Toddlers enjoy exploring and don't require expensive toys. Try out some of these craft projects with cardboard boxes to make a variety of new toys for the kids.
It’s a rainy day, the kids are bored, and mom and dad are at a loss for what to do. If the family has empty cardboard boxes waiting to be recycled, there are plenty of fun activities to keep the little hands occupied. These projects are geared towards toddlers and require mainly recycled materials, natural items and basic craft supplies. Of course, an adult should do any of the cardboard cutting far away from eager hands.
Secret Box
Cut a round hole just bigger than the child’s hand in the side of the box. Place a number of small toys in the box and close the top. Have the child reach into the box to find objects. This activity will change based on the age of the child. For younger kids, any small (but bigger than a choking hazard) object will work. Try socks, smaller blocks, plastic people/animals, etc. With older children, place one of each object in the box and ask them to find a particular object or guess what the item is just by feeling. This can be a fun game for multiple kids.
Box Town
Gather boxes of different sizes and cut holes for windows and doors. Have the kids decorate the boxes with paint, markers, crayons and other age-appropriate decorations. The boxes can serve as a house, mechanic’s garage, barn, etc. Make a whole town. As an alternative, decorate the buildings with fallen leaves, twigs, acorns and found natural items to make fairy houses. Read a fairy story to go along with the project.
Mosaics
Cut the cardboard into pieces roughly one inch by one inch. Have the child color each piece with markers, paints or crayons. Using an empty box as a base, glue the pieces on with plain white glue to create a mosaic. The decorated box can hold special treasures or craft items for rainy-day crafts.
Blocks
Find boxes in different sizes and tape them closed. The child can decorate the boxes with stickers, glitter, or tissue paper. Magazine cutouts (cut by the adult, of course) can be added as well. These make great blocks. If they are too light to stack easily, place some discarded catalogs or magazines inside to weigh them down.
Shakers
Select a few smaller boxes that close tightly. Jewelry boxes work well for this, but whatever is on hand will be fine. For each box, add dried beans, rice, birdseed or rocks. The box should be less than a quarter full. Close the box and tape it shut securely. Use the boxes as shakers to play along with the child’s favorite music.
In addition to taking up an afternoon with a fun project, most of these activities are jumping off points for creative play and exploration. So, save the hard-earned money and do some fancy recycling. The kids will have a great time.
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