Last Updated on May 24, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re searching for the perfect Father’s Day crafts for preschool that are easy, memorable, and genuinely special without being pricey or boring — you’ve found it.
These dinosaur-themed handprint crafts combine two things little kids absolutely love: dinosaurs and getting their hands messy with paint.
The result? A keepsake Dad will treasure for years.
This set of 8 free printable designs works beautifully for classroom use or for home, making it the ideal summer craft for preschool kids of all ability levels.
Printable will be a handy tool for teachers planning a Father’s Day activity for 20 wiggly four-year-olds, or a parent looking for a meaningful DIY gift with easy steps and minimal supplies (literally paint, printer, and paper).
What’s Included in the Free Printable Set
Before we dive into the how-to, here’s a quick look at what you get when you download the free PDF you can download right below.
The 8 designs in the set are:
- “Dad, You Are So Rawrsome!” — features a green Triceratops with a matching green handprint
- “Dad, You Are T-Riffic!” — a bold pink T-Rex bursting with personality
- “Have a Dino-Mite Father’s Day” — a long-necked blue Brachiosaurus with a deep blue handprint
- “To a Dad as Legendary as the Dinosaurs!” — an orange Parasaurolophus with a warm amber handprint
- “My Stego-Strong Father!” — a golden Stegosaurus where the handprint becomes the iconic back plates
- “Happy Father’s Day to Our Dino-Tastic Dad!” — a purple long-neck dino paired with a deep purple handprint
- “Thanks for Making Every Day an Adventure!” — a fiery orange Pterodactyl mid-flight with a red handprint as its wings
- “Dad, Roaring Thanks for All You Do!” — a tall green Brachiosaurus with a lush green handprint
Each of the 8 designs features a cheerful dino-pun message for Dad and pairs a colorful illustrated dinosaur with a handprint that forms part of the dinosaur’s body. You get blank page, page with hand ouline, and a sample of how finished page should look like.
Supplies You’ll Need
One of the best things about these handprint crafts is that the supply list is short, affordable, and probably already sitting in your art cabinet.
Here’s what to gather before you begin:
- Printed templates (download the free PDF)
- Washable finger paint or tempera paint in colors matching the design you choose (green, red/pink, blue, orange, purple, etc.)
- A shallow tray or paper plate for loading paint onto the hand
- White cardstock or heavy paper — standard printer paper works, but cardstock gives a sturdier keepsake
- A printer (inkjet or laser both work well)
- Wet wipes or a damp cloth for quick clean-up between prints
- A smock or old t-shirt for the child
- An adult helper — little hands need a little guidance!
Optional extras: foam brushes to apply paint evenly, glitter glue for embellishing once dry, a frame for gifting the finished piece.
How to Make the Dinosaur Handprint Art: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Download and Print the Templates
Grab the free printable PDF using the sign-up form below. Print the blank setup page for the design your child has chosen (or let them pick their favorite dino — the T-Rex and the Pterodactyl are always crowd-pleasers).
Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace
Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. Set out the paint in a shallow tray — you only need a thin, even layer. Have wet wipes within arm’s reach.
If you’re working with a group of preschoolers, set up an assembly line: one station for painting hands, one for pressing, one for setting aside to dry.
Step 3: Apply the Paint
Using a foam brush or by dipping directly into the tray, coat the child’s palm and fingers evenly in paint.
Make sure to cover the whole hand including the sides of the fingers — this gives a clean, full print. Check the example page to see which color paint matches each design.
Step 4: Press the Handprint
Refer to the example page to position the hand correctly on the blank template.
Each dinosaur design is set up so the handprint naturally becomes part of the dinosaur — the body of a T-Rex, the shell plates of a Stegosaurus, the wings of a Pterodactyl. Press down firmly and evenly, then lift straight up without sliding.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Set the page flat to dry for at least 15–20 minutes before handling. Tempera and washable paint dry quickly, but giving it time prevents smudging.
Step 6: Add Personal Touches (Optional)
Once dry, kids can use markers or crayons to add their name, the date, or a little extra love to the page. For classroom use, consider having each child sign their name along the bottom — it makes the gift feel even more personal for dads and caregivers.
Step 7: Gift It!
Slip the finished page into a simple frame from the dollar store, roll it up with a ribbon, or keep it casual and present it just as it is. Trust us — no framing required for this to be the best Father’s Day gift Dad receives.
Tips for Classroom Use
Running this as a preschool classroom activity? Here are a few practical tips to make the day smooth and fun:
- Do a test print first. Have kids practice pressing on a spare sheet of paper before the real template.
- Work in small groups. Hands-on help makes a big difference for 3–5 year olds.
- Label the back immediately. Write the child’s name on the back in pen as soon as they finish — paint-covered pages look alike when stacked!
- Set up a drying rack or clothes-peg line so pages can air dry without getting stacked on top of each other.
- Send home with context. Tuck a little note with each finished piece explaining the activity so parents can share the story with Dad when the gift is presented.
Tips for Home Use
Making this as a one-on-one project at home? Lean into the fun. Let your child choose their favorite dinosaur design and their favorite paint color (even if it doesn’t match — an orange T-Rex is still adorable).
Play some dino sound effects in the background. Make up roaring voices together while the paint dries. This is the kind of moment that becomes a memory, and the handprint on paper is proof that it happened.
Get Your Free Printable PDF
If you haven’t yet downloaded the pages, here they are.
👇 Enter your email below to download your free printable set instantly.
Did your little one make one of these? I’d love to see it! Tag me on social media with your finished handprint dino art @mashkazavr
Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Chiang Mai-based certified teacher, artist, and blogger with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.