Go Fly A Kite Day (3rd Sunday in April)
Go Fly a Kite Day is one of those holidays that’s actually easy to use, especially if you’ve got kids who just need an excuse to get outside.
It falls on the third Sunday in April, right when the weather usually starts cooperating, and it doesn’t require much planning. A basic kite, a bit of wind, and you’re set. Even now, I’m always surprised how long kids will stick with it once they get a kite properly in the air.
If you don’t already have plans that day, this is a simple one to add in without it turning into a whole “thing.”
When Is the Holiday?
Go Fly a Kite Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in April each year. The exact date shifts slightly:
- April 19, 2026
- April 18, 2027
- April 16, 2028
- April 15, 2029
- April 21, 2030
Who Invented the Holiday?
The holiday doesn’t have a specific inventor. The phrase “Go fly a kite!” has long been used to suggest someone find something enjoyable to do, making it the perfect inspiration for a day dedicated to kite-flying fun.
The History of Kites
Kites have been around for more than 2,000 years, starting in ancient China where they were used for everything from military signaling to early experiments.
Over time, they shifted from practical tools to something people did for fun, although they’ve still played a role in science. Benjamin Franklin famously used a kite during a storm to help demonstrate that lightning is electricity, and later, the Wright brothers used kites while experimenting with flight.
So while it feels like a simple activity, there’s actually quite a bit of history behind it.
Top Facts About Kites
- People have used kites for fishing in parts of Indonesia, flying lines out over the water instead of casting from shore.
- During both World Wars, kites were used for signaling and even helping rescue stranded pilots at sea.
- Long before airplanes, large kites were used to pull carriages, with speeds reaching around 20 mph.
- In countries like India and Pakistan, kite fighting is still a popular activity where the goal is to cut another kite’s string mid-air.
- Modern kite designs are now being tested as a way to generate wind energy at high altitudes.
- The longest recorded kite flight lasted over seven days without coming down.
- At one point in Japan, kite flying was banned during work hours because too many people were skipping work to do it.
Coloring Page
If you want something quick before heading outside, this kite-themed coloring page works well as a simple starting activity.
Kids can color it in while you’re getting everything ready, or use it as a quieter option if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s also an easy way to tie the day into a bit of learning without needing anything complicated.
Activities to Celebrate
If you’ve got a kite already, the easiest option is just heading to a park or open field and seeing how long you can keep it in the air. Even older kids tend to get competitive once they get the hang of it.
If you don’t have one, making a simple kite at home is easier than it sounds. A bit of paper, string, and sticks is enough, and letting kids decorate it usually ends up being the part they enjoy most.
Some areas also run small kite events around this time of year, so it’s worth checking locally as these can be surprisingly fun and low-key.
If you’re staying indoors, reading about how kites were used in science or early aviation can tie in nicely, especially if your kids are already interested in how things fly.
And if you want something really simple, even drawing or painting kite designs works as a quick way to mark the day without needing much setup.
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Links to Resources
If you want to extend it a bit, these are worth a look:
- A simple DIY kite guide if you don’t already have one at home
- A kite I Spy printable that works well for younger kids
- Benjamin Franklin coloring pages if you want to link the day to science
- A Wright Brothers study if you’re covering early flight
- A basic beginner kite if you just want something that works straight away
- A stunt kite if your kids want something a bit more challenging
Related Holidays
Kite enthusiasts can also celebrate National Kite Flying Day on February 8, a day dedicated to flying kites across the world.
If you enjoy watching the sky filled with colorful wonders, Hot Air Balloon Day on June 5 is another fantastic occasion to celebrate aerial beauty.
Additionally, aviation lovers can mark National Amelia Earhart Day on July 24, commemorating the pioneering achievements in flight and honoring one of history’s most iconic aviators.
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