Space Craft DIY Paper Plate UFO

This paper plate UFO craft is such a fun little space project for kids who love aliens, planets, stars, and anything that looks like it came from outer space. I like this one because it starts with simple supplies, but the finished craft feels exciting. Two paper plates turn into a shiny flying saucer, and a tiny green alien gets to sit inside a clear dome like it is ready for a space adventure.

This easy space craft for kids works well for preschool, kindergarten, homeschool art, classroom space themes, or a rainy afternoon when everyone needs something hands-on. It is colorful, playful, and honestly, the little alien is the part that usually gets the biggest reaction.

Why Kids Will Love This Paper Plate UFO Craft

Kids love this DIY paper plate UFO because it feels more like building a toy than making a flat craft. They get to paint the plates, cut an opening, make a little alien, add a clear dome, and decorate the saucer with colorful lights.

That makes it feel like a real spaceship.

I also like that this paper plate space craft uses supplies most of us can find pretty easily. Paper plates, paint, glue, scissors, and paper are the main pieces. The clear plastic cup or small bowl makes the UFO dome look extra fun, but you can simplify that part for younger kids if needed.

This UFO craft is great because it:

• uses simple craft supplies
• works well for preschool and kindergarten
• fits a space theme lesson
• gives kids cutting and gluing practice
• encourages pretend play
• makes a cute classroom display
• lets kids decorate in their own way

Supplies You’ll Need

Here is what I used for this paper plate UFO craft:

• 2 paper plates
• Silver paint
• Paintbrush
• Clear plastic cup or small clear bowl
• Green paper
• Black paper
• Colorful paper circles or round stickers
• Scissors
• White glue
• Pencil

You can also use gray paint, aluminum foil, metallic paper, star stickers, or small pom-poms if you want to change the look a little.

For the clear dome, I like using a small plastic cup because it gives the UFO that classic spaceship look. A small clear bowl can work too. Just make sure an adult handles any tricky trimming, especially if the plastic is stiff.

For younger kids, I would pre-cut the alien shape, the opening in the top plate, and the colorful circles. They can still paint, glue, arrange, and decorate, which is plenty of fun without making the craft feel stressful.

How to Make a DIY Paper Plate UFO

This paper plate UFO craft has eight easy steps. The paint and glue need a little drying time, so I usually set everything out before we begin. That keeps the project moving and saves me from searching for scissors while a child is holding a wet silver plate in the air.

Step 1: Paint the Plates

Start by painting both paper plates silver.

I like painting the backs of the plates because the curved shape gives the UFO a better flying saucer look. Let your child cover the outside of both plates with silver paint using a paintbrush.

Try not to overload the plate with paint. Paper plates can get a little soft if they are covered with too much wet paint. One smooth coat is usually enough.

Set both plates aside and let them dry completely before moving on. If you are making this in a classroom or with several kids, painting the plates ahead of time can save a lot of waiting.

No-paint option: cover the plates with aluminum foil instead. It gives the UFO a shiny look and skips the drying time.

Step 2: Cut the Opening

Once the paint is dry, cut a circle in the center of the top paper plate.

This opening is where the alien dome will sit. Use a pencil to trace around the bottom of the clear plastic cup or small bowl. Then carefully cut out the circle.

This step is best for an adult or an older child with help. Paper plates are not hard to cut, but cutting a neat circle in the middle can be tricky.

Do not make the hole too large. You want the clear dome to sit securely over the opening without falling through. If you are unsure, start with a smaller circle. You can always trim a little more, but you cannot put the paper plate back together once the hole is too big.

I always say that from experience, not from perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Dome

Next, prepare the clear plastic cup or small bowl for the UFO dome.

If you are using a clear plastic cup, you may need to trim it so it sits neatly on the plate. A shallow dome usually looks better than a tall cup sticking straight up.

Turn the cup upside down and test it over the opening. Trim the edge slowly until it fits well. Adult help is important here because cut plastic can have sharp edges.

A small clear bowl may not need much trimming at all. Just make sure it is lightweight enough to glue onto the paper plate.

Simple dome option: use a half-circle cut from clear plastic packaging or even paper if you want a lighter version. It will not look as 3D, but it still works for a preschool UFO craft.

Step 4: Make the Alien

Now make the little green alien.

Cut an alien head and body shape from green paper. You can make a round head with a small neck and body, or keep it super simple with a green circle for the head. Add two antennae at the top if your child wants that classic alien look.

Use black paper for the eyes. Cut two oval shapes and glue them onto the alien’s face. Add tiny white paper dots for eye shine if you want it to look extra cute.

Draw a small smile with a black marker.

This is the part where kids can get creative. Some aliens may have three eyes. Some may have one big eye. Some may end up with a very serious face. Let it happen. Space aliens do not need to follow rules.

Step 5: Add the Alien

Glue the alien under the clear dome.

Place the alien in the center of the top plate so it shows through the opening. You can glue the bottom of the alien to the inside edge of the plate or to a small piece of paper behind the opening.

Then place the clear dome over the alien. Add glue around the edge of the dome and press it gently onto the top paper plate.

