Earlier this week, we explored using a paper airplane activity to teach children the basics of flight. Since then, our home has become a hangar of paper airplane creations as we’ve experimented with various designs, all in the quest to build paper airplanes that fly farther than ever before!
We’ve crafted paper airplanes designed for distance, some that perform impressive loop-de-loops, and others that boast striking looks (even if their flight distance is less impressive). We even made a paper airplane that barely resembles a plane at all (design #7), yet surprisingly, it’s a great flier!
This hands-on exploration is a perfect example of why homeschooling is so enriching. Spending a day immersed in paper airplane construction allows children to develop a range of valuable skills without even realizing they are learning!
What kind of skills? I’m glad you asked! Making paper airplanes can enhance:
- Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination: Precise folding is key to a good paper airplane.
- Problem-solving abilities and patience: Experimenting with different designs and learning from trial and error are essential.
- Focus and attention to detail: Following tutorials requires concentration and careful execution.
- Confidence and a sense of accomplishment: Successfully creating a paper airplane that flies exceptionally far is incredibly rewarding.
- Creativity and imagination: Designing and decorating unique paper airplanes encourages artistic expression.
Shall I continue listing the benefits? No?
Alright then, let’s dive into the 10 Best Paper Airplane Designs for Kids, perfect for those aiming for maximum flight distance!
Free Printable Paper Airplane Instructions for Long Flights
Before we get started, grab these Free Printable Paper Airplane Instructions! They’re perfect to take along to the park or playground for your next paper airplane flying session. Simply enter your email address, and a download link to four printable paper airplane guides will be sent directly to you. You’ll also be redirected to the How Wee Learn shop to explore my Flight Family Unit Study, where you can find even more engaging activities related to flight.
Top Paper Airplane Designs for Kids Focused on Distance
Below are 10 Paper Airplane Designs perfect for kids who want to know How To Make A Paper Plane That Flies Very Far.
The initial designs are excellent for beginners and younger children to get comfortable with the basics of paper airplane folding. As you progress through the list, the folds become slightly more intricate. Take your time, pause the video tutorials as needed, and you’ll be mastering these paper airplanes in no time, achieving impressive flight distances.
Easy Paper Airplanes for Beginners – Great for Distance
#1 The Classic Paper Airplane
Basic Paper Airplane by Fold N Fly – This is the ideal starting point for young children learning how to fold paper airplanes. Mastering this basic design is the foundation for moving on to more complex, long-distance paper airplanes.
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Close-up shot of hands folding a paper airplane, focusing on the precise creases being made on white paper, highlighting the detail and fine motor skills involved in paper airplane crafting.
#2 The Basic Dart Paper Airplane
Basic Dart Paper Airplane by Fold ‘N Fly – Another fantastic design from Fold ‘N Fly, the dart paper airplane is a timeless classic. It’s easy to fold and known for its excellent flight performance, making it a great choice for distance flying.
#3 The Long Distance Glider Paper Airplane
Long Flier Airplane by Foldable Flight – This airplane incorporates slightly more folds than the classic dart, resulting in a very robust and stable paper airplane. Its sturdy construction allows it to withstand bumps and crashes without damaging the nose, contributing to consistent, long-distance flights.
Medium Difficulty Paper Airplanes – Enhanced Flight Performance
#4 The Momentum Paper Airplane
Momentum Paper Airplane by TriKdanG – We found this paper airplane design to be particularly effective for achieving distance. The nose becomes quite thick, which might require some assistance for younger children during the final folds. The video tip about rounding out the wings is crucial for optimizing its flight.
[Close-up shot of hands folding a paper airplane, focusing on the precise creases being made on white paper, highlighting the detail and fine motor skills involved in paper airplane crafting.
#6 The Secure Bottom Paper Airplane
The Lock Bottom by Fold ‘N Fly – This paper airplane is relatively simple to construct and launches exceptionally well. Experimenting with wing adjustments can further customize its flight path and distance capabilities.
#5 The Loop-De-Loop Paper Airplane
Loop De Loop Paper Airplane by Juniors Art and DIY – The harder you launch this paper airplane, the more impressive the loops it performs! This design is actually featured in my Flight Family Unit Study, where we explore different flight dynamics.
Challenging (But Rewarding!) Paper Airplanes – For Advanced Flyers
#7 The Tube Paper Airplane
Tube Paper Airplane by Wired – This design was a personal favorite! Folding the edges was a bit tricky, but the effort was definitely worth it. It flew surprisingly well, demonstrating impressive distance and stability, despite its unconventional tube-like shape.
#8 The Flapping Wings Paper Airplane
Bat Paper Airplane that Flaps! by Foldable Flight – We are now moving into more complex paper airplane territory! This design involves a lot of back-and-forth folding, so precise folds and sharp creases are essential. While we didn’t quite achieve flapping wings, it performed elegant swooping glides, showcasing interesting aerodynamic principles.
#9 The Boomerang Paper Airplane
Paper Airplane that Flies Back To You by Mixer Origami – Ready for a real challenge? Work through this tutorial slowly and carefully, paying close attention to each fold. Tucking in the nose correctly requires patience, but mastering this design leads to a paper airplane that returns right back to you!
Bonus: A Paper Airplane Launcher for Extra Distance!
To complete our collection of 10 Paper Airplane Designs for Kids and truly maximize flight distance, here’s a tutorial on creating a paper airplane launcher.
#10 Paper Airplane Launcher
Paper Airplane with a Launcher by Origami Flying – Have you ever considered building a launcher for your paper airplanes? It took some experimentation to find an elastic band with the right length and paper strong enough to withstand the launch, but once we perfected those elements, it was easy to build and incredibly fun to use, sending our paper airplanes soaring even further!
[Close-up shot of hands folding a paper airplane, focusing on the precise creases being made on white paper, highlighting the detail and fine motor skills involved in paper airplane crafting.
Explore the Science of Flight Through Hands-On Activities!
If your children are fascinated by paper airplanes, they will absolutely love my Flight Family Unit Study! It delves into the history of flight, aerodynamics, the science behind how planes fly, and much more, all through engaging, hands-on activities. Take a closer look and get your copy here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-flight
| A child holding a basic paper airplane, ready to launch it outdoors in a sunny park, with green trees and grass in the background, representing simple fun and outdoor activities for kids. |
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Thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments which paper airplane design became your favorite for achieving maximum flight distance!
xo Sarah
