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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- [Childcare] Let’s make things with various materials! A collection of recommended craft ideas for April
- [Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts you can play with after making them
- [For 4-Year-Olds] Fun to Make! A Collection of Halloween Craft Ideas
- Exciting September crafts for 4-year-olds! A special collection of fun ideas with autumn-themed motifs
- Fun crafts using straws
- [For 4-year-olds] Winter craft ideas to enjoy at daycare and kindergarten
- Let's make toys with paper cups! Simple and fun handmade toys
- [For toddlers] Simple but amazing craft ideas — including toys they can play with
- Simple Origami Ideas to Enjoy in Autumn (For 4-Year-Olds)
Craft play ideas for 4-year-olds (61–70)
Infinite Cube
Let me introduce an infinity cube that moves like a funny snake.
Prepare one and a half sheets of origami paper.
Cut one full sheet lengthwise into eight equal strips, and cut the half sheet into four equal strips.
Apply glue to the corner of one strip and attach another strip at a right angle.
Fold the lower strip upward, and fold the other strip over the top.
Keep repeating the same folding motion, using your fingernail to crease firmly each time.
At the end, glue it to secure everything in place, and it’s done.
To make it tumble down stairs, stack and glue together five pieces of cardstock cut to the same shape on the front and back to add weight.
Give the infinity cube a try!
Dreamland with a magnet
Learn about magnets while having fun crafting! Here’s a magnetic Dreamland idea.
The charm of this project is that you can make a mysterious, entertaining toy that moves using capsules and magnets.
You’ll need origami paper, a white board, construction paper, magnets, empty gashapon capsules, poster paper, a color wave sheet, glue, scissors, and pens.
Draw roads on the board and decorate with construction paper and the color wave sheet.
Put a car illustration on an empty capsule and place a magnet inside—then it’s done! Move the capsule with the car illustration by guiding a magnet from the back of the board!
Cup-and-ball toy made with paper cups
As a winter craft idea that lets kids enjoy both play and learning, I recommend making a cup-and-ball toy (kendama) out of paper cups.
Using familiar materials like paper cups and kite string, this kendama is easy for 4-year-olds to enjoy.
Letting children draw freely on the cups also stimulates their expressive and creative abilities.
When they complete their very own kendama, they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and attachment, making them even more engaged in play! It’s perfect for New Year’s holiday fun, so give it a try.
Paper Plate Deco Tambourine
Let’s make your very own special instrument! Here’s an idea for a paper-plate decorated tambourine.
What you’ll need: paper plates, jingle bells, double-sided tape, glue, origami paper in your favorite colors or patterns, and round stickers.
First, fold a paper plate in half and place the bells inside.
Attach double-sided tape along the rim and seal the plate closed.
Finally, decorate freely with origami paper and round stickers, and you’re done! It’s a fun idea that’s safe and easy to make without any tools.
Encourage kids to create freely with their own ideas!
Artworks created using natural materials
April has just the right climate and is the perfect season for walks and playing in the playground.
Here’s an activity for creating artworks using natural materials like leaves and branches found outdoors.
Prepare a container to collect fallen leaves and other items.
If children decorate their own container with stickers or markers, they’ll feel more attached to it and enjoy the activity even more.
Use cotton swabs to apply glue to the collected leaves and flowers, then stick them onto construction paper.
When placing the items, it’s important to value the child’s sensibilities and let them lead the process.
Once finished, display the pieces and enjoy the artwork!
Tambourine made from everyday items
Here are some ideas for making a tambourine from everyday items.
A tambourine is an instrument with bells or small cymbals attached around a metal rim, with skin stretched over one side.
How about making a tambourine using familiar materials found at home or in a preschool? You can substitute the skin with plastic sheeting or construction paper, and use a ring toss hoop or a cut-out paper plate for the rim.
If you brainstorm with the children, you’ll likely come up with lots of fun ideas! Give it a try.
A toy that lets you see sound!? A mysterious wonder
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a toy that lets you see sound? This toy turns sound into vibrations you can see.
It also has a bit of a science-experiment feel, so let’s make one! You’ll need a paper cup, a clear plastic cup, a clear file (plastic sheet), thick paper (cardstock), and beads.
First, make a hole in the side of the paper cup and roll the clear file into a tube to pass through the hole.
Next, place a drawing you’ve made and some beads on the bottom of the paper cup, then cover it with the clear cup and tape it on firmly to finish.
Put your mouth to the tube and make a sound—the beads will move, and it’s really fun to watch!
