Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids

Popsicle sticks (lolly sticks or craft sticks) are cheap, sturdy and great for building. Children can glue them into frames, puppets, houses, games and more. These fifteen crafts suit ages 3 to 11, with simple versions for little ones and bigger building projects for older kids.

What you'll need

• Popsicle sticks (plain wooden craft sticks, in regular or jumbo size)
• PVA glue or wood glue (grown-ups can use a low-temp glue gun)
• Paint or markers
• Paper, pom-poms, googly eyes, wool and buttons
• Optional: magnets, ribbon and string

Tip: PVA glue takes time to dry. Clothes pegs make great clamps while you wait.

Easy crafts

1. Stick puppets. Color characters from our Best Friends coloring pages, cut them out and tape them to sticks.
2. Picture frame. Glue four sticks into a square, decorate and add a photo or drawing behind.
3. Stick people. Draw faces and clothes on sticks, then make a whole family.
4. Bookmarks. Decorate a stick with paint and washi tape.
5. Butterflies. Glue two sticks in an X and add tissue-paper wings.
6. Snowflakes. Glue three sticks crossing in the middle and decorate them with glitter glue.

Building projects

1. Log cabin. Build walls by stacking sticks in alternating layers, like a log cabin.
2. Raft. Glue sticks side by side with two sticks across the back. Test it in the bath!
3. Bird feeder. Build a small tray with sides, then fill it with seeds and hang it outside.
4. Fence and farm. Build fences and pens for toy animals. Color some farm pages to make the animals.
5. Catapult. Stack seven sticks and band them together at both ends. Push a single stick between the bottom two of another pair, band it, and add a bottle top as a cup. Launch pom-poms (never at people).

Games and learning

1. Pattern sticks. Color patterns on sticks and copy them with pom-poms or blocks.
2. Number puzzles. Line up ten sticks side by side, write the numbers 1–10 across them, draw a picture over them, then mix them up and rebuild in order.
3. Word builders. Write letters on sticks and build words. Great for phonics.
4. Shape building. Make triangles, squares and other shapes with sticks. Count sides and corners. See our shapes worksheets.

Crafts by age

Ages 3–4: stick puppets, painting sticks and building shapes on a table (no glue).

Ages 5–7: frames, butterflies, snowflakes, and number puzzles.

Ages 8–11: log cabins, rafts, bird feeders and catapults.

Using sticks for STEM

Popsicle sticks are perfect for engineering challenges:

• Bridge challenge. Build a bridge between two books. How many coins can it hold?
• Tallest tower. Use sticks and playdough or clips to build the tallest tower.
• Chain reaction. Weave sticks together under tension so they spring apart when released (do this outdoors and wear eye protection).

See STEM activities at home for more.

Tips

• Paint sticks before gluing; it's easier.
• Use enough glue but not too much; drips make sticks slide.
• Leave projects to dry overnight before playing.
• Jumbo sticks are easier for little hands.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Hot glue near young children. Use PVA glue instead, or a low-temp glue gun used only by grown-ups.
• Rushing the drying. Wait before moving or playing with builds.
• Launching at faces. Catapults are for targets, not people.

Frequently asked questions

What glue works best for popsicle sticks?

PVA or wood glue for children's crafts. Grown-ups can use a low-temp glue gun for faster results.

How do I make a popsicle stick puzzle?

Line up sticks side by side, tape across the back, draw a picture over the front, remove the tape and mix them up.

Are popsicle stick crafts suitable for toddlers?

Yes, with supervision. Painting sticks and making simple puppets work well.

Step by step: popsicle stick picture frame

1. Paint four sticks and let them dry.
2. Lay two sticks side by side, a little less than a stick's length apart.
3. Glue the other two across the top and bottom to make a square.
4. Decorate with buttons, stickers, sequins or small pom-poms.
5. Leave to dry overnight.
6. Tape a photo or drawing to the back.
7. Glue a loop of string on the back for hanging, or a magnet for the fridge.

Fun popsicle stick challenges

• Build the tallest freestanding tower in 10 minutes.
• Build a bridge that holds a toy car.
• Build a house for a small toy.
• Make a puzzle of your own drawing.

Where can I buy popsicle sticks?

Craft shops and supermarkets sell packs of plain wooden craft sticks. Colored and jumbo sticks are also easy to find.

How do I keep popsicle stick crafts from falling apart?

Use enough glue, clamp pieces with clothes pegs while drying and let projects dry overnight before playing.

Can popsicle sticks be painted?

Yes, with acrylic or poster paint. Let them dry before gluing.