Craft activity ideas for 4-year-olds
By the time children are four, their fine motor skills become more refined—they can use scissors and glue more smoothly—and as their language develops, their imaginative world expands, greatly broadening the range of crafts they can do.
Let’s actively incorporate a variety of craft activities using different materials in daily childcare to stimulate their five senses more and more!
This time, we’re introducing craft play ideas recommended for four-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from event-themed crafts like Halloween and Christmas, to toys they can make and play with, to wall decorations that reflect the seasons.
Use these as a reference and, while drawing on the children’s free ideas, try creating wonderful, personality-filled works together.
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Craft play ideas for 4-year-olds (61–70)
train
Let me introduce an idea for a train made with a coin case.
When it comes to toy trains, “Plarail” is the classic choice, but this time let’s try making one with felt! Cut out a train base the same size as the coin case, along with parts like windows and lights, all from felt.
Sew them together, then slip the felt over a coin case wrapped with magnetic tape.
After sewing it closed, you’re done! This toy can connect with magnets, so try making trains in various colors and types.
It might be fun to make a playmat with tracks to go with it, too!
Twisting Soap Bubbles
Make and play! Here’s an idea for unbreakable, twirling soap bubbles.
You’ll need holographic origami paper, round stickers, a straw, scissors, reinforcement ring stickers, a bamboo skewer, and tape.
First, cut the holographic origami paper into 5 mm strips and attach eight strips to a round sticker.
Cut four slits in the straw and apply a reinforcement ring sticker.
After adhering the straw and holographic paper together, thread them onto the bamboo skewer.
Tape the top in place, and you’re done!
Ninja Craft That Moves With Mechanisms!
This is a fun origami craft featuring a ninja who disappears with a whoosh.
First, shape a toilet paper roll into a shuriken and use it to stamp paint onto black construction paper.
Next, using red and light peach construction paper, make the ninja’s face, body, arms and legs, and eyes.
Draw the facial features and stick the parts onto the black paper.
Attach two toothpicks to the top back side of the black paper.
On the back of another sheet of black paper, attach a strip of paper as a handle, then combine the two sheets so they can slide up and down.
It’s finished! Enjoy the interactive trick as you say, “Oh, the ninja hid!”
Let’s make a sugoroku (board) game
This is a handmade sugoroku board game that combines prompts the children came up with.
Write each prompt on a card and stick it onto the board.
Using words or drawings, you can create a unique, original sugoroku.
Arrange the cards on the board, glue them down, and connect each card with lines—then it’s complete! With unique prompts on each space, such as “sing a song,” “jump,” “rock-paper-scissors with the teacher,” or “do an impression,” this original sugoroku will make time at the preschool lively and fun.
Christmas lantern
In the run-up to Christmas, making Christmas lanterns is a great activity for 4-year-olds to enjoy.
Start by cutting plastic sheets and drawing their favorite pictures.
Next, add color using colorful cellophane and try out different combinations.
Finally, assemble the sheet into a cone shape and place an LED light inside to complete a beautiful lantern! Through this craft, children can express their creativity and experience a sense of accomplishment.
cardboard camera
Let me introduce a cardboard camera that’s perfect for a walk.
Prepare cardboard, cellophane, a paper cup, and double-sided tape.
Cut two pieces of cardboard to the size of the camera you want to make.
Take a paper cup that’s cut in half horizontally with slits cut vertically, place it against the cardboard, then cut out a lens shape and fit it in.
Stick colored cellophane over the top, glue the cardboard pieces together, and you’re done! Try adding a yarn strap for walks or changing the cellophane colors and decorating it as you like!
Stained glass made with plastic bags
Let’s make stained glass while imagining a winter scene! Handmade stained glass might seem a bit challenging at first, but by using a plastic bag, even 4-year-olds can enjoy the activity.
First, cut black construction paper to create a frame, and tape a plastic bag to fit the frame.
Next, have the children draw any picture they like on the plastic bag with a permanent marker.
Finally, place crumpled aluminum foil behind it and secure it—and it’s done! When crumpling the aluminum foil to create texture, the trick is not to press too hard.
Everyone is sure to feel warmed by the children’s unique and charming creations!