Firework Flyers: Patriotic Straw Rockets for Kids
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Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the 4th of July with kids? These Firework Flyers—a patriotic twist on classic straw rockets—are a blast to make and launch! They’re quick, inexpensive, and make a perfect STEM activity for Independence Day.
This version of our popular Straw Rocket activity includes a free printable featuring two colorful red, white, and blue rocket styles, plus two black-and-white designs kids can decorate themselves.
This project works beautifully in all kinds of summer settings! Here are a few fun ways to fit it in:
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4th of July BBQs and Parties – Set up a rocket station outdoors to keep kids engaged while adults chat or cook.
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Summer Camp or VBS – Add it to your craft rotation or use it during a patriotic-themed week.
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Homeschool or Summer Learning – Tie it into a unit on American history, physics, or flight.
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Library or Community Events – It’s mess-free, low-cost, and exciting—great for group settings.
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Rainy Day Indoor Fun – Launch them in a hallway or across a living room (they’re lightweight and safe for indoors!).
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STEAM Days – Combine it with a quick science lesson about motion, gravity, and Newton’s laws.
It’s an especially great project when you need something that is quick to prep (just print and go), low mess. This is hands-on  fun and educational, too!  These firework rockets are great for a wide age range.Â
Supplies You Need for the Firework Flyers:
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Paper or cardstock (to print the template)
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Tape
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Scissors
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Regular plastic straws (or reusable ones)
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Optional: tissue paper or ribbon for extra streamers
How to Make a Firework Flyer:
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Print the free Firework Flyers template (download below).
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Cut out the rocket design of your choice. Also cut out one of the straw holder pieces.Â
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Roll the rectangle, straw holder, around a pencil to form a tube. Tape along the edge to hold it.
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Fold and seal the top closed with tape—this traps the air and makes it launch. Tape it to the back side of the firework rocket.Â
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Insert a straw loosely into the bottom of the tube.
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Blow through the straw and watch it fly!
Want to launch even farther? Try using a wider straw or experimenting with the angle of your launch.
The Science Behind Firework Flyers Straw Rockets
Straw rockets are a simple but powerful way to demonstrate physics in action. When you blow into the straw, the air builds up pressure inside the paper rocket tube. Since the top of the rocket is sealed, the only place for the air to go is back out—pushing the rocket forward and off the straw.
This is a perfect example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Expand the learning with a few simple experiments:
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Try different rocket lengths or materials.
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Add fins or streamers and see how they affect flight.
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Launch from different angles and measure the distance.
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Compare with balloon-powered rockets to explore propulsion.
This activity builds an understanding of air pressure, force, motion, and engineering design—all through play.
Download the Free Printable
Click here to download the Firework Flyers PDF template.
The printable includes:
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4 full-color patriotic rocket designs
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Black-and-white versions to color your own
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Straw holder templates
More Rocket Fun
Don’t miss my full tutorial and printable set here:
How to Make a Straw Rocket with Printable Template
Try our fun Baking Soda & Vinegar Bottle Rockets, too!
And if it’s too hot outside, try our Bathtub Bottle Rocket!
Share the Fun!
If you try this project, I’d love to see it! Tag @teachbesideme or share a photo in the comments. Happy 4th of July, and happy launching!
Love the Firework Flyers? See More Patriotic Crafts & Activities:
Fourth of July Craft: Flag Spinner Toy
DIY Patriotic Confetti Popper (Toilet Paper Roll Craft)
