may 26th, 2025 is national paper airplane Day!

Anyone up for a paper airplane contest? It is thought that paper airplanes have been around for about 2,000 years and originated in China. The modern version, however, showed up in 1909. Did you know that according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest paper airplane flight was 289 feet and 9 inches? Why not have a fun contest today and try to beat this record! Be sure to give extra points for design and creativity!

Here are some ways to enjoy National Paper Airplane Day!

• Look up all the different types of paper airplanes you can make and try to make some

• Explore all the different ways that you can make the shapes of the wings and how it affects flight

• Experiment with different types and weight of paper to see how it affects the flight

• Create different designs and decorations for your paper airplanes

• Make a video of your plane's flight and send it to a friend or relative

  
  
  
  

• Have a paper airplane contest!

  • see how far they can fly

  • see how long they can fly

  • make a target and see how close your planes can land

  • see if you can get your airplanes to do tricks, like spins or loops

  • make a most creative design challenge

How to make a paper airplane

What you need:

• 1 sheet of paper (printer paper works great!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fold in Half (Long Way)

   • Fold the paper in half lengthwise (like a hot dog bun).

   • Press down the fold, then open it back up.

     
     

2. Make the Nose

   • Take the top corners and fold them down to the middle fold line.

   • It should look like a house or a triangle at the top.

   • Make it Pointy

   • Fold the top edges in again to the center line.

   • Now your paper should look like a long triangle.

   • Fold in Half Again

   • Fold the whole plane in half along the first fold (hot dog style again).

     
     

3. Make the Wings

   • Take one side and fold it down to make a wing. The top edge should line up with the bottom fold.

   • Flip it over and do the same on the other side.

   
   
   
   

4. Hold it from the bottom, give it a gentle throw, and watch it fly! Try different folds to see what makes it go farther or do cool tricks!

   
   

   

   
   

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