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?
