Make a Hopping Squirrel Craft for Kids – Easy and Fun Fall Activity!

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If you’re looking for an adorable way to welcome autumn into your home or classroom, this Hopping Squirrel Craft is the perfect choice.

With just a few easy-to-find supplies, a little paint, and a splash of imagination, you’ll have a cute woodland creature craft ready to jump into your heart—or across the table!

Hopping Squirrel Craft

This DIY is fun for every age and a great way to get creative with your little ones (or for a grown-up hobby session if you’re a paper craft enthusiast). Plus, the result is a toy, a decoration, and an activity all rolled into one. Literally—it moves!

Whether you’re a teacher planning an autumn activity, a parent looking for a weekend craft for kids, or someone who loves paper squirrels, you’ll enjoy every step of this simple yet rewarding squirrel craft.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

This craft is:

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• A creative way to develop motor skills
• An engaging way to explore fall animals and seasonal art
• Perfect for combining play and art
• Ideal for teachers and parents looking for something educational and fun

Plus, you can use this cute squirrel as a gift, a shelf decoration, or even a bouncing toy that can be part of a pretend backyard or tree scene.

Supplies Needed To Make this Hopping Squirrel Craft:

Here’s a quick description of what you’ll need to gather before starting:

• Orange and brown paint
• Paint brush
• Construction sheets (orange, black, white, and brown)
• Cups (regular crafting or disposable type)
• Glue stick
• Marker
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Optional: pre-cut template (see printable link below!)

Tip: If you’re prepping this for a classroom or younger kids, you can pre-cut the parts using a template to make it easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Let’s turn those simple items into a charming squirrel full of character!

1. Add Some Personality with Paint

Start by painting an orange “m”-shaped mark on the body of the first cup. This will form the squirrel’s signature stripe. Once done, allow it to dry completely before moving to the next step.

2. Make the Ears

Using orange construction paper, cut two rounded triangle pieces. These will be the squirrel’s ears. Fold a small flap at the bottom of each ear and glue it to the sides of the painted cup.

3. Add the Nose

Cut a small black oval and attach it just below the painted stripe.

4. Stick the Googly Eyes

Nothing says adorable like oversized googly eyes! Stick them just above the nose to bring your hopping squirrel to life.

5. Prepare the Legs

Take the second cup and make four evenly spaced slits from the rim downward to form flexible legs. Add color to two of the flaps for a natural woodland look.

Let this item dry before continuing.

6. Build the Bouncy Neck

Fold a brown strip of crafting material accordion-style to create a spring-like connector. Attach one end to the bottom of the head-and-body cup and the other to the leg base.

7. Add the Tail

No squirrel is complete without its bushy tail! Cut a large curvy silhouette from orange sheet material and secure it to the back of the upper cup.

8. Final Assembly

Stick the head-and-body piece on top of the springy neck and gently press to ensure everything holds. Your hopping squirrel is now ready to jump with joy!

Incorporating This Craft Into The Classroom and Home

This bouncing squirrel isn’t just a fun project—it can also be:

• A seasonal decoration for bulletin boards
• A pretend-play toy in an autumn tree scene
• A hands-on activity for nature-themed lessons
• A card or tag topper for a handmade gift
• An educational way to talk about forest animals

Kids can draw acorns and leaves on cards to decorate around their squirrel. For adults, this can be a sweet addition to fall-themed table setups or shelves.

Simple Kids Crafts Ideas

Customize your squirrel however you’d like! Want to give it a pink nose or glasses? Go for it. Want to combine this craft with a background scene on a plate? Even better!

Fun Facts About Squirrels

Want to make this project even more educational? Here are a few fun facts to share while working:

• Squirrels belong to the rodent family.
• They use their fluffy backside for balance and warmth.
• Some squirrels can glide between trees using skin flaps!
• They’re known for hiding nuts in the fall to prepare for winter.

This is a great chance to introduce a simple nature lesson into your activity time.

Crafty Tips For Kids:

• If you’re working with small children, pre-cut all pieces and do the painting beforehand.
• Use a glue stick instead of liquid glue to avoid a mess.
• Keep extras for each item, especially googly eyes (they tend to roll away)!
• Let kids print and color their own version for a custom look.

This is also a great opportunity to talk about what animals live in trees, how they jump, and what makes squirrels unique.

More Fun and Easy Animal Crafts for Kids

If you enjoyed the Hopping Squirrel Craft, here are more playful and creative animal-themed crafts that are perfect for kids to make at home or in the classroom:

• Carrot Paper Plate Craft – A bright and simple craft that’s great for spring or garden-themed activities.
• Crab Paper Plate Craft – A fun, ocean-themed craft where kids can create their own colorful crab.
• Frog Paper Plate Craft – This cheerful frog craft is full of character and perfect for animal lovers.
• Starfish Paper Plate Craft – A beach-inspired project that lets kids bring the ocean to life with their own creative touch.

This craft is more than just a cute item; it’s an invitation to slow down, make something with your hands, and enjoy the changing seasons. Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s something incredibly satisfying about paper crafts that bounce, jump, and smile back at you.

So grab your colors, download the template, trim your tail, and bring your squirrel to life with character and wiggle.

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