Easy DIY Paper Plate Rocking Boat Craft for Kids
Looking for a simple, fun craft that will keep little hands busy and imaginations sailing? This easy DIY rocking boat craft is the perfect project for kids. With just a few basic materials, your little ones can create their very own rocking boats and set off on a sea of adventures. Great for ocean themes and the summer season.
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Whether it’s a rainy day activity or a sunny afternoon project, this rocking boat craft is all about fun and the sun. No fancy tools or complicated steps, just easy, hands-on fun that will have your kids smiling as they watch their boats gently rock back and forth.
Older ones may also enjoy this DIY Toilet Paper Roll Boat Craft for Kids and you can also pair this ocean craft with our Easy Paper Bag Jelly Fish Craft for Kids.
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
📌What You’ll Need
Paper plate
Blue paint & paintbrush
Red, white, pink, and black construction paper.
Popsicle Stick
Glue or hot glue gun – for younger kids, adults will need to help if you choose to go with hot glue.
Scissors
✨How to Make the Paper Plate Rocking Boat Craft
Step 1: Fold & Paint the Plate
Fold your paper plate in half to create the base of the boat. Paint the entire outside blue and set it aside to dry.
Step 2: Cut Out Your Shapes
While the paint is drying, cut out one red and one slightly smaller pink triangle for the sails. Cut three white circles and three smaller black circles to make the porthole windows. Use white paper to cut out a small anchor shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Sail
Glue the red and pink sails onto the popsicle stick, placing the smaller sail in front for a layered look.
Step 4: Decorate the Boat
Once the plate is dry, glue the white circles onto the side of the plate and center the black circles on top of each one to create windows. Add your paper anchor to the side for a fun nautical touch.
Step 5: Attach the Mast
Glue the popsicle stick in the center fold of the paper plate so it stands upright like a mast. Press and hold for a few seconds to make sure it’s secure.
Set Sail!
Once everything is dry, give your boat a gentle nudge and watch it rock back and forth like it’s floating on the sea.
This craft is so much fun for kids to make and great for the summertime!
💡Helpful Tips
- Use fast-drying paint if you’re short on time—acrylic works well and dries faster than washable paints.
- Pre-cut the sails and windows for younger kids so they can focus on assembling and decorating.
- Hot glue the mast if you want it to stay extra sturdy—just be sure an adult handles this part.
- Want more color? Let kids decorate their boats with markers, stickers, or even glitter glue before adding the mast.
- Add a name to the boat with a black marker for a personal touch—it’s fun for pretend play too!
- Turn it into a lesson: Talk about how real boats work, or pair the craft with a read-aloud about ocean adventures!
What a super fun and easy DIY rocking boat craft that will have your little sailors sailing the high seas of their imagination! Whether they’re riding the waves in the living room or exploring a make-believe ocean in the backyard, this simple craft is sure to bring hours of joy.
Paper Plate Boat Craft
Supplies & Materials
- Paper plate
- Blue paint and paintbrush
- Red pink, white, and black paper
- Popsicle stick
- Glue or hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions
- Fold the paper plate in half to form the boat shape. Paint the outside blue and let it dry.
- Cut a red sail and a slightly smaller pink sail. Cut three white circles and three smaller black circles for windows. Cut out a small white anchor.
- Glue the sails to the popsicle stick to create the mast.
- Once the plate is dry, glue on the white circles, then layer the black ones in the center to form portholes. Add the anchor to one side.
- Attach the popsicle stick into the fold of the plate so it stands up like a mast.
- Let it dry, then gently push your boat and watch it rock!
