Set sail with this Giggly paper craft!

It's really simple to build a paper boat that floats in water – just scroll down to follow a few simple steps.

You can make it exciting with these printable characters. They'll transform your paper vessel into a rip-roaring ride.

Keep younger children involved by planning how they'll decorate their boat. They could use crayons or stickers. And show them how to make some of the folds.

Scroll down for some more ways to experiment with making a boat. Have fun, me hearties!

This activity is  an extension of Giggly STEAM Magazine, which is packed with ideas to help your child learn science, technology, engineering, art, and maths. Play our epic coding game, plus there's lots to create, design, and build. Buy the magazine now in most supermarkets.

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How to make a paper boat that floats

Rather watch than read? Press play to see how we did it

Step 1

Take a sheet of A4 paper and fold it in half, then fold it again. Open it back up so it's folded just once.

Step 2

Fold down the top corners so they meet in the middle.

Step 3

Take one layer of the bottom flap and fold it upwards. Tuck back the overhanging edges on the left and right.

Repeat on the other side.

Step 4

Place your thumbs into the opening at the bottom. Gently pull the opening apart and press down to make a square shape.

Step 5

Now, take the bottom half of the square and fold it upwards. Repeat on the other side to make a triangle shape.

Step 6

Open up your triangle and use your thumbs to carefully pull the paper apart. And there it is, your very own paper boat!

Step 7

And don't forget to pop the Giggly shipmates aboard - just click to download the printable characters.

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What other boat designs can your child create?

Help your child find other materials they can test to build a boat that floats. Collect a few items from your recycling box or craft drawer, and see what they can create!

You could try using...

• Plastic bottles
• Drinks cartons
• Bottle caps
• Yoghurt pots
• Polystyrene

Chat about what materials they think will float – and why! What about plastic? Or something heavy, like a brick?!  

They might be surprised to find out that paper can float. You could talk about how folding it makes the paper sturdier. 

We'd love to see your boat designs, too. Why not get in touch with us on Facebook or Instagram?