Paper boats

by Vicky Bored with the same old backyard kiddie pool, today we decided to change things up a bit with a paper boat race! I remember my nanny making these for us as birthday party hats when I was younger. Unfortunately I could not remember how to make a paper boat/hat, myself, but thankfully the Internet had many step by step instructions.

Here's a link to some instructions with photos, but you can also find how-to videos by googling 'paper boats'.

We made 5 paper boats out of construction paper, which seemed like a good idea at the time, but I quickly realized that construction paper disintegrates faster than most paper! I grabbed my tape gun and re-enforced one of the boats, then we headed out to the pool.

Joel had a great time launching his boats into the water and watching them float. He asked me to invite a friend over so he could have a paper boat race, but we couldn't reach anyone. I think we'll definitely have to repeat this activity with some friends. Can you just imagine the possibilities - boat making and decorating, adding a paper sail or two with straws, launching on the count of three, and seeing who's boat will reach the finish line first!

When I was a child I remember making a small boat with my cousin out of Kinderegg capsuls and popsicle sticks. We floated them down a creek near his house. I ran along the edge of the creek with so much excitement, urging my little boat along.

It's amazing how something so little can keep a child entertained for so long!
