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Outdoor activity

Sandwich Bag Kite

Transform a zip-lock bag and straws into a real flying kite — then head outside and let it soar in the wind!

Ages 3-10 0-1 hours Education 7/10

Materials

  • Markers optional
  • Stickers optional
  • Straws
  • String
  • Tape
  • Zip-lock Bag

Illustrated Steps

1

Create the Kite Frame

Arrange two straws in a cross and tape them tightly where they meet to form the kite skeleton.

2

Attach the Sail

Lay the straw cross on a flat zip-lock bag and tape each straw end to the bag.

3

Decorate and Add the Line

Draw colourful designs with markers, add stickers, then tie a long string through the centre.

4

Fly Your Kite!

Head outside, run into the wind, and let out string as the kite catches air and climbs!

What You’ll Create

Up, up, and away! 🪁 Your little aviators will build a real working kite from everyday kitchen items — a zip-lock bag for the sail, straws for the frame, and string for the line. It’s light enough to fly in even the gentlest breeze, and because zip-lock bags are transparent, decorating them with markers creates stunning stained-glass effects in the sunlight!

Have fun!

  • 🏃 Have a kite-flying race — whose kite goes highest?
  • 🎀 Add ribbon tails from the bottom for a streaming effect!
  • 🌈 Make several kites in different colours and fly them together!
  • 📏 See how long a string you can use before the kite gets too heavy!

Why It’s Amazing

  • Aerodynamics: Children discover how wind creates lift, how angle affects flight, and why shape matters — real aerospace engineering! ✈️

  • Weather Awareness: Flying kites connects children to wind direction, speed, and weather patterns in a tangible way. 🌤️

  • Problem-Solving: When the kite doesn’t fly well, children must diagnose the issue (too heavy? wrong angle? not enough wind?) and adjust. 🔧

  • Physical Activity: Running, controlling the string, and tracking the kite overhead provides fantastic outdoor exercise and coordination. 🏃

Pro Tips

For ages 3–5: Build the kite for them and let them decorate it. Hold their hand while flying — they can hold the string while you run. Focus on the joy of watching it catch the wind.

For ages 5–8: Let them help with construction. Teach them to face into the wind and let out string gradually. Challenge them to keep the kite up for a count of 30.

For ages 8–12: Let them build independently and experiment with different designs — diamond, box, delta shapes. Introduce the concept of a bridle (two strings from the kite meeting the flying line) for more stable flight.

Secret Pro Move: Add a tail made from strips of bin liner tied end-to-end — about 1 metre long. The tail adds drag that stabilises the kite and prevents spinning. Plus it looks absolutely spectacular streaming behind! 🎉