Have you ever wanted a hedgehog as a pet? Now you can print your own hedgie family and play with them in a DIY backyard habitat! Customize the pieces with coloring or simply print and cut, then start setting up a diorama scene.

In some parts of the world, hedgehogs live under hedges, crawling around in gardens and hiding from larger animals. In this set, you’ll find shrubs, a log, a hedgerow, and even a flower pot. Then you can make an extra spot for them to hide by transforming an egg carton!

These animals are the fourth in a series of critter habitat dioramas. You can find the turtle pond set here and more sets are still coming!

Now, let’s head to the backyard to play with some adorable hedgies!

• Printable hedgehog page
• Cardstock
• Coloring Supplies (optional)
• Scissors
• Empty Egg Carton

Step 1
Cut the egg carton in half. If you want to keep the hiding spot bigger, you can skip this step.

Cut an arched opening on the end of the egg carton. If you’re making a larger hiding spot, you can make a few openings like this one.

Step 2
Print the hedgehog PDF on cardstock. You can print the full-color version and it’s ready to go or you can use the black-and-white version and color in the pieces yourself.

Step 3
Cut out all the pieces, leaving the white tabs attached to the bottom. In tight corners, it helps to cut into the angle from both sides so you don’t bend or tear the pieces.

Step 4
Use the blade of the scissors to score the top of the tabs. Running the scissors along the line between the tab and the critters and accessories makes it easier to fold the tabs.

Fold the tabs back so each piece can stand on its own.

Get all the pieces cut and folded, then your new hedgehog friends can start to play!


Small animals like these work hard to stay safe, but one of the biggest ways they protect themselves is by hiding or even rolling themselves into a ball! Sleepy hedgehogs might want to hide away in their new home and the others can take turns watching out for other animals. Use all the pieces to set up a safe space for them!

If you’re using a cardboard egg carton for the hedgehog’s hiding spot, you can make it fancier by painting it with acrylic paints. You could also glue green tissue paper onto it so that it’s more hidden in a backyard.

As you play with these adorable critters, be sure to learn more about them and how to help keep them safe in the world!

Happy crafting!