Folding and flying paper airplanes is something every kid needs to do. This was one of the activities that my dad has dreamed of doing with my son Kai since he was an itty bitty baby. My dad bought a book full of paper airplane instructions that he kept in the closet of his office. As soon as Kai got old enough, my dad whipped out the book and went into full-on grandpa mode. Kai and my dad are BFFs and can fold and fly paper airplanes for hours. They create targets all over the house and even fly them off my dad’s seventh story balcony.
The boys have folded dozens of paper airplanes—some that flew far, and some that were total duds. Here is how to make paper airplanes (with instructions included) that successfully fly far and high. Get your little pilots’ imaginations soaring, and check out the paper airplanes and tutorials in the slideshow.
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Paper Airplane
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World’s Best Paper Airplane
Sometimes basic is the best. Why complicate things? Using a simple design (on colored paper, of course), your plane will soar far and fast.
Photo credit: The Crafting Chicks
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Paper Straw Plane
Here’s a quirky and unexpected paper airplane design that actually works. Using a straw and two round strips of paper and tape, you’ll have this plane flying in a matter of minutes.
Photo credit: Tinker Lab
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Aerodynamic Paper Plane
This paper airplane is one awesome flyer. Boy, does it glide! What makes it extra special is the flap on top of the plane. It makes it look like a real jet plane.
Photo credit: All for the Boys
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Airplane Cargo Challenge
Sure you can make a paper airplane fly through the air, but can you make it fly with cargo on it? Tape heavy coins on the wings and figure out how much money can actually fly on the plane.
Photo credit: Kids Activities Blog
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Paper Helicopters
Sure, paper airplanes are fun, but so are paper helicopters. In just seven steps, you have yourself a whirly, twirly flying paper machine. You can even decorate it with washi tape for added flair.
Photo credit: Babble Dabble Do
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Square Paper Airplanes
Don’t you just love that paper airplanes can be as simple and complex as you make them? Here is a simple one that can use a lot of different modifications, such as folding the edges or cutting an aerodynamic flap.
Photo credit: All for the Boys
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Heart Paper Airplane
This plane's adorable for Valentine’s Day and every other day. We love this plane because it looks like a heart when you fold it. It’s a cute way to send love notes to family members when they are in the other room.
Photo credit: Lia Griffith
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Party Bag Paper Airplanes
You can make paper airplanes out of any type of paper: card stock, construction paper, poster board, computer paper, and even left-over party bags. Simply fold the bags using an easy design and let them fly.
Photo credit: Tatertots and Jello
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Straw and Paper Airplane Shooters
Your kids are going to love this one. Simply wrap a piece of paper around a straw. Tape it so it doesn’t unravel, and decorate it to look like an airplane. Stick your straw back into the plane and blow. See how far your plane can go. Let the games begin.
Photo credit: Inspired by Familia
