1Make some paper animals.

The paper animals should be able to stand on their own. An easy option would be to make these printable standing paper animals.

If you want a little challenge, create these three-dimensional folding paper zoo animals.

2Prepare a box or tray.

Find a base for your zoo such as a wide box or an old plastic tray. Examples of wide boxes include pizza boxes, large shoe boxes, or laptop boxes. You can glue several boxes together for an extra large zoo.

3Make a layout.

Think of a layout for your zoo. Sketch an outline of your plan on the box.

4Cover the enclosures with clay.

Cover the area inside the enclosures with self-hardening clay or salt dough. Choose the color of the clay or dough depending on the habitat that the animal thrives in—green for a grassy ground, brown for a dry or desert habitat, and white for a snowy cover.

Build a thicker layer of clay or dough at the edges of the enclosure.

5Create a watering hole.

You can make a watering hole with blue clay or salt dough. Use the tip of a spoon to etch some waves on the dough.

6Make a fence.

Create a fence on each enclosure using wooden or plastic ice cream spoons, craft sticks cut in half, drinking straws, or construction paper cut into 1-inch wide strips. Stick the fence pieces around the borders of each enclosure. Push each one deep into the dough.

7Add plants.

Create ferns and shrubs by bunching up several green feathers and planting them into the ground while the clay or dough is still soft.

Check out more ideas for making plants and trees for dioramas and various craft projects.

8Create flowers.

Cut your own paper flower shapes or make them easily with a flower shape craft punch. You can also use flower-shaped beads or foam flowers. Make stems out of green pipe cleaner, florist wire or toothpicks. Plant the stems onto the clay.

9Add rocks.

Use real rocks or pebbles. You can also make rocks out of egg carton tray sections. Cut an egg carton tray into individual sections and paint each section brown or gray.

10Put sand on the paths.

Cover the paths with sand.