No matter how little general knowledge one might have about geography, there is one structure that is instantly recognizable to almost everyone on Earth. It is a symbol of romance, a marvel of engineering, and a travel dream for millions—the iconic Eiffel Tower!
If you are planning on getting your kids acquainted with world geography, famous structures, or French culture this year, the Eiffel Tower is the perfect place to start. There are so many amazing facts about this wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris. For instance, did you know it was originally built as a temporary entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair? Or that it actually grows taller in the summer due to thermal expansion?
However, rather than just reading random facts from a textbook, the best way for kids to truly appreciate the complexity and beauty of this structure is to build it themselves!
In honor of Eiffel Tower Day on March 31st, we have curated a list of 10 enchanting Eiffel Tower crafts for kids. From STEM engineering challenges using straws to edible art and beautiful paintings, these activities are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students.
Let’s say “Bonjour” to creativity and take a trip to Paris without leaving your living room!
1. The Glittering Cardboard “Iron Lady”
Paris is known as the City of Lights, and it is all about beauty, style, and glamour. This craft brings all those elements together. It is simple, messy (in a fun way), and results in a sparkling decoration perfect for a bedroom.
Materials Needed:
- Recycled cardboard box (cereal boxes work great).
- Silver or Gold metallic paint.
- Loose glitter.
- Scissors and Glue.
Instructions:
- Cut the cardboard into the shape of the Eiffel Tower. You will need a wide base that tapers up to a point. Don’t forget to cut out the semi-circle arch at the bottom legs.
- Paint the entire cardboard cutout with metallic paint.
- While the paint is still wet (or apply a layer of glue), sprinkle a generous amount of glitter over the tower.
- Once dry, you can use a black marker to draw the “cross-hatching” lines to mimic the iron girders.
2. The STEM Straw Engineering Challenge
The real Eiffel Tower is a marvel of structural engineering. It uses triangles to provide stability and strength. This craft doubles as a science lesson for older kids.
Materials Needed:
- A box of plastic or paper straws.
- Playdough, modeling clay, or masking tape.
Instructions:
- Challenge your kids to build a tower that stands on its own using only straws and clay.
- Teach them that the triangle is the strongest shape. Have them build a square base, but reinforce it with diagonal straws.
- As they build upward, the tower must get narrower.
- The Test: Once finished, place a small lightweight toy (like a Lego minifigure) on top to see if their engineering holds up!
3. The Healthy French Flag Fruit Platter
French diets are known to be indulgent yet healthy. If you are looking for a snack to accompany your crafting session, this edible art is perfect. It represents the Parisian icon and the colors of the French flag (Blue, White, and Red).
Ingredients:
- Blueberries (Blue).
- Bananas or Apple slices (White).
- Strawberries or Raspberries (Red).
- Pretzel sticks (for the tower outline).
Instructions:
- On a large white plate, arrange the pretzel sticks to form the outline of the Eiffel Tower.
- To the left of the plate, arrange a vertical column of blueberries.
- In the middle (under the tower), place the bananas.
- On the right, arrange the bright red berries.
- Not only is it patriotic to France, but it’s also a delicious way to get kids to eat their vitamins!
4. Easy Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorial
Some kids prefer 2D art to 3D building. Drawing the Eiffel Tower can seem intimidating because of all the intricate lines, but if you break it down, it is quite simple.
Instructions for Kids:
- Start with the ground. Draw a horizontal line.
- Draw a wide arch for the base legs.
- Draw a horizontal line above the arch (the first platform).
- Draw two lines going slightly inward and up to a second horizontal line (the second platform).
- Draw a long, thin triangle shape reaching up to the top.
- The Trick: Instead of trying to draw every single beam, use “X” patterns inside the shapes. It gives the illusion of the intricate ironwork without the frustration!
5. Lego Brick Build
For the master builders in your home, put those boxes of plastic bricks to good use. This activity focuses on symmetry and balance.
