Fun Fish Craft Ideas to Make at Daycare and Kindergarten
We’re introducing craft ideas with a fish theme that kids can enjoy at daycare and kindergarten!
Let’s make cute, swimming fish.
Using sparkly tape, tissue paper, and stickers, you can create colorful fish.
You can also enjoy trying various techniques.
From infants to older kindergarteners, there are plenty of ideas that work well in childcare settings.
Be sure to use these as a reference and have fun creating!
Because we are highlighting ideas that make the most of each child's free, individual expression, we use the term “seisaku (制作: production/creation)” in the main text.
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Want to make these at nursery school and kindergarten! Fun fish craft ideas (1–10)
Puffy, three-dimensional goldfish

Let’s make a fun twist on the classic origami balloon! Here’s a puffy, three-dimensional goldfish idea.
All you need is one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color, a black pen, and a white pen.
It’s a unique, playful idea that makes the goldfish look adorably puffed up! Fold a balloon-like goldfish from a single sheet of paper, then use the black and white pens to draw the eyes and patterns.
It will look as if the goldfish has leapt right out of an aquarium.
This idea is sure to make anyone go “Whoa!” the moment they see the finished goldfish!
A fish with colorful scales

In summer, we often go to the beach or play in rivers, which means lots of chances to get close to fish.
So let’s try making a cute fish craft with colorful scales! Cut construction paper into the shape of a fish and stick on an eye.
For the scales, draw circles on origami paper, cut them out with scissors, fold each one in half, and glue them onto the fish.
Prepare origami in a variety of colors so children can choose their favorites.
If you include transparent or glittery origami, your fish will have a fresh, summery look.
Sparkly Fish Made from Paper Plates

Making sparkly fish out of paper plates is a great idea for summer.
First, cut holographic origami paper into small pieces with single straight cuts.
Since these will become the fish’s scales, choose pieces that look pretty.
Next, fold a paper plate in half and glue on the cut pieces.
Then add the eyes and mouth—use construction paper or draw them with crayons, depending on what works best for your class.
For the final touch, the teacher should punch a hole near the tail, thread through some curling ribbon, and tie it.
You’ll have a cute fish that can stand up for display.
Want to make these at daycare and kindergarten! Fun fish craft ideas (11–20)
Goldfish scooping toy

When it comes to stalls popular with children at summer festivals, goldfish scooping is a classic.
The sight of red goldfish gracefully swimming is practically a symbol of summer.
So for a summer craft, let’s make a goldfish scooping toy.
This lets you enjoy goldfish scooping in a kendama-like way.
Crumple a tissue into a ball and wrap it with a large sheet of flower paper.
This will be the goldfish, so shape the tail fin, then wrap tape around the boundary between the head and the tail, and attach pectoral fins and eyes made from origami.
Slightly split the tip of a pair of chopsticks, insert a paper plate between the split and secure it.
Tie the paper plate and the goldfish together with a string, and you’re done.
Play by flipping the goldfish up from the paper plate and trying to land it back on the plate again!
Sea and Fish Bubble Art

Let’s try bubbly bubble art that’s full of fizzing fun! Pour some paint and bubble solution into a shallow dish and mix them together.
Once mixed, use a straw to gently blow air into the mixture to make it foam.
Watching the bubbles grow bigger and bigger is sure to get kids excited! After it’s nice and foamy, lightly place a sheet of drawing paper on top—and you’ve got a magical artwork.
It’s a delightful technique that sparks children’s curiosity.
It would be fun to try mixing different colors, too! Be sure to supervise carefully so kids don’t accidentally suck the liquid up through the straw, and keep safety in mind as they work.
Colorful fish
Speaking of the sea, you probably imagine a scene full of fish, right? Let’s create a dazzling ocean scene by making colorful fish! One way is to cut fish shapes out of construction paper and glue on small pieces of origami paper like patterns.
It’s also recommended to add patterns to the fish using wet-on-wet painting or wax-resist techniques.
You could also use flashy paper itself—something sparkly or with cute patterns.
Try creating a bright, lively ocean you wouldn’t often see in real life.
Colorful fish with decoupage
Decalcomania is a simple technique that even one-year-olds can try, yet it’s also a delightful way to enjoy color.
Let’s use decalcomania to create fish that swim smoothly.
First, have fun with decalcomania on construction paper.
It’s great if you can involve one-year-olds from the step of placing the paint.
Once the paint dries, cut the construction paper into fish shapes and use round stickers to make the eyes and mouth.
Finally, stick the fish onto another sheet of construction paper to represent the ocean, and you’re done! Give it a try and make these adorable fish swimming in the sea.



