This pufferfish cut and paste craft is a fun ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the body, fins and other pieces and follow 11 picture steps to build their own puffy fish.
Every step has a picture, so non-readers can do it on their own. It’s great for an ocean unit or fine motor practice.
How to Make the Pufferfish Cut and Paste Craft
Pufferfish Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier pufferfish)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own pufferfish.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Yellow, spotted or striped, every pufferfish is welcome.
Cut out the pieces
Kids cut out each piece. Younger kids can cut loosely around the shapes, or you can pre-cut the trickiest parts.
Follow the picture directions
Use the 11-step picture directions to glue the pufferfish together one piece at a time. Each step has a picture, so kids who can’t read yet can follow along on their own.
Write about it
Finish with the writing pages: “I like pufferfish because…” and “Pufferfish are special because…” Little ones can dictate while you write.
✂️ For new cutters
Draw a thick line around each shape for kids to follow, and remind them to turn the paper, not the scissors. Afterward, mix up the 11 sequencing cards and have kids put the steps back in order.
Pufferfish Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Pufferfish puff up by gulping lots of water, which makes them too big and round for most predators to eat.
- Some have spines that stick out when they puff up.
- Many pufferfish have a strong poison in their bodies, which is another way they stay safe.
- They’re slow swimmers, so puffing up is their best defense.
- Some pufferfish make art. One kind builds big circle patterns in the sand.
More ocean cut and paste crafts
Get the whole set →
Doing a whole ocean unit? The Ocean Cut and Paste Crafts Bundle has every ocean animal in this series for less than buying them one at a time.
Want to go deeper? The pufferfish animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Pufferfish craft includes
- Craft template in color and black and white
- Supply list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- 11 sequencing cards
- 2 writing pages
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Ocean and summer units
- Preschool and kindergarten
- Fine motor centers
- Special education and OT
- Homeschool
Pufferfish Craft FAQ
It’s made for preschool through first grade, about ages 3 to 6. Younger kids may need help cutting.
No. The directions are all pictures, so non-readers can follow each step.
Yes. The template comes in color and black and white, so kids can color their own pufferfish.
They quickly gulp water into a stretchy stomach, which makes their body swell up like a ball.
Many are. They carry a strong poison in their bodies, so other animals leave them alone.
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We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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