Make your own (model) airplanes, gliders, and helicopters with these easy and fun craft activities for kids, using household materials and no screens.

With many different options to choose from, the sky is the limit. 

A paper towel role made into a model airplane. The nose cone is decorated with the face of a chicken, drawn in markers.

Make an Airplane Model with a Paper Towel Tube

Ages 5+ | 30 mins | Craft | No Screens

You decide how an airplane should look when you make this easy model.

A red craft creating an airplane with wings and a propeller, decorated with various materials.

Make a Model of a 1920s Airplane

Ages 5+ | 45 mins | Craft | No Screens

This model airplane is inspired by a 1920s flyer!

A black field filled with small paper airplanes made out of cardboard and a Q-tip.

Make a Model Glider

Ages 4-8 | 15 mins | Craft | No Screens

Use a Q-tip to make a model glider. 

A model helicopter made out of an egg carton, painted red.

Make a Model Helicopter

Ages 5-10 | 60 mins | Craft | Screen Free

Make your own helicopter with an egg carton. 

A young visitor is rapt with attention as they throw a paper airplane, with a similar line of young visitors behind them.

Test Paper Airplanes

Ages 9+ | 15 mins | Experiment | No Screens

Test how different paper airplane shapes fly.

About These Learning Resources

Age and Grade Level

Age: 5-10+

Grades: Pre-K-8

Subject

Physical Science 
Engineering
Play-Based Learning

Aviation
Aircraft
Interwar Aviation
Vertical Flight
Helicopters

Duration

15-60 mins

Usage Rights

You are free to use this resource for personal and educational purposes, with attribution. (CC BY-NC)

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