The American Bald Eagle is one of the most recognized birds in the world. Strong, majestic, and symbolic, this incredible creature represents freedom, courage, and resilience. Every country chooses a national bird, but very few have one as iconic as the bald eagle, celebrated on National American Eagle Day every year on June 20th.
Why this date? Because it marks the historic moment when the bald eagle was officially placed on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. On this seal, the eagle holds an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing peace and readiness—an idea deeply ingrained in American history. Beyond national symbolism, the bald eagle also holds powerful meaning in Native American culture, representing strength, vision, and spiritual significance.
Today, American Eagle Day is used to promote habitat conservation, teach children about wildlife protection, and celebrate the beauty of America’s national bird. Whether you’re preparing for this special day or planning patriotic activities for the Fourth of July, these 10 amazing American eagle crafts for kids are perfect for home, school, camps, and community events.
Let’s dive into a full, detailed list of creative projects children will absolutely enjoy!
Why American Eagle Crafts Are Great for Kids
Before we begin, here’s why eagle crafts make fantastic educational activities:
• Teach American history & symbolism
Kids learn about national identity, the Great Seal, and why the eagle was chosen.
• Celebrate patriotic holidays
Perfect for Flag Day, Eagle Day, Independence Day, and school heritage programs.
• Boost fine motor skills
Painting, cutting, gluing, tracing, and assembling pieces help strengthen hand skills.
• Encourage creativity & imagination
Eagles can be made from paper, sticks, clay, paint, handprints, feathers, and more.
• Promote wildlife conservation
Kids understand why eagle protection matters and how wildlife depends on healthy ecosystems.
10 Amazing American Eagle Crafts for Kids
1. Handprint Bald Eagle Craft (Two-Layer Wings)
This craft is perfect for siblings or group activities. Children trace both hands—one set slightly larger and another smaller. These become the eagle’s double-layered wings. Add a white head, yellow beak, and brown body, and you have a stunning handmade eagle that symbolizes unity and family.
Skills learned: cutting, tracing, shape layering
2. Painted Handprint Eagle (Great for Toddlers)
For very young kids, this quick paint-and-print activity is ideal. Paint the child’s palm brown, the fingers white, and stamp onto paper for an adorable eagle body and head shape. Once dry, add marker details like the beak, wings, and eyes.
Skills learned: sensory art, early creativity
3. Craft Stick American Eagle
Using simple craft sticks, kids assemble a body shape, add a white paper head, paint the sticks brown, and attach wings. A tiny yellow triangle becomes the perfect beak. This craft is sturdy and makes a sweet decoration for patriotic celebrations.
Skills learned: construction, painting, assembling
4. Paper Plate Bald Eagle Mask
A paper plate becomes the base of a bold eagle face. Kids cut out eye holes, attach layered feathers made from paper, paint the mask brown and white, and add a strong yellow beak. Tie a string on each side and the eagle mask becomes wearable!
Skills learned: mask-making, painting, cutting skills
5. Torn-Paper Eagle Collage
Kids tear brown, white, and yellow paper pieces to create a mosaic-style bald eagle. Tearing instead of cutting helps strengthen fine motor muscles. The final artwork looks textured and artistic.
Skills learned: texture art, fine motor strength
6. Standing Toilet Roll Eagle
Recycling becomes fun when a toilet roll transforms into an eagle. Kids paint the roll brown, attach wings, feet, and a white feathered head. Add googly eyes for personality. This craft stands on its own and looks adorable on shelves.
Skills learned: recycling, sculptural creativity
7. Clay Bald Eagle Figurine
For older kids, air-dry clay or foam clay is perfect for forming an eagle body, wings, and head. Paint once dry and add tiny details like talons and feathers. This becomes a lasting keepsake and teaches kids patience and shaping techniques.
Skills learned: sculpting, patience, 3D modeling
8. American Flag & Eagle Art Combo
Kids draw or paint a simple American flag and place a hand-drawn or cut-out eagle soaring above it. This mixed-media craft is meaningful and patriotic—great for classroom displays or bulletin boards.
Skills learned: composition, symbolism understanding
9. Flapping-Wing Paper Eagle
Create an articulated paper eagle whose wings actually flap! Kids cut out wing shapes, attach them with paper fasteners, and pull a string to make the wings move. This interactive craft delights younger children.
Skills learned: mechanics, moving-part construction
10. Leaf-Feather Eagle Craft (Nature Art)
Using fallen leaves as feathers, kids glue them around a paper eagle body. The leaves make the wings and tail look rustic and textured—perfect for outdoor learning or nature walks.
Skills learned: nature observation, sensory craft
Talking to Kids About the Bald Eagle
To make the crafting experience richer, weave in a little educational storytelling:
• Why the bald eagle was chosen
Strength, flight, freedom, longevity, and fierce instinct.
• What the olive branch & arrows mean
Peace and protection—two core ideas in American identity.
• How bald eagles were once endangered
Teach kids the importance of conservation.
• Success story of eagle recovery
Explain how protection efforts helped eagle populations rise again.
Kids appreciate crafts more when they understand the deeper meaning behind them.
Extra Ideas for Pairing With Crafts
- Read age-friendly books about eagles and US symbols
- Watch short wildlife videos explaining eagle behavior
- Create an “American Animals Week” with related activities
- Make an eagle fact sheet to go with the craft
- Display completed crafts with red, white, and blue accents
Final Thoughts
American eagles are more than majestic birds—they are symbols of freedom, strength, resilience, and unity. Through these 10 amazing American eagle crafts, kids can explore history, art, wildlife, and patriotism in a fun and meaningful way. Whether you’re celebrating National American Eagle Day, preparing for July 4th, or simply learning about American symbols, these crafts make the perfect hands-on activity.