15 Fun Cinco de Mayo Crafts for Kids to Make at Home

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day of music, dancing, and delicious food; it’s a chance to celebrate Mexican culture in a colourful and creative way. And what better way to bring the spirit of the holiday into your home than through hands-on activities your little ones will love?

When it comes to Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids of all ages, there’s no limit to the fun you can create. If you’re looking for Cinco de Mayo crafts for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids, grab some paper, glue, and a splash of imagination. This fiesta is about to get crafty!

15 Fun Cinco de Mayo Craft Ideas for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kids

Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to bring out the art supplies and let kids’ creativity shine. Whether you’re working with paper, paint, or recyclables, these projects add a festive touch to your celebration. Some of these are easy 5 de Mayo crafts that even the youngest kids can enjoy. Others are fun and engaging Cinco de Mayo activities for preschoolers to help them learn through play. You’ll also find bright and simple Cinco de Mayo crafts for kindergarten that bring culture to life.

1. Paper Plate Sombreros

Kids will love personalising their hats and showing them off while dancing or singing. It’s a simple, colourful craft perfect for any age group.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Paper plates
• Markers or paints
• Pom-poms or ribbon
• Glue

Instructions

1. Turn the plate upside down and decorate with bright colours in fun patterns.
2. Glue pom-poms or ribbon along the edge to give it a festive flair.
3. Let it dry completely before wearing it during your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

2. Tissue Paper Flowers

These flowers can be made in any colour combination and arranged in vases for decoration. They are soft, safe for little hands, and can brighten up your fiesta space instantly. Great for toddlers with some help from adults or for preschoolers to practice folding and shaping.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Tissue paper sheets
• Pipe cleaners
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Stack 5–6 sheets of tissue paper together.
2. Fold them accordion-style and twist a pipe cleaner around the middle.
3. Carefully separate each layer and fluff to create full petals.

3. Mexican Flag Collage

This craft doubles as a fun art project and a chance to learn about the Mexican flag. Kids can work together to piece the collage and proudly display it during celebrations.

Materials Needed

• White cardstock
• Red and green paper scraps
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut coloured paper into small mosaic-like pieces.
2. Arrange them on the cardstock to form the red and green stripes.
3. Add a printed or drawn coat of arms in the centre.

4. Mini Piñata Cups

These mini piñatas are a kid-friendly twist on the traditional version. They are quick to make, easy to customise with different colours, and fun to crack open. Perfect for small celebrations at home without the mess of a large piñata.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Paper cups
• Tissue paper strips
• Tape or glue
• Small candies

Instructions

1. Wrap the cup with fringed tissue paper strips for a layered effect.
2. Fill with treats like small candies or stickers.
3. Seal the top with tissue paper and decorate further.

5. Handprint Chilli Peppers

This keepsake craft is adorable and easy for toddlers and preschoolers. The chilli pepper design is simple but festive, making it a nice decoration to hang on the wall. Parents can also write the date on it for a holiday memory to keep.

Materials Needed

• Red and green paint
• White paper
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Paint your child’s hand red and press it onto the paper to form the pepper body.
2. Add green paint above the handprint for the stem.
3. Let dry and display as art.

6. Paper Bag Ponchos

Paper bag ponchos are a fun wearable craft that kids can proudly show off. It’s an easy project that sparks creativity while giving children a costume piece for the festivities.

Source: Pinterest

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Materials Needed

• Large paper bags
• Paint or markers
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a neck hole in the centre and arm slits on the sides.
2. Decorate the bag with colourful stripes, zigzags, or other festive patterns.
3. Let it dry before wearing it as part of the celebration.

7. Maracas From Plastic Eggs

These homemade maracas are a big hit with kids who love making noise. They’re quick to create, safe for young children, and can be used during music activities.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Plastic Easter eggs
• Rice or beans
• Tape
• Markers

Instructions

1. Fill each egg halfway with rice or beans.
2. Seal tightly using strong tape around the seam.
3. Decorate the outside with markers or stickers.

8. Fiesta Garland

This garland instantly transforms your space into a fiesta zone. It’s great for kids who enjoy cutting and glueing, and the shapes can be personalised for the celebration. A fun project that doubles as home décor for the holiday.

source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Colourful paper
• String
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions

1. Cut shapes like sombreros, maracas, or cacti from the paper.
2. Glue them evenly onto a long piece of string.
3. Hang across walls, tables, or doorways.

