Looking for a simple craft that gets kids outside and sparks their creativity? A bird kite craft is the perfect combination of art and outdoor fun. Using just a few basic supplies, kids can create colorful paper birds that flutter through the air while learning about some of the beautiful birds they might spot right in their own backyard.
We’re making craft bird kites together at Meadows Farms on August 9, and we can’t wait. But if you want to try crafting a bird kite at home first, here’s everything you need to build your own, plus a little inspiration from some of Virginia’s most beloved backyard birds.
What Is a Bird Kite?
A bird kite craft is a lightweight paper bird with a string attached that catches the breeze as kids run and play. Unlike traditional kites that require a strong wind and a large flying area, these simple paper bird kites are easy for younger children to make and enjoy.
They’re quick to assemble, fun to decorate, and can be customized to look like your favorite backyard birds.
Pick Your Favorite Bird
Before you grab any supplies, decide which bird your kite is going to be. Here are six great options that are all common in our area of Virginia — you might spot these in your own backyard!
Northern Cardinal (Virginia’s State Bird)
The male cardinal’s vivid red is hard to miss, whether perched in a winter garden or flitting between summer blooms. Cardinals are year-round residents, so you might spot one on your next visit to one of our garden center locations. A cardinal kite: bold red with black around the face and a pointed crest at the top.
Eastern Bluebird
One of Virginia’s most beloved birds: brilliant blue on top, warm rusty-orange across the chest. Bluebirds love open fields and are often spotted perched on fence posts, scanning the ground below. A bluebird kite: sky blue on top, orange-rust in the middle, white belly.
Carolina Chickadee
Small, round, and endlessly curious, the Carolina Chickadee is one of the most common feeder birds in Virginia. Black cap, black bib, white cheeks, soft gray wings. Chickadees are often the first birds to investigate a new feeder. A chickadee kite: high-contrast and graphic, with bold black, white, and gray.
Blue Jay
Bold, loud, and striking up close. Blue Jays have vivid blue feathers with black and white markings and a distinctive crest. They’re smart and territorial, and they’re not shy about it. A Blue Jay kite: bright blue with black bars across the wings and tail, white patches at the wingtips.
American Goldfinch
The male goldfinch in summer is a little sunbeam with wings — brilliant yellow with black wings and a black forehead patch. They love sunflowers and thistle, which we carry at all our Meadows Farms locations if you want to attract them to your garden. A goldfinch kite: joyfully yellow with bold black wing markings.
Downy Woodpecker
The smallest woodpecker in North America, with a crisp black-and-white pattern and a small red patch on the back of the male’s head. Common in backyards and parks, and a frequent visitor to suet feeders. A woodpecker kite: geometric and graphic; bold black and white with a red accent.
Supplies You’ll Need
If you’d like to make your own bird kite craft at home, gather these simple materials:
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Hole punch
- String or yarn
Most families already have these supplies on hand, making this an easy afternoon craft.
How to Make a Paper Bird Kite
Step 1: Create the Bird
Fold a sheet of construction paper in half and draw half of a bird shape along the folded edge. Cut it out and unfold it to reveal a symmetrical bird with outstretched wings.
Step 2: Decorate
Color your bird to match your favorite species, or invent your own colorful design. Add feathers, stripes, eyes, or patterns using markers or crayons.
For younger children, parents can pre-cut feather and beak shapes from colored paper to glue onto the bird.
Step 3: Assemble the Kite
Fold the bird slightly along the center to give it a little shape. Staple the center together, then punch a small hole just behind the staple. Placing the hole slightly farther back helps the bird fly better.
Tie a length of string through the hole.
Step 4: Let It Fly
Head outside on a calm or lightly breezy day. Hold the string and run across the yard or park to watch your paper bird glide behind you.
Tips for the Best Bird Kite
- Use heavier construction paper so your bird holds its shape.
- Punching the hole behind the staple further in the middle of the kite helps it
- fly better
- Keep decorations lightweight so the kite stays balanced.
- Make several birds in different colors and race them with friends or siblings.
- Visit your local park afterward to see if you can spot the real birds that inspired your creations.
Tips for a Successful Flight
- Choose a day with a gentle, steady breeze: about 8–15 mph is ideal for a flat kite like this.
- If it spins, add more tail length.
- If it nosedives, move the bridle point slightly toward the head of the kite.
- Best local flying spots: Any open park or grassy field works well. Avoid flying near trees, buildings, or power lines.
Come Craft a Bird Kite With Us
Love this idea but want to skip the prep? Join us for our free Bird Kite Kids Craft on Saturday, August 9 at Meadows Farms. All materials provided; all ages welcome. Drop in any time and take your bird home to fly.
Check our events calendar for other upcoming kids’ crafts this summer. And if the bird theme has your family excited about backyard birding, stop in and ask our staff about native plants that attract birds — we’re happy to help you get started.