This easy egg carton turtle craft is an excellent way to enjoy frugal fun with kids.
This project has you recycling those egg cartons and transforming them into super cute creatures that you can use for play, learning, and more. A budget-friendly activity, you can use this craft for summer, letter of the week (Tt), Earth Day, and screen-free fun.
I’m sharing our step-by-step guide with helpful photos, tips for customizing your turtles, and creative ways to enjoy them once they’re made. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to boost creativity and have a blast!
Turtle-Themed Fun You Can Feel Good About
I love using fun themes in our homeschool, especially during the summer. It just makes planning and prepping so much easier (and way more enjoyable!).
Over the years, I’ve found that themes add some cool energy to our day and my boys always get excited to see what’s coming next. And I love when we work together on ideas to really bring a theme to life.
When I mentioned doing a turtle theme, my younger boys lit up. We started chatting about turtle books, hands-on activities, and all the fun things we could explore. That’s when one of them pointed to an empty egg carton and said, “Mom, it already kind of looks like a turtle shell, doesn’t it?”
Well, my mama heart was just about bursting with joy. There’s nothing like seeing your child’s creativity come to life. That one little spark led to this adorable egg carton turtle craft and I knew we had to make it part of our summer fun!
Simple Supplies for Big Turtle Fun
You only need a few basic supplies to bring this cute little turtle to life! Most of these items are probably already hanging around your home or classroom so it’s an easy win for frugal and fun crafting. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Egg carton (cardboard type works best)
- Green paint (dark and light shades)
- Paintbrush
- Pom poms (5 total)
- Googly eyes
- Glue (hot glue or craft glue)
- Scissors
How to Make This Egg Carton Turtle Craft
Make and Paint the Shell.
Cut out one cup section from an egg carton. This cup will be your turtle’s shell. Paint the outside of the egg carton cup with dark green paint. Let it dry completely.
Add Shell Details.
Using a lighter shade of green, paint dots or patterns on the shell to give it texture and character.
Make the Head and Assemble the Turtle.
Glue two googly eyes onto one green pom pom to make the turtle’s head. Glue the head to the front of the shell. Then, glue four pom poms to the sides and back of the shell to act as legs.
Creative Ideas for Making and Using Your DIY Turtles
Once your turtle is dry, here are some easy ideas to use your DIY projects:
- Turtle Habitat Play: Set up a mini-turtle habitat using a shoebox or tray. Add grass clippings, rocks, and leaves to make a cozy home for your turtle friend.
- Book Buddy: Use your craft with a favorite turtle-themed book like Yertle the Turtle, Mossy, or Turtle Splash!. Your kids can hold their new friend or let it sit beside them.
- Game Time: Use your turtle as a game piece. Place it on a number line or homemade board game. My boys loved to make up their own games using their crafts.
- Turtle Parade: If you’re working with a group or want to make more than one turtle (there are at least 12 in a carton, right?), line them up for a Turtle Parade. You could also stack the turtles like the ones in Yertle the Turtle!
- Celebrate World Turtle Day: Add these crafts to your celebration on May 23.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Simple Turtle Project
The cardboard kind works best! It’s easier to cut and paint plus holds glue well. Styrofoam or plastic can work in a pinch, but they’re trickier to paint and glue.
Totally! Try scrunched-up tissue paper, cotton balls, or even rolled-up paper. Pipe cleaners or buttons could also work for legs if you’re feeling extra creative!
It’s great for preschool through early elementary (with some grown-up help for the cutting and gluing). Older kids might enjoy customizing their turtle with extra details.
Let the Creative Turtle Fun Begin!
I hope you and your kids have an absolute blast making this egg carton turtle craft! It’s such a fun, budget-friendly, and creative activity. I loved seeing all of the variations that my boys made with their turtles. Encourage your kids to think outside the box (or should I say shell?) and customize their cuties.
I’d love to hear how your turtle creations go. Share your experiences (and any questions) in the comments area below. And if you take pictures or video, email me at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com 🐢
