President’s Day is more than just a day off school—it’s a chance to honor some of America’s most influential leaders and dive into the history that shaped our nation. By introducing kids to the significance of this holiday through crafts, you can make history engaging, fun, and interactive!
From creating presidential hats to designing patriotic artwork, crafting is the perfect way to combine hands-on activities with valuable lessons about our country’s past. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together.
Get ready for hands-on learning with these President’s Day craft ideas and exclusive free printables! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these creative projects are sure to make President’s Day both educational and enjoyable.
Why Crafts Are Perfect for President’s Day?
Crafts are an excellent way to teach kids about history while making learning exciting and meaningful. President’s Day is a perfect opportunity to spark curiosity about the lives and achievements of past leaders through creative and interactive projects.
Research shows that engaging in creative activities helps kids retain information more effectively by making learning active and enjoyable. Cutting, gluing, and coloring allow children to connect with history on a deeper level, fostering a better understanding of significant events and figures.
Crafting also promotes problem-solving, fine motor skills, and artistic expression. Activities such as building log cabins or designing “presidential” medals give children a chance to explore history in personal and memorable ways.
Craft Ideas Inspired by U.S. Presidents
Dive into fun and creative projects inspired by America’s most iconic leaders!
These President’s Day crafts are a fantastic way to spark kids’ creativity while making history come alive through activities.
George Washington Craft: Paper Plate Wig
Transform a simple paper plate into George Washington’s signature powdered wig!
What You’ll Need:
- Paper plates
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut a semi-circle out of a paper plate to create a headband shape.
- Glue cotton balls all over the paper plate, covering it entirely.
- Let it dry, then wear your new “wig” and practice your best Washington impression!
Abraham Lincoln Craft: DIY Top Hat
Celebrate Lincoln’s legacy by crafting his famous stovepipe hat.
What You’ll Need:
- Black construction paper
- Tape or glue
- Scissors
- Ruler
Steps:
- Cut a rectangle and roll it into a cylinder to form the hat’s body.
- Create a circular brim by cutting out a large ring and attaching it to the base of the cylinder.
- Decorate if desired, then wear your Lincoln-inspired masterpiece!
Presidential Portraits
Bring history to life by drawing and decorating portraits of famous presidents.
What You’ll Need:
- Blank paper
- Crayons, markers, or paint
- Reference images of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other leaders
Steps:
- Look up images of U.S. presidents for inspiration.
- Draw their portraits or trace a basic outline onto blank paper.
- Color and decorate the portraits, adding personal touches.
- Display the finished artwork as part of your President’s Day celebration!
These fun crafts are a creative way to honor the holiday while encouraging hands-on learning and family fun!
Patriotic and Fun President’s Day Crafts
Celebrate President’s Day with these creative and patriotic craft ideas! Gather a few simple supplies and let your kids’ imaginations take the lead as they explore history through fun, hands-on activities.
American Flag Art Project
Kids can make their own colorful version of the American flag with this easy craft.
What You’ll Need:
- Tissue paper or red, white, and blue construction paper
- Paint (optional)
- Glue
- A blank sheet of paper or cardstock
Steps:
- Draw or outline an American flag on a blank piece of paper.
- Tear or cut tissue paper into small squares (red, white, and blue).
- Glue the tissue paper squares onto the stripes and blue section, or paint the flag if preferred.
- Let it dry and display the finished flag!
Handprint Bald Eagle
Turn kids’ handprints into a creative and adorable representation of the national bird.
What You’ll Need:
- Construction paper (brown, white, and yellow)
- Paint or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Trace kids’ hands on brown construction paper or paint their hands brown and press onto a blank sheet.
- Cut out a white oval for the eagle’s head and a yellow triangle for the beak.
- Glue the head onto the top of the handprint and add the beak.
- Draw or add eyes to complete the bald eagle.
Star Garland Craft
Add a patriotic flair to your space with a garland of colorful stars.
What You’ll Need:
- Red, white, and blue paper
- Scissors
- String
- Glitter or markers for decoration
Steps:
- Draw star shapes on the paper and cut them out.
- Decorate the stars with glitter, markers, or stickers if desired.
- Punch a hole in the top of each star and thread them onto a string.
- Hang the garland to add a festive touch to your space.
These easy crafts don’t require templates and are perfect for keeping kids engaged while celebrating the holiday with a touch of creativity!
Engaging President’s Day Activities for Kids
Make learning about history interactive and exciting with these hands-on President’s Day activities! These ideas are perfect for teaching kids about U.S. presidents and the nation’s history in a fun and engaging way.
Presidential Badges
Let kids design their own “Presidential Badges” to use in role-playing games or as keepsakes.
What You’ll Need:
- Blank paper or cardstock
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Tape or string
Activity:
- Have kids draw and cut out badge shapes on paper or cardstock.
- Decorate the badges with colors, stars, or symbols and add their name or a fun “title.”
- Attach the finished badges to clothing with tape or string for pretend play.
Timeline of U.S. Presidents
Explore history by creating a timeline of U.S. presidents, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions.
