17 Fun Spider Activities for Kids to Learn and Play

Spider activities are some of my favorite ways to bring a mix of curiosity, science, and creativity into our homeschool.

Whether we’re studying arachnids for a life cycle unit or just adding a fun twist to Halloween crafts, these projects keep kids engaged without much prep.

I love that they help strengthen fine motor skills, spark discussions about nature, and even sneak in a bit of literacy and math practice.

From coloring pages and labeling worksheets to sensory play and handprint art, these spider activities make learning feel playful, hands-on, and full of little discoveries.

Four spider worksheets and crafts showing life cycle stages, parts of a spider diagram, and paper plate spider crafts for kids.

Fun & Educational Spider Ideas

There’s no shortage of ways to explore spiders through crafts, printables, and sensory play. Below are some favorites that mix creativity and learning, perfect for homeschool lessons, classrooms, or just a cozy afternoon project.

Four spider coloring pages with webs and dot marker designs, surrounded by crayons and a toy spider.

Free Spider Coloring Pages

These coloring pages are an easy starting point for younger kids who might be nervous about spiders. My son enjoyed using them to explore different patterns and colors while learning about spider anatomy in a relaxed way.

Two printable worksheets titled Types of Spiders are shown side by side; the left is a black-and-white version for coloring, and the right is a full-color version featuring labeled spider species like tarantula, red back spider, king baboon spider, and funnel web spider. A black toy spider sits on the top left corner of the image, adding a playful touch to the educational theme.

Types of Spiders Worksheet

This printable helps kids compare species like the tarantula and funnel web spider, sparking curiosity about how varied these creatures really are. It’s perfect for pairing with a quick animal fact search or nature documentary.

Collage of spider-themed worksheets for kids featuring life cycle stages, parts of a spider, opinion writing, and research prompts.

Life Cycle of a Spider Worksheet

The stages, egg, spiderling, and adult, come to life through simple illustrations and prompts. I’ve found this activity especially helpful when introducing life cycles alongside butterflies or frogs.

Three black-and-white “Parts of a Spider” worksheets are displayed against a purple background with cartoon spiders and spider webs. Each worksheet features a cartoon spider with blank labels and arrows pointing to parts like abdomen, legs, eyes, and spinnerets for kids to identify.

Free Parts of a Spider Worksheet

Labeling the spinnerets, abdomen, and cephalothorax gives kids a closer look at spider anatomy. It’s a great visual companion to short science videos or hands-on observation if you spot a web outside.

https://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/

DIY Spider Life Cycle Craft

I love how this craft uses everyday materials to reinforce science concepts. Building each stage with paper and glue makes it memorable and helps tactile learners connect the dots between lessons.

https://homeschoolpreschool.net/

Fun Spider Craft for Preschoolers

This simple craft, made with pom poms, googly eyes, and popsicle sticks—has been a hit with younger kids. It’s a great mix of fine motor practice and Halloween fun, and it gives preschoolers something cute (not creepy) to display.

https://rockyourhomeschool.net/

Handprint Spider Craft

A sweet keepsake project that captures those tiny hands before they grow. I like pairing it with a short spider poem or song to make it a literacy-friendly activity too.

https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/

Fine Motor Spider Web Sensory Bottle

A calming sensory idea that also works those small hand muscles. My son used to love shaking it and watching the glitter “webs” move, it’s a perfect quiet-time project.

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/

Feed the Spider Game

This playful fine motor game doubles as a developmental exercise. It’s great for preschoolers or early elementary kids who need a little extra hand-eye coordination practice disguised as play.

https://3boysandadog.com/

Itsy Bitsy Spider Craft

This adorable handprint craft connects perfectly with the classic nursery rhyme. I’ve used it for storytime sessions, it helps kids retell the song visually and strengthens sequencing skills without them realizing they’re learning.

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/

Spider Web Weaving Craft

This one’s perfect for a calm afternoon project. Kids thread yarn through paper plates or cardboard rings to create webs, building patience and coordination while talking about how real spiders spin theirs.

https://homeschoolpreschool.net/

The Very Busy Spider Sequencing Activity

I love using this printable with The Very Busy Spider book. It helps reinforce story order and comprehension, plus, it turns reading time into a hands-on literacy lesson.

https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com/

Fun Toilet Paper Roll Pipe Cleaner Spiders

An easy recycled craft that always turns out cute. The pipe cleaner legs are great for dexterity, and kids can personalize their spiders with silly faces or bright colors.

https://confidencemeetsparenting.com/

Spelling Words Activity: Spider Web Search

This clever idea makes spelling practice feel like a game. My son used to race against the clock to “catch” words in his web, perfect for active learners who struggle to sit still.

https://thecraftathomefamily.com/

Paper Plate Spider Craft

A classic craft that’s equal parts simple and satisfying. I like how it uses just a few supplies yet gives kids a chance to explore symmetry, shape, and color while creating their own spooky decorations.

https://thecrafttrain.com/

Easy Pom Pom Spider

This one’s all about texture and creativity. Making soft, fluffy spiders from yarn gives kids a chance to practice wrapping and trimming, great for hand control, and they love naming their new “pets.”

https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/

October Webs

Designed for children with visual impairments, this activity focuses on tactile exploration and literacy. It’s a thoughtful way to include all learners and spark curiosity about how spiders build intricate webs.

Fun & Educational Spider Ideas

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