Cardboard Box Building
Turn cardboard boxes into rockets, forts, and cars. Builds engineering thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
What You'll Need
- 1Cardboard boxes
- 2Tape
- 3Markers
What You'll Need
Cardboard boxes (any size)
Tape (painter's tape or packing tape)
Markers or paint for decorating
Ideas to Build
**Spaceship:** Cut a door, add a control panel drawn on.
**Fort:** Multiple boxes taped together.
**Car:** Flaps become doors, paper plate becomes steering wheel.
**Robot costume:** Box fits over body, cut arm holes.
**Mailbox:** For pretend mail delivery.
Tips
Save boxes from deliveries — your kids will thank you.
Let THEM direct the build. Your job is tape and cutting.
Bonus: this is free.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: cardboard boxes, tape, markers.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 30 min.
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