yacht art for preschoolers

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25 Easy DIY Boat Crafts for Kids: How To Make a Boat

Making boats with your own hands is a fun and creative activity for kids. You can find 25 easy DIY boat crafts for kids in our helpful guide, which will inspire you to make amazing boats with different materials and designs. You can choose from simple boat crafts for preschoolers, like a twig boat or a milk carton boat, or more advanced boat projects for older kids, like a self-propelled boat or an avocado boat. Each boat craft has clear and easy instructions, so you can enjoy the whole process and the final result.

Boat crafts are fun and educational. They teach kids about floating objects, tactile skills, and creativity. Try making a cork sailboat, a balloon-powered sponge boat, or a pool noodle boat race game to enjoy on water.

Some boat crafts are so cool that even adults will love them, like the 3D pirate ship craft that you can make with your family. The best part is that you can use common things like popsicle sticks, paper plates, and recycled materials, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money or waste resources.

Boat crafts are a great way for children to express their creativity, learn new things, and have fun at the same time. You can explore the world of boat crafts that float and see how happy your child will be when their handmade boat sails on water.

You can make paper boat art, paper plate pirate boat crafts that rock, and many more. Let’s start this exciting adventure and learn how to make a boat that will give you hours of fun and creativity. Boat crafts are a treasure chest of imagination waiting for you to open it!

1. How to Make a Twig Boat

Frolicking at the forefront of creativity, this alluring twig boat craft is the perfect nature activity for your kids! Collect twigs on a nature walk and use a glue gun to enable assembly into an imaginative boat shape. Yarn will securely bind the twigs together as you add a paper sail for that flare of finality.

Enjoyment awaits as each boat-building session ignites your kids’ imagination and immerses them in hours of eco-friendly fun! easy peasy

2. DIY Floating Milk Carton Boat

Splash into a creative summer adventure with these milk carton boats! Transform empty milk cartons into glorious sailboats or any imaginative floating craft your child desires. Enjoy all the thrills of crafting and learning about buoyancy on a budget-friendly activity. All that’s needed are some duct tape, washi tape, construction paper for sails, drinking straws, a hole puncher, and scissors – then let the fun begin!

Spark your kid’s curiosity as they put their creativity to work building and sailing their boats. Get ready for some splashy fun this summer with this amazing DIY project! raising whasians

3. Self-Propelled Boat School Project

Enthralling your kids this summer with a self-propelled boat craft is just moments away! Ignite their imaginations by transforming an ordinary margarine tub into a captivating DIY project. Gather the necessary materials, such as a yogurt pot, two craft sticks, super glue/hot glue gun, duct tape, acrylic paint, plus more, and begin your journey of fun steam learning.

For comprehensive instructions, head over to complete project details, where you can also discover the science behind this exciting boat craft – perfect for those sunny days ahead! red ted art

4. Make Your Own Paper Boats

Set sail on a sea of creativity with these fun and easy  boat crafts for preschoolers  that are perfect for little hands. Enthralling and delightful, discover the joy of makingan origami boat with this expeditious yet enjoyable tutorial!

All that’s needed to get started is a single sheet of letter-sized printer paper (8-½ by 11 inches), and you’ll be able to fashion a beautiful paper boat that floats on water. This classic craft project takes only 5 minutes to complete, making it ideal for those just starting in origami.

Follow the provided step-by-step instructions or view the quick video guide to become an expert at fabricating these magical boats within moments! one little project

5. Avocado Boat Craft for Kids

Marvel in the whimsical fun of this avocado boat craft! Enjoy a creative adventure with your little ones as you raid the fridge for avocados and make these adorable boats that float. Perfectly suited to imaginative play with small world figures like playmobil or sylvanians, let them sail around in a wading pool or bath while learning about buoyancy and weight-bearing.

All that’s needed are avocados, popsicle sticks, origami paper, and a low-temperature glue gun – get ready for some outdoor fun that literally tastes like summer! kids craft room

6. DIY Wine Cork Sailboat

Fantastic! Set sail with this fun and creative wine cork sailboat craft for kids. An ideal craft for a breezy spring day, these wine cork sailboats are simple to make with only a few supplies: wine corks, a serrated knife, toothpicks, and scrapbook paper. Spend quality time crafting together, or let the races begin – either way, your children will love playing with their creations!

Don’t let those old wine corks go to waste; launch them into an exciting new adventure and watch as they soar in the sea of possibilities. premed it

7. DIY Balloon Powered Sponge Boat That Floats

Marvelously craft a unique and educational DIY toy with a steam twist by makinga balloon-powered sponge boat! Amaze your kids as the balloon expels air underwater, energetically propelling the boat forward in the water. This enjoyable project requires only a kitchen sponge, a balloon, a small piece of plastic tubing, a protractor, a ruler, scissors, and a pencil. It’s an ideal way to engage young minds while allowing them to improve their measuring skills.

For testing purposes, fill any paddling pool or bathtub with water, and you are ready for some fun learning activity! A perfect activity for a playful yet informative day! the craft train

8. Make a Twig Boat

Craft a simple twig boat with your kids using only natural elements! Explore the outdoors and gather some long pieces of grass or monbretia leaves, some similar-sized sticks, fallen flowers, and a leaf. No glue or string is needed – use these free materials to make an enchanting twig boat for outdoor play and exciting water adventures.

Bring joy to you and your children as you immerse yourselves in nature crafting without spending a penny! family budgeting

9. Easy DIY Mini Sailboat

Build your own vessel with these simple and affordable  DIY boat projects that are perfect for all skill levels. Embark on a DIY nautical adventure with this fun and straightforward paper plate sailboat craft! Gather your materials, including paper plates, craft sticks, toilet paper rolls, paint, glue, scissors, and more. Follow the clear instructions to cut the plate in half before trimming its curved bottom. Assemble into a boat shape, then add vibrant colors using paint.

Make a sail from square or rectangular pieces of paper – remember to decorate it with stickers and buttons for an extra creative touch! With this delightful kids’ craft, set off on imaginative journeys that will make waves! firstpalette

10. Making Small Popsicle Stick Sailboat

Amaze your kids with a nautical adventure of crafting this DIY popsicle stick sailboat! You can construct vibrant sailboats that float in the water with only a few basic supplies like popsicle sticks, wine corks, milk cartons, wooden skewers, and a glue gun. Start by assembling the base by gluing the popsicle sticks together and attaching a vivid sail crafted from paper and skewers.

Securely add wine cork to the rear for stability, and use an empty milk carton or jug to make a hull for extra buoyancy. Give wings to your imagination with this fun-filled kids’ craft activity! creativejewishmom

11. Handmade Paper Plate Boat

Aye-aye, intrepid crafters! Set sail on a voyage of creativity with this easy paper plate boat craft for kids. Crafting this paper plate boat will surely spark delight, perfect for the boat lover in your home or as an exciting classroom activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Begin by drawing a line down the center of the plate and cutting a triangle out of one side to form the sail. Personalize it with your favorite colors, then tear dark blue and white paper into strips to make cheerful ocean waves, which you can glue onto the boat alternately.

This craft is a great way to entertain and educate, perfect for any summer or transportation themed lesson plans! taminglittlemonsters

12. How to Make a Water Bottle Boat

From paper boats to wooden ships, these  boat crafts  are perfect for adding a nautical touch to your space. Marvel at the high-seas adventures your child can have with this fun and educational floating boat craft! Using easily found recycled materials like water bottles, duct tape, and cardboard, you can help your little one make mini boats that float.

Have them start by fashioning a small rectangle from cardboard before covering it in duct tape. Then they’ll need to attach two water bottles side by side on the bottom of the rectangle to form the base of their boat. They’ll then get to cut out a triangle for a fin or sail before testing its buoyancy in a container or bathtub full of water – remember adding some action figures or dolls too! pbs

13. How to Do Juice Box Boat

Set sail on a sea of creativity with these fun and easy  boat crafts for kids  that are sure to spark their imagination. Amazing creative summer fun awaits your kids with this easy juice box boat craft! Perfect for those hazy, hot days when escaping the heat calls for water-filled adventures.

You only need a few simple supplies – such as juice boxes, straws, tape, and paint – to make an adorable boat that will give your children countless outdoor playtime. Your boats will only be complete with their flags; we’ve covered you with free printable flags for every boat!

Whether it’s in the pool or bathtub, get ready to set sail with this crafty and entertaining ocean-themed activity! madewithhappy

14. DIY Popsicle Stick Boat

Embark on a fun-filled watery voyage with this easy and delightful popsicle stick boat craft for kids! Let their creative juices flow by adding a cute peg doll or simple sail to the boat. Hours of entertainment await in bathtubs, pools, creeks, lakes, and even oceans as they craft their unique boats from colored craft sticks, waterproof glue, and other materials. Not only does this activity spark creativity and imagination, but it also offers valuable stem learning opportunities.

Get ready to explore water play like never before with this amazing craft! rhythmsofplay

15. Simple Boat Craft for Preschools

Fabricate a fun and inventive boat craft for your preschooler! You can make an incredible boat with your little one using straightforward materials like a paper towel roll, egg carton, tissue paper, paste, paint, scissors, and tape. Start by painting the egg carton, then add tissue paper to the paper towel roll mast and glue them together to finish off the boat. This craft not just motivates imaginative play yet additionally advances environmental duty. Upgrade the encounter by perusing books!

Make sure to prepare your supplies so you can set sail on this creative adventure with your preschooler! notimeforflashcards

16. How to Make a Paper Boat Art

Enliven your summer vacation with this delightful paper boat craft! The printable template makes crafting a sailboat easy. Perfect for kids of all ages, including preschoolers, they will have loads of fun bringing this 3d effect sailboat to life using blue cardstock, construction paper in white and brown colors, plus a craft stick. Further, enhance the project by folding some ocean waves for an eye-catching ocean-themed summer activity that will captivate young minds.

Gather your supplies – pencils for tracing designs, crayons, and an extra-strength glue stick – and let the creative adventure begin! iheartcraftythings

17. Easy DIY Pool Noodle Boat Racing Game

Unleash your inner artist with these unique and creative  boat arts and crafts  that are perfect for all skill levels.

Willing to boost the fun of your kiddos this summer? Look only as far as office depot for all the supplies to build boats out of pool noodles! With just a few simple materials – pencils, colorful tape, foam board, scissors, and a hot glue gun – you can give your little ones hours of outdoor fun while encouraging their creativity. All that’s left is to fill up a large plastic bin with water and let the boat racing begin!

Stop by office depot today for all your pool noodle boat racing game needs. seevanessacraft

18. How to Make Plastic Cup Pirate Boat

Pretend to set sail this summer with a fun and easy plastic cup pirate boat tutorial! Kids of all ages will adore crafting their boats – perfect for imaginative water play in the backyard. You’ll need some cups, straws, and colorful tape (like washi or duct tape). For an extra pirate look, add fabric & iron-on vinyl decorations. Assembling these vessels is super quick, too – no more waiting around to get sailing!

So grab your supplies and make some magical memories in a water table or any other fun-filled container. raegunramblings

19. DIY Paper Plate and Coffee Filter Boat

Embark on a fun and creative craft adventure with this paper plate & coffee filter boat! Ideal for both kids and moms alike, this craft is an excellent way to share quality time while encouraging creativity. Gather simple materials like small paper plates, paint, coffee filters, tissue paper, cardstock paper, school glue, and popsicle sticks – then your little one’s imagination will take off as they make their own boat.

