How To Make a UFO Paper Plate Craft (Free Template)
April 8, 2026
This UFO Paper Plate Craft is an easy space craft for kids that uses simple materials and a printable template to create an alien in a UFO. It is a fun, budget-friendly craft that can be made for less than $5. This craft doubles as a pretend play prop, as kids love playing with the alien and UFO after it dries.
This alien craft pairs so well with these outer space-themed playdough mats. I always have my kids paint the paper plate and use the playdough mats while it dries. I always had trouble figuring out what to do while the paint dried on our crafts, and I found that having more than one space-themed activity makes the day extra fun (and gives kids an activity to do while we wait to continue our crafts).
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What You’ll Need For This UFo PAper Plate Craft
How To Make This UFO Craft
1. Cut half of the paper plate, leaving the inside portion intact. Only cut off the edges. The paper plate should have the circle portion of the plate still attached. Only cut the outside ridges of the plate.
2. Paint the bottom half of the plate black, leaving the inside of the plate (the circle) white. Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Choose one alien template and print it. You can print it on colored paper or on regular paper. If printing on regular paper, kids can color it or you can cut it out and trace it on construction paper.
4. Cut out the alien and glue it inside the UFO.
5. If using the template without eyes, glue two googly eyes on the alien.
6. If wanted, use a black marker to draw a mouth on the alien. Kids can get creative and make silly faces for the alien.
Tips And Variations For This Alien Craft
Get creative. The UFO can be painted any color or design. Kids can even use glitter, stickers, or pom poms on their UFO.
Make it glow. Use glow-in-the-dark paint to make this UFO glow. You can also print the alien on heavy cardstock and paint it with the same paint!
Let the paint dry. No matter how you decorate your UFO, make sure any paint or glue is completely dry before moving on. If the paint is still wet, it will smear and can get on clothes and surfaces. If wanted, you can use a hairdryer to dry the paint faster.
Make a tractor beam. Use yellow tissue paper or construction paper to add a tractor beam under the UFO.
Get Your Free Alien Template
Space Books To Read
How To Make a UFO Paper Plate Craft (Free Template)
This UFO Paper Plate Craft is an easy space craft for kids. Create an alien in a UFO using a paper plate, paint, and a free alien template.
- Total Time15 + dry time
- Yield1 UFO Paper Plate Craft 1x
Materials
· Alien Template
· Paper Plate
· Black Paint
· Paint brush
· Glue
· Scissors
· Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut half of the paper plate, leaving the inside portion intact. Only cut off the edges. The paper plate should have the circle portion of the plate still attached. Only cut the outside ridges of the plate.
2. Paint the bottom half of the plate black, leaving the inside of the plate (the circle) white. Let the paint dry completely.
3. Cut out the alien template (or trace it onto colored paper and cut).
4. Glue the alien inside the UFO.
5. If using the template without eyes, glue two googly eyes on.
6. Optional: Use a marker to draw a mouth on the alien.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Crafts, DIY
- Method: Step-by-Step
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