What You’ll Need:
- Long sheet of paper or poster board
- Markers or pens
- Reference materials (books or online resources)
Activity:
- Draw a timeline on paper, leaving space for each president’s name and key dates.
- Have kids research and write the names of the presidents in chronological order.
- Encourage them to add fun facts or accomplishments for each leader.
- Display the completed timeline to showcase their learning.
Coin Rubbing Activity
Get creative and learn about presidents featured on U.S. coins with this hands-on activity.
What You’ll Need:
- U.S. coins (e.g., pennies, nickels, quarters)
- Blank paper
- Crayons or pencils
Activity:
- Place a coin under a sheet of paper.
- Use a crayon or pencil to gently rub over the coin, revealing its design.
- Match the rubbings to the presidents and discuss their historical significance.
How to Use These Crafts at Home or in the Classroom
President’s Day crafts and activities are versatile tools for teaching history and fostering creativity, whether you’re at home or in a classroom setting.
Here are some tips to make the most of these projects:
Pair Crafts with History Lessons or Storytime
Enhance learning by combining crafts with books or discussions about U.S. presidents.
- At Home: Read a story about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln and follow it up with a related craft, like the paper plate wig or top hat.
- In the Classroom: Use the activities to reinforce lessons about leadership, history, and patriotism.
Use Printables as Fun Homework or Classroom Activities
Printable worksheets and templates make learning interactive and enjoyable.
- Homework Idea: Assign printables like the presidential badges or coin rubbing sheets for kids to complete with their families.
- Classroom Activity: Incorporate the timeline of U.S. presidents as a collaborative project, allowing students to fill it out together.
Encourage Group Activities, Like a “President’s Day Wall of Fame”
Make President’s Day a community celebration by displaying kids’ crafts.
- At Home: Create a mini gallery showcasing crafts and completed printables.
- In the Classroom: Design a “Wall of Fame” where students can hang their presidential portraits, flags, or eagles to celebrate their hard work.
By integrating these crafts into history lessons or group activities, parents and teachers can create a memorable President’s Day experience that combines education, creativity, and fun.
Download Your Free President’s Day Printables
Celebrate President’s Day with these two engaging and educational activity worksheets designed to spark creativity and critical thinking!
President Noun Sort Activity Worksheet
Use the provided list of Presidential Nouns and sort them into the proper category: Person, Place, or Thing. This activity helps kids improve their grammar skills while learning about important terms related to President’s Day.
👉 Download your free President’s Day Coloring Page!
“If I Were the President” Activity Worksheet
Using fun and thought-provoking prompts, kids imagine themselves as the President. They can describe or draw what their life would be like, the changes they’d make, and how they’d lead the country.
👉 Download your free President’s Day Coloring Page!
These worksheets are perfect for both home and classroom use, making President’s Day a memorable and meaningful experience for kids.
President’s Day Fun Facts for Kids
Make President’s Day even more engaging with these fun and surprising facts about U.S. presidents:
- George Washington’s Teeth: George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth! His dentures were made from ivory, metal, and other materials.
- Abraham Lincoln’s Height: At 6’4″, Abraham Lincoln was the tallest U.S. president.
- Teddy Bear Origins: The teddy bear is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who once spared a bear during a hunting trip.
- James Madison’s Size: At just 5’4″ and 100 pounds, James Madison was the shortest U.S. president.
- John Quincy Adams’s Alligator Guest: John Quincy Adams kept an alligator as a guest in the White House for a short time. It lived in the bathroom!
- William Howard Taft’s Bathtub: President Taft had a custom bathtub installed in the White House to make sure he had plenty of room.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Hobbies: Thomas Jefferson loved to invent things. He even designed a special swivel chair that could spin around.
- Herbert Hoover’s Dog: Herbert Hoover had a Belgian shepherd named King Tut who was a favorite around the White House.
- Calvin Coolidge’s Pets: Calvin Coolidge had an impressive collection of pets, including a raccoon, a donkey, and several birds.
- Barack Obama’s Basketball Skills: President Obama is an excellent basketball player and often played games with his staff and family.
Celebrate and Learn This President’s Day
President’s Day is the perfect opportunity to blend fun and education, making history come alive for kids through creative crafts and activities. From making George Washington wigs to designing Lincoln’s top hat, these projects spark curiosity and help children connect with the stories of our nation’s leaders in a hands-on way.
We’d love to see your kids’ masterpieces! Share their President’s Day creations on social media using the hashtag #PresidentsDayCrafts and join a community of families and educators celebrating this special day.
Looking for more inspiration? Stay tuned for upcoming craft ideas for other holidays that will keep the creativity flowing all year long!
Being part of the Fusion Muse team takes me back to my own childhood, where art projects and creative stories were a big part of my days. My goal is to inspire and engage young minds by sharing a world full of creativity and fun.
The bond I have with my siblings means a lot to me, and spending time with them brings out my playful and creative side. There’s something really special about embracing silliness, encouraging creativity, and creating memories with little ones. Those moments are what drives my passion for connecting with kids in a real and meaningful way.
Come join me and the team as we celebrate the magic of childhood and explore all the possibilities of imagination and learning, working toward an inspiring future together!
