Create a miniature underwater world with a paper plate, colorful paper, and cereal. The classic paper plate aquarium has stood the test of time because it’s fun to make and cute to look at!

Why this project works

If there’s one thing that I love to do, it’s to make things that are just plain cute. Googly eyes add a certain cuteness to simple pieces of paper, cardboard tubes, and other such recyclables.

In this particular case, the cuteness is inside two paper plates made to look like an aquarium. It’s a classic kid’s craft that’s been done many times in a variety of different ways.

My version is just one of those many, and you and your kids should feel free to be creative and use whatever strikes you for decorations.

Helpful Project Information:

• Age Level: 4 and up
• Mess Factor: Low (glue)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: less than 10 minutes
• Cost Estimate: Less than $1.00

How to Make a Paper Plate Aquarium

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Cut fish and plants from colorful paper/construction paper and glue to the blue side of the first light blue colored plate.
2. Glue cereal (I used Kix cereal) to the bottom of the plate, overlapping the plants.
3. Glue fish into place and add googly eyes.
4. Glue tri-beads to the cereal.
5. Cut the center out of the second paper plate and glue it to the front of the aquarium.

RELATED: How To Choose The Best Glue For Your Craft Projects

Expert Tips & FAQs

• Instead of cereal, dry oatmeal or sand also makes a great seafloor.
• You can find blue plates in the party section of most big box stores.
• Can’t find the plates or don’t want to buy a package? You can paint a couple of regular paper plates with acrylic paint.

Kids will love making this adorable Paper Plate Aquarium! Makes a great decoration for their room as well.

More Paper Plate Crafts

• Paper Plate Frisbees
• Paper Plate Tropical Fish
• Paper Plate Ship’s Porthole

Find all of our paper plate crafts here. For another fun idea, try this mason jar aquarium!

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Print Project

5 from 20 votes

Paper Plate Aquarium

Kids will love making this adorable Paper Plate Aquarium! Makes a great decoration for their room as well.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Crafting Time5 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Age Group: Kids Crafts

Project Type: Crafts

Supplies

• 2 light blue paper plates or plain plates painted light blue
• Colored paper or construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Handful of Kix cereal
• Colorful tri-beads
• Glue

Instructions

• Cut fish and plants from colorful paper and glue to the blue side of the first plate.
• Glue cereal to the bottom of the plate, overlapping the plants.
  
• Glue fish into place and add googly eyes.
• Glue tri-beads to the cereal.
• Cut the center out of the second paper plate and glue it to the front of the aquarium.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• Instead of cereal, dry oatmeal or sand also makes a great seafloor.
• You can find blue plates in the party section of most big box stores.
• Can't find the plates or don't want to buy a package? You can paint a couple of regular paper plates with acrylic paint.
• Kids will love making this adorable Paper Plate Aquarium! Makes a great decoration for their room as well.

I originally made this paper plate aquarium for Kix Cereal