Mega fun with marvellous minibeasts!

Did you know: the technical definition of a 'minibeast' is a small invertebrate animal such as an insect or spider? In Australia, small children are brought up to have a healthy respect for spiders and the look but don’t touch approach to spiders, and insects more generally, is a sound mantra to adhere to.

Given the hands off approach, we thought it might be satisfying and fun making a swarm of touchable minibeasts for the children in your service.

10 Insect Craft Ideas That Are So Much Fun

Paper Plate Beetle

Where would early child crafters be without the humble paper plate? This cute ladybug or adorable ladybeetle is a quick and easy activity for kids of all ages.

Pebble Bees

Have fun collecting pebbles and making a swarm of brightly coloured bees, the googly eyes in this activity work for older kids but would need to be replaced for younger children. If you only have smooth rocks instead of pebbles, you can make colorful ladybugs instead.

Pompom Caterpillars

Use any colour of the rainbow to create a cute and cuddly caterpillar. Glue would work if you prefer to avoid needles and thread.

Beaded Butterflies

One of the most creative and fun activities, use threaded craft wire to create a lovely hanging ornament. Thicker wire (maybe old coat hangers) and bigger beads make an easy modification for younger children.

Frog Masks

Although frogs don't fit the strict definition of a minibeast they are very cute and popular with kids so we thought it would be silly not to include this simple mask in our list of bug crafts.

Mess Free Spotty Spiders

This quick and easy activity offers maximum fun for minimal mess.

Butterfly Collage

You'll need a good glue and patience to achieve maximum effect for this little project, which offers lots of opportunities for sensory discovery.

Dragonfly Suncatchers 

Use a simple printable template (you can get one from The Craft Train, Red Ted Art or I Heart Arts and Crafts) and contact paper to great effect in this lovely activity which will make all the windows in your service come alive.

CD Spiders

This is a fun way to use up and transform into crafty things any unused spools of DVDs or CDs you have hiding in the back of the cupboard. The children will enjoy decorating the spiders and the smooth plastic surface makes any stick -on bling adhere quite easily.

Egg Carton Snails

Rescue those unwanted egg cartons from the recycling bin, cut them up into single cups and use them to create a swarm of slithering snails.

There are many other bugs-inspired heart-crafty things that preschoolers can make during spring time, summer or any time of the year. These super easy and fun crafting ideas are sure to encourage and inspire the creativity of the little ones. Give these a try and you'll be surprised at the cute critters they can make.

These craft ideas were originally sourced from Activity Village , No Time for Flashcards, The Spruce and Craft on Sea