Easy Octopus Craft For Toddlers and Preschoolers

Hey mamas! It’s me again *waving*. This time I’m here with a fun and easy octopus craft idea your little ones will love this summer. This purple paper cup octopus is as easy as it gets, and with only a handful of materials, you’ll have yourself a cute DIY toy for your kids.

Paper cup octopus craft

I made this octopus craft with my 3 & and 5-year-olds during our craft session, and it took about 30 minutes from start to finish. We also used it to talk about ocean animals, and I think it’s something you and your kids will love to do too.

Do you love this purple octopus craft?
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What You’ll Need

Just a few things you likely already have at home:

That’s it — no googly eyes needed this time. We drew them on, and they turned out so cute!

How to Make Your Octopus

Here’s how we made our little purple sea friend, step by step:

  1. Paint the paper cup all the way around in purple and let it dry.

2. Cut crepe paper into long, thin strips — about 8 strips for the octopus legs. Once the cup is dry, glue each strip just slightly inside the bottom rim of the paper. Let them dangle down like wiggly tentacles.

3. Draw two big eyes at the top of the paper cup using a black marker. Add a smile, freckles, or even eyebrows — let your child’s creativity take over!

Tips & Fun Twists You Should Know

If you want to try something different, try these:

  • If you don’t have purple paint or paint markers, wrap the cup in purple construction paper or use crayons.
  • Use googly eyes or old buttons if you’re not feeling creative enough to draw, or if you just want something quicker!
  • Use different coloured crepe paper for a rainbow-legged octopus. If you’ve got no coloured paper, use tissue paper- carefully colour with crayons or markers, and you’re good to go.
  • Turn it into a learning activity: count the legs, match colours, practice cutting the paper strips or talk about ocean animals.

Why We Love This Craft

This was one of those sweet and simple crafts that filled a little part of our afternoon without turning our living room into a disaster zone. My kids got to do their own painting (which they love so much) and practised some glueing as well.

Plus, the crepe paper legs were surprisingly fun to “float” in the air like real tentacles!

Pin & Save for Later

Crafting with toddlers or preschoolers can be fun and less complicated if we want it to be. Anyway, if you want more easy, low-prep ideas like this one, make sure to save this craft!

Pin this Purple Octopus Craft to your Toddler Activities or Ocean Theme board!

Octopus Craft

Keep the Crafting Going!

If you liked this one, here are some fun next ideas: