into an Arctic habitat lesson with polar animals
• Write the child’s name on the plate for a keepsake display
• Pair with winter books about igloos or Arctic animals

FAQs

What age is this craft best for?
Preschool through early elementary, with light adult prep for cutting the igloo doorway, drawing the dividing line on the plate, and possibly some help cutting the character.

Can I use a plastic cup instead of foam or paper?
Yes, though foam or paper cups are easier to draw on and glue to the plate.

Is the printable winter character required?
No, but it adds a fun, interactive element and brings the scene to life.

What glue works best?
Glue sticks for paper; liquid glue for securely attaching the cup igloo. I like to use a tacky glue called Beacon 3-in-1. It grabs instantly and dries quickly.

Can this be used in a classroom?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for winter or Arctic-themed lessons.

More Winter Crafts You’ll Love

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15-25 minutes