How to Make a Boat Out of Popsicle Sticks, Paper & Saran Wrap

Multi-functional Popsicle sticks lead to hours of boating fun.

Popsicle stick boats are simple craft projects that children can make with little parental supervision. Children can race their completed Popsicle boats in the tub, pool or pond. Elementary aged students will enjoy making the boats after reading stories about boating. All you'll need is Popsicle sticks and glue; however, you may use paper and Saran Wrap to add personalized decorations and a sail.

Things You'll Need

• Crayons
• Glitter
• Stickers
• Saran Wrap
• Glue

Instructions

1. Create the pontoons. Lay three Popsicle sticks directly on top of each other and glue them together. Repeat the process twice so you have two pontoons.

2. Set the pontoons parallel to each other. Balance single Popsicle sticks across the pontoons to create a platform. Glue the sticks to the pontoons.

3. Cut paper into the shape of a right triangle. Use Popsicle sticks to measure the length of the two straight sides that meet to make the 90-degree angle. The sides of the triangle should be approximately an inch shorter than the Popsicle sticks. Decorate the paper in a way that personalizes your boat. Wrap the paper in Saran Wrap. Be sure to smooth all air bubbles and wrap the paper tightly. This will be your sail.

4. Add stability to the sail by adding Popsicle sticks to one side of the paper. Glue one stick to the vertical edge of the triangle and another to the horizontal edge. Cut the horizontal stick to fit the sail, but allow the vertical stick to extend around an inch below the sail. The flat edge of each stick should be adhered to the sail.

5. Glue together three more Popsicle sticks as you did when creating the pontoons. Glue this structure across the top of the boat's platform. It should be centered and perpendicular to the boat's pontoons. This structure will provide a study place to adhere the sail.

6. Attach the sail. Glue the vertical sail support to the structure adhered to the boat's platform.

7. Use art supplies, such as crayons, glitter or stickers, on paper to create any additional decor. Cover the decorated paper in Saran Wrap and adhere them to the boat.

Tips & Warnings

• You may use regular craft glue, super glue or hot glue for this project. Super glue and hot glue will work best but will require more supervision.

• Be sure children are supervised and taking precautions when using scissors.