Paper Bag Turkey Craft

Young Learners Science Club

Thanksgiving crafts are always a hit at home, especially when they involve creativity and color. I’m sharing one of my favorite seasonal crafts: the Paper Bag Turkey Craft. It’s perfect for early elementary kids and such a fun way to mix art and learning.

If your kids enjoy hands-on ideas, you can check out this list of Turkey Activities for Kids. It’s filled with creative projects and printables that make learning about turkeys more engaging.

I’ll show you how we made this adorable turkey craft using simple materials you probably already have. It’s a great activity to keep kids busy and help them learn more about these fascinating birds.

Final output of the Paper Bag Turkey Craft on a table.

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Why Should Kids Learn About Turkeys?

Learning about turkeys gives children a fun way to connect with nature and traditions. These birds have an important role in the Thanksgiving story and help teach kids where food comes from. They can see that turkeys aren’t just a meal on the table but living creatures with unique behaviors.

It’s also a chance to mix science and creativity. When kids explore how turkeys live and what makes them special, they build curiosity and a love for learning. It’s always fun to see their excitement when they connect what they learn with what they create.

Books about turkeys make learning even more enjoyable. They bring stories to life and add meaning to simple crafts like this one.

A Plump and Perky TurkeyA Plump and Perky TurkeyTurkey Claus (Turkey Trouble)Turkey Claus (Turkey Trouble)Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready, Freddy! #15)Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready, Freddy! #15)Turkeys on the Family Farm (Animals on the Family Farm)Turkeys on the Family Farm (Animals on the Family Farm)Turkey: Fun Facts on Farm Animals for Kids #10Turkey: Fun Facts on Farm Animals for Kids #10Turkeys in DisguiseTurkeys in Disguise

 

Final output of the Paper Bag Turkey Craft displayed on a table.

What Lessons Are Connected to This Topic?

This activity ties into several learning areas and life lessons.

  • Animal Science: Kids learn about turkey anatomy, their habitat, and their life cycle in a fun way that feels like playtime rather than schoolwork.
  • Art and Design: Using construction paper and colors helps children express creativity while developing fine motor skills.
  • Thanksgiving History: Making a turkey craft opens up conversations about gratitude, traditions, and the history behind Thanksgiving.

Recommended Thanksgiving Printable Packs

If you want to extend the learning, check out my recommended Thanksgiving printable packs. They offer themed worksheets and activities that mix fun with early education.

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Thanksgiving
pages of Junior Scientist Science Study: Turkey Life Cycle

What skills can kids learn from this turkey activity?

This paper bag craft isn’t just about making something cute. It also helps kids build valuable skills they can use in other subjects.

  • Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and tracing improve hand coordination and control.
  • Following Directions: The step-by-step process helps kids stay focused and understand the importance of sequence.
  • Creativity and Expression: Kids get to personalize their turkeys with different colors and styles.

Recommended Turkey Toys

Adding themed toys or games after the activity can help reinforce what they learned about turkeys. It also keeps the fun going after craft time is over.

Wild Republic Audubon Birds Turkey Plush with Authentic Bird Sound, Stuffed Animal, Toys for Kids & Birders 5Wild Republic Audubon Birds Turkey Plush with Authentic Bird Sound, Stuffed Animal, Toys for Kids & Birders 5Schleich Farm World, Animal Toys for Boys and Girls, Realistic Bird, Turkey Toy Figurine, Ages 3+Schleich Farm World, Animal Toys for Boys and Girls, Realistic Bird, Turkey Toy Figurine, Ages 3+Cherislpy 24 Pack Fall Decor Sensory Toys Turkey Stretchy Strings for Kids Students Stress Relief and Anti-Anxiety Toys Assortment Thanksgiving Party Favors (Thanksgiving)Cherislpy 24 Pack Fall Decor Sensory Toys Turkey Stretchy Strings for Kids Students Stress Relief and Anti-Anxiety Toys Assortment Thanksgiving Party Favors (Thanksgiving)OHOME Thanksgiving Giant Coloring Poster/Tablecloth-Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids-30 x 72 Inches Jumbo Paper Coloring Banner Thanksgiving Decor Gifts for Kids Activities Games Party DecorationsOHOME Thanksgiving Giant Coloring Poster/Tablecloth-Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids-30 x 72 Inches Jumbo Paper Coloring Banner Thanksgiving Decor Gifts for Kids Activities Games Party Decorationsgarmelon Thanksgiving Wooden Puzzles Gift for Toddler, 6 Pack Puzzles Thanksgiving Autumn Fall Harvest Party Favors for Toddlers 3+ Year Old Boys Girlsgarmelon Thanksgiving Wooden Puzzles Gift for Toddler, 6 Pack Puzzles Thanksgiving Autumn Fall Harvest Party Favors for Toddlers 3+ Year Old Boys GirlsFANCY LAND Thanksgiving Bingo Game 24 Players for Kids Holiday Party Craft SuppliesFANCY LAND Thanksgiving Bingo Game 24 Players for Kids Holiday Party Craft Supplies

 

Materials needed for the Paper Bag Turkey Craft

Supplies Needed

Making the Turkey Craft

When my kids were younger, this craft was always one of their favorites. My daughter, who loves anything creative, enjoyed picking the colors for the feathers. My older boys helped the younger ones with cutting and taping, turning it into a sweet teamwork moment.

The best part was seeing how each turkey looked unique. Some had funny eyes or bright feathers, while others looked more realistic. We laughed a lot, especially when someone accidentally glued the beak upside down.

A collage of steps for the Paper Bag Turkey Craft

Preparation took about 10 minutes, and the active crafting time was around 20 minutes. It’s a quick, fun project that leaves you with a cute Thanksgiving decoration.

How to Extend the Activity

After making your turkey craft, you can continue learning with other turkey-themed resources. These activities add variety and make lessons even more meaningful.

  • Turkey Life Cycle Worksheets: These worksheets help kids understand how turkeys grow and change.
  • Turkey Worksheets for Kids: Perfect for practicing writing, coloring, and reading while staying on theme.
  • Turkey Songs and Rhymes: Singing fun songs about turkeys helps kids remember facts more easily.
  • Turkey Facts Flashcards: Create simple flashcards to quiz each other on turkey trivia.

More Turkey Activities to Try

Here are more fun turkey-themed ideas you can explore next:

The finished result of the Paper Bag Turkey Craft.

This Thanksgiving turkey craft is a simple and cheerful project for kids to celebrate the season. It brings out their creativity while giving them a chance to learn about animals and traditions. It’s a quick and easy way to mix art and education at home.

Paper Bag Turkey Craft

This is a fun and creative craft for early elementary kids. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Fall.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time20 minutes

Materials

  • Paper bag
  • Construction papers
  • Double sided tape
  • Scissors

Instructions

  • Cut the template of the turkey’s face, trace it on the colored paper, and cut again. Attach it to the paper bag.
  • Add the eyes, beak, and feet.
  • Cut out colorful wings, stick them together, and attach them to the back of the bag.

Video

Download the turkey craft template below

Get the turkey craft template here!

Download the template below to get started with your paper bag turkey craft.

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