There’s no cheating about it – the Cheetah is the fastest animal on land! Celebrate the awesome cheetah with these cheerful cheetah crafts for kids.

Going through my old posts, I realized that I’ve featured crafts based on quite a few of the slowest animals on earth – snails, sloths and turtles. So to balance it out, it’s only right that we put a bit of focus on the opposite end of the spectrum – the fast animals.

And that brings us to the cheetah – the fastest animal on land! With a speed of 110 kph, this is an animal that almost flies! However, the cheetah is now the No. 1 endangered cat in Africa, which is why the theme of this year’s International Cheetah Day on 4th December is #SavetheCheetah.

Let’s do our bit by spreading awareness about this amazing animal, and the best way to start is with the kids – and the best way to go about it is with crafts! So here are 10 cheerful cheetah crafts for kids, in time for International Cheetah Day on 4th December.

10 Cheerful Cheetah Crafts for Kids

1. Foam Cup Cheetah Craft

Trust I Heart Crafty Things to turn even wild jungle animals into cute little creatures! Here, foam cups have been converted into striped tigers and spotted cheetahs, and we love how they’re both smiling!

2. Origami Charlie Cheetah

Yes, you can make Origami cranes and birds – and even a cheetah! Check out the instructions over at Make Etc to learn how to make your very own Charlie the Origami Cheetah.

3. C for Cheetah CD Craft

Got an old CD lying around? Then all you need are some black and yellow felt, a couple of googly eyes and you’re ready to make your recycled CD cheetah craft! Cutting out the felt circles will make for a good fine motor exercise.

4. DIY Cheetah Mug for Kids

If you think you’re secretly a cheetah inside, then it’s time to have your own cheetah mug! Overstuffed Life gives us all the instructions needed to make this glamorous looking cheetah mug that even kids can try out.

5. Cardboard Tube Cheetah Craft

Cardboard tube animals are always fun to make, and these cheetahs from Creative Family Fun are no different! Make multiple ones with different expressions for a unique collection.

6. Cheetah Paper Crown

Turn yourself into the fastest animal on land by wearing this cute little cheetah crown! All you need to do is download and print the template and you’re good to go.

7. Paper Plate Cheetah Craft

First Palette has an easy and fun paper plate cheetah craft that can be made even by preschoolers. Use yellow plates or paint white plates yellow – either way will work!

8. Recycled Cardboard Cheetah

Super Make It has a tutorial and printable templates for all kinds of jungle animals, including our star of the day – cheetahs! Make the whole bunch for a fun zoo/safari play set.

9. Paper Mache Cheetah Pinata

Having a jungle cats theme party? Then this pinata form Handmade Charlotte is a must make! We love how well the cheetah fits in with the ribbons and pom poms and the pastel colors all around.

10. Handprint Cheetah Craft

Here’s one for the little ones – a cute handprint cheetah from Fun Handprint Art Blog! Let the little sibling make the handprint, and let the older one fill in the spots!

While you’re playing around with cheetahs, you may also enjoy making some lion crafts or a tiger craft. And if you’d like to go the whole hog, we also have a bunch of wildlife activities that’ll get you roaring with joy!