15 Boat Crafts for Kids to Make and Play With

Have a child who loves crafts and can’t resist splashing around in water? Then boat crafts might just be the perfect activity! They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and even more exciting when kids get to watch them float or use them for pretend play. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies. Kids will love making boat craft activities using simple materials they can find at home.

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep little hands busy and big imaginations sailing, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 15 fun boat art and craft for preschoolers & Kids that are just as exciting to make as they are to play with.

Why Boat Crafts Are Worth the Mess

Paper boat craft for preschoolers is a fun, screen-free activity that children will enjoy making and playing with. Folding, cutting, gluing, and taping all strengthen the small hand muscles kids need for writing. Choosing colours and decorating a hull encourages creative decision-making. And when a boat actually floats (or doesn’t), kids get an early, playful lesson in cause and effect.

There’s also the play value after the craft is finished. Unlike a colouring page that goes straight into a drawer, a boat becomes a toy. It gets raced in the bathtub, sent down a rain gutter, or loaded up with tiny plastic passengers for a pretend voyage. That extended play is part of why boat crafts consistently rank among the most requested preschool and homeschool activities.

Easy Boat Craft Ideas for Kids

Ready to set sail on a fun crafting adventure? These simple boat craft ideas for preschoolers are easy to make, encourage creativity, and give kids something they can enjoy playing with long after the project is finished.

1. Classic Paper Boat

A classic paper boat is a simple craft that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make and perfect for floating in a bucket, bathtub, or puddle after it rains.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• 1 rectangular sheet of paper
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers (optional)

Steps:

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold it in half again to make a centre crease, then unfold the second fold.
3. Fold the top corners toward the centre crease to form a triangle.
4. Fold the bottom flaps upward on both sides.
5. Open the shape into a square and flatten it.
6. Fold the bottom corners upward to form another triangle.
7. Pull the two sides apart carefully until the boat opens.
8. Decorate your paper boat with colours, stickers, or drawings before placing it in water.

2. Popsicle Stick Sailboat

Create a colourful sailboat using popsicle sticks and a paper sail. This sturdy craft is great for pretend play and makes a lovely display piece.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• 7-8 popsicle sticks
• Craft glue
• 1 paper straw or wooden skewer
• Coloured paper
• Scissors
• Markers or paint

Steps:

1. Arrange six popsicle sticks side by side.
2. Glue two popsicle sticks across the back to hold them together.
3. Allow the glue to dry completely.
4. Cut a triangle from coloured paper to make the sail.
5. Attach the sail to a straw or skewer with glue or tape.
6. Glue the straw to the centre of the popsicle stick base.
7. Decorate the boat with paint, markers, or stickers before playing with it.

3. Sponge Sailboat

Turn an ordinary kitchen sponge into a floating sailboat that kids can enjoy during bath time or water play.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Kitchen sponge
• Paper straw or wooden skewer
• Coloured paper
• Tape
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a triangle from coloured paper for the sail.
2. Tape the sail to the straw or skewer.
3. Push the straw into the centre of the sponge.
4. Decorate the sponge with markers if you’d like.
5. Fill a bowl or tub with water.
6. Place the sponge boat in the water and watch it float.

4. Paper Plate Sailboat

A paper plate can easily become a bright and cheerful sailboat with just a few craft supplies.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Paper plate
• Coloured paper
• Paper straw
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers

Steps:

1. Fold the paper plate in half to create the boat shape.
2. Cut a triangle from coloured paper.
3. Glue the paper triangle onto the straw to make the sail.
4. Attach the straw to the centre of the paper plate.
5. Draw windows, waves, or a captain on your boat.
6. Let everything dry before displaying your sailboat.

5. Egg Carton Boat

Recycle an old egg carton into a fun little boat that’s perfect for imaginative adventures.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Egg carton
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Toothpick
• Coloured paper
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out one cup from the egg carton.
2. Paint it in your favourite colours and let it dry.
3. Cut a small triangle from coloured paper.
4. Glue the paper onto a toothpick to make the sail.
5. Push the toothpick into the centre of the carton.
6. Add small decorations such as stickers or drawings.

6. Cork Boat

This floating cork boat is quick to make and is a great way to reuse old corks.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• 3 wine corks
• Rubber bands or hot glue (adult help)
• Toothpick
• Coloured paper

Steps:

1. Place the corks side by side.
2. Secure them together using rubber bands or glue.
3. Cut a small paper sail.
4. Attach the sail to the toothpick.
5. Push the toothpick into the centre cork.
6. Place your cork boat in water and watch it float.

7. Plastic Bottle Boat

Instead of throwing away an empty bottle, transform it into a colourful DIY boat.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Empty plastic bottle
• Coloured paper
• Tape
• Paint or markers
• Straw

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the plastic bottle.
2. Decorate the outside using paint or markers.
3. Make a paper sail and attach it to a straw.
4. Tape the straw securely to the bottle.
5. Add stickers or draw fun designs.
6. Float your boat in a tub or bucket of water.

8. Cardboard Pirate Ship

Let your imagination set sail by creating your very own pirate ship.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard box
• Scissors
• Paint
• Black paper
• Wooden skewer
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut the cardboard into the shape of a ship.
2. Paint the ship and allow it to dry.
3. Cut a pirate flag from black paper.
4. Glue the flag onto the wooden skewer.
5. Attach the flag to your pirate ship.
6. Draw windows, anchors, and pirate symbols to finish your masterpiece.

