When is the perfect time to learn how to make a kite? When the cold, miserable days of winter have passed, and spring is in the air! The crocuses are blooming, the temperature is rising, and the days are getting longer.  Before you know it, the kids will be home for the summer, and the days will have gone from warm and breezy to hot and still.

Learning how to make a kite is the perfect springtime activity. Chances are, you have most of the needed materials in your garage or shed, and if you don't, they can be picked up at your local hardware store for cheap. If you plan for it, you can make a whole day out of this kid's activity.  The morning can be spent learning how to make a kite and then decorating it. Then, you can pack a picnic lunch and head to your favorite beach or park to fly your new kite.

Since they're easy and inexpensive, you can let each child make their own, and personalize them any way they'd like. Break out the markers and paint, and let them go wild. On the way to the park or beach, tell stories of your own kite-flying days as a child. Recall your triumphs and trials. The kids will be enthralled to learn that mom and dad once ran down the beach, barefoot, the wind whipping, hair flying, clutching a kite string with all their might.

How to Make a Kite

 When you're ready to get started, gather the following supplies:

– One 24-inch stick
– one 20-inch stick
– large piece of paper (at least 26 X 26)
– tape
– lightweight string or rope
– craft knife
– ruler
– pencil
– scissors
– ribbon
– paints, crayons, etc

Now that you've got all your supplies together, you're ready to start the creative process. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be ready to hit the park or beach in no time.

Step 1. Take the two sticks, and make a cross.

Step 2. Tie the two sticks together, making an X with the string. Use a drop of glue to make the joint stronger.

Step 3. Cut a notch in the bottom of each stick. Be sure it's deep enough for the string you're using to fit through. Thread the string through all the notches, keeping the string taut. This will be the frame of your kite. It should be a diamond shape.

Step 4. Pull the end of the string back to the middle of the kite, and wrap the string tightly around both sticks. Make another X with the string while wrapping, and tie it off in a knot.

Step 5. Cut the paper larger then the frame by a little bit. Tuck the extra around the edges and glue or tape down.

Step 6. Poke small holes in the top and bottom points. Cut a 2-foot piece of string, and knot through the holes you just made. This is the bridle of your kite.

Step 7. Take the rest of the string, and tie it about halfway down the bridle, this is your flying string.

Step 8. Tie a two foot piece of string to the bottom tip of your kite; use the ribbon to make bows along the rope. Adding a tail will make your kite more stable.

Step 9. Decorate!

It really is that easy to learn how to make a kite. Why not make it an annual spring ritual for you and your children? Take a picture of them with their kites each year, and keep a special kit album or scrapbook. It will serve as a record of how they've grown from year to year, how their kite making skills have progressed and improved, how fashions have changed, how your favorite beach or park has changed, and even new family members that may have come along. 

Happy spring! Now, go fly a kite!

Safety Considerations When Flying a Kite

An activity as simple as flying a kite might not generate many concerns about safety. In reality, there are a few things you'll need to be careful of when flying kites with your kids. The last thing you want is for a fun day flying a kite to end in disaster!

One of the most important things to remember is that kite lines can conduct electricity. You should never fly a kite near or over a power line. If the weather becomes stormy, stop flying and take a rain check. Always make sure the kite line is kept dry.

If you'll be flying your kite in a busy area, make sure you remain courteous of other people. Kites can move unpredictably; try to prepare for this by finding as isolated of an area as you can for flying. If there are other people around you flying kites, make sure you give them adequate room. If your kite-flying causes disruption to others, you may end up in a tense social situation or being asked to leave the park.

Always remember to respect the nature around you. Keep your kites away from bird nests or any wild animals you see. Remember that some domestic animals may have a fear of kites, so remain as respectful of that as possible.

By following these simple tips, you'll have the best day you can kite-flying! Making and flying a kite will make so many lasting memories for everyone. Have fun!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©James Steidl/Shutterstock.com.