The Challenge: Do not give the kids specific instructions. Instead, show them a picture of the real Eiffel Tower and ask them to replicate it using only one color of bricks (Grey, Tan, or Black works best).
- Tip: Encouraging them to build a hollow structure rather than a solid block wall will make it look more realistic, though it is much harder to balance!
6. Popsicle Stick Construction
Craft sticks are a staple in any craft room. Because they are stiff and straight, they act very much like the real iron beams of the tower.
Materials Needed:
- Jumbo and regular popsicle sticks.
- Tacky glue or a hot glue gun (adult supervision required).
- Silver or Black spray paint.
Instructions:
- Lay out the sticks in the shape of the letter ‘A’.
- Create three sections: the wide base, the middle, and the narrow top.
- Glue horizontal sticks to separate the levels.
- Once the glue is completely dry, take the structure outside and spray paint it silver for an authentic industrial look. These look great leaning against a bookshelf!
7. The “Starry Night” Silhouette Art
This craft focuses on the beautiful silhouette of the tower against a night sky. It’s a wonderful art project that looks frame-worthy.
Materials Needed:
- White watercolor paper.
- Watercolor paints.
- Black construction paper.
- Scissors and glue.
Instructions:
- The Background: Have the child paint a sunset or a night sky on the white paper. Use purples, blues, and pinks. Let the colors bleed together. You can flick white paint on it to create “stars.”
- The Silhouette: While the paint dries, cut a simple outline of the Eiffel Tower out of black paper. It doesn’t need internal details—just the shadow shape.
- Assembly: Glue the black cutout onto the colorful background. The contrast is stunning!
8. Q-Tip Painted “Pointillism” Tower
France was the home of many famous artists, including Georges Seurat, who invented Pointillism (painting with tiny dots). Let’s combine art history with architecture.
Materials Needed:
- A printed outline of the Eiffel Tower (or a hand-drawn one).
- Q-Tips (Cotton swabs).
- Paint (Grey, Bronze, Black).
Instructions:
- Instead of brushing the paint on, dip the Q-Tip into the paint.
- Have the child press dots all over the lines of the tower.
- They can use different shades (like dark grey and light grey) to create shadows and depth. This is excellent for fine motor skills and patience!
9. Wafer Cookie Tower
If the fruit platter wasn’t enough, here is a sweet treat version of construction.
Materials Needed:
- Vanilla or Chocolate sugar wafer cookies.
- Thick frosting (acts as the cement).
- A piping bag.
Instructions:
- Use the frosting to “glue” the wafer cookies together.
- Start with a wide square base of wafers.
- Build upwards, cutting the wafers with a serrated knife to make them smaller as you go up.
- This is a delicate engineering task because if the frosting gets too warm, the tower might topple! It’s a delicious disaster if it falls, though.
10. Aluminum Foil 3D Sculpture
This is a sensory craft that allows kids to mold and shape the tower using a unique material: kitchen foil.
Materials Needed:
- A roll of aluminum foil.
- Pipe cleaners (optional, for internal structure).
Instructions:
- Tear off large sheets of foil.
- Scrunch and squeeze the foil to create long “ropes.”
- If the foil is too floppy, wrap the foil around pipe cleaners to make them stiff.
- Twist the foil ropes together to form the legs and body of the tower. The metallic shine of the foil makes it look just like metal!
Fun Facts to Share While Crafting
To make this activity educational, share these fun snippets while your hands are busy:
- It was hated at first: When it was built in 1889, many artists in Paris called it a “useless monster” and wanted it torn down!
- It moves: In strong winds, the top of the tower can sway by up to 7 centimeters.
- It needs a lot of paint: Every 7 years, the tower is repainted to prevent rust. It takes 60 tons of paint!
- Secret Apartment: Gustave Eiffel, the designer, built a secret apartment for himself at the very top of the tower.
Conclusion
Whether you are using recycled cardboard, healthy fruit, or shiny glitter, these Eiffel Tower crafts are a fantastic way to bring a little bit of French culture into your home. They teach engineering concepts, art history, and geography, all while having fun.