It’s also perfect for celebrating columbus day with a fun-filled educational experience! gluedtomycraft

20. Paper Plate Boat Craft for Kids

Set sail for a creative journey with this paper plate boat craft – perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners. This easy summer activity combines painting, yarn threading, and free printable templates to make the cutest of sailboats with vibrant-colored sails. Paint two paper plates in shades of blue, cut and thread yarn through punched holes to construct your delightful ‘sail’, and use white, red & yellow cardstock papers as details on the boat.

It’s a fun yarn craft that helps kids develop fine motor skills while building seaworthy vessels. So it’s time to set sail! nontoygifts

21. DIY Boat Toy From Recycled Materials

Encourage creativity and imagination in young children with these fun and educational  boat crafts for toddlers .

Inspire creativity and build lasting memories with your kids by crafting these simple DIY sailboats from repurposed materials. A family outing to the waterside can instantly become an enjoyable adventure with these boats! In a few easy steps, you can customize them to your liking – no candles required! All that’s needed is scissors, tape, glue, twine, an empty juice box, and a drinking straw or stick.

Whether you have children or adults in tow for the day out – this activity guarantees fun for everyone! So don’t wait any longer – set sail on a memorable journey today! applegreencottage

22. Columbus Day Boat Craft for Toddlers

Glorify Columbus day with this effortless and entertaining accordion boat craft! All that’s needed is colorful construction paper, scissors, a marker, and glue. Rip the paper to fashion ethereal yet layered waves, then fold the boats in an accordion style for a 3d outcome. Embellish your creation with fluttering flags, sunshine rays, and “Columbus sailed the ocean blue…” to wrap up this special project. Not only is it enjoyable for kids, but also soothing and tranquilizing for parents. Get creative by crafting with your little ones – you’ll surely have a meaningful Columbus day celebration! allabouthope

23. How to Make Sailboat

Enrapturing your kids this summer with some awesome water play? Learn how to make DIY sailboats using basic materials like styrofoam packaging, self-adhesive color paper, and toothpicks or thin sticks. This easy craft project is perfect for keeping your children busy while they enjoy watching their boats float across the water. All you need are a few simple supplies and a bit of imagination!

Get everything ready quickly, and let them start crafting away — get set for hours of creative fun! applegreencottage

24. Paper Boat Art and Craft

Magnificently embark on a crafty adventure with this 3d simple paper boat craft! Perfect for the classroom, kids of all ages, including preschoolers and kindergartners, will adore makingtheir boats out of white, brown, blue, red, and beige construction paper. All you need are scissors and glue to begin this fun and creative summer craft – allowing imaginations to sail away as delightful paper boats come together.

Personalize each ship before putting together a magnificent display on the wall – get ready for an unforgettable crafting experience! easypeasyandfun

25. Rocking Paper Plate Pirate Boat Craft

Embark on an exciting crafting journey with this remarkable paper plate pirate boat craft. This activity is suitable for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to kindergartners to older children – and will guarantee a captivating experience. All required is a pirate boat template, paper plate, brown paint, and cardstock paper in black, yellow, and white colors. Unleash your creativity as you construct the perfect ship to sail the high seas.

So don your captain’s hat and join at ahoy there, young pirates! nontoygifts

26. 3D Pirate Ship Craft for Adults

Learn  how to make a boat  with these easy-to-follow tutorials and step-by-step instructions that will have you sailing in no time. Ahoy mateys! Get ready for an exhilarating crafting voyage with this fun and enthralling DIY 3d pirate ship craft!

Learn to make a boat with easy tutorials and step-by-step instructions. Sail away in no time! Ahoy mateys! Embark on an exciting crafting voyage with this fun and enthralling DIY 3D pirate ship craft!

So don’t delay – get set sail for some oceanic fun with this fabulous pirate craft today! bigfamilyblessings

Conclusion:

Boats are fascinating to children, and with these 25 easy DIY boat crafts for kids, they can create their own fleet of boats to sail the high seas (or the bathtub). From cork sailboats to juice box speedboats, there’s something for everyone in this collection of boat crafts. So why not gather your materials and set sail on a fun and creative adventure today?

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25 Crafts & Activities For Boat-Loving Kids

January 11, 2023 //  by  Rebecca Przy

Some children will come up with almost any excuse to play in, or near, water. By engaging them in a host of unique boat crafts and STEM activities, you give them an opportunity to do so, as well as develop their fine motor skills along the way! Indulge your little ones in a few of our favorite crafts and activities; perfectly suited to any boat-loving, water-mad child! 

1. Nature Boats

Nature is full of great crafting material; children just have to look for it! It doesn’t take long to stumble through your local park and find assorted materials that can be used to build a nature boat. These nature boats were made of big leaves, sticks, and seed pods, and then pieced together using hot glue.

Learn More: Mother Natured

2. Easter Egg Boat

These colorful plastic eggs can be used in many awesome boat crafts. You only need plastic eggs, foam sheets, drinking straws, and hot glue to bring them to life and float the day away. 

Learn More: Happy Toddler Playtime

3. Water Bottle Boat

This fun craft is easy enough for your kids to make on their own. All they need are water bottles, cardboard, and pieces of duct tape to make a funky floating contraption. Feel free to add a toy sailor to steer the ship once it’s constructed!

Learn More: PBS

4. Juice Box Boat

Don’t throw away those empty juice boxes! You can turn these recyclables into reusable boats. You can make the sail mast using colorful straws and paper and then let your kids paint their boats to make them even fancier.

Learn More: Made With Happy

5. Sardine Can Boat

I love that many of these crafts can be made out of recycled materials. This one is made using a sardine can, wine cork, tape, and some other household materials. Taping a heavy nail to the bottom can help keep the boat upright and afloat.

Learn More: Artists Helping Children

6. Boat in a Nutshell 

Check out these adorable walnut boats! You can make these using half of a shell and filling it with clay or any other moldable material. Stick a toothpick with a paper flag into the boat and place it into a body of water to float about. 

Learn More: Crafts Ü Print

7. Sponge Bath Boat Toy

This isn’t your ordinary kitchen sponge boat. Using different colored sponges you can make this deluxe sponge boat with a googly-eyed crew. Consider using leftover sponges as icebergs in your tub of water.

Learn More: Handmade Charlotte

8. Sponge Pirate Ship

You can make a specialized pirate ship out of sponges for a fun bathtime toy. This tutorial walks you through just how to do this; from cutting up the sponges to putting it all together using a BBQ skewer. 

Learn More: Pirate Pete

9. Clothespin Pirate Ship

This sweet pirate ship craft is cute and simple to make. However, they won’t be the best option if you want a pirate boat that will actually float. You can make these using clothespins, craft sticks, cardstock, and a skull paper punch. 

Learn More: Crafting A Fun Life

10. Craft Stick Peg Doll Boat

Here’s a creative popsicle stick and foam fusion boat that your kids could have fun personalizing. They can glue the foam blocks and popsicle sticks together, and then paint the peg doll as their favorite character. 

Learn More: Rhythms of Play

11. Layered Popsicle Stick Boat 

This isn’t just an ordinary popsicle stick boat! Your kids stack popsicle sticks in a diamond shape to make a canoe-style boat. They can use any extra popsicle sticks as oars.

Learn More: Crafty Sticks

12. Simple Preschool Boat Craft

Here’s a nice and easy boat craft for your preschoolers to enjoy. It requires only a handful of simple supplies; an egg carton, a paper towel roll, tissue paper, glue, and tape. You can let your kids paint and decorate their boats as they, please!

Learn More: No Time For Flash Cards

13. Easy Paper Boat Craft

Boat crafts that you can float in the water are great, but classic paper boat crafts that can be used as décor, are just as lovely! All you need is some paper, popsicle sticks, and crayons to get started!

Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things

14. Footprint Boat

Here’s a fun and creative idea! Your kids can dip their feet in paint and stomp their colorful footprints all over a piece of cardstock. Attach a craft stick mast and cut-up grocery bag for the sail and voilà- you will have a one-of-a-kind boat.

Learn More: Craftulate

15. Boat Collage

Pick up a few sailing magazines at your local used bookshop. Browsing these magazines can be an exciting experience for your kids to discover all the different boats in the real world. They can cut and glue their favorites onto a tissue paper sea.

16. Cardboard Oil Powered Sailboat Craft

This simple sailboat is made of cardboard, paper, and tape. The cool STEM component is how you get the boat to move. By dropping oil into the notch, the oil and water will repel each other and cause the boat to move.

17. Baking Soda Powered Boat

Here’s another science-powered boat project for your learners to try out. Add vinegar and baking soda to a bottle with a straw poking out the end to make this soda bottle boat. Once the ingredients mix, learners will enjoy marveling at an exciting chemical reaction that causes the boat to move!

Learn More: Science Sparks

18. Wind-Powered Boat Eggsperiment

Tape a blown-up balloon to a plastic egg to try this experiment. When your kid releases the balloon, the air will shoot out and the boat will move.

Learn More: Theresa A

19. Elastic Band Paddle Boat

This advanced boat craft is a good choice for your middle school students. Building it requires cutting up craft sticks, drilling small holes, and using lots of hot glue. The cool part about this boat is winding up the rubber band to make the boat propel itself. 

Learn More: DaveHax

20. DIY Boat From Popsicle Sticks

Some of your older kids may be looking for a bigger building challenge. This advanced popsicle stick boat could be just that! They can try to create their own complex and unique popsicle stick boat. 

Learn More: AM Channel Rp

21. Tin Foil Boat Science Experiment

Boats can be great for teaching buoyancy; the tendency of an object to float in water. Your kids can use the video instructions to fold together a tin foil boat. Then, they can test how many pennies it will take to sink the ship.

Learn More: KSU iTeach

22. Simple Boat Science Experiment

Buoyancy can be tested on different types of boats. Your learners can design their own boat or follow this simple popsicle stick craft in the web link below. How many rocks will it take to sink this boat?

Learn More: East Coast Mommy

23. Duct Tape Boat Races

Duct tape comes in so many exciting patterns. It can be awesome for making colorful boat crafts. Your kids can follow the folding instructions to make these duct tape-covered paper boats. When complete, they can use straws to race their boats across a body of water.

Learn More: Mess For Less

24. Read “Busy Boats”

Here’s an awesome preschool boat book that can be used to teach students all about real-life boats. It talks about sailboats, rowboats, motorboats, and more! 

Learn More: Amazon

25. Boating

Nothing beats taking a trip on a real boat! With so many options for boat trips, perhaps you could take your kids to the lake and paddle around on a row boat.

Learn More: Get My Boat

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Published: Aug 23, 2022 by Birute Efe · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

40 Boat Crafts Kids Will Love To Do (Many upcycled crafts)

There are few things kids enjoy doing more than playing in the water, and boats take the fun up a notch. Whether building a boat that floats for the backyard kiddie pool or making one out of paper, boats are a fun part of every kid's summer play.

This summer, we have a great list of boat crafts for you to make with your children! These 40 boat crafts kids will love to do are simple and inexpensive, requiring only materials found around the house!

Kids will have a lot of fun building DIY boats and then seeing if they can keep them afloat on water.

Note: Add a little string to your boats so you can easily retrieve them without harming local wildlife, or avoid having sobbing children who want their boat back!

40 Fun Boat Craft Ideas For Kids

Make a boat from duct tape & sponges, origami paper boat, wax boat craft, pool noodle boats, shampoo bottle sailboat, diy cork sailboats, diy tug boat.

• Let's Build a Pirate Ship

Milk Carton Boat Craft

Walnut boat craft, popsicle stick boat crafts, tin pan boat crafts, mayflower ship, diy basket boat, egg carton boat, cereal box boat, soda bottle boats, bottle lid boats, easter egg boats, twig bundle raft, viking longboat, soap bar boats, balloon boat, happy sailing, me hearties.

