In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully developed the first powered airplane and went on to become extremely successful in the aviation industry. As young children, The Wright brothers began their fascination with airplanes when their father gifted them a new toy helicopter in 1878. The helicopter was made of bamboo, cork, paper, and a rubber band which was used to twirl the blades. Today, kids of all ages continue to enjoy airplane crafts, toys, and games.
The Wright Brothers went down in history as two of the most successful engineers. Did you know that engineering is simply the use of science and math to solve problems? Yes, your children are tiny engineers, and creating fun airplane crafts is one of the best ways to practice this skill.
Airplane Crafts for Kids
Along with teaching them science and math skills, children are also learning art skills and fine motor skills. Of course, these crafts are also a sure fire way for children to have hours of imaginative play. Below, you will find great ideas for easy airplane crafts you can create with your children.
Paper Airplane
Paper airplanes are the most iconic airplane craft a child can take part in. Not only are they incredibly easy once you get the folds correct, but they offer tons of fun for kids of all ages.This paper airplane would be great to use for target practice as the wings are stiff, allowing it to glide at a faster pace.
Source: Fold N’ Fly
Airplane Launcher
This craft offers an extension to the simple paper airplane. Using a file folder and a rubber band, you can launch your airplane and watch it soar a great distance.
Source: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Clothespin Airplanes
This clothespin airplane craft is one of our favorites. For this craft, you will need clothespins, standard popsicle sticks, mini popsicle sticks, buttons, a silver paint pen, paint, and glue.
One of the best parts about this project is that you can make simple adjustments. However you choose to design this craft stick and clothespin plane craft, your children are sure to have loads of fun. Personally, we love the idea of using these for chip clips or for hanging various artwork.
Source: One Little Project
For this craft, you want to use two different sized craft sticks, preferably colorful. You can opt to use white or clear glue to construct the plane, but hot glue offers a better hold. Once the airplane is assembled, allow your child to use markers to create designs.
We like to let our children use their imagination. One thing that is important to remember is that there is no right or wrong when doing any type of art with your child. Allow them the freedom to be creative.
Source: Art Craft and Fun
Giant Paper Airplane
Who wants to make a simple paper airplane, when you can create a giant paper airplane? This craft is one of our favorites as it is a fun twist on a classic project. For this craft, you will need poster board, tape, decorations, a large open space, and of course a stuffed animal to pilot the plane.
You could even take this craft a step further and create a target so that your child can use this giant plane for target practice. Your children are sure to have hours of fun with this massive paper plane.
Source: All for the Boys
Plastic Bottle Airplane
Chances are you have a plastic bottle or two that needs to be recycled, or in this case, upcycled. This plane craft is such an awesome idea that uses everyday objects. You likely have all the supplies on hand, which consists of a plastic bottle, paper, cardstock, scissors, and glue or tape. With this cute craft, you’re going to use the plastic bottle and paper to make the body, while it only takes cardstock to create the wings, tail wing, and engine. When your child is finished playing with these plastic bottle airplanes, they can place it on the shelf to have their very own airplanes for decoration.
Source: Momtastic
Toilet Paper Roll Airplanes
Every household has empty toilet paper rolls that typically go in the trash. This super cute craft offers a free printable template to help you create fun toilet paper roll airplanes. You will also need colored, white, and black paper, pipe cleaners, tape, glue, and scissors to complete this activity. Obviously you want to ensure cleanliness with this craft, so you can opt to buy craft paper rolls at any craft store if you prefer. One thing we particularly like about this craft is that children can work on their fine motor skills as you observe them cutting the shapes from the printable template.
Source: ConservaMom
Printable Airplane Craft
This may be the most simple of all easy airplane crafts. This free printable template allows children to use their own imagination by coloring the plane any colors they want, and using any medium they want, such as crayons, markers, or paint. This is ideal for young children, but could be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Again, children will practice their fine motor skills as they cut the shapes from this template.
Source: Learn Create Love
Cardboard Airport
Creating a cardboard airport may be the ultimate airplane project. The best part is there are no right or wrong ways to do this. You can make it as simple or as complex as you choose. You can begin this project and leave it as is. Or add to it over time. This super fun craft allows your child to take part in imaginative play using any or all of the plane crafts featured in this post, along with any airplane toys they may own. This craft offers the perfect designated area for your child’s planes and a realistic take on airplane play.
Source: One Time Through
Craft Stick Airplane Craft
For this craft, you want to use two different sized craft sticks, preferably colorful. You can opt to use white or clear glue to construct the plane, but hot glue offers a better hold. Once the airplane is assembled, allow your child to use markers to create designs. We like to let our children use their imagination. One thing that is important to remember is that there is no right or wrong when doing any type of art with your child. Allow them the freedom to be creative.
Source: Art Craft and Fun
Preschool Airplane Activities
Airplane Dice Game
This free printable airplane dice game is so much fun. Practice counting as the airplanes race to the finish line. Roll the die. Color a square next to the airplane you rolled. You could also put a block in the square as a way to keep track. Continue rolling and coloring until one plane has all of its squares colored. That plane is the winner.
Download the Airplane Dice Game
Airplane Tracing
Strengthen fine motor skills as your child or student draws an airplane. Trace the dotted lines. Add details or color the airplane when it is drawn. Add clouds or the sun to the background if the artist wants.
Download the Airplane Tracing Worksheet
There are so many fun airplane activities to choose from! Which one will you start with?
