How to Make a Paper Mache Dinosaur Land
Ever wonder how to make a paper mache dinosaur land? An actual habitat that will fit your child’s plastic dinosaur?
You’ve come to the right place. With a few recyclable supplies, you’ll be able to create a fun dinosaur habitat that your child can use with their favorite dinosaurs.
While it takes a bit of time, I promise it’s well worth it. To see the joy on your child’s face as they play with something they’ve created, that can’t be beaten.
This was at the height of my son’s love for dinos. He knows them all and loves his carnivores of course what little boy wouldn’t.
Check out more fun dinosaur activities for kids here.
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Recommended Dinosaur Books
Learn more about your favorite dinosaurs with these colorful illustrated books about their favorite creatures. My boys loved the books that had realistic pictures and detailed facts about each dinosaur.
Dinosaur! (Knowledge Encyclopedias)Little Dinosaur (Ten Minutes to Bed)The Dinosaur BookNational Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of DinosaursHow to Catch a DinosaurWeird But True! Dinosaurs: 300 Dino-Mite Facts to Sink Your Teeth Into
Materials for Paper Mache Dinosaur Land
- large bowl
- flour
- water
- shredded newspaper
- white paper towels
- empty plastic water bottle
- paint
- masking tape
- a large piece of cardboard – we used one from a large appliance
** Notice that we folded our box so there were two layers. I thought this would give it more support. You’ll see that the edges of the first layer start to curl up after it dries.
Instructions for dinosaur habitat
Build the base layers for the landscape with newspaper
We first crumpled up the newspaper and taped it down to the cardboard to make the hills. We also used masking tape to tape down the water bottle to the cardboard as well.
Don’t worry about making look pretty it’s going to get covered up. We also added some crumpled newspaper to the base of the water bottle and taped it down.
Create a Paper Mache Paste
Then we made a paper mache paste that was 1 part water to 1 part flour.
Layer on the Paper Mache Layers
Add in the newspaper and keep adding layers until your whole board is covered up. We waited for it to dry and then added a second layer using the white paper towel.
This ensured that it would look uniform when we painted over it.
Paint the dinosaur landscape
Then it was painted. M1 painted it all by himself, except for the volcano, which I did. I was advised that it could only be brown when I tried to mix in some other colors, he was not happy with me.
He used lots of green but mixed on yellow and browns for the terrain.
He used blue paint to create a river that ran through the landscape.
He now wants to make a second one, since he can’t fit all his dinos on it. I have no problem building things with him, but I just have no space to store it, lol.
Recommended Dinosaur Toys
Dinosaur toys come in all materials and sizes. My kids loved the plastic ones and then when they got older, they preferred the ones that were more realistic looking. We like the ones from Schleich. I have a dinosaur from when my oldest, who’s 19, got when he turned 5 and it got passed down to each child.
And it still roars.
LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs 31058 Build It Yourself Dinosaur Set, Create a Pterodactyl, Triceratops and T Rex Toy (174 Pieces)BAODLON Kids Arts Crafts Set Dinosaur Toy Painting Kit – 10 Dinosaur Figurines, Decorate Your Dinosaur, Create a Dino World Painting Toys Gifts for 5, 6, 7, 8 Year Old Boys Kids Girls ToddlersAdvanced Play Dinosaur Trex Toy Realistic Walking Tyrannosaurus Rex Multifunction RC Trex Toy Figure with Roaring Spraying Function Good Dinosaur Toys for Boys Girls Ages 3 PlusSchleich Dinosaurs, Dinosaur Toy, Dinosaur Toys for Boys and Girls 4-12 years old, Juvenile TherizinosaurusSchleich Dinosaurs, Dinosaur Toys, 7-Piece Playset for Boys and Girls 4-12 years old, Dinosaur Set with CaveSCHLEICH Toy Dinosaur Research Station 33-Piece Playset for Kids Ages 4-12
Added Paper Trees to the Dinosaur Habitat
We made cut-out trees, a deciduous and coniferous tree, and a cactus. I asked why didn’t he put his cactus on and he told me that they were for deserts and that this environment was very warm. “oh” I said. lol. Of course, how did I miss that?
Each tree was had two templates that we cut out, then we added a slit to the bottom of them so it would slide into each other.
We had to throw this out when we moved but we made a new one for our new home. Now his younger brother wants to make one too. We’re just waiting to find a large box.
I hope this gave you some inspiration while you create your own paper mache dinosaur land.
More Dinosaur Activities
Your dinosaur-lover will love this awesome printable where they can learn more about their favorite dinosaurs while they practice their writing and research skills, too.
Your little dino-lover will have a blast as they try these dinosaur science experiments that will teach them about chemical reactions, states of matter, and more while learning about the different types of dinosaurs.
Get your supplies ready for some fun and engaging dinosaur-themed arts and crafts!
Dinosaur Activities for Kindergarten
Dinosaur Crafts for Preschoolers
Dinosaur Pack by 3 Dinosaurs