Time for our favorite Summer boat crafts your kids will love to create and play with! Children can design their boats, make them, and then watch how well they float!

Kids are always looking for excuses to play in the water. These DIY sponge boats will keep your children entertained for hours. Kids will enjoy racing their boats and try tirelessly to sink them in the water. Making the boat is super easy! You will only need three things-- paper or duct tape for the sail, a kitchen sponge for the boat's base, and a skewer or a straw for the sail mast.

Cut the top two corners of the sponge. Push the skewer in the middle to make the sail mast. Make the sail from paper or duct tape. This boat is perfect for bathtime or outdoor play. Head over to The Craft Train to learn more about how to make these fun little sponge boats and many more summer crafts for kids!

Most paper boats are easy peasy and so much fun to make. You can create one with your toddlers during summer break and watch their eyes light up with joy! This boat craft only requires paper and paper folding skills!

Artsy Craftsy Mom has some great instructions on making paper origami boats and many other fun crafts for kids.

My kids love making wax boat craft . They are so much fun and easy to make! The best thing is they always float on water and never sink. You will need cheese wax, a toothpick, and paper to make the sails.

Sculpt your boat with the cheese wax. You can make little round boats. Stick the toothpick and make a sail out of paper. Your boat is ready to go on long adventurous voyages! Use your imagination and decorate your boat. This is a fun boat craft for younger and older kids.

This is a great boat crafts for kids. You can create your Pool Noodle boats with simple supplies you can easily get at the dollar store. You will need pool noodles, colorful straws, and foam sheets. Follow the fun instructions on making pool noodle boats by Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.

Using a knife, cut the pool noodle into small round shapes. Insert the straw on the side of the pool noodle and make the sails out of foam sheets. Your super cool pool noodle boat is ready to float.

Note: Parents can help their little ones by cutting the pool noodle with a knife.

Bring out your creative spirit with these fun kids crafts. Make your own sailboat with a shampoo bottle. All you need is a bottle of shampoo, a straw, a stirrer, a piece of paper, elastic bands, and a wine cork or a piece of the pool noodle (to stick the stirrer in to use as a mast).

Make a hole in the wine cork, stick the stirrer in the middle, and use paper as a mast for the sailboat. Pink Stripey Socks has some great instructions on how to build a shampoo DIYtle sailboat , and you will also find other DIY boat ideas.

Cork sailboats are easy to make and float well on water. This kid-friendly craft is an ideal summer activity. These are the cutest and easiest boats you will ever make! You will find all the different materials you need around the house. You will need some corks, an elastic band, skewers, and paper.

Combine the corks with the elastic band and make a hole in the middle. Stick the skewer and make a pretty sail for your boat.

Go to Happy Hooligans to find out how to make a cork sailboat and other cool summer activities! Make as many as you want. Kids can share it with their best friend. These are great non toy gifts!

This boat craft is great for kids of all ages! Your kids will love building a boat that floats and moves. Make this simple self-propelled tug boat craft with materials around the house. You will need an empty butter box, popsicle sticks, a yoghurt container, and paint.

Place popsicle sticks around the sides of the butter box. Put the yoghurt container on top and tape it down. Paint your boat. Make a paddle out of a piece of plastic. Make slits in the paddle and inset the piece of plastic through them. Wind up your boat, and it's ready to float away!

Cardboard canoes are great entertainment for kids. Children can use the DIY canoes for a sailing role-playing game with friends and siblings. Kids can also load the canoes with their toys during pretend play and fly the canoe around the house.

Simply cut out a cardboard boat and use hot glue to stick the sides of the boat to the bottom piece and ends. Make oars of the boat out of toothpicks and paint your boat. You can add some extra decorations if you like. You can even put action figures inside the boat. Kids can race the boat around the house and have fun!

Let's Build a Pirate Ship

Ahoy, my maties! This is a fun-filled craft for all pirates fans. Sail away with this exciting pirate ship craft this summer. Kids will love making this exciting boat craft. You will need cardboard, masking tape, and a stick to make the ship's mast.

You can download a free pirate ship template from Red Ted Art here and start making your pirate ship today! Enjoy the day pretending to be pirates and explore the seven seas!

This is a fun summer activity for kids of all ages. Kids can engage in imaginative play with this easy-to-make DIY milk carton boat craft . It's cheap to make, and you can easily find what you need at home. Have your child engage in some exciting science facts about buoyancy while they make the boat.

Cut one side of the milk carton and paint it. Use a skewer for the sail mast and a cloth or paper to make the sail. Kids can even use their toy as a pretend sailor while putting it in a pond or a bathtub to make it float.

If you live near an area where walnuts grow, you're lucky! We have the perfect walnut boat craft for you. You can use this natural crafting material to create cute walnut boats with your friends. They are simple to make and will almost always float on water.

The fun thing is you can make two boats from one walnut! Divide a walnut into two and fill both with hot glue. Place a pipe cleaner in each to create a sail mast. Stick googly eyes to the sail and draw a smiley face with a marker. It's as simple as that! Your cute little walnut boat is ready!

Stay cool this summer with this fun popsicle stick boat craft. As a kid, I remember making these boats with rainbow-colored popsicle sticks. I now continue the same tradition with my children-- they really enjoy making popsicle stick boats.

Layer the popsicle sticks and glue them together. Stack popsicle sticks around the boat and use one as a sail mast. Throw your popsicle stick boats on a water table and have a boat race with all your friends!

Create a boat you will love floating in the river. This is a really easy boat craft that even toddlers can make without help from their parents. Don't worry about the mess kids will make. There won't be any!

Kids will only need a tin pan. I gave my kids one of my leftover baking tin pans, which was lying around the house. Kids will also need play dough and an ice cream stick for the sail mast.

Put glue inside the tin pan and stick a ball of playdough in it. Put your sail mast inside the play dough, and you are ready to take your tin pan boat out on a sailing trip!

How about a history lesson while you make these fun boat crafts for kids? Make a Mayflower ship , an English ship that brought the first pilgrims to America. Make an exciting little ship from paper plates, wooden dowels, and other materials.

Cut the paper plate in half, join it together, and use wooden dowels as sail mast and paper to make the sail of your Mayflower ship . This is a fun craft to make, and you can hang it in your kid's room.

Note: Parents can help their kids with the scissors to cut the paper plates.

This DIY basket boat is a classic for kids! They can create their basket boat all on their own with their endless imagination. My kids usually take turns sitting inside the boat and giving a push to each other as they sail away on an unknown adventure! Better yet, if you have two or more laundry baskets, kids can have an exciting boat race!

All you need is a small laundry basket and a brown paper bag to make the sail mast. Use party streamers to decorate your boat. Kids love playing with this real-life boat. All the kids can take turns giving each other boat rides.

This is a great idea for kids o,f all ages. Egg carton boats are easy to make, and you will only need a few things you can easily find in the kitchen. Take an egg carton and cut it in half. Insert one or two straws to make the sail mast, and you are done. Paint and decorate your boat.

The fantastic thing is they float effortlessly on the water.

Have a box of Cheerios lying around the house? We have a great boat craft idea and activities for kids that they can make from cereal boxes!

Cut out a rectangular shape from the cereal box and glue it together. Insert a skewer in the center and use newspaper to make the boat sail.

Kids will have a blast playing with their cereal box boats !

Create your soda bottle boat and show it to all your friends. I'm sure they will love it and want one too! Simply cut the bottom part of the bottle, cover it in beautiful wrapping paper, and use a straw or skewer for the sail mast and paper to make the sail.

Kids can make more than one soda bottle boat and race them against each other.

This is another great and simple summer crafts idea for kids. All you need is a bottle lid, playdough, and straw. Put some playdough into the lid and insert a straw. Use a colored sheet to make your sail.

Children will love making these cute little bottle lid boats .

This boat is a fun Easter activity for kids. Grab some plastic eggs, straws, play dough, and colored paper stock. Fill the eggs with play dough and insert the straw in the middle. Make a pretty sail out of bright-colored paper stock.

Kids can sail their easter egg boats on a pond or a tub of water.

Return to nature with these super simple twig bundle raft boat activities for kids. Plan a fun family day at the local park collecting sticks to make your boat. Once the sticks are collected, cut them to the same size, hem them together, and tie them up.

Make your sail out of a leaf and float it on water.

Kids can create their apple boats in seconds! It's super cool and easy to make. Just cut an apple in half, stick a skewer or ice cream stick into it and make a sail. Your apple boat is ready to float on water.

Note: Use clean water to float your apple boats so kids can have a delicious snack later!

Make a fun Viking dragon ship for kids to pretend play. To create your longboat, you will need rectangle and dragon-shaped cardboard cutouts. Glue them all together and make cardboard oars and seats. Decorate your Viking longboat and use it for role-playing with your friends.

Here's a cool idea, make dragon flames out of crepe paper and glue them to the dragon's mouth! Kids can also use their Viking toys as part of pretend play.

Soap bar boats are a great idea for a summer activity for kids. Children can make these easy boats by taking a soap bar, carving it into a boat shape, and inserting a small toothpick in the middle to make the sail mast.

Once your boat is ready, float it in a pond or pool. Head over to Teaching Mama to find out more about how to make awesome soap bar boats !

You can do much more with a balloon than just tying a string around it. To create your balloon boat, you will need a plastic container, balloon, straw, and rubber band. Punch a hole on one side of the plastic container, blow up your balloon and tie it to the straw. Insert the straw in the hole, and your boat is ready to float on water!

Read more about the balloon boat and how to make it on Life with Moore Babies.

Build boats and have fun with these boat craft activities for kids! Your child will have a great time creating and learning more about boats and how they float on water. Boat crafts are fun summer activities the whole family can enjoy!

Reader Interactions

Alyssa fowler says

August 25, 2022 at 4:33 am

Wowww i loved reading this the instructions were so simple. I tried many of these with my kids. Would live to read more posts like this one!!! It was fun and simple!!!! 🤗

Claudette says

October 09, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Great pictures and beautiful, fun projects to do. Thank you.

Csaba Nilgesz says

October 18, 2023 at 12:20 pm

Glad you like it Claudette!

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The Craft Train

Crafty ideas for kids and parents

Boat crafts and activities

July 15, 2023 By Kate Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no cost to you.

Kids are going to love this collection of boat crafts and activities ! There are STEM crafts, boats that GO, paper boat crafts, boats made from recyclables and nautical-themed art projects.  

Whether you’re looking for a preschool boat craft or are crafting with tweens and teens, there’s something for everyone here.

You might also like these  Summer crafts and activities

There’s nothing like a homemade boat to add fun to backyard water play. Kids love getting their hands and feet wet and DIY boats are a classic summer activity that everyone—adults included—can enjoy.

So, grab your imaginary sailor hat along with a hot glue gun, skewers, paper and recyclables and let’s dive into 20 DIY boat ideas that are sure to make a splash!

20 boat crafts and activities for kids

Boats made from recycled materials.

Got recycled materials on hand? Turn them into a boat. Plastic bottles, egg cartons, margarine containers and plastic trays all make a great boat base. And don’t forget about cardboard.

• A recycled cardboard box can become a Noah’s Ark for the stuffed animals to sail. Preschoolers will love this idea for imaginary play.
• These margarine tub paddle steamers by Red Ted Art are so cute. Wind them up and watch them go!
• Make a cardboard boat with a snazzy sail and mast, by Barley and Birch. This makes a great Summer decoration.

STEM boats that move and float

Combine the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math with boat crafts that teach kids about buoyancy, propulsion, and design. Watch their eyes light up as they engineer boats that can move and float.

