Have you ever heard the story of a major city declaring “war” on a fluffy animal? It sounds like the plot of a cartoon movie, but it actually happened in Toronto! The mayor famously declared that the city was overrun by raccoons and stated that “defeat is not an option.”
While city dwellers might find them to be mischievous “trash pandas,” there is no denying that raccoons are incredibly intelligent, adaptable, and—let’s be honest—pretty cute. They are known for their ability to survive almost anywhere, from deep forests to bustling urban centers.
To celebrate these clever critters, International Raccoon Appreciation Day is held every year on October 1st. It is the perfect opportunity to look past the overturned trash cans and appreciate the raccoon for the fascinating animal it is.
If you are looking for a way to celebrate, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of 15 Rad Raccoon Crafts for Kids, along with fun facts and book recommendations. So, gather your glue sticks and construction paper—it’s time to get crafty!
Fun Facts About Raccoons for Kids
Before we dive into the crafts, why not turn this into a learning opportunity? Here are some cool facts to share with your children while you work:
- They have “human” hands: Raccoons have five toes on their front paws that act just like human hands. They are incredibly dexterous and can open jars, latches, and even turn doorknobs!
- The mask has a purpose: That famous black mask around their eyes isn’t just for looking like a bandit. It actually helps reduce glare and helps them see better at night.
- They “wash” their food: The word “raccoon” comes from the Powhatan word aroughcun, which means “animal that scratches with its hands.” In science, their species name is Procyon lotor, where lotor means “washer.” They often dip their food in water to heighten their sense of touch before eating.
- They are smart: Studies have shown that raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for up to three years.
Must-Read Raccoon Books for Kids
If your little ones want to dive deeper into the world of woodland creatures, check out these fantastic books. They pair perfectly with the crafts below!
- All Things Raccoons For Kids by Animal Reads
- A Raccoon at the White House by Rachel Dougherty and Rachel Sanson
- School for Bandits by Hannah Shaw
- Surprise! by Caroline Hadilaksono
- Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (A classic for separation anxiety!)
15 Rad Raccoon Crafts for Kids
Here is our curated list of 15 creative, easy, and adorable raccoon-themed projects.
1. Cut-and-Paste Printable Raccoon
For toddlers and preschoolers, complex crafts can be frustrating. That is why a simple cut-and-paste project is a great starting point.
- The Idea: Print out a template with separate pieces for the head, body, tail, and mask.
- The Activity: Have your child practice their scissor skills by cutting out the shapes and gluing them together on a piece of cardstock. It’s simple, quick, and builds fine motor skills.
2. Raccoon Stick Bookmark
Do you need a buddy to keep your place in your favorite book?
- The Craft: Create a raccoon head using cardstock (don’t forget the mask!) and glue it to the top of a popsicle stick or a long strip of sturdy cardboard.
- Bonus: You can create a whole set of woodland animals like foxes and owls to go with it.
3. “Climbing the Tree” Raccoon
Since we know raccoons have amazing grip strength, let’s show them in their natural habitat.
- The Craft: Use a toilet paper roll painted brown to represent a tree trunk. Create a paper raccoon with long arms and legs. Glue the raccoon so it looks like it is hugging the tree.
- Why we love it: It adds a 3D element to your crafting session.
4. Step-by-Step Raccoon Drawing
Not all crafts need glue; sometimes a pencil is enough.
- The Activity: Follow a guided drawing tutorial. Start with an oval for the head, add triangles for ears, and draw the signature bandit mask.
- Learning Moment: This teaches children about symmetry and observing details. Let them color their creation with crayons or watercolors afterwards.
5. Forest Scene Collage
Raccoons are comfortable in chimneys, but they love the forest too.
- The Craft: Use a paper plate or a shoebox lid as a background. Gather real leaves, twigs, and moss from the garden. Glue a paper raccoon into the scene.
- Texture: This mixed-media approach helps kids explore different textures and materials.
