Host an exciting mini dragon boat race in your own home! It’s super simple to make, and a lot of fun for the whole family.
In addition to eating sticky rice dumplings, celebrate this Dragon Boat Festival with a fun activity for the whole family.
The history of Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 Duānwǔ jié）
The annual Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who jumped in a river after being disappointed by the emperor’s apathetic attitude towards potential enemy invasion.
The people looked for Qu Yuan. They threw rice balls into the river to keep the fish away. Unfortunately, Qu Yuan’s body was never found.
In memory of his patriotism, the day of his death became a national holiday. The tradition of making of sticky rice dumplings (粽子 Zòngzi), and taking to the river in dragon boats became part of Chinese culture.
Mini dragon boat race
If you don’t live in a place where there’s real dragon boat races, you can still celebrate by having your own mini version at home. It’s especially fun for young kids.
All you need is a long table or hallway.
Set your boats on the starting line. All players set their elbows on the table. When it’s time to go, roll, roll, roll up the string to pull your dragon boat to victory!
How to make mini dragon boats
Mini dragon boats are easy to make. You probably adjust have everything you need.
Materials for mini dragon boat race
- Paper
- String
- Round tubes (empty paper towel rolls, rolling pin, or just rolled up paper would all work 🗞️)
- (Optional) printouts of dragon boats, or other decorations.
Step 1: make paper boats.
There are many tutorials for making paper boats. Feel free to choose which ever one you like. I chose one with long boats made with A4 paper. It’s a great match for the dragon boat design I picked out. And I don’t have to cut anything into squares, or use origami paper, which I want to save for other projects.
Here’s the link to the origami boat tutorial.
Step 2: Decorate your mini dragon boats.
Personalized your boats any way you want. I printed out dragon boat designs that matched the Dragon Boat Festival poster I created for our local library. Then it’s simply a matter of cutting it out and gluing it on to a paper boat.
You can go as simple as using different color papers to fold your boats, or go all out to decorate your boat the way you want. Paint them, use stickers, get your kids involved. The options are endless. In the end, everyone ends up with their own personalized boat. 🚣🚣♀️🚣♂️
Step 3: Attach string to rollers.
Cut off a long length of string. Most dining tables and event tables are 6ft long. I used 8ft of string to be safe. You can go even longer if you plan to use a long hallway for your race.
I’m using blue yarn I had laying around to simulate water. 🌊
I’m using sturdy wrapping paper tubes that’s been sawed in half. Heavier duty than paper towel tubes, lighter than a rolling pin. Did need a saw though. I just handed it to my husband, and like magic, got the right lengthened segments back 👍.
Step 4: Attach string to mini dragon boats
With the boat folded, snip a tiny hole at the front of the boat. Not too close to the front though, so it won’t easily rip. Pass the string through and tie a knot.
Now you’re ready to race!
Choose your preferred surface. A dining table works well. Add a starting line using washi tape or a piece of string.
I like to implement the rule of keeping your elbows on the table so kids won’t just run off and pull on the boats. Remember kids, no cheating 😉.
Ready, set, go!
Roll up the string as fast as you can to pull the mini dragon boat toward you. The first boat to touch the roller wins!
Hope you enjoy this as much as my family did. Feel free to share with your friends and family. Challenge them to a race!
