Groundhog in a Cup Craft: A Creative Groundhog Day Craft for Kids

a groundhog day craft with a groundhog in a cup that pops out

Groundhog Day is a tradition centered around a groundhog emerging from its burrow to look for its shadow, which is said to hint at whether winter weather may linger or give way to early spring. The day is commonly used with young learners to talk about seasons, animals, and how people have marked changes in weather over time. This Groundhog Day craft turns a familiar tradition into an interactive experience in which kids can act out the moment everyone waits for each year, the groundhog popping up from the ground to check the weather. It’s a perfect Groundhog Day preschool craft, because the simple up-and-down motion transforms a paper craft into a tool for pretend play.

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As a Groundhog Day craft for kids, this activity supports imaginative storytelling while introducing the idea of the groundhog emerging from its burrow. The foam cup and the curled paper mimic tall grass, and the paper groundhog slides up to recreate the classic Groundhog Day scene. This Groundhog Day activity works beautifully alongside books, songs, and calendar discussions, giving kids a playful way to explore why the groundhog comes out and what that moment represents.

Groundhog Day Craft for Kids With Simple Supplies

One of the strengths of this Groundhog Day activity lies in its approachable materials. Most supplies already live in craft bins, making preparation quick and budget-friendly. The steps remain straightforward while still offering room for personality and variation.

colored construction paper, scissors, a cup, green paint, a paintbrush, glue, and a popsicle stick

Supplies Needed

Foam cup
Green paint
Paintbrush
Green construction paper
Brown construction paper
White construction paper
Popsicle stick
Glue
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Groundhog Day Craft for Kids

Painting the Cup to Create Grass

The foam cup serves as the “ground” for the groundhog, setting the scene for the entire craft. Painting the cup green helps reinforce the idea of grass and spring peeking around the corner.

Start by painting the outside of the foam cup with green paint. A single coat works well, though a second layer can be added for richer color. Set the cup aside to dry fully before moving on. Drying time creates a natural pause for discussion about Groundhog Day traditions or a related book read-aloud.

Adding Texture With Curled Paper Grass

Cut several strips of green paper, keeping them narrow and roughly the height of the cup. To create curled ends, wrap one end of each strip around the paintbrush or a pencil and gently slide it off. The curl adds bounce and dimension, turning flat paper into animated grass.

a foam cup painted green with strips of green construction paper glued on and curled to look like grass

Glue the strips vertically around the cup, leaving the curled ends sticking out over the rim. The layered strips give the cup a fun, grassy appearance while encouraging careful placement and hand control.

a groundhog cut out of brown construction paper

Creating the Groundhog Shape

The groundhog serves as the star of this Groundhog Day craft for kids. A simple silhouette works best.

a groundhog cut out of brown construction paper with a face drawn on with a black marker

Cut a basic groundhog shape from brown construction paper. Rounded edges and a soft outline help keep the character friendly and approachable. Draw a face using a marker, adding eyes, a nose, and a smile.

two small strips cut out of white paper for the groundhog's teeth

From white construction paper, cut two small rectangles for teeth. Glue the teeth onto the groundhog’s face so they peek out slightly. This small detail adds personality and a touch of humor to this groundhog craft for kids that they are sure to enjoy.

a groundhog cut out of brown construction paper with a face drawn on in black marker and white construction paper for teeth

Turning the Groundhog Into a Moving Puppet

To make the groundhog in a cup craft interactive, attach the groundhog to a popsicle stick. Glue the back of the groundhog securely to the top of the stick and allow it to dry.

a popsicle stick being used to poke a hole in the foam cup

Carefully poke a hole in the bottom center of the foam cup using the popsicle stick. The hole should be just large enough for the stick to slide through smoothly. Insert the stick from the bottom so the groundhog appears to pop up from inside the cup. And that’s it. The groundhog craft for kids is all ready.

a popsicle stick glued to the groundhog cut out of brown construction paper

This moving element elevates the project from a simple art piece to an engaging Groundhog Day activity. The up-and-down motion mirrors the groundhog peeking out to check the weather.

Why This Groundhog Day Activity Works So Well

This Groundhog Day craft for kids balances creativity with skill-building in a way that feels natural and playful. Painting strengthens hand-eye coordination, while cutting and curling paper supports fine motor development. Gluing and assembling encourage focus and sequencing.

The finished craft also invites storytelling and pretend play. Kids can act out Groundhog Day predictions, pair the groundhog in a cup craft with songs, or use it during calendar time discussions. The interactive design keeps interest high even after craft time ends.

Classroom and Home Activity Ideas

This craft adapts easily to different learning environments. In classrooms, it works well as a small-group activity or a center project. At home, it pairs nicely with a Groundhog Day book or simple shadow experiment.

For added learning, labels such as “ground,” “grass,” and “groundhog” can be introduced. Counting the paper strips or comparing cup sizes brings light math connections into the activity without interrupting the creative flow.

A Groundhog Day Craft That Pops With Personality

The groundhog in a cup craft stands out because it combines motion, texture, and imagination in a compact design. Kids enjoy the surprise of seeing the groundhog pop up through the grass, while adults appreciate the simplicity of the setup.

As a Groundhog Day activity, this craft fits seamlessly into seasonal lesson plans and screen-free afternoons. The result feels playful, purposeful, and full of personality, making Groundhog Day a little more memorable.

Books for Groundhog Day

Check out some of my favorite books for Groundhog Day!

Groundhog's Day Off

$18.99