9. Foam Sheet Sailboat

Craft foam makes it easy to create colourful boats that are lightweight and fun to decorate.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Craft foam sheets
• Straw
• Coloured paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a boat shape from the foam sheet.
2. Cut a paper triangle for the sail.
3. Glue the sail onto the straw.
4. Insert or glue the straw into the foam boat.
5. Decorate with stickers, glitter, or markers.
6. Display your colourful sailboat or use it during pretend play.

10. Walnut Shell Sailboat

Tiny walnut shell boats are adorable, easy to make, and perfect for floating in a bowl of water.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Half walnut shells
• Toothpick
• Coloured paper
• Glue
• Paint (optional)

Steps:

1. Clean the walnut shell and let it dry.
2. Paint the shell if you want a colourful boat.
3. Cut a small triangle from coloured paper.
4. Glue the paper onto a toothpick.
5. Carefully fix the toothpick inside the walnut shell using glue or clay.
6. Let the glue dry before placing your tiny sailboat in water.

11. Toilet Paper Roll Boat

Don’t throw away those empty toilet paper rolls! They can easily be turned into colourful little boats that are perfect for pretend play.

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper roll
• Coloured craft paper or paint
• Cardstock
• Straw or wooden skewer
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Wrap the toilet paper roll with coloured paper or paint it and let it dry.
2. Cut a small slit on the top of the roll.
3. Cut a triangle from cardstock to make the sail.
4. Tape or glue the sail onto the straw.
5. Insert the straw into the slit so it stands upright.
6. Add windows, anchors, or waves with markers to finish your boat.

12. Milk Carton Sailboat

Turn an empty milk carton into a big boat craft that’s perfect for creative storytelling and pretend adventures.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Empty milk carton
• Craft paint
• Paintbrush
• Coloured paper
• Wooden skewer
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the milk carton thoroughly.
2. Cut the carton to create a boat shape if needed.
3. Paint the carton in bright colours and let it dry.
4. Cut a paper triangle for the sail.
5. Glue the sail onto the skewer and attach it to the carton.
6. Decorate the boat with windows, waves, or your favourite patterns.

13. Cupcake Liner Boat

Colourful cupcake liners make adorable mini boats that are quick and easy for young children to create.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Cupcake liners
• Paper straws
• Coloured paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers

Steps:

1. Flatten a cupcake liner slightly to create the boat.
2. Cut a triangle from coloured paper for the sail.
3. Glue the sail onto the paper straw.
4. Attach the straw to the centre of the cupcake liner.
5. Decorate the liner with fun patterns, stickers, or drawings.
6. Make several boats in different colours to create your own little fleet.

14. Leaf Sailboat

Take your craft outdoors by using natural materials to build a simple leaf sailboat.

Materials Needed:

• Large leaf
• Small twig
• Coloured paper
• Tape or glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Choose a sturdy leaf that isn’t torn.
2. Cut a small paper triangle for the sail.
3. Attach the paper sail to the twig using tape or glue.
4. Carefully fix the twig to the centre of the leaf.
5. Add small decorations with markers if you’d like.
6. Float your nature-inspired boat in a bowl of water or display it as a decoration.

15. Felt Sailboat

This soft felt sailboat is easy to make and can even be used as a cute decoration for a child’s room.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Needed:

• Coloured felt sheets
• Fabric glue
• Wooden skewer
• Scissors
• Decorative buttons or stickers

Steps:

1. Cut a boat shape from one piece of felt.
2. Cut a triangle from another felt sheet to make the sail.
3. Glue the sail onto the wooden skewer.
4. Attach the skewer to the felt boat using fabric glue.
5. Decorate the boat with buttons, stars, or stickers.
6. Allow the glue to dry completely before displaying your craft.

Tips for Extending the Play

Once the boat is built, the play doesn’t have to stop there. Add a few small plastic figures as passengers, set up a “harbour” using painter’s tape on the floor, or time how long different boats stay afloat for an informal race. Older kids often enjoy predicting which design will win before testing it, turning the craft into a simple, hands-on experiment.

FAQs

1. What is the easiest boat craft for a toddler to make?

The foil boat and the painted paper plate boat are both good starting points for toddlers. Both involve large, simple shapes and don’t require precise folding or cutting, so a toddler can complete most of the steps with only light adult help.

2. Which boat crafts actually float in water?

Foil boats, plastic bottle boats, milk carton boats, and popsicle stick rafts tend to float the longest. Paper boats will float for a few minutes before the paper absorbs water and softens, which is usually plenty of time for a quick race.

3. How can I make boat crafts less messy?

Stick to glue sticks instead of liquid glue for younger kids, work over a tray to catch scraps, and save paint-heavy projects for a table that’s easy to wipe down. Foil and paper folding projects are naturally the least messy options on this list.

Whether it’s a two-minute paper fold or a full cardboard pirate ship, each of the 15 ideas above gives kids a reason to get their hands busy and their imagination moving. Pick one that matches the time you have on hand, and let the float test decide which design becomes a repeat favourite.

Also Read:

Children’s Day Celebration Ideas and Activities
Best Games for Kids to Learn English
Best Creative Activities for Kids

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