Insects may be tiny, but they play a giant role in the world around us. From pollinating our plants to enriching soil and inspiring stories, insects are everywhere. And while we may not always appreciate them when they show up uninvited, there’s actually a whole day dedicated to celebrating these fascinating creatures—National Insect Appreciation Day on June 8th!
That’s not all. There’s even a World Edible Insect Day, which might sound unusual, but for nearly 2 billion people around the world, insects are a normal part of their diet. Whether you find insects fascinating, adorable, or just a little bit mysterious, one thing is certain—kids love crafting them!
These 20 interesting insect crafts for kids are perfect for classrooms, summer camps, homeschooling projects, weekend fun, or simply as a way to bring children closer to nature. Using simple materials and lots of imagination, you can recreate ladybugs, caterpillars, butterflies, ants, bees, dragonflies, and more.
Let’s dive into a world buzzing with color, creativity, and learning!
Why Insect Crafts Are Great for Kids
Before we get into the list, here’s why crafting insects is such a valuable activity:
⭐ Encourages Curiosity
Kids begin to notice patterns, colors, shapes, wings, antennae, and tiny details in nature.
⭐ Builds Fine Motor Skills
Cutting, folding, gluing, threading, and arranging help strengthen hand coordination.
⭐ Teaches Science
Children learn about insect anatomy, life cycles, and ecological roles in a fun, hands-on way.
⭐ Uses Recyclable Materials
Paper rolls, leaves, twigs, buttons, and bottle caps can all become adorable insects.
⭐ Suitable for All Ages
From toddlers to teens, these crafts are adaptable and easily customizable.
Now let’s explore some creative insect-themed projects!
20 Interesting Insect Crafts for Kids
1. Popsicle Stick Insect Bookmarks
Turn simple popsicle sticks into friendly little insects—ladybugs, bees, dragonflies, or butterflies. Paint them in bright colors, add googly eyes, and let them peek out of your favorite book. They double as puppets for storytelling too!
2. Customizable Paper Butterflies
Butterflies are often called the prettiest insects, and kids can design their own using paper, markers, and gems. Folded paper wings can be decorated with bright patterns inspired by monarchs, swallowtails, or even imaginary rainbow species.
3. Story-Themed Caterpillar & Spider Craft
Inspired by classic children’s literature, this insect project lets kids make a round-bodied caterpillar or a textured spider using simple circles and yarn. It’s a wonderful way to combine reading and crafting.
4. Nature-Inspired Leaf Butterfly
Collect leaves, twigs, and fallen petals to build a natural butterfly collage. This craft teaches children to use nature respectfully—only picking up fallen, dry materials—and helps them observe symmetry and shapes.
5. Pom-Pom Color Matching Insect Mats
A great activity for toddlers and preschoolers, this project uses printable mats where children place pom-poms on insect shapes by matching colors. It’s a simple way to boost fine motor development and introduce early color recognition.
6. Ladybug Corner Bookmark
Ladybugs almost compete with butterflies for the title of “cutest insect”! Fold a corner bookmark, add red paper wings, black dots, and big cartoon eyes. Kids will love reading more just to use their ladybug buddy.
7. Paper Chain Caterpillar
Make a long, cheerful caterpillar using colored paper chains. Add antennae, a friendly smile, and cartoonish eyes. This craft is great for teaching patterns—alternate colors, create rainbows, or count segments
8. Dragonfly Clothespin Craft
Using clothespins for the body and colorful translucent paper or cupcake liners for wings, kids can create sparkly dragonflies. Add glitter glue for a shimmering effect.
9. Thumbprint Ladybugs & Bees
Finger painting meets entomology! Children press painted thumbprints onto paper and transform them into ladybugs or bees by adding stripes, dots, wings, and antennae.
10. Egg Carton Insect Trio
Recycle egg cartons to make beetles, caterpillars, or tiny ants. Paint each cup in fun colors and add pipe cleaners for legs.
11. Bottle Cap Beetles
Bottle caps become beetle shells with a bit of paint. Kids can create shiny, spotted, striped, or metallic designs. Add legs using wire or pipe cleaners.
12. Paper Ant Hill Craft
Create a mini ant colony with tunnels and ants made of paper circles. Children can build pathways, food trails, and leaf pieces to teach cooperation and teamwork among ants.
13. Folded Wing Moths
Using patterned scrapbook papers or newspaper, kids fold moth wings in accordion style. Add a long body and fuzzy antennae using yarn. This is a great opportunity to discuss nocturnal insects.
14. Beaded Caterpillar Craft
Thread colorful beads onto a pipe cleaner to make a bendable caterpillar. Shape it into loops, spirals, or letters to add a learning twist.
15. Honeybee Hive Craft
Create a honeycomb using yellow paper hexagons. Add cute bees made from paper strips and teach kids about pollination and the importance of bees.
16. Firefly Glow Craft
Use glow-in-the-dark paint on paper fireflies. Stick them onto black cardstock to create a night scene. Kids will love watching their insects glow in the dark.
17. Spoon Butterfly Craft
Plastic or wooden spoons make adorable butterfly bodies. Paint the spoon, attach wings made from foam sheets or paper, and add glitter for extra sparkle.
18. Insect Mask Craft
Cut out simple insect masks—ladybugs, bees, grasshoppers, or dragonflies—so kids can wear them for pretend play. Use elastic bands or paper handles to hold them.
19. Paper Roll Grasshopper
Turn a paper roll into a grasshopper by adding long folded legs, big eyes, and springy antennae. Kids can color it green, yellow, or even neon shades.
20. Butterfly Life Cycle Wheel
Teach science through crafting by creating a rotating wheel that shows a butterfly’s life cycle—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Tips for Successful Insect Crafting
- Encourage kids to observe real insects outdoors
- Offer a variety of materials: paper, fabric, buttons, leaves, natural items
- Teach kindness: look, don’t harm real insects
- Mix crafting with mini lessons about habitats, roles, and adaptations
- Display their insect creations as a “mini museum” at home or school
Final Thoughts
These 20 interesting insect crafts for kids offer a blend of creativity, education, and hands-on fun. Whether you’re crafting during summer break, teaching a science lesson, celebrating Insect Appreciation Day, or simply exploring the tiny world around us, these projects help children develop curiosity, confidence, and respect for nature.