Easy Paper Plate Dinosaur Mask Craft for Kids

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(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you) Looking for a quick and easy dinosaur craft for kids ? These paper plate dinosaur masks are simple to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for imaginative play afterwards. This craft is ideal for a dinosaur-themed day at home , a rainy afternoon activity, or even a classroom craft. All you need is a paper plate, a few basic craft supplies, and a little creativity! Once finished, children can wear their dinosaur masks and stomp around the house pretending to be their favourite prehistoric creature. Why Kids Love This Dinosaur Craft This activity is perfect for young children because it’s: Quick and simple to make Great for creative decorating Encourages imaginative play Uses easy supplies you probably already have at home It also pairs perfectly with our Dinosaur Day activities in the Holiday at Home series. What You’ll Need ...
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Dinosaur Discovery Day at Home: A Fun & Easy Prehistoric Adventure for Kids

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Looking for dinosaur activities for kids that don’t require expensive days out?

This Dinosaur Discovery Day is a simple, imaginative way to turn your home into a prehistoric world — perfect for summer holidays, May half term, or a rainy day at home.

If you’re trying to stretch the school holidays without constant spending, themed “adventure days” are a brilliant solution. One idea. One focus. A full day of fun.

Welcome to your very own Jurassic expedition.

Why Dinosaur-Themed Days Work So Well

Dinosaurs are one of those rare interests that span ages.

They’re:

  • Exciting

  • Slightly mysterious

  • Easy to adapt for different ages

  • Perfect for sensory play

  • Great for screen-free learning

And the best part? You probably already have most of what you need at home.

πŸ¦• Dinosaur Discovery Day at a Glance

Best for: Rainy summer days, school holidays, boredom busters
Ages: 3–10 (with easy adaptations)
Budget: Very low (using household items)
Prep time: 20–30 minutes
Indoor-friendly: Yes

πŸŒ„ Morning: The Great Fossil Dig

Start the day with excitement.

Before your children wake up (or while they’re distracted), set up a simple excavation site.

1. Create a Dinosaur Dig

Fill a large tray, washing-up bowl or storage box with:

  • Sand

  • Rice

  • Dried lentils

  • Or even garden soil

Bury:

  • Plastic dinosaurs

  • Painted “fossil” rocks

  • Small bones (cleaned from dinner the night before if you’re brave!)

Give the children:

  • Paintbrushes

  • Spoons

  • Small cups

  • A notebook to “record findings”

Let them carefully excavate their discoveries.

2. Make It Feel Official

Simple additions increase time spent playing:

  • Create a “Dinosaur Research Centre” sign

  • Give them name badges (“Lead Palaeontologist”)

  • Draw a quick map of the dig site

Older children can sketch their fossils before “removing” them.

πŸ₯¦ Lunch: Herbivore vs Carnivore CafΓ©

Food is a powerful way to keep the theme going without extra effort.

Simple Prehistoric Lunch Ideas

Herbivore Plate

  • Broccoli “trees”

  • Cucumber sticks

  • Grapes

  • Carrot “roots”

Carnivore Plate

  • Chicken nuggets

  • Cocktail Sausages

  • Cheese cubes

Serve with:

  • “Lava Dip” (ketchup)

  • “Swamp Juice” (diluted juice with a drop of food colouring)

Even calling it something different makes it feel special.

πŸ¦– Afternoon: Craft-a-Saurus & Dinosaur Movement Games

This is your creative + energy outlet.

1. Make Dinosaur Masks

You’ll need:

  • Paper plates or cardboard

  • Crayons or paint

  • String or elastic

Children can create:

  • T-Rex

  • Stegosaurus

  • Triceratops

Encourage older kids to look up real features and add details or you could use our Dinosaur Mask Craft Activity for inspiration and templates.

2. Dinosaur Obstacle Course

Set up a simple course in the garden or living room.

Ideas:

  • Stomp like a T-Rex (high knees)

  • Crawl low like a Triceratops

  • Balance like a Brachiosaurus reaching for leaves

  • Egg rescue: carry a ball across the room without dropping it

Time each other for added excitement.

This works especially well for releasing that mid-afternoon energy spike.

πŸŒ‹ Evening: The Great Extinction & Cosy Cave Cinema

Slow the day down gently.

1. Build a Prehistoric Cave

Use:

  • Blankets

  • Sofa cushions

  • Fairy lights

  • Torches

Call it your “Dinosaur Survival Shelter”.

Children can bring their favourite dinosaur toys inside.

2. Dinosaur Movie Night

Good family-friendly options include:

  • The Land Before Time

  • Ice Age

Serve popcorn and dim the lights for a cosy prehistoric cinema experience.

If You’re Tired Version (Low-Prep)

πŸ‘‰ Download our free activity sheets
Some days you just need simple.

It still counts.

If You Have Mixed Ages

Younger children:

  • Focus on digging and sensory play

  • Simple movement games

  • Basic mask decorating

Older children:

  • Create a dinosaur fact file

  • Research real prehistoric creatures

  • Design their own species

  • Write a mini “Dinosaur Survival Guide”

You can stretch this theme surprisingly far.

Add a Little Extra Magic

Two small touches make it feel bigger than it is.

🎟 Dinosaur Discovery Pass

Create a simple ticket:
“Admit One: Jurassic Expedition”

Place it on their breakfast plate.

You can use our free printable version, or create your own.

πŸ‘• Dress the Part

Encourage:

  • Earth tones

  • Face paint

  • Explorer hats

  • Old shirts for messy play

It builds excitement instantly.

Why This Is Perfect for Summer Holidays

This kind of themed day:

  • Works in any weather

  • Keeps children busy for hours

  • Encourages imaginative play

  • Mixes learning with fun

  • Requires very little spending

And most importantly — it slows the day down in a structured way.

Instead of drifting through hours at home, you have rhythm:
Morning excitement
Afternoon movement
Evening calm

Looking for More Summer Holiday Ideas at Home?

If your family enjoyed travelling back in time, you might also love:

  • A Tropical Island Day at Home

  • A Mountain Hiking Adventure Day

  • A Space Station Adventure Day

(Full guides in this Summer Holiday series.)

More Dinosaur Fun

If you don't want the dinosaur fun to end here, why not check out my full activity book for more Dinosaur themed fun. πŸ‘‰Roarsome Dino Adventure

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