9. Taco Craft With Felt

This playful taco craft lets kids design their own pretend food. A no-mess project that still celebrates the holiday’s fun spirit.

Source: Pinterest

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Materials Needed

• Brown, green, yellow felt
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions

1. Cut brown felt into a circle for the taco shell.
2. Slice green and yellow felt into strips for lettuce and cheese.
3. Glue them inside the shell and fold.

10. Painted Cactus Rocks

These painted rocks make charming little decorations for Cinco de Mayo. They’re sturdy enough for toddlers to handle but detailed enough for older kids to enjoy designing.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Smooth rocks
• Green paint
• White paint pen

Instructions

1. Paint rocks completely green and let them dry.
2. Add small white lines or dots to create cactus spines.
3. Place in small pots or bowls for display.

11. Papel Picado Banners

Papel picado is a traditional Mexican decoration that’s bright, lightweight, and easy to make. Kids can experiment with different shapes, and the final banner adds an authentic touch to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Great for group crafting and home décor.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed

• Colourful tissue paper
• Scissors
• String
• Glue or tape

Instructions

1. Fold tissue paper sheets in half or quarters.
2. Cut simple shapes along the folds to create patterns.
3. Unfold, then glue or tape to a string for hanging.

12. Cupcake Liner Flowers

This craft is quick, safe, and ideal for younger kids who may find folding tissue paper tricky. The flowers can be used in pretend play, as table decorations, or as a sweet, handmade gift for family members.

Materials Needed

• Colourful cupcake liners
• Pipe cleaners
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Flatten cupcake liners and layer them for a fuller look.
2. Poke a small hole in the centre and insert a pipe cleaner for the stem.
3. Secure with glue and fluff the petals.

13. Clay or Playdough Tacos

This is a fun sensory activity for little ones, letting them mould and create pretend food while practising fine motor skills. No mess, reusable, and full of imaginative play opportunities for kids celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

Materials Needed

• Brown, green, red, and yellow playdough or clay
• Craft knife (for older kids)
• Small plate for display

Instructions

1. Shape brown playdough into a taco shell.
2. Roll green, red, and yellow pieces to look like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
3. Fill the shell and press gently to hold together.

14. Piñata Stick Decorations

This craft gives kids their own decorated “baton” for pretend play or party activities. It’s simple enough for toddlers but can be made more detailed for older kids with extra embellishments.

Materials Needed

• Wooden sticks or dowels
• Colourful ribbon
• Glue or tape
• Small beads (optional)

Instructions

1. Wrap ribbons around the stick in bright colours.
2. Glue or tape them in place, adding beads if desired.
3. Use as part of a piñata game or just for decoration.

15. Luchador Masks

Kids love wearing these masks for pretend play and performances. They’re bold, colourful, and add excitement to any Cinco de Mayo gathering. Plus, they can be customised to match each child’s personality.

Materials Needed

• Cardstock or foam sheets
• Elastic string
• Markers or paint
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut out a mask shape with holes for the eyes.
2. Decorate with bold colours and patterns inspired by luchador wrestlers.
3. Attach an elastic string to fit around the head.

FAQs

1. What are some easy kids’ crafts for Cinco de Mayo?

Easy options include paper plate sombreros, tissue paper flowers, and painted cactus rocks. These projects use simple materials and are fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy creating them at home while learning about the holiday.

2. How can I make art activities for Cinco de Mayo educational?

You can combine art with cultural learning by making a Mexican flag collage or papel picado banners. While crafting, share short stories or facts about the history and traditions of Cinco de Mayo to make the activity more meaningful.

3. Can toddlers join in Cinco de Mayo crafts?

Yes, toddlers can join in with safe, age-friendly projects like handprint chilli peppers or cupcake liner flowers. Choose crafts that require minimal cutting and use large, easy-to-handle materials.

Cinco de Mayo is a wonderful opportunity to bring family together through fun, colourful, and creative moments. Crafts also make great keepsakes to look back on in future celebrations. Most importantly, they give families quality time to laugh, share stories, and create traditions. So gather your supplies, set out a table, and let the Cinco de Mayo creativity begin.

Also Read:

Beach Crafts for Kids
Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas for Kids
Cloud Crafts for Preschoolers & Kids

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