Hold it in place for a little while so it sticks. Clear plastic can be stubborn with regular white glue, so give it extra drying time. If you need a stronger hold, a grown-up can help with tape on the inside edge.

Make sure the alien is facing forward before the dome dries. I have definitely glued things down slightly crooked before, and while it still looks cute, it is easier to fix before the glue sets.

Step 6: Glue the Plates

Now glue the two paper plates together to form the UFO.

Place the bottom plate upside down, then place the decorated top plate over it so the edges meet. The plates should create a flying saucer shape with the dome and alien on top.

Add glue around the rim where the two plates touch. Press the edges together gently.

This step may need a bit of patience. Paper plates can lift at the edges while the glue dries. Clothespins or paper clips can help hold the rim together. You can also use small pieces of tape on the inside if you want extra support.

If your child wants to play with the UFO later, make sure the plates are fully dry and secure first.

Step 7: Add the Lights

Now add colorful lights around the UFO rim.

Use colorful paper circles, round stickers, or small pom-poms. Glue them around the edge of the top plate. Red, blue, yellow, and white look bright and playful against the silver paint.

Try spacing the circles evenly around the rim. This is great practice for kids because they have to look, place, adjust, and make choices. But it does not need to be perfect. A lopsided UFO can still fly in pretend space.

For younger kids, round stickers are the easiest option. They can peel and stick without dealing with tiny paper circles and glue.

You can also add star stickers or little paper stars around the UFO if your child wants more decoration.

Step 8: UFO Ready

Once the glue is dry, the paper plate UFO is finished and ready to display.

Kids can hold it carefully for pretend play, place it on a shelf, or add it to a space craft wall. It also looks adorable on a classroom bulletin board with paper stars, planets, and moons around it.

Before playtime, check that the clear dome, alien, and plate edges are secure. If anything feels loose, add a little more glue or tape and give it extra drying time.

This is also a fun moment to let kids name their UFO. Around here, names like “Zoom Saucer,” “Alien Taxi,” and “Snack Ship” would all be completely normal.

Easy Space Craft Tips

• Pre-paint the plates if you are doing this with a group. It keeps the project moving.
• Use aluminum foil instead of paint for a shiny, no-dry version.
• Pre-cut the alien and dome opening for preschoolers.
• Use stickers for the UFO lights if you want less mess.
• Let the dome dry fully before kids pick up the craft.
• Write the child’s name on the bottom plate before display time.
• Use a shallow clear cup for the dome so the UFO does not get too top-heavy.

Fun UFO Craft Variations to Try

You can change this paper plate UFO craft in lots of simple ways.

Make a purple UFO instead of silver. Use glitter paper for the lights. Add three eyes to the alien. Make a whole classroom UFO fleet with each child designing a different alien passenger.

You can also glue the UFO onto black or dark blue paper and create a full outer space scene. Add yellow stars, white moons, colorful planets, and maybe a little shooting star.

For another space activity, this craft pairs nicely with a cardboard tube rocket or a Saturn planet craft. Kids can make a whole outer space collection and proudly display it together.

Skills Kids Practice With This Craft

This easy UFO craft gives kids a lot of practice while still feeling playful.

Kids can work on:

• fine motor skills
• painting control
• cutting practice
• gluing practice
• color recognition
• shape recognition
• hand-eye coordination
• creativity
• pretend storytelling
• following step-by-step directions

I love crafts like this because kids are learning, but it does not feel like a lesson. They are just busy making a flying saucer and deciding what their alien is going to do next.

When to Use This UFO Craft

This UFO craft for kids works well for:

• preschool craft time
• kindergarten classroom activities
• space theme week
• solar system lessons
• alien theme activities
• homeschool art time
• summer camp crafts
• rainy day projects
• outer space birthday party crafts

It is also a good follow-up craft after reading a space book or talking about planets. Kids can make the UFO, then tell a story about where the alien is traveling.

Storage and Display Ideas

After the paper plate UFO craft is finished, you can:

• hang it on a classroom bulletin board
• display it on the fridge
• place it on a shelf
• add it to a space craft wall
• use it for gentle pretend play
• save it in a child’s art collection
• combine several UFOs into one big classroom space scene

If the UFO will be stored, avoid stacking heavy items on top of it. The clear dome can dent or pop off if it gets squished.

Final Thoughts

This space craft DIY paper plate UFO is simple, bright, and so fun for kids who love outer space. It uses easy supplies, turns ordinary paper plates into a flying saucer, and gives kids a cute little alien passenger to tuck inside the dome.

I like that it works for both home and classroom crafting. You can keep it simple with paper and stickers, or make it more 3D with a clear plastic cup dome and colorful lights. Either way, this paper plate UFO craft feels special without needing fancy supplies.

It is a great preschool space craft, a fun kindergarten activity, and a cute project for space theme week, homeschool lessons, or rainy day craft time.

If your kids enjoyed this UFO craft, they may also like this DIY Saturn Planet Craft for another easy outer space activity. For a fun rocket project to pair with it, try this Space Craft DIY Cardboard Tube Rocket.

Frequently Asked Questions