• Get out the hot glue gun to make straw boats that go with the power of wind.
• This simple DIY paddle boat is a great way to show propulsion in the water, by Little Bins for Little Hands
• Supply basic materials like foil and popsicle sticks and get kids to design their own boats with this Loveboat Engineering Challenge by The Preschool Toolbox
• Use a balloon to propel your boar through the water like we’ve done with our balloon-powered sponge boat
• Here’s another paddle boat design that works using elastic band power and a recycled plastic tray—genius! By Science Sparks

DIY Toy Boats

You guys know I love nothing more than DIY toy crafts—a fun activity that leads to hours of play afterwards. These DIY toy boats are no exception.

• Sponge boats with a waterproof duct tape sail are fun for water play. Perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners
• How easy do these soap boats look? Love the LEGO man sailor! By Fireflies and Mudpies
• Nature is the key material used in these Rad Rafts from sticks. The leaf sail makes the perfect finishing touch. by Kidminds
• Love this super cute and easy pirate boat made from wine corks, by Red Ted Art
• You can’t go past twigs as a raft-building material! These twig boats with a paper sail are by Easy Peasy & Fun

Paper boat craft ideas

Almost everyone has paper at home! Here are some boats that use paper as the key material.

• Create a paper mosaic sunset boat scene using our printable template. 
• This Margarine tub boat has been decorated with paper to make a cute summer decoration, by Crafts By Amanda
• Kids are going to love making a paper boat that rocks like this one from Artsy Craftsy Mom
• This freestanding paper boat is by Kids Love Craft
• Here are some classic origami boats to add a splash of colour to your day, by Easy Peasy & Fun

Arty boat ideas

Here are some nautical ideas for getting arty! 

• Love the handprint sails on this Mayflower boat craft , by Simple Everyday Mom
• Make a paper plate boat craft that rocks and have your little artist decorate it, like this one from J Daniel 4’s Mom
• These clay sailboats are super cute and give kids plenty of creative licence 
• Use geometric shapes to make a boat . This fun idea is by Mama Smiles
• Learn how to create a silhouette boat scene with this art tutorial by Arty Crafty Kids

I hope you’re feeling inspired to get boat-building! Which idea are you going to try first?

You might also like

• Here are over 50 DIY toys for kids
• Celebrate summer by making one of these Ocean Craft ideas
• Learn about snakes and lizards with these 20 Reptile Crafts
• Keep kids entertained outside with these Outdoor Crafts and Activities

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I’m basically a big kid who never grew up and still loves to muck around with paint, glitter, glue and toilet rolls. With the crafts shared here on this website I’m hoping to give other parents and carers inspiration to get crafty with their kids at home – make our projects, or use them as a source of inspiration to spark ideas of your own. When it comes to crafting no rules apply!

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

10 Fun and Easy Boat Preschool Crafts

Boats are vessels used on water. There are many different types, and these can be made from various materials. Children will love making these crafts to enrich their knowledge of the different modes of transportation. 

Let children explore the different ways of making a boat that can be used as toys or for experiments.

1. Sponge Boat Craft

These sponge boats are easy to make, reusable, and can last a long time. Children will enjoy making them, especially the colorful sails. This will help improve their fine motor skills and provide a fantastic sensory activity when playing with it. 

Make this craft more challenging for older children by turning it into a STEM challenge. Have children find out how much weight it can carry before sinking. Use small toys for this. They can also race with their boats. 

To make the boat, use a marker and ruler to draw an inverted V on the sponge. Cut this out using scissors. Next, use the craft knife to cut a slit in the middle of the sponge.

Make the sail by laying the different duct tapes alternately and overlapping. Cut the edges and make slits in the bottom and top. Insert the craft stick. Finally, insert this into the sponge. 

For this activity, you will need: 

• Kitchen sponge
• Craft sticks
• Craft knife 
• Duct tape in different colors 

For more information on this activity, go to TheCraftTrain.com .

2. Halves Boat Shapes Craft

This boat craft is wonderful to help children with shape recognition skills. It is also a great introduction to symmetry and the concept of one-half. Their fine motor skills will improve as they cut, color, and paste the boat pieces. 

Download and print the shape template from the site. Have children color the shapes and cut these out. Ask the children to name the different shapes needed to make the boat. 

Next, have them fold the shape in the middle. Use the dotted line as the guide. Inform children that the names of the shapes are half-circle and half-triangle. Glue the shapes together. 

Another option is to cut the shapes on the dotted line to form two sets of boats to teach fractions. 

Assemble the pieces and glue them on construction paper. The site suggests making a water scene by adding cotton balls to resemble clouds and scrunched-up blue tissue paper for the water. 

• Printed shape template 
• Construction paper 
• Crayons or markers 

For more information on this activity, go to DTLK-Kids.com .

3. Popsicle Sticks Boat

A perfect craft for the summer season, this colorful sailboat can help children improve their color recognition skills and learn about the colors of the rainbow. 

The site suggests using this craft to go with the book “Maisy’s Sailboat” by Lucy Cousins . It is about a mouse named Maisy going on a boat adventure with her friends. 

Start by laying the colored craft sticks. Follow the order of rainbow colors if desired. Next, cut two plain-colored craft sticks and use the hot glue gun to attach three of these to the back of the colored craft sticks to make the base. 

Reinforce the base by attaching two craft sticks lengthwise. Next, make the sail by cutting a right triangle from scrapbook paper. Use a hole puncher to make two holes on the bottom and top of the triangle. 

Next, insert the drinking straw and secure it using the hot glue gun. 

• Craft sticks 
• Hot glue gun
• Scrap book paper 
• Drinking straws
• Hole puncher 

For more information on this activity, go to TheInspirationEdit.com .

4. Twig Boat Craft

Collecting the twigs for this boat craft is a perfect activity during nature walks. Doing this provides a wonderful sensory experience for children. Tying the twigs one at a time will help improve children’s eye-hand coordination and control. 

Begin with choosing the right kind of twigs for this craft. Choose straight, not rotting, and unbroken twigs to make a sturdy boat. Cut the twigs in uniform sizes. 

Tie yarn on the end part of the first twig. Wrap it around and add a second twig. Wrap the yarn on both and add the third twig. Repeat this process until the desired width of the boat is achieved. Do the same steps on the other side to complete. 

Add twigs under the boat. Refer to the picture on the site for this step. Next, use a hot glue gun to attach a twig in the middle and add the cutout paper sail. 

For this activity, you will need the following: 

• Hot glue gun 

For more information on this activity, go to EasyPeasyAndFun.com . 

5. Juice Box Boat

Here’s a simple boat craft that requires minimal assistance from adults. It teaches children about recycling and can be used for STEM activities. Introduce children to the concept of buoyancy through a science lesson. 

Start by using an empty box of juice. If desired, clean the empty box before using it. Add sticky tape on the hole where the straw used to be to prevent the water from getting inside.  

Next, have the children cut out a triangle for the sail from colored cardstock. Bend the straw and use the sticky tape to attach the triangle. Refer to the picture on the site for this step. 

Lay the box down and poke a hole in the middle. Insert the sail. Fill a tub with water to sail the boats. 

Extend the activity by using a timer to race their boats. Modify the sail’s shape to find out whether it affects the boat’s speed. 

• Small juice box with straw 
• Sticky tape 

For more information on this activity, go to HandsOnAsWeGrow.com .

6. Rocking Paper Boat

This rocking paper boat craft uses different types of paper. The corrugated paper has a texture that provides a wonderful sensory experience for children. Use this boat craft to teach children shapes and color recognition skills. 

Start with tracing a circle on colored craft paper using a small bowl. Cut this out and fold it in the middle. Cut out other shapes, such as a strip of yellow, two small circles, and a red rectangle. Use corrugated paper to cut out the funnels. 

Assemble the pieces. Take the red rectangle and fold it in half. Stick this on the folded part of the circle. Add the yellow strip and the small circles. Stick the funnels on the folded part of the circle. Add a cutout anchor if desired. 

Use markers to add designs and details to the boat. Make the boat stand and tip to make it rock back and forth. 

• Craft paper 
• Corrugated paper 
• Chalk marker 

For more information on this activity, go to ArtsyCraftsyMom.com . 

7. Margarine Tub Tug  Boat

Here’s another boat craft that you can add to your recycling activities . This tugboat, in action, can move on its own through a propeller. Painting and assembling the craft will help improve their fine motor skills. 

Older children can use this craft for a STEM activity by finding out how far the tugboat can go or how long it can last before the propeller stops moving. 

Start by using clean and dry margarine and yogurt containers. Use duct tape to attach the craft sticks on the sides of the container. Add the lid and flip the yogurt container on the lid. Use the glue gun for it to adhere. 

Let the children paint the tugboat. Allow the paint to dry, and add washi tape for decoration. Cut out a square shape from the extra plastic lid to make the propeller. Cut two slits on it so it can be inserted. 

Tie a rubber band on the craft sticks and insert the propeller. Refer to the pictures on the site for this step.

• Rectangular container of margarine 
• Empty cup of yogurt 
• Acrylic paint 
• Paintbrush 
• Plastic lid for the propeller
• Rubber band 

For more information on this activity, go to RedTedArt.com .

8. Paper Plate Sailboat

These cute and colorful sailboats are perfect for young children to make. Teach children the essential parts of the sailboat: the mast, sail, and hull. Discuss precautions when riding a watercraft with a lesson on safety. 

Children will improve their fine motor skills when they make this boat craft. These can be used as place markers or to hold candies and other small objects. 

To make the sailboat, cut the paper plate in half and stack them together. Trim off the edge. Refer to the picture on the site for this step and the exact measurement. Next, position them to make a pocket and attach using a stapler. Paint the boat. 

Cut out a triangle from cardstock or decorative paper. Attach this on the craft stick. Make a small slit in the toilet paper roll using the craft knife. Insert the sail in it and place it inside the paper plate boat. 

• Paper plate 
• Craft stick 
• Toilet paper roll
• Paint brush 
• Embellishments 

For more information on this activity, go to FirstPalette.com .

9. Paper Plate Love Boat Craft

This paper plate love boat is an excellent craft for Valentine’s Day. It can be used to help children with shape recognition skills. Assembling this craft will help improve their fine motor skills. 

With the different kinds of hearts, children may learn to compare them based on color, texture, and size. Doing this will help improve children’s oral language skills and help them think critically. Let them also practice counting the hearts and windows. 

Start by cutting the paper plate in half and painting it with the preferred color. Make three circle cutouts from white cardstock. Add a cross in the middle to make the boat’s windows using a marker. Glue this on the paper plate once the paint dries. 

Use brown cardstock for the boat’s mast. Attach the heart doily on the mast to make a heart-shaped sail using a stapler. Add the heart sticker and other available embellishments, such as glitters or sequins for decorations. 

• Mini paper plate 
• Small heart paper doilies 
• Large heart stickers 

For more information on this activity, go to GluedToMyCraftsBlog.com . 

10. Mayflower Craft

This watercraft is perfect for Thanksgiving Day and for teaching history and geography. For older children, use a map with this craft to help track its course. 

Introduce children to the concept of texture in painting. The site recommends using a paper towel, but other objects can be used as well to create a different texture. 

Cut the paper plate in half to make the Mayflower, then trim off the sides. Refer to the picture on the site for this step. Next, have the children paint the paper plate brown. 

Cut the remaining half of the paper plate into three pieces to make the sails. Use a craft knife to cut slits on the sails’ top and bottom. 

Carefully insert the drinking straws in the sails and glue these to the back of the paper plate. Add colors on blue construction paper to resemble the waves in the ocean and glue the Mayflower on it. 

