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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- [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
- Let’s make it with 3-year-olds! Fun handmade toy ideas
Craft play ideas for 4-year-olds (61–70)
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.
Play with tissue paper flowers
Here’s a rainy-day activity using tissue paper that kids can enjoy.
Prepare light-colored construction paper, tissue paper, and a spray mister.
Tear the tissue paper by hand.
Let the children choose their favorite colors.
Tearing the tissue into thinner pieces helps the colors bleed more easily and makes the tissue fluffy—highly recommended.
Gather the torn tissue pieces on the construction paper, then mist them with water.
As the tissue becomes damp, the colors blend together so kids can enjoy the color changes, as well as the tactile sensation of the paper transforming.
Once it’s completely dry, the tissue pieces stick together, creating a single, very colorful sheet.
It’s an activity with tissue paper that’s fun right to the end.
