Last Updated on May 3, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Cut, glue, and assemble the most adorable octopus — a simple screen-free summer craft preschoolers will love.
Eight tentacles. Zero screen time. This Build an Octopus craft for kids is exactly the kind of activity that makes summer feel magical.
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity, something to go alongside an ocean theme at school, or just a way to occupy a wiggly preschooler for 30 minutes, this paper craft is a cheap and simple answer. Grab the free printable below.
What Is the Build an Octopus Craft?
This is a one-page cut-and-assemble paper craft where kids cut out all the individual parts of a cheerful cartoon octopus — the large round body, the adorable face pieces (eyebrows, eyes, and smiling mouth), and eight curling tentacles dotted with suction-cup spots — then glue them all together to create the finished octopus.
A reference image is included right on the printout so kids can see what the completed octopus looks like and figure out how to arrange the pieces.
If your little one is obsessed with all things ocean, you might also love our paper fish craft — another simple cut-and-glue activity that’s perfect for preschoolers. Or check out the full ocean animals paper craft set which includes 10 different sea creatures to build across multiple sessions.
What You’ll Need
This craft requires almost nothing in the way of supplies — which is exactly why it’s so easy to pull out on short notice.
- The free printable — one page, download link below (enter your email for instant access)
- A printer — color printing gives you the full pink and red octopus effect; black and white works too if kids want to color it themselves first
- Child-safe scissors — for cutting out the pieces; adults can pre-cut for very young children
- A glue stick — neater and faster-drying than liquid glue for paper crafts
Optional extras that make it even more fun:
- Googly eyes to layer over or replace the printed eyes for an extra silly look
- Glitter glue or metallic markers to add shimmer to the tentacles
- Blue or teal construction paper as a background ocean scene to mount the finished octopus on
- Crayons or markers if printing in black and white so kids can choose their own colors
How to Make the Build an Octopus Craft: Step by Step
Step 1: Download and print Grab the free PDF below — enter your email and it’ll arrive in your inbox right away. Print on standard letter-size paper. Color printing is recommended for the full effect, but grayscale works perfectly well as a coloring-first activity.
Step 2: Study the pieces
Before picking up the scissors, spend a moment looking at the sheet together. Point to each piece and ask your child what they think it is — the big round head, the tiny eyebrows, the wiggling tentacles.
Then look at the reference image and see if they can figure out how it all goes together. This small puzzle-solving moment is great for spatial thinking and makes the assembly feel even more satisfying.
Step 3: Cut out all the pieces
Cut along the outlines of each piece. The body is a large, easy circle — great for beginners. The tentacles are longer and curlier, which gives older kids a slightly more interesting cutting challenge.
For preschoolers still developing scissor confidence, parents can cut the more intricate tentacle shapes while kids handle the larger pieces independently.
Step 4: Arrange before gluing
Before applying any glue, lay all the pieces out on the background paper or workspace and arrange them into the finished octopus shape.
It is important step to avoid disappointment in finished piece, as kids can adjust the tentacles, overlap them slightly for a more natural look, and make sure they’re happy with the layout before anything is permanently stuck down.
Step 5: Glue everything together
Starting with the large body circle, glue each piece into place. Layer the face pieces (eyebrows, eyes, mouth) onto the body, then attach the tentacles spreading out from the bottom. Press each piece down firmly and hold for a few seconds.
Why This Craft Is Perfect for Summer
It’s truly no-prep. Print and go. No special materials, no craft store run, no setup time. That makes it perfect for those mornings when you need an activity immediately.
It builds fine motor skills. Cutting curves, handling small pieces, and applying glue with precision all develop the hand strength and coordination that preschool and kindergarten teachers actively work on. This craft is genuinely educational without feeling like it.
It’s flexible for any age. A three-year-old can glue pre-cut pieces with a parent’s help and feel incredibly proud. A five or six-year-old can handle the whole thing independently. An older sibling might want to get creative with the colors or add their own details.
It pairs beautifully with other ocean crafts. If you’re doing a full under the sea theme at home or in a classroom, this octopus is a perfect companion to my 3D stingray craft — which uses a clever folding technique to make the wings pop up — or to any of the animals in my ocean animals paper craft collection.
Zero screen time, maximum focus.It demands their full attention in the best possible way.
Get the Free Printable
Ready to meet your new octopus friend? Download the Build an Octopus printable PDF completely free — just enter your email below.
👉 [Enter your email to download the free Build an Octopus printable]
Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Buenos Aires-based certified teacher, artist, and member of the Professional Artist Association 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.