• Paper plates 
• Paper towels
• Cotton balls 

For more information on this activity, go to KidsActivitiesBlog.com . 

Conclusion 

Children will have a blast making these boat crafts to display and test different hypotheses. These crafts are easily modifiable based on the children’s skills and are engaging. Allow children to explore the fun of traveling on water. 

Thank you for reading. Come back and check out our other craft articles soon.

You might also like:

• Ocean Crafts for Preschool
• Preschool Transportation Worksheets
• Bus Crafts for Preschoolers
• Fire Truck Crafts for Preschool

Home » Preschool » Preschool Arts and Crafts » 10 Fun and Easy Boat Preschool Crafts

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10 DELIGHTFUL AND EASY BOAT CRAFTS

By: Author Agnes Hsu

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2018

Categories Create , Latest

What is it about boats and kids? My kids are fascinated by them each time we’re near the ocean or lake. Maybe they can sense the excitement of sailing away and going on a big adventure. Or are mesmerized by the pretty sails and bobbing of the water below. Boats and ships are as fun to make on land as they are to watch on water. Take a look at these delightful boat crafts you can make with the kids. From creative sails using recycled materials to the cutest miniature walnut boats, or rustic driftwood versions – there’s a boat here to suit your little captain at sea.

Balloon Sponge Boat (via The Craft Train ) Let kids blow into a balloon to power their own fun sponge boat to make their own bath toy.

Fairy Boats (via Little Monster ) Scavenge some twigs and leaves and make sweet little boats fit for any fairy.

Driftwood Boats (via Alisa Burke ) These rustic boats have a natural feel to them from the driftwood and the pretty watercolor sails double as a fun art project.

Ice Cube Boats (via She Knows ) Cool off with these easy ice cube boats – a great outdoor summer craft.

Cork Boats (via Kate’s Creative Space ) Save your corks and make these bright and fun miniature boats. I love the vibrant paper sails on these.

Recycled Boat (via Mollymoo ) If you have kids, chances are you’ve got plenty of empty milk cartons to play with. Transform them into fun recycled boats to inspire stories of the sea.

Walnut Shell Boats (via Twodaloo ) Get the little ones excited about coloring in the sails for these adorable little walnut boats.

Paper Boats (via Craft and Creativity ) These paper boats can be made with different colored patterned papers. Fill them up with treats or string them together to make a cute garland or mobile.

Egg Carton Boat ( via Life At The Zoo ) Here’s another fun and easy recycled boat that uses egg cartons. So cute and creative!

Bottle Boat With a Motor (via hello, Wonderful ) Recycle water bottles and turn them into cool motorized sailboats! A great bath time toy as well.

Check out tons more creative crafts and projects for kids .

Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.

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20 Fun & Creative Boat Crafts for Kids | DIY Nautical Projects

I have fond memories of making boats as a child.  I remember designing them, creating them and testing them out on the boating lake near where we lived.  I want to my children to have fond memories too with these fun and creative boat crafts for kids.

Boat Crafts for Kids

I don’t know about your children buy my boys have always been obsessed with water and things that float and boats are no exceptions.  We have spent many an hour making our own boats and one of our favourite crafts and activities were our surfboards and windsurf boards for LEGO mini figures .

What kid doesn’t love designing, creating and trying to float a boat a that they’ve made from scratch?  It’s just one of those classic summer activities that every child has to try!  We have a great selection of 20 fun and creative boat crafts for kids to make with things that you have around the home!  Your kids will love building these boats, and then the best part – seeing if they float.

Just a heads up, if you are planning to use your boats on open water make sure you attach a line to them, so you can pull them back!

20 Fun & Creative Boat Crafts for Kids

• Twig Boat Craft from easypeasyandfun.com
• Easy (Pirate) Cork Boats from redtedart.com
• Avocado Boat Craft from kidscraftroom.com
• Margarine Tub Tug Boat Craft from redtedart.com
• Craft: Pool Noodle Boat Racing Game from seevanessacraft.com
• Boat Craft For Kids To Make From Juice Boxes That Really Floats from handsonaswegrow.com
• Paper Crafts: Make A Boat from kidsactivitiesblog.com
• DIY Seashell Boats from thecraftingchicks.com
• Color Your Summer Blue from mesewcrazy.com
• Pool Noodle Crafts: Sail Boat from growingupgabel.com
• Summer Day Camp: Juice Box Boats from thejoysofboys.com
• Thanksgiving Boat Craft from we-made-that.com
• Floating Soap Boats: Easy Summer Fun from firefliesandmudpies.com
• Cereal Box Mayflower from craftsbyamanda.com
• Easy Plastic Cup Pirate Boat Tutorial from raegunramblings.com
• DIY Soda Bottle Boat: Perfect Activity For Kids Outdoor Parties from musthavemom.com
• DIY Juice Box Boats from notquitesusie.com
• Pool Noodle Boats from ourfamilyofseven.com
• Walnut Boat Ornaments from wendolonia.com
• DIY Toy Boat from pinkwhen.com

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Easy Paper Plate Boat Craft for Kids

Categories Arts and Crafts , Summer

Do you have a boat lover at home? This Paper Plate Boat is a great craft for kids of all ages. Use it as part of a Summer or Transportation themed lesson plan in your toddler or preschool classroom.

Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times.

The Summer break can be tough on parents who aren’t used to having their kids home every day. If you’re trying to get ready for this Summer, then start with these  Summer activities for kids . Or invest in the  Summer Activity Pack , which is filled with educational ideas for young kids.

Table of Contents

• What you’ll need

Instructions

• More Summer arts and crafts to try

Materials Needed

• Small paper plate
• Blue construction paper, both light and dark blue
• Jumbo popsicle sticks

How to Make a Paper Plate Boat Craft

1. draw a line down the center of the paper plate..

Half of your paper plate will be the hull of the boat and the other half will be turned into the boats sail.

2. On one side of the plate draw a triangle

I made two sides of the triangle curved. I did this so that it looks like the wind is making the sail billow out. However, if you’re doing this simple craft with young children, like preschoolers or kindergarteners, then just let them make a simple triangle in whichever way works best for them.

3. Cut along the lines.

Use a pair of scissors to cut out the sail and the hull. Cutting is a great way to help young kids develop their fine motor skills (the small muscles in their hands and fingers).

4. Paint the boat.

I kept this step simple. But this is a great way to let your kids create without constraint. Let them pick their favorite colors and make patterns across the hull of their ships.

5. Tear your dark blue and white paper into strips.

I like to tear the paper strips because I like the way they mimic the waves. However you can also cut out the waves instead, if you want to work on fine motor skills with some scissor practice.

6. Glue down the paper strips in alternate colors, but set aside the last piece of blue paper.

Although I used white and blue strips for the waves. I did this because those were the colors I already had. Try using different shades of blue, or even a little bit of green for a different effect.

Alternatively, you can also experiment with different materials. For example, try using strips of newspaper, paper towels or strips from a tissue paper square instead. Scrunched up blue tissue paper would also add a nice textural element to your ocean.

7. Glue down the semi-circle with the flat side facing upwards.

8. Glue down the last strip of blue paper, overlapping with the bottom of the boat.

If you don’t want to do steps 6 and 7 in this order, you don’t have to. You can always glue the paper plate hull down last and then paint waves over the bottom with blue paint instead.

9. Glue the jumbo craft stick down the center of the page.

Make sure that one end of the wooden sticks is underneath the inside of the paper plate halves. This will act as the mast for your paper plate ships.

10. Glue the sail to the top of the popsicle stick.

I only made one sail for our boats. However, you can also use the same process make two or three smaller sails instead. Just like a schooner which has both back and front sails.

11. As an extra step, use a sharpie to draw on your boat.

Let your kids decorate their sailboat craft however they like. My little girl decided to draw her family inside, while my son had a great time when he turned his picture into a pirate ship.

You can also add a school of rainbow fish in the deep sea or seagulls flying through the sky. If you have fish stickers on hand, this would be a wonderful way to add some extra detail to your paper boat.

Summer Activity Pack

Educational printables for preschoolers and kindergarteners for this Summer.

Are you going to make this Paper Plate Boat Craft with your kids? Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.

More Summer Crafts for Kids

Do you love easy crafts? There are so many great ideas to try this Summer. Here are some of my most popular crafts to make with both younger and older kids during the school break.

• Paper Plate Turtle Craft
• Paper Plate Starfish Craft
• Paper Plate Fish Craft
• Rocking Paper Plate Crabs
• Summer Paper Plate Masks

For more easy craft ideas, visit 40 Paper Plate Crafts for Summer

Summer Crafts for Kids

Paper Plate Summer Crafts for Kids

Paper Plate Boat Craft

Learn how to make a boat craft out of paper plates. This is an easy craft for kids to try this Summer.

Make the Boat

• Draw a line down the center of the paper plate.
• One one side of the plate, draw a triangle.
• Cut along the lines.
• Paint the semi-circle in any color you like.

Make the Background

• Tear dark blue and white paper into strips.
• Glue the strips along the bottom third of the light-blue background paper. (Save the last strip till step 4)

Put them together

• Glue the semi-circle to the background
• Now glue the last strip so that it overlaps with the bottom of the boats hull.
• Glue the jumbo craft stick to the middle of the page.
• Glue the sail to the top of the popsicle stick.
• As an extra step, use a permanent marker to draw people of your ship or birds in the sky.

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Summer Activities for Kids

Arts and Crafts for Kids

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• ELEMENTARY AND BEYOND
• FAMILY – ALL AGES
• KINDERGARTEN

18 Boat Crafts for Kids to Make

Row, row, row your boat, and see if you can make it float with these boat crafts for kids.

What child doesn’t love designing, decorating and trying to float a boat a that they’ve made from scratch? It’s just one of those classic summer activities that every kid has to try!

I’ve rounded up a collection of 18 boat crafts for kids to make this summer!  They’re easy and inexpensive, using materials you have around the home!

Your kids will love building these boats, and then the best part – seeing if they can set them afloat in a sink, pool or pond!

16 Ways To Craft A Boat

How to make a boat.

Duct tape and sponge boats – the kids will love floating these around the bathtub!

How To Make A Paper Boat That Floats

Float a  juice-box boat around the kiddy pool!  What a fun, little upcycling project!

Craft Boats

You won’t believe what these sweet little wax boats are made from!

How To Make A Paper Boat

Send the owl and the pussy cat off to sea in this cute, little pea green boat.

How To Make A Boat Out Of Paper

A childhood just isn’t complete without making a simple but  classic paper boat craft.

These  sparkly cork boats  are so easy to make, and they look so pretty!

Boat Crafts For Kids

A simple sailboat is fun to decorate, and makes good use of your recyclables.

Mayflower Craft

These mini-Mayflowers are the perfect for floating around in the water-table.

Make a self-propelled tug boat with a plastic container and a few simple supplies.

Older kids will love making and decorating these tiny cardboard canoes.

DIY Pirate Ship

Arrrr, Matey!  A sponge pirate ship makes bath-time fun.

Milk Carton Boat

Milk or juice carton boats are perfect for small stuffies to sail away in!

Walnut Boat

These adorable walnut boats would be fun for racing down a stream.

How To Make A Boat Out Of Popsicle Sticks

Personalize a simple paper row-boat complete with oars and all.

Homemade Boat

Make a tin-pan sailboat and watch it float down a tin-foil river!

How To Make A Cardboard Boat

This cardboard sailboat can be made in miniature or large enough for a little one to play in.

Basket Boat

A laundry basket sailboat provides endless pretend-play opportunities.

