My kids, like most kids, usually like the box a new toy came in even more than the actual toy. So I go with it and let their imaginations run wild. They’ve come up with the craziest ideas to transform cardboard boxes into something new and fun, from building their own grocery store checkout, to cutting them up making some pretty sweet masks.
Whenever a rainy day or the flu sidetracks our plans to get out and about, a clever cardboard box craft can keep my kids entertained, engaged, and inside all day long. So before you recycle that huge diaper box, refrigerator box, or box from Costco, think of all the things that box could be.
Whether your Amazon addiction has left you with more cardboard boxes than your recycle bin can handle, or your kids are simply like mine and just love boxes, I’ve rounded up thirty-one creative cardboard box crafts that’ll entertain your kids to no end. Check them out in the slideshow.
Recycled Cardboard Dollhouