The 6 Best Airplane kits (2023 reviews)

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a kit. The powerup airplane kit is exactly that - it's a simple kit that hits all the right notes. It turns paper airplanes into something even more awesome. The PowerUP 3.0 retails for $49.99 USD and is a smartphone-controlled paper airplane conversion kit. It can learn how to remote control the plane they fold. It can only be used with certain paper airplane folds.

These kits are fun but the paper is ordinary typing paper and falls apart after a short while. The Recharge times are fast enough to keep the boys happy, and the ability to discharge the device is very helpful at lunch time. It is simple, and comes with directions on how to make some compatible paper airplanes. It is great in a gymnasium, but not during a basketball game.

Why We Like This:

Very enjoyable and educational toys, better than watching ipad all day for kids
Lots of fun for kids and adults alike
Powerful little motor, actually powers other things

Best For long distances: Granite Mountain products Nice Toy

Buy on Amazon

The granite mountain products nice toy's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. These balsa wood airplane kits will remind you of the good old fashioned fun you had as a kid. The little ones had great fun soaring them across the playground from atop a play structure. It is a party favor and the adults are the one’s who played with it. These are even thinner & flimsier than the standard balsa wood gliders.

This plane is smaller than the traditional balsa wood planes and is perfect for a 5 year old. These are fun, although don't get lift against even a medium wind. It is made of good quality materials.

Why We Like This:

Great present, great small box for traveling
A great gift for a trip down memory lane
Nice plane made of good quality materials
Fun toy to get the kids outside

Best For Brief Diversion: Granite Mountain products Airplane kit

Buy on Amazon

Granite Mountain Products has been making great kit for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. These balsa wood airplane kits are good old fashioned fun. It is perfect for any event, backyard barbeques, birthday party's, small gift, stocking stuffers, goodie bag toy, grab bags, and much more. These gliders with reinforced noses are made to fly long distances with a simple throw, up to 25 feet. It is built for long distances. It is packaged in a cardboard box to protect the delicate balsawood. It can be easily broken by young hands. This product is great for beginners.

Why We Like This:

Compete for the farthest throw, most accurate flight path, or longest flying time
Farthest throw, most accurate or longest flight time
Good clean fun to try to tear the kids away from the screens

Best For group activity: Youmake Airplane kit

Buy on Amazon

The youmake airplane kit's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This kit is created by professional hands. It actually goes very high in the air. It comes with 10 plastic propellers. The helicopters can fly upwards between 3-20ft, with an average height of about 8-10ft. It comes with brightly illustrated step-by-step instructions, complete with an explanation for how it works, troubleshooting support, tips for teachers, and more. It is good for group activity for kids at a party or play date. The pack comes with instructions and appropriate materials for any kid to kickstart making their own version of a flying helicopter.

Why We Like This:

Good quality and lots of fun
Great ‘make it yourself’ toy and experiment for kids
Good brand reputation

Best With straw: Pathfinder design Airplane kit

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another kit that manages to win our hearts. It's the pathfinder design airplane kit and it's widely considered as kit that has the most suitable features. The Pathfinders Sky Surfer launches airplanes in a consistent and repeatable way. It has made the first retro airplane launcher kit allowing for kids of all ages to design, make and scientifically test a wide range of designs. It is made with sturdy 5 mm plywood, pegged for extra strength. It can launch many different types of paper airplanes.

This toy works awesome with a ton of different types of paper airplanes. The wood is of a high quality and the instructions (for an adult) are pretty straight forward. It is easy to make in about 30 minutes.

Why We Like This:

A good physics primer for young minds
Easy assembly guided by thoughtful instructions
Comprehensive 20 page booklet with plane designs, ideas, paper and card stock
Adjustable thruster will launch planes from 10 to over 50 feet

Best Feature: Easy To assemble: POPKING Airplane kit

Buy on Amazon

Compared with other kit in this category, the popking airplane kit has a convenient design. These POPKING 3 Pack Airplane Toys with Launcher are FAN-TAS-TIC. It will be a cool glider plane for kids. It is made of environmental epp polymer material, featured with light-weight, impact-resistant, and highly flexible. The stunt setting on the wings and tail basically make them stall and crash, which the kids find entertaining once or twice, then they want them to glide. These are surprisingly durable and the led lights are a plus.

These are made out of styrofoam so not the sturdiest. The planes glide really nicely. This is a dense lightweight foam that is different from the material used for packaging. It allows your child to leave the video game, relax with friends and family, and enjoy a good outdoor time.

Why We Like This:

Glider airplane for kids has 2 flight modes
Great gift or great for parties
Surprisingly sturdy, even when planes hit the cement
Gyrant mode and gliding mode, can be flying with launcher or hand-thrown