Pilgrim Boat

A paper plate ship can be easily decorated to suit any nautical theme.

Love These Boat Crafts? We Have Other Fun Summer Activities To Try!

Making paper boats are fun, but we also have other summer activities for kids!

Stay cool with these fizzing ice science experiments.

Looking for simple things to do in the summer? We got you covered!

We have 25 summer activities for preschoolers!

Wondering what to do when your kids are bored this summer? You’ll want to check out Camp Mom!

We have over 50 fun camp inspired activities for kids.

Sharks are a fun summer animal! We always think about them when we are out in the ocean and shark week! So enjoy these shark crafts for preschool kids.

You’ll love these cool crafts! They all involve ice!

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Easy Boat Crafts For Kids To Make

Boat crafts are great for many different reasons. You can use them to teach about sinking and floating, to teach the letter B, and to work on following directions.

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Easy Boat Crafts

Whether you are looking for something educational, a way to build fine motor skills, or just a fun craft to do, these boat crafts are fun and easy for kids of all ages.

Preschool Boat Craft

The Inspiration Edit

The cool thing about this boat craft is that kids can actually watch it float. Be sure to use cold water as warm water will make the glue melt.

Twig Boat Craft s

Easy Peasy And Fun

Nothing beats a real homemade boat. But, if you can’t go full-scale, you can start out small scale with this twig boat craft.

Pool Noodle Boats

Our Family Of Seven

Pool noodles float which means these pool noodle boats are perfect to make for pool time fun. So make these boats and watch them float.

Kids Craft Milk Carton Boat

Raising Whasians

This is an old school milk carton boat. I remember making these back when I was a kid. The best thing is that they really float.

Egg Carton Boat

from Wu Jur

If you use a cardboard egg carton, keep in mind it won’t be able to float. If you want to be able to use it in the water, consider the styrofoam cartons.

Easy Pirate Cork Boat Craft

Red Ted Art

There is never a need to feel any kind of way about drinking wine. This is because you can use those wine corks to create a fun boat craft with your kiddos.

Juice Box Boats

The Joy Of Boys

Kids love juice boxes, but instead of throwing them in the trash, you can recycle them into boats. You won’t want to put these bad boys in the water, though.

Milk Carton Boat Craft s

Fun Crafts Kids

Here is another milk carton boat craft idea. I love how kids can add little sailors to their boats.

Handmade Boats

Using real wooden sticks to create this boat is a great way to teach real life survival skills. It may not be exactly what you would do in real life, but it can give kids an idea.

Margarine Tub Tug Boat

Not ever sure what to do with those margarine tubs? Other than turn them into Tupperware bowls, you can make them into boats that actually float.

Popsicle Stick Boat

Crafty Sticks

Popsicle sticks are literally my go to for any craft. You can pretty much make anything out of them including this super cute boat.

Easy Origami Boats

One Little Project

Origami projects are great at helping kids learn to follow directions and build their fine motor skills. Just don’t put them in water.

Paper Plate Boat Craft s

Arty Crafty Kids

A paper plate can make some fabulous ocean waves. This is a craft you can do after a story or with the song, “ A Sailor Went to Sea .” This interactive sailboat can actually move to the tune of the song.

Avocado Boat Craft

Kids Craft Room

Who knew the shell of an avocado could make such a super cute boat? It can even sail in the water.

Egg Carton Boat Crafts

Gingerbread House

Here is another egg carton boat. This would be a great one to do with the cardboard egg carton and then do the other one with the styrofoam carton. Then, you could do a sink or float challenge.

Paper Submarine

Crafty Morning

Get out those toilet paper rolls for this cute little submarine. Obviously this one will sink, so it’s just for decorations.

Cork Sailboat

Premeditated Left Overs

Cork floats so this would be another fun boat to make and play in the water with. Kids love making things they can put in water.

Balloon Powered Sponge Boat

The Craft Train

This is not only a boat, but a really cool science experiment. Get this boat going with balloon power! Kids will love this. Try different types of balloons to see which one works the best.

Easy Twig Boat

Family Budgeting

I don’t know about you, but kids always want to bring you weeds and twigs as gifts. Now you can have them make a fun little boat they can sail with their gifts.

These boat crafts are super great ideas to use as a sink or float lesson. You could make a couple different boats from this list and then have kids guess which ones will sink or float. Then, test them out.

Busy now? Why not pin this fantastic resource for later? Pinning supports my blog and allows me to create more content to help little ones learn. I’m truly grateful for any social shares.

About Angela Milnes

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The best paper flower crafts for kids, indigenous people craft: native americans, easy thanksgiving crafts for kids, thanksgiving native american girl craft, a is for apple craft for kids, homemade rocket craft for kids, one comment.

👍 👍👍! Ideas I found about different kinds of boats for my toddlers group. Thanks 🙏

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Kids Art & Craft

15+ easy boat craft ideas for kids.

DIY and Crafts

Find fun and simple boat craft projects your kids can make using materials around the house like cardboard, popsicle sticks, and plastic bottles.

Keeping kids busy on rainy spring days is no easy task! Boats and ships are as fun to make on land as they are to watch on the water. Take a look at these delightful boat crafts you can make with the kids. From creative sails using recycled materials to the cutest miniature walnut boats, or rustic driftwood versions – there’s a boat here to suit your little captain at sea. Try these cute rainy-day craft ideas to keep kids happy when they can’t go outside.

Lovely and Easy Boat Crafts for Kids

Handmade Rubber Band Bottle Boat craft Using Popsicle Sticks

Image Source/Tutorial: Kids Art & Craft

This project is a fun and creative way to make a rubber band bottle boat using popsicle sticks. Perfect for a DIY project, it is a great way to spark the imagination and keep kids entertained. It is simple to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Image Source/Tutorial: Redtedart

Image Source/Tutorial: The Craft Train

Balloon Sponge Boat:  Let kids blow into a balloon to power their own fun sponge boat to make their own bath toy.

Image Source/Tutorial: Papier Mache Boats

Stunning Papier Mache Boats

Image Source/Tutorial: Kate’s Creative Space

Cork Boats: Save your corks and make these bright and fun miniature boats. I love the vibrant paper sails on these.

Image Source/Tutorial: hello, Wonderful

Bottle Boat With a Motor: Recycle water bottles and turn them into cool motorized sailboats! A great bath time toy as well.

Image Source/Tutorial: Alisa Burke

Driftwood Boats: These rustic boats have a natural feel to them from the driftwood and the pretty watercolor sails double as a fun art project.

Image Source/Tutorial:

A while back we also made Egg Carton boats – and used the kids artwork to decorate the flags.

Image Source/Tutorial: Mollymoo

Recycled Boat: If you have kids, chances are you’ve got plenty of empty milk cartons to play with. Transform them into fun recycled boats to inspire stories of the sea.

Image Source/Tutorial: Twodaloo

Walnut Shell Boats: Get the little ones excited about coloring in the sails for these adorable little walnut boats.

Made some rafts using Craft Sticks . They look fabulous.

Image Source/Tutorial: She Knows

Ice Cube Boats: Cool off with these easy ice cube boats – a great outdoor summer craft.

Image Source/Tutorial: Craft and Creativity

Paper Boats: These paper boats can be made with different colored patterned papers. Fill them up with treats or string them together to make a cute garland or mobile.

Image Source/Tutorial: Little Monster

Fairy Boats: Scavenge some twigs and leaves and make sweet little boats fit for any fairy.

Walnut boat craft Ideas

Image Source/Tutorial: Redted art

This collection of easy boat crafts for kids provides plenty of fun ways for your kids to explore the wonders of the sea through craft activities.

This is a great way to provide your children with a fun and educational experience that they can enjoy with friends and family. With these easy boat crafts for kids, you can help them explore the sea, create unique projects and make memories that will last a lifetime. Hope you like these Boats Craft for kids to make.

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Read More: 

• 21 Pony Bead Craft And Projects For Kids
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• 23 Kids Loving Airplane Crafts
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• Creative DIY Sandbox Activities for Kids
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• Best Indoor Craft Activities for kids

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Preschool Boat Craft Using Popsicle Sticks

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Preschool aged kids are my favorite kids to work with. They are so curious, get excited about little things, and still have a joy of learning.

What I love about this preschool boat craft is you can use it to go along with stories like Maisy’s Sailboat or teach kids the letters of the alphabet using this b is for boat craft. There are so many directions you could take it. 

Not only is this a great educational tool that incorporates learning and engineering, but kids love watching their little sail boats float on top of the water. It’s an accomplishment they can hold with them all their life. 

And, it is super easy to make! Check it out, below!

Summer Crafts for Preschoolers

We all know preschoolers can’t stay busy for long. If they don’t have something to do, they are dumping the trash into the toilet, putting toothpaste in their hair, or just plain driving you insane.

If you like this boat craft for preschoolers, check out some of our other summer crafts to keep your preschooler busy:

• Preschool Paper Weave Ocean Sea Turtle Craft
• Beaver Skunk and Owl Craft
• DIY Rabbit, Bear and Hedgehog Craft
• Dog Crafts Kids will Love to Make
• Paper Plate Unicorn Craft

Supplies Needed for This Preschool Boat Craft

• Rainbow Boat Craft
• Rainbow craft sticks
• Plain craft sticks
• Hot glue gun
• Scrap book paper
• Paper straws

RELATED POST: DRAGONFLY CRAFT USING POPSICLE STICKS

How to Make a Boat Craft for Kids

Lay a row of colored craft sticks side by side to make a rainbow.

Cut two plain craft sticks in half and glue three of the halves to the back of the rainbow boat base.

Add another two craft sticks to the back of the boat going lengthwise.

Cut a triangle out of scrapbook paper and punch a hole in the top and bottom.

Cut a paper straw in half and slide the paper triangle onto the straw.

Place a mound of hot glue on the top of the boat and stick the straw into the center of the mound. Hold the straw in place until the glue dries.

Your boat craft is now ready to enjoy!

Tip: Use cold water when playing with the boats. Hot water will melt the glue, causing the boat to fall apart.

This is a tutorial on how to make a boat craft using popsicle sticks.

Instructions

MORE CRAFTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

20+ SAILBOAT CRAFTS FOR SUMMER

OCEAN THEMED ELMER’S SLIME RECIPE

DIY MARKERS FOR GROWING VEGETABLES

Angela Milnes is a  Qualified Early Years Teacher  who has specialised in Preschool and Kindergarten teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and is passionate about kids crafts and having fun as a family. Angela has also taught cooking skills and loves to share both family recipes and easy crafts here on The Inspiration Edit. Follow her on  Pinterest !

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Attachment Mummy

Search this blog, 16 super fun and easy boat crafts for kids to make.

• Butterfly Crafts for Kids
• Rainbow Crafts and Activities for Kids
• Paper Plate Craft Ideas
• Best Beach and Ocean Themed Crafts for Kids
• Shark Crafts for Kids

Boat Craft for Kids

Set sail on a sea of creativity with our fantastic Boat Craft for Kids ! Whether you’re exploring the world of transportation, sailing through the letter ‘Bb’ in your preschool lessons, or simply looking for a fun and engaging activity, this craft is perfect for you.

But here’s the best part: we’ve made it even easier for you with a free printable template. No guesswork, no fuss – just pure crafting fun.

This hands-on project not only helps children get creative but also enhances their fine motor skills and letter recognition.

So, gather your little sailors and embark on this crafting journey that’s sure to make learning more enjoyable and meaningful.

Let’s dive in and start crafting some nautical adventures together!

Is this craft suitable for my child’s age and skill level?

Absolutely! This boat craft is designed to be adaptable for a range of ages and skill levels. With the help of our free printable template, even younger children can participate by coloring and decorating their boats.

