How to Make the Best Paper Airplane

This is one basic skill that I've discovered a lot of adults don't have...and let me tell you: it's a really easy and affordable way to entertain kids. With the lazy days of summer ahead of us and more free time on our calendars, it's the perfect time for every mom to learn How To Make the Best Paper Airplane! Trust me, this will come in very handy...

Best Paper Airplane Design

Paper airplanes have been a rainy day staple in our house for as long as my boys could walk. After all, they are simple crafts, fast to put together, and they require no extra supplies or preparation on my part. The best paper airplane is also a safe indoor "toy" that gets my kids up and moving without breaking furniture or each other's teeth. I'm in!

But what I've realized is that certain adults (ahem...my husband; ahem...my babysitters) don't know how to make these little gems. Crazy, right? Well if you're one of the deprived set over the age of 20 who hasn't folded paper into the shape of an airplane in the last 15-20 years, then let me refresh your memory. It's easy and it only takes about 1 minute!

Supplies for the Best Paper Airplane Design

• Paper
• Small piece of tape
• Ruler

Type of Paper

I typically use a regular sheet of 8.5 x 11-inch all-purpose printer paper (since it's readily available in our home), or a sheet of colorful construction paper. Construction paper works well because it's thicker and heavier, which improves aerodynamics and makes the paper aircraft more durable.

Step by Step Instructions for Easy Paper Airplanes

The best paper airplane design comes together in about 1 minute, and is easy enough for any beginner. Trust me, it's not complex! Pretty soon the kids will be flying a paper plane as though they're the Wright Brothers!

1. Fold paper in half lengthwise on a straight line.

2. Fold top right corner into the middle of the paper. The edge should line up along the center line.

3. Repeat Step #2 with the top left corner coming into the middle crease. Both of the top corners should be folded down at this point.

4. Fold paper in again from the right side to the center crease so that the points touch.

5. Fold corner on left to repeat on the other side.

6. Pick up the plane and fold it in half along the middle line. The folded edges should be on the inside of the plane.

7. Make a wing by folding down one of the flaps (the right side) to the outside.

8. Repeat on the left side to make the second wing.

9. I like to secure the plane together with a small piece of tape on the top edge, making sure that all of the previous folds stay put!

Then your plane is ready for take-off! Give it a gentle toss, and watch it glide through the air and defy gravity! Whose plane dives? Which plane covers the longest distance? Keep a record of your flight characteristics, making tweaks to see how it improves.

Tips for the Best Paper Airplanes

• Use heavyweight construction paper for the best aerodynamics and durability.
• To add to the fun (and to entertain the kids for a good length of time), spend some time "decorating" the paper aircraft either before or after folding. Grab markers and stickers -- customizing a plane is a great way for your kids to express their creativity! Write names on the top of your paper, or add colorful designs to the wings.
• Make good creases with each wing fold so that they're sharp, clean, and the plane flies smoothly.
• For higher speeds and more distance, add a paper clip (or a few layers of tape) to the nose (top point) of the airplane. A heavy nose helps balance the plane, so that it doesn't fly straight up or float when your child throws it.

Piloting paper airplanes is serious business around here. Which plane goes the fastest? The highest? The farthest? You get the idea...it's always a competition, and there's always a winner.

Enjoy, friends!!