How to make a paper kite
Super easy step by step instructions for how to make a paper kite - and bonus instructions for a rainy day kite you can fly in the rain!
When plans are cancelled at the last minute and you're left with disappointed kids then quick and easy paper kites are always the answer!
Even if it’s not particularly windy, there’s loads of fun to be had just running wild with the kite trailing behind you on the end of a string.
How to make a paper kite
We made two kites - a nice breezy spring day kite and a rainy day kite... today we needed the rainy day kite.
Don’t worry if you don’t have cellophane sheets you can make this kite just using an old plastic carrier bag.
Obviously when using plastic bags - don’t leave small children unattended as it can be dangerous.
What you need to make a paper kite
- a bunch of light weight twigs - you can go for a nature walk first and find some great twigs.
- sheet of A4 paper or same size of cellophane/plastic bag
- scissors
- sticky tape
- a ribbon for the tail or some strips of cellophane/plastic for the rainy day kite.
- some scrap paper to cut out bow shapes.
- some string or wool
- wind - optional!
Instructions for how to make a paper kite
- First cut the kite shape - simply fold the paper/plastic in half length ways and then make a fold horizontally around ⅓ from the top of the paper.
- Cut into a diamond shape
- Using sticky tape attach two sticks to the kite shape - one along each fold.
- Next we taped on the ribbon tail and bows/cellophane strips for the rainy day kite.
- Tape the string to the cross over section of the twigs - use loads of tape so it doesn’t come free.
- That’s it! Go run around wild and fly your kite.
You can decorate your kites and put lovely stickers all over them but we didn't have time today - we needed to get outside and run around!
More simple outdoor kids crafts and activities to try...
- Lolly stick butterfly craft - create gorgeous little leaf butterflies with the kids, you can use these butterflies as puppets or to decorate plant pots.
- Bug hunt - grab the super cute bug hunt printable here - a beautiful bug hunt sheet aimed at toddlers with lovely, fun pictures and easy bugs you can spot even in a small garden.
- Make a mud pie target shot - get messy and make pud pies, they're fun and simple and what could be better... than throwing them!
How to make a paper kite
How to make a homemade kite - from paper, sticks and string
Materials
- light weight twigs - just forage some
- sheets of A4 paper or a similar size of acetate or plastic bag
- sticky tape
- ribbon
- scrap paper
- string or wool
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
- First cut the kite shape – simply fold the paper/plastic in half length ways and then make a fold horizontally around ⅓ from the top of the paper.
- Cut into a diamond shape.
- Using sticky tape attach two sticks to the kite shape – one along each fold.
- Next we taped on the ribbon tail and bows/cellophane strips for the rainy day kite.
- Tape the string to the cross over section of the twigs – use loads of tape so it doesn’t come free.
- That's it! Go run around wild and fly your kite.
Save our homemade kite craft to Pinterest for later!
Hey - we hope you enjoy the craft and when you make kites don't forget to tag us your creations on Twitter @daisiesandpieUK or Instagram @daisiesandpie
Head this way for loads more fun kids activities
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More BRILLIANT kids crafts here
Loads more lovely spring activities for kids here
Get lots more summer activities for kids here
Wendy is the creator of Daisies & Pie, a UK food blog sharing easy meals and home lifestyle tips since 2012