Older or more skilled children can get creative with their designs and even try building their boats from scratch.

However, as always, adult supervision is recommended during crafting, especially when using scissors or other crafting tools.

By assisting your child based on their individual abilities, you can ensure they enjoy the process while also learning and developing new skills.

Ahoy, young explorers! Prepare to navigate the thrilling waters of creativity and learning with our exciting Boat Craft for Kids.

This hands-on project is not only a great way to channel your child’s artistic abilities but also serves as a fantastic educational tool.

Whether you’re teaching about transportation, exploring the letter ‘Bb’, or simply looking for a fun-filled activity, this craft is the perfect companion.

So grab your crafting supplies and let’s set sail on this creative journey together!

Materials Needed

• construction paper

What You’ll Do

First, print out the template, and cut out the pieces of the template in your desired colors.

Take pieces numbered 1 and 2. Glue the number 1 piece on the bottom of piece number 2 and allow the glue to dry.

Now, take piece number 3, and glue it on the top of piece number 2 – slightly overlapping them. Leave the glue to dry.

Take piece number 4, and glue it on the top of piece number 3. Now, the boat’s body is complete.

Glue piece number 5 on the top. This is the chimney for the paper boat.

Last but not least, glue the windows on the ship. Take pieces numbered 6-9 and glue them on the boat horizontally on a straight line.

Finish off the boat by drawing some details using colorful markers.

You can now glue the entire ship to a paper ocean background made either with blue construction paper or with ocean-themed scrapbook paper.

PRESCHOOL BOOKS ABOUT BOATS

Dive into learning with preschool books about boats.

Ready to embark on a literary voyage? Our curated list of preschool books about boats is here to enhance your child’s learning journey!

These captivating tales and informative reads will not only spark their imagination but also deepen their understanding of boats and transportation.

Perfectly paired with our Boat Craft activity, these books offer an immersive educational experience that makes learning fun and engaging.

So, let’s set sail through the pages and explore the fascinating world of boats together!

Boat Book – Rowboats, canoes, sailboats, speedboats, cruise ships, submarines, tugboats, and more! Boats come in all sizes and we use them in different ways: for recreation, for transportation, and even for police work and fighting fires. 

Richard Scarry’s Boats – Hit the high seas with this board book featuring Richard Scarry’s fast and fun boats! From motorboats and sailboats, to submarines and kayaks, little sailors will be eager to cruise through these adventurous pages!

Boats – Using simple text and illustrations, these colorful boats of all shapes and sizes float through the waters of this delightful introduction to boats for young children.

RESOURCES I LOVE

Kids will enjoy making origami paper boats with this activity book for kids.

These no-mess cork boats are loads of fun for kids and super easy on parents.

Gather the little ones around the table for some fun with the Don’t Rock the Boat Game . Take turns trying to keep your pirate penguins and friends on the ship. 

This  boat craft for kids  is perfect for summer crafting sessions. Add it to your ocean lessons or your Letter Bb activities.

Instructions

First, print out the template (scroll to the bottom of the post to download it), and cut out the pieces of the template in your desired colors.

Now, take piece number 3, and glue it on the top of piece number 2 – slightly overlapping them. Leave the glue to dry.

Take piece number 4, and glue it on the top of piece number 3. Now, the boat’s body is complete.

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.

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Easy Cork Boat Craft for Kids

Here is a super cute and quick little craft for you  – cork and rubber band boats. Love super easy boat crafts for kids .

These are ridiculously easy and quick to do and yet are so cute and fun AND really float well. Learn how to make easy cork boats !

Once you start making these easy cork boats, you will soon find yourself with a whole regatta of them!!!! We started off making colourful sails and then moved on to some of these pirate cork boat beauties. Really, keep it simple or make add some detail! It is up to you!

(PS if you are after some more cork crafts, check out these cute Cork Mini Beasts  over on my friend’s blog! As well as our many cork crafts here on Red Ted Art)

Watch the video how to, to see how VERY QUICK it is to make these:

Step by step cork boat making instructions, to make cork boats you will need:.

• 3 corks per boat – this gives it the perfect stability
• 2 elastic bands (we collected them off the road as the postman always drops them)
• a toothpick
• some paper or craft foam
• string (optional)

To Make Cork Boats:

1) Place your elastic around the three corks – try and get 3 corks that are roughly the same width.

2) Decide on what sort of sails you want. You can keep them plain or add piratey details. Here we made some pirate ship sales – by using black paper and some white paint. Using craft foam would be great as it would add a little bit more water proofness. Though these boats float so well, the sails shouldn’t get wet.

3) Pierce your sail with the toothpick and add a wimple if you wish.

4) Poke your toothpick onto your cork boat base and you are done and ready to sail!

Add a little string to your cork boat if you wish to take it to the local pond or river.

More fabulous BOAT DIYs for Summer here:

Fancy more Cork Crafts ? Take a peak at these:

Floating Popsicle Stick Boat Craft for Kids

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Simple crafts for kids are the perfect way to keep your kids occupied this summer. And crafts that they can play with when they’re finished making them are even better! That’s why you’ll love this adorable floating popsicle stick boat craft for kids. It’s easy to put together and perfect for fun water play, too!

This posts contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase something from my link (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support!

In addition to being super simple to make, I’m sure you also have all the supplies you need to put it together lying around the house. To make your own floating popsicle stick boat, you’ll need popsicle sticks ( I love these rainbow ones ), paper straws, scrapbook paper, and a hot glue gun .

Make Your Popsicle Stick Boat

Start by putting the base of your boat together by lining up six popsicle sticks in a row. We created a rainbow pattern with our boat, but you can make your boat any way you want! Whether you want to create a pattern with your colors or design your own boat using markers and plain popsicle sticks — the design of you boat is completely up to you!

So, when you have decided on your pattern, you can start putting the boat together. Since this craft uses hot glue, I suggest that an adult handles the gluing. But your kids can have fun creating the boat’s design and making the sail that goes on top!

After your kids have designed the pattern of their boat, it’s time to create some braces to hold the popsicle sticks together. Start by cutting two popsicle sticks in half. Glue three of those pieces along the top, center, and bottom of the boat base.

Make sure your popsicle stick boat is sturdy by adding one more row of support on the bottom. Glue two full-sized popsicle sticks to the bottom of the boat on top of the three halves you just added.

Now, it’s time to make the sale for your popsicle stick boat. Start by cutting a paper straw in half. Then, cut out a triangle shape from a piece of scrapbook paper. Punch holes in the top and bottom corner of the triangle using a hole punch.

Slide the straw through each hole to create a fun paper sale for your popsicle stick boat. This is another great opportunity to customize your boat! Your kids can even draw their own sail, making it a truly personal craft for kids!

To secure the sail to the popsicle stick boat, create a mound of hot glue in the spot where you want your sail to go. Then, press the bottom of the paper straw into the glue and hold it in place while the glue sets. If your sail is wobbly, simply add more glue to the sides until it feels secure.

Play With Your Popsicle Stick Boat

See how simple that was? But making the craft is only half the fun! After you’re sure all the glue is dry, fill a dish or cake pan with a little bit of water to play with your popsicle stick boat. Just be sure to use cold water for play — hot water will melt the glue, making your boat fall apart!

Popsicle Stick Boat Craft

This adorable floating popsicle stick boat craft for kids is a fun afternoon project for kids of any age.

• Rainbow craft sticks
• Plain craft sticks
• Scrap book paper
• Paper straws
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

• Lay a row of colored craft sticks side by side to make a rainbow.
• Cut two plain craft sticks in half and glue three of the halves to the back of the rainbow boat base.
• Add another two craft sticks to the back of the boat going lengthwise.
• Cut a triangle out of scrapbook paper and punch a hole in the top and bottom.
• Cut a paper straw in half and slide the paper triangle onto the straw.
• Place a mound of hot glue on the top of the boat and stick the straw into the center of the mound. Hold the straw in place until the glue dries.

Tip: Use cold water when playing with the boats. Hot water will melt the glue, causing the boat to fall apart.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

If you like this post, you’ll probably like these:

Emily is a midwestern mom of two boys. She loves all things DIY — from home renovations to kids birthday party planning. Whether she’s making a new farmhouse craft for her home or helping her kids with a cool activity, you can bet she’s in the middle of some kind of DIY project (or three) right now!

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15 comments.

My kids would love this! It would make a great activity in their little pool.

I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to enjoy these activities! Looks like such fun!

This is such an adorable project! So colorful, too! I’m going to share it with my sister for my niece to work on — she will LOVE it!

This is a great idea! I’ve got several who would love to make this!

Always looking for fun things to do with my kids. This looks fun and easy!

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Looks pretty easy. Thanks!!

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Boat Themed Week Featuring Sail Away for Preschoolers

Published: Mar 12 · This post may contain affiliate links

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This week's theme for your Virtual Book Club for Kids is Boats.

We have picked to feature Sail Away by Donald Crews as the book and have put together a week of fun simple, low prep, easy activities for you .

These boat themed activities cover sensory play, learning and creating whilst your preschooler has fun!

So here you go our Week Plan for Boats featuring the book Sail Away by Donald Crews .

Find Your Activity Plan Here

Sail Away by Donald Crews Virtual Book Club for Kids Featured Book

We have included links to the books on Amazon. As an associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Our featured book for Boat Week is Sail Away by Donald Crews .

In this picture book, a family heads out in their sailboat for a day. It's calm and bright but before long there are waves and the weather has changed all before they sail home.

With simple text and illustrations, it is fun to read together.

You can find more boat themed books after the activity plan below.

Weekly Virtual Book Club Plans

Get ideas for activities, crafts and recipes based on popular themes and featured books straight to your inbox each week to inspire you to connect and create with your children

Boat Activity Plan for Preschoolers

We have selected for you 5 simple activities on the theme of boats.

These include a sensory play idea that can be used throughout the week, activities focusing on letters and maths. A simple snack to make and enjoy with an art or craft to finish it off.

How you structure the week is a personal preference. But, here's what has worked for us at the Virtual Book Club for Kids.

A Week of Sail Away and Boat Themed Activities for Preschoolers

Have fun this week with a planned week of simple boat themed activities featuring the book Sail Away by Donald Crews for your preschooler.

Jar Lid Boats Water Play

Set up this simple water and homemade boat sensory play for the week and watch your preschoolers sail away in this tub.

Pool Noodle Alphabet Boat Matching Game

A fun and simple boat themed alphabet upper and lower case matching game for preschoolers.

Sailboat Potato Stamping Craft for Kids

Work on shapes for the math activity this week with some shape potato printing boats for your preschoolers to create.

Simple Kids Snack Ideas: Crunchy Apple Boats

Simple apple boat snack to make with your preschooler this week.

Create a Boat Making Station for Kids

Set up a creative station for your preschoolers and let them create their own boats and test them to see if they will float or sink.

More Boat Activities on our Pinterest Board

Looking for more ideas for boat themed fun this week then check out our Pinterest board with ideas for boat themed fun for your preschooler.

Click below to head to the board and follow our account.

Boat Books for Preschoolers

We have picked 3 other boat themed books for you and your preschooler to read together.

• The Little Sailboat by Lois Lenski
• Boat Book by Gail Gibbons
• Busy Boats by Tony Mitton

Next Week on The Virtual Book Club for Kids

Next week's theme for the Virtual Book Club for Kids is Airplanes and the featured book Maisy Goes on a Plane by Lucy Cousins .

More Transportation Themed Activity Plans for Preschoolers

• Train activity plan for preschoolers.
• Freight Train by Donald Crews themed plan for preschoolers .
• Polar Express and Train themed Activity plan for preschoolers .

