Cut-Out Animal Masks

Step by step

1. 1Print out the mask templates, grab crayons, and get child-safe scissors.
2. 2Color and decorate the mask FLAT on the table first: it's so much easier.
3. 3Let your child cut out the outline at their own pace; you can cut out the eye holes.
4. 4Staple a paper strip to fit snugly around your child's head.
5. 5Become the animal: roar, hop, crawl! Jump in and play along, or be the audience guessing who's who.
6. 6Keep the fun going: act out a little scene together, invent a make-believe creature, or put on a family animal parade.

What it builds

Behind a mask, kids feel brave enough to try a new voice, a new walk, a whole new personality—stepping into someone else's shoes safely. Pretend play like this is how little ones learn empathy and understand the world around them.