Looking for a screen-free activity that kids will race to do? This 3D paper car craft for color by number fun is the perfect blend of creativity, learning, and hands-on fun.
In color and black-and-white, your kids can enjoy making their very own 3D race cars. It’s a simple + mess-free project that works well for:
- A rainy day craft
- A race car–themed party activity
- Pinewood Derby fun
- Quiet time or independent play
- A quick print-and-go option for classrooms or homeschool
Kids can follow the color-by-number key or mix it up with their own designs. These DIY projects can be used for play, display, or just because. And the best part? You’ll have everything you need in this free printable pack!
A Fun and Easy 3D Paper Car Craft for Kids
As a mom of five boys, cars have always been a big deal in our house.
When my oldest was little, he was absolutely obsessed with toy cars – Matchbox, Hot Wheels, you name it. As a special treat when we’d go to the store, I’d let him pick one out. Before long, he had quite the collection, especially green cars. If it was green, it went straight into the basket.
For boy number two, his choice was always blue. My middle boy claimed yellow as his signature color. Boy number four? He just wanted something different. Purple, pink, whatever stood out and was unique. And my youngest? Well, let’s just say he was happy to use whichever cars survived his four older brothers’ “races.”
Over the years, we’ve had race car–themed birthday parties and collected tubs full of toy cars. We’ve even celebrated fun days, like Name Your Car Day. I’ve always loved using mess-free crafts and activities with themes my boys love. And cars were always a winner!
That’s why I adore these 3D paper car crafts. This set is a quick, print-and-go way to bring some car fun into your day. The best part? You can use them in so many different ways, like a party, boredom buster, or a fun add-on to a car or race theme.
What’s Included in This Free Car Craft Pack
This printable pack gives you everything you need to enjoy a mess-free car craft with kids. Inside, you’ll find:
- 6 Full-Color Templates: Ready-to-cut-and-assemble versions (great for quick, low-prep fun).
- 6 Black-and-White Templates: Color by number versions so kids can add their own touch.
- Wheel Cutouts: Matching wheels included for each car design.
- Easy-to-Follow Guides: Numbers and fold lines are clearly marked to make assembly simple.
Supplies You’ll Need for This Simple Car Activity
This frugal project doesn’t use a lot of materials. Just gather a few simple supplies:
- Printer: Print templates on regular white paper (or white cardstock for sturdier cars).
- Scissors: For cutting out the car template and wheels.
- Glue and/or Tape: To assemble your 3D cars.
- Coloring Tools: With the black-and-white styles, you’ll want crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
- Optional: For a bit of a challenge, try watercolor pencils or paints with fine brushes to add details.
That’s all you need and you’re ready to roll!
Creative Ideas for Enjoying These 3D Paper Cars
These printable 3D paper cars can used in so many ways. Once you have the pack printed, you can use it again and again! Here are some creative ideas for using:
- Race Day Fun: Hosting a car-themed birthday party or race day event? Use to keep kids busy and engaged. They can color, cut, and build while waiting for cake, presents, or the next round of activities.
- Quiet Time Projects: Keep a few copies ready in your fun collection for rainy days, quiet time, or mess-free activity.
- Library or Classroom Events: These printable cars are fantastic for a storytime activity. Also, enjoy these projects for special theme days with a transportation focus.
- Pinewood Derby Fun: Want frugal and simple ways to keep kids busy during downtime? These 3D paper cards are awesome for a group activity or club event. It’s something structured and creative that you can have ready to go.
- Use with Other 3D Paper Crafts: Get my free printable set of 3D paper houses. Cute and easy ways to make a play scene!
- Pair with Other Car-Themed Crafts: Enjoy this project with our traffic light craft and toilet paper roll traffic cone.
How to Make This 3D Paper Car Craft (Step-by-Step)
This project is quick to set up and so much fun to make! Once you’ve printed your templates, you’re just a few steps away from zooming into creative fun.
Step 1: Print your templates
Pick your car design (color or black-and-white) for a color-by-number activity. Print on regular paper or cardstock if you want sturdier cars.
Step 2: Color your car (if using black-and-white pages)
Grab crayons, markers, or colored pencils and follow the color-by-number key. Or you can mix it up and create your own colorful design! This part is perfect for letting kids add their personal touch.
Step 3: Cut out the car pieces
Use scissors to carefully cut along the solid outer lines. Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to help with the smaller details, like the wheels or tabs.
Step 4: Fold along the lines
Fold on all the dotted or dashed lines to create the shape of your 3D car. It helps to pre-fold all the edges before gluing. This step gives it a cleaner shape and makes assembly easier.
Step 5: Glue or tape it together
Use glue on the tabs to attach the sides. Hold the edges for a few seconds to make sure everything sticks in place. Then, attach the wheels.
Step 6: Let it dry and have fun!
Give your car a few minutes to dry before playing.
Want to take it up a notch? Set up a DIY race track using cardboard or masking tape on the floor. Kids can test their creations and even decorate pit stops or garages for extra imaginative play!
FAQs About This Car Craft for Kids
This printable craft is great for ages 4 and up! Younger kids may need a bit of help with cutting and folding. Older kids can complete it independently and get creative with their designs.
Absolutely! Regular printer paper works perfectly fine. If you want sturdier cars that hold up better for play or display, print them on white cardstock.
Nope! The printable pack includes both full-color and black-and-white versions. The color version is ready to go. The black-and-white version doubles as a fun color-by-number activity.
Definitely! These 3D paper cars make perfect activities for race car–themed parties, Pinewood Derby days, or even library events. Print as many as you need for personal, classroom, or homeschool use. You can make an entire fleet of colorful paper cars.
Check out my Fun Kits in the Fun Days Made Simple collection! Each kit includes creative printable projects (like this one) to help you celebrate fun themes and holidays without stress.
Get Your Free Printable 3D Paper Car Craft Set
High five! I’m so excited that you’re ready for all this race car fun!
These free printable set of 3D paper car crafts makes it easy to give your kids engaging + screen-free activities. It includes 12 PDF pages – 6 full-color cars and 6 black-and-white cars for color by number fun.
To get this free set, simply subscribe (for free) to Rock Your Homeschool.
⭐️ An email will be sent to your inbox with the PDF file plus a password to open the VIP Resource Library to all RYHS freebies. Please email Amy at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com if you have any issues! You’ll also be added to our email list and receive emails with ideas, resources, and encouragement to make life and learning fun.
⭐ Get your free 3D paper car crafts pack now!⭐
How will you be using these 3D paper cars? I’d love to hear from you in the comments or send me an email at anytime!