How John Legend and Sufjan Stevens found the ‘emotional wisdom’ in children’s music

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Two decades after the release of his debut album, John Legend was at a point where children’s music was probably inevitable.

The smooth-voiced EGOT winner had already moved beyond his trademark R&B to make a Christmas record and compose his first musical; he’d already put in several seasons as a coach on “The Voice” and taken a gig portraying the son of God in a live TV adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Also: He and his wife, the model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, have four kids under the age of 9.

“This literally started,” he says with a laugh, “with me playing one of the songs from my daughter’s Fisher-Price play mat.”

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If it’s easy to see how the convergence of Legend’s life and career led to the new “My Favorite Dream” — particularly given how large his family looms in Teigen’s business as a lifestyle maven with 42 million Instagram followers — few would have predicted that he’d record the LP with Sufjan Stevens, the elusive indie-folk auteur known for his delicate singing and his elaborate concept albums about U.S. states.

“That’s what everyone keeps saying,” Legend, 45, acknowledges. “But I’ve been a fan of his for 20 years.”

The result of their unlikely partnership, due Friday, is a lush yet gentle collection of songs rich with choral backing vocals and quirky chamber-orchestra textures. The songs are roughly divided into two groups: uptempo party tunes and get-ready-for-bed lullabies; in addition to Legend’s originals, the album has covers of “You Are My Sunshine” and Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”

As unexpected as it was, Legend’s recruitment of Stevens was actually the latest in a series of interesting choices by an artist who got his start in the late ’90s and early 2000s playing on records by Lauryn Hill and Kanye West and who scored his first No. 1 pop hit in 2014 with a stripped-down piano ballad, “All of Me,” at a moment when those were scarce on the charts. Since then he’s collaborated with producers Blake Mills and Raphael Saadiq on albums that brought varied framings to his polished croon.

Says Stevens: “He’s a shape-shifter. I could feel the curiosity behind what he does.”

For Legend, each new project represents “a discovery process,” he says, seated on a sofa at a West Hollywood home he and Teigen use as a creative headquarters. Upstairs is Legend’s recording studio; downstairs, an expansive kitchen where his wife develops recipes. Standing right inside the front door is one of those arcade games where you use a motorized claw to try to grab a plush toy.

“It’s not always clear what the outcome is gonna be,” Legend adds of his approach. “I just want to feel pushed in different ways.”

“My Favorite Dream” grew out of a video Teigen shared online in which Legend sings “Maybe” — a cheerful Fisher-Price ditty about a purple monkey in a bubblegum tree — for his 1-year-old, Esti.

“People were like, ‘John, why don’t you do more of these?’” he recalls. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, why don’t I?’” Legend says he thinks of himself as a songwriter “at least as much” as he thinks of himself as a performer, so he started writing tunes of his own based on “all the things we’re always talking about with the kids”: love, family, animals, nature. (The new album, he points out, is the first he’s made without a single co-writer.)

Once he got going, Legend sought out Stevens, whose music he’d discovered when he was on a judging panel that awarded an industry prize to Stevens’ sprawling 2005 “ Illinois ” LP. In a sense the men’s careers have mirrored each other over the subsequent years: In 2006, Stevens released a beloved Christmas album, and he was nominated for an Oscar in 2018 for original song with the ghostly “Mystery of Love,” from Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me By Your Name”; this past spring, a musical based on “Illinois” even opened on Broadway.

“To me, Sufjan’s music is relaxing and stimulating at the same time,” says Legend, whose real last name, as it happens, is Stephens. “And I wanted this to feel dreamy and whimsical and adventurous and fun.”

Legend sent voice-and-piano demos he cut at home to Stevens, who lives and works in New York’s Catskill Mountains; Stevens says Legend gave him “total creative freedom” to devise arrangements for the songs, which led the producer to thoughts of “Sesame Street” and the Muppets but also of Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, the Beatles and Serge Gainsbourg.

“I don’t have kids, so I’m not too aware of all the accoutrement of kids: the toys and the media and all that,” Stevens tells The Times in a rare phone interview. Instead, he pulled inspiration from music that naturally draws children, including the younger version of himself.

“The ’80s were one of the most colorful and cartoonish decades in pop history,” he says. “There was something very bright and primal about a lot of that stuff. I remember being like 5 and being really into Michael Jackson.”

That mindset sat well with Legend, who says he wanted the music on “My Favorite Dream” to meet “the same standards I apply to any of my songwriting.” His goal was achieving an “evergreen quality,” as he puts it, not least because he knows that might ensure that the songs find new audiences as successive generations of kids age out of the album.

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Indeed, Legend’s oldest, 8-year-old Luna, has moved beyond children’s music to embrace the pop star Tate McRae , thanks to a recent visit by an older cousin. “One of their other cousins was teaching them about the Drake-Kendrick beef ,” Legend adds with a laugh. “So now my kids have thoughts on that.” (Luna wasn’t too old to contribute backing vocals along with her mom and her younger brother Miles to the album’s bouncy lead single, “L-O-V-E.”)

Even so, Stevens identifies an “emotional wisdom” in a song like “Safe” — in which Legend offers an assurance of protection “from harm here in my arms” — that an adult might respond to. Stevens himself did: Last September, not long after the death of his partner, Evans Richardson, Stevens revealed that he had Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that left him temporarily unable to walk.

“One of the main reasons I decided to do John’s album is because I hadn’t been able to really work on anything outside of self-care and rehabilitation,” he says. “I finally wanted to get back to work, but I didn’t really have the mental capacity to write my own music. This stuff felt wholesome and pure and safe.

“I think there’s also a general apocalyptic anxiety that pervades a lot of our culture today,” Stevens continues. “What I love about these songs is that they focus on the kinds of aphorisms that speak directly to our fears and worries. You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate what he’s singing about.”

Legend understands the cultural anxiety Stevens describes, particularly on the cusp of a presidential election that may well be won by Donald Trump, whom he describes as “awful for the country and awful for the world.” Yet the longtime Democratic activist is feeling newly buoyant now that Vice President Kamala Harris has replaced President Biden as the party’s nominee.

“Kamala’s just nailing it,” he says of the VP, whom he and Teigen have known since Harris’ days in California politics. “She’s bringing enthusiasm and joy and humor, and it’s working all around.”

Is Legend confident about America’s willingness to put a Black woman in the Oval Office?

“I feel like it’s gonna happen,” he says. “Before, it was two really old guys, and even though the policy differences couldn’t be more stark between Biden and Trump, I think it was hard for people to see the difference. Now, it’s very clear, and I think the comparison is very favorable for Kamala.”

Legend performed Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” at last week’s Democratic National Convention ; next month he’ll hit the road for a handful of concerts in which he’ll play his hits while backed by an orchestra. He’s also finishing a second musical — he declines to name the subject other than to say it’s “a very high-profile person” and that the show involves rapping — and considering a tour to mark the 20th anniversary of his 2004 debut, “Get Lifted,” which won him the first three of his 12 Grammys. After our talk, he’s headed over to Saadiq’s studio to start work on his next R&B album.

“I’m in a place where I’m just responding to my life and letting it happen,” he says, be it music, politics, business or parenting. “And right now I’m in the thick of fatherhood.”

More to Read

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Mikael Wood is pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times.

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Questions for Investigators Trying to Unravel Mystery of Luxury Yacht’s Sinking

The investigators searching for answers about the shipwreck, leaving seven dead, face questions about extreme weather and possible human error or problems with the yacht itself.

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By Alan Yuhas

More than 180 feet long, with a mast towering about 240 feet and a keel that could be lowered for greater stability, the Bayesian luxury yacht did not, in the eyes of its maker, have the vulnerabilities of a ship that would easily sink.

“It drives me insane,” Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company that made the ship, said after its wreck last week. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch’s friends and a member of the crew. Fifteen people, including the captain, escaped on a lifeboat.

Mr. Lynch had invited family, friends and part of his legal team on a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate his acquittal in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.

The Italian authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation, searching for answers from the survivors, the manufacturer and the wreck itself. They face a range of questions and possible factors.

An ‘earthquake’ in the sky?

When the Bayesian sank around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, the waters in its area, about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello, were transformed by an extremely sudden and violent storm, according to fishermen, a captain in the area and meteorologists.

But what kind of storm is still a mystery, compounded by the fact that a sailing schooner anchored nearby did not have its own disaster. Also unclear is whether the crew was aware that the Italian authorities had issued general warnings about bad weather the night before.

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby passenger ship, said he’d had to steady his ship during “really violent” winds . During the storm, he said, the Bayesian seemed to disappear behind his ship.

Severe lightning and strong gusts were registered by the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, according to Attilio Di Diodato, its director. “It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said.

The yacht, he said, had most likely been hit by a fierce downburst — a blast of powerful wind surging down during a thunderstorm. His agency put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about possible storms.

Locals have said the winds “felt like an earthquake.” A fisherman in Porticello said that he had seen a flare go off in the early-morning hours. His brother ventured to the site once the weather had calmed about 20 minutes later, he said, finding only floating cushions.

The Italian authorities have so far declined to say whether investigators had seen any structural damage to the hull or other parts of the ship.

Open hatches or doors?

The boat executive, Mr. Costantino, has argued that the Bayesian was an extremely safe vessel that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing. His company, the Italian Sea Group, in 2022 bought the yacht’s manufacturer, Perini Navi, which launched the ship in 2008.

Mr. Costantino said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, would be to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

At a news conference on Saturday, almost a week after the sinking, investigators said the yacht had sunk at an angle , with its stern — where the heavy engine was — having gone down first. The wreck was found lying on its right side at the bottom of a bay, about 165 feet deep.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

Water pouring into open hatches or doors could have contributed to the sinking, experts say, but that on its own may not account for the speed at which such a large boat vanished underwater.

Asked about the hatches at the news conference, the authorities declined to comment on whether they had been found open at the wreck.

The authorities have also not specified whether the boat had been anchored, whether it was under power at the time or whether its sails had been unfurled.

A retracted keel?

The Bayesian had a keel — the fin-like structure beneath a boat that can help stabilize it — that could be retracted or extended, according to its manufacturer. On some yachts, keels can be raised to let the large vessel dock in shallower water, and extended downward to help keep a boat level.

But like the hatches, the status of the keel alone may not explain why a large ship sank with such precipitous speed. Investigators have not disclosed what divers may have seen at the wreck, aside from saying divers had faced obstacles like furnishings and electrical wiring in tight quarters. Officials want to raise the wreck to better examine it, a process that may take weeks.

Human error?

Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said at the news conference that it was “plausible” crimes had been committed, but that investigators had not zeroed in on any potential suspects.

“There could be responsibilities of the captain only,” he said. “There could be responsibilities of the whole crew. There could be responsibilities of the boat makers. Or there could be responsibilities of those who were in charge of surveilling the boat.”

It remains unclear what kind of emergency training or preparation took place before the disaster, or what kind of coordination there was during it. So far, none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened the night the ship sank.

Prosecutors said they want to ask more questions of the captain and crew, who have been in a Sicilian hotel with other survivors. They said that neither alcohol nor drug tests had been performed on crew members, and that they have been allowed to leave Italy.

Prosecutors also said they were also investigating why the captain, an experienced sailor, left the sinking boat while some passengers were still on board.

Besides possible manslaughter charges, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a negligently caused shipwreck.

The bodies of five passengers were found in one cabin, on the left side of the yacht, the authorities said. The five were most likely trying to flee to the higher side of the boat and were probably sleeping when the boat started to sink, they said.