Need a super quick craft to keep the kids busy? Here is a really simple toy boat the kids can make themselves, then race in a local creek, lake, or even in your own bathtub! My kids love making their own toys, so this activity was a big hit with them, plus it uses mostly recycled materials!
To make your own toy boat, you will need:
— 3 wine corks
— toothpick
— card stock paper or thin cardboard (you can recycle an empty cereal box or file folder)
Directions:
1. Wrap 3 wine corks with two rubber bands.
2. If you plan to race your toy boat in a creek or lake, attach a length of cotton string to keep your boat from floating away. However, if it does happen to float off, it is made from natural materials that will break down and decompose.
3. Insert a toothpick into the middle cork (inbetween the two rubber bands) to form the mast. Add a cardstock sail by threading it through the toothpick, as shown.
Visit a local creek, lake, or your own bathtub or water table for some creative water play!!
Looking for other inspiring water play ideas?? Here are 10 Ways to Stay Cool with Water Play and our Water Fun for Kids Pinterest Board has plenty of other ideas to keep the kids entertained this Summer.
Have fun!!
** post contains affiliate links.
Dear Valerie,
It will take some work, but I’m willing to do what it takes to recycle wine corks. *hic*
Love,
Mark
HA!!!
I need to raid our collection of corks for this craft. Really cool!
Wonderful, Natalie — have lots of fun! 🙂
Thanks for the idea. i have set this up for the children to try tomorrow!
I’m so happy to hear that, pip! Hope they all have great fun!! xo
Right up my alley – super quick, super easy & super fun!
Yay for quick, easy, and fun activities!! 😀
What a clever idea, I used to race leaf boats when I was a kid. This would be so much better. Will pass the idea on to my niece and nephew!
These boats are adorable. Great way to recycle those corks.
Thanks!
Thanks for such nice idea and it is so easy. My son had lot of fun!
Wonderful!! 😀
I love your blog! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve added you to my blogroll: http://www.amyroachsenter.blogspot.com
Thanks for posting!
Amy Senter
ASpoolofThread
http://www.aspoolofthread.etsy.com
Thank you so much for this great toy idea! I work at a bar and have been saving our corks so I can make a fleet as Christmas presents for my nephews. May even use smaller corks to make little sailor guys!
These are perfect. Making these kits as an activity during my daughter’s birthday hike. Lovely!
That sounds like great fun, Liz! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