One Box, Anything
Give them the box and get out of the way.
- Ages
- 18 mo–9 yrs
- Play
- 20–90 min
- Prep
- 3 min
- Mess
- some
- Energy
- lively
- Where
- on the floor
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- a big cardboard box
Optional
- pens or paintGet it on Amazon
- scissors (adult use)Get it on Amazon
- tapeGet it on Amazon
- paper plates for wheelsGet it on Amazon
How to play
Before you start: Find the biggest box in the house and put it in the middle of the room.
Ask one question: what is it going to be?
Take their answer seriously, whatever it is.
Cut the windows and doors they ask for — adults do the cutting.
Let them decorate it however they want, including badly.
Play inside it with them for ten minutes before leaving them to it.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Adults do all cutting. Tape over any staples inside the box.
- Never close a child inside a box with no way out.
Make it different next time
- Two boxes taped together make a train.
- Tape paper plates on for wheels and it is a car.
Cleanup: Fold it flat and store it behind a door. It will get three or four lives.
Three more like this
- Good for siblings
- Good for siblings
- Good for siblings
Learn something
Cardboard Train Tunnel
15–40 min 2–6 yrs Low mess- a train set with trackto buy
- a shoe box or cardboard box