6. “The Kissing Hand” Keepsake
Based on the beloved book by Audrey Penn, this craft is perfect for kids starting school.
- The Craft: Trace your child’s hand on paper and cut it out. Glue a small paper heart in the center of the palm. Attach a raccoon face to the thumb or wrist area.
- The Meaning: It serves as a reminder that they are loved, even when they are away from home.
7. Paper Plate Raccoon Mask
Transform your child into a little bandit!
- How to make it: Cut eye holes in a paper plate. Paint the outer edges grey and paint black patches around the eye holes. Add triangular ears to the top. Punch holes in the sides and add elastic string.
- Playtime: Once the masks are dry, kids can run around the yard pretending to forage for “snacks.”
8. Toilet Roll Raccoon
The ultimate upcycled craft.
- How to make it: Paint an empty toilet paper roll grey. Squeeze the top to form pointed ears. Paint on the black mask and eyes.
- The Tail: Use a pipe cleaner or a strip of striped paper to create a bushy tail sticking out the back.
9. Heart-Shaped Raccoon
This is a great way to teach shapes to younger children.
- The Concept: Can you build a raccoon using only hearts?
- How to do it: Use a large grey heart (upside down) for the face. Use two smaller black hearts for the eye patches, and tiny hearts for the ears and nose. It makes for an incredibly cute, stylized version of the animal.
10. Pinecone Raccoon
Nature crafts are perfect for fall.
- The Craft: Find a clean, open pinecone. This acts as the body. Glue a pom-pom on top for the head, and use felt scraps to create the face, ears, and tail.
- Decor: These look adorable sitting on a mantlepiece or hanging as an ornament.
11. Cupcake Liner Raccoon
If you have grey or patterned cupcake liners in the pantry, use them!
- How to make it: Flatten a grey cupcake liner to serve as the round face. Glue on the facial features.
- Texture: The crinkled edges of the liner mimic the look of fur, adding a nice sensory detail to the art.
12. Felt Finger Puppets
For those who enjoy a little sewing (or fabric glue).
- The Craft: Cut two finger-shaped pieces of grey felt. Glue the edges together, leaving the bottom open. Decorate the front with tiny pieces of black and white felt to make the face.
- Activity: Put on a puppet show re-enacting the “Secret Pizza Party” book!
13. Raccoon Rock Painting
Join the kindness rock movement.
- The Craft: Find a smooth, round stone. Paint the entire rock grey. Once dry, carefully paint on the mask, eyes, and nose.
- Outdoor Fun: Hide the rock in your garden or a local park for someone else to find.
14. Handprint Raccoon Art
Grandparents love handprint crafts because they capture how small the child was at that age.
- How to do it: Paint the child’s palm and fingers grey. Stamp it onto white paper upside down. The palm becomes the head, and the fingers are the body/legs. Once dry, paint the mask and tail on.
15. Paper Bag Raccoon Puppet
Interactive and fun.
- The Craft: Use a standard brown lunch bag. Paint it grey. The flap of the bag serves as the raccoon’s face. Glue the eyes and nose onto the flap, and the body onto the main part of the bag.
- Bonus: Stick a paper “snack” (like an apple core or pizza slice) in the raccoon’s hand.
Why Crafting is Important for Kids
Celebrating days like International Raccoon Appreciation Day isn’t just about the animal; it is about the developmental benefits of crafting.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and drawing help strengthen the small muscles in the hands.
- Creativity: Deciding what expression the raccoon should have or what background to draw fosters imagination.
- Education: pairing crafts with facts helps children retain information better.
Conclusion
Whether you view them as backyard bandits or adorable woodland friends, raccoons are undeniably fascinating. This October 1st, take a moment to appreciate their cleverness and adaptability.
We hope these 15 rad raccoon crafts inspire you and your children to get creative. From upcycled toilet rolls to heart-warming keepsakes, there is something here for every little crafter. So, grab a book, read a story about Chester or a pizza-loving raccoon, and make something special today!