National Kite Flying Day (February 8)
Check out the weird holiday National Kite Flying Day on February 8. Learn the history of kites, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on February 8 is National Kite Flying Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!
History of National Kite Flying Day
Kites first originated in China around 470 B.C., but no one really knows the real story of why. There are many histories and lores about kite origins.
Around that same time, the people in the South Sea Islands used kites for fishing. These early kites were typically framed with bamboo or reeds, then leaves or paper were used to make the sail.
People originally used kites as tools, but they also used them for ceremonial reasons. Kites were symbolic of sending messages to the heavens or to carry offerings to the gods.
In the 1200s, the Italian explorer Marco Polo brought a Chinese kite back to Italy after one of his expeditions.
In 1752, Benjamin Franklin famously used a kite with a key tied to the bottom of it to demonstrate the fact that lightning is electricity.
The movie Mary Poppins was released in 1964, and it included a now-popular song entitled “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”
On May 29, 2003, the novel The Kite Runner was released by the author Khaled Hosseini.
Nowadays there are a lot of different kinds of kites out there. Most people are familiar with the simple diamond shape, as well as more complex box-shaped kites or other shapes. Sport kites (aka Stunt Kites) are built to be flown in dramatic ways with dives, dips, and twists.
Ideas for National Kite Flying Day
You could buy a kite to go fly, or you can do some of these fun kite-related ideas!
How to make a paper kite
Super easy step by step instructions for how to make a paper kite for National Kite Flying Day – and bonus instructions for a rainy day kite you can fly in the rain!
Mamra Chikki (Puffed Rice Brittle) – A Kite Wars Tradition
In India, they have their own version of National Kite Flying Day on January 14th for the Kite Festival. Only they play it as a war game! This Puffed Rice Brittle is a Kite Wars tradition in India, and you can make some of your own on National Kite Flying Day while you learn about another culture.
Easy Colorful Kite Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
Looking for easy crafts for your kids to do on National Kite Flying Day when you can't go out and actually fly a kite? Make these kite popsicle stick crafts for kids!
This Easy Kid-Made Kite is a Super Fun Afternoon Craft!
For National Kite Flying Day, you can do a little lesson about wind resistance and how planes fly, then make a DIY kite from a plastic bag!
Let's Go Fly a Kite - outdoor fun for families
Live near the beach? If so, head on over to the shoreline on National Kite Flying Day! The warm winds and the updrafts off the sea make the beach a perfect place for kite flying.
Paper Plate Kite Craft
Make a hand held kite from a paper plate that can be enjoyed outdoors on National Kite Flying Day, or even indoors on a rainy day!
K is for Kite Handprint – Let’s Have Fun with the Letter K
Are you learning the alphabet or having fun with kites on National Kite Flying Day? Either way, you are going to love this k is for kite handprint craft.
Kindness Kites Kind or Unkind Sort for SEL Curriculum
If you're teaching school on National Kite Flying Day, these Kind or Unkind sorting kites are a perfect lesson plan.
How to Make a Paper Plate Kite for Kids
Use a paper plate and make a super easy kite you can go fly on National Kite Flying Day! You probably have everything on hand to make it.
Kite Sugar Cookies tutorial
Did you know that National Kite Flying Day is celebrated annually on February 8th? These Mary Poppins-inspired Kite Sugar Cookies would also make a great treat to enjoy on that weird holiday!
How To Make A Decorative Fabric Kite (DIY Kite Wall Hanging)
Make a beautiful and decorative fabric kite on National Kite Flying Day with this easy sewing tutorial! These little kites are perfect for hanging on the wall in a child’s room.
Plastic Bag Kites
Need a super easy idea for National Kite Flying Day? Plastic bag kites are genius! You just tie a string around the handles of a plastic grocery bag, and you’re done. That’s it!
DIY Kids Kite Craft + Printables
On National Kite Flying Day, have your kids help make a DIY kite! This fun project will keep things fresh and exciting for everyone.
Have your big kids help make the kite (there is a little bit of sawing involved), and your younger ones can help decorate. Once they see the final product that they helped create, they will be so excited to go use it outside.
Letter K Worksheets For Preschool Kids
Unable to go out and fly a kite on National Kite Flying Day? Here are some some Letter K worksheets for preschool kids. These sheets can be used as a starter activity to teach about the letter K and would go great with a K is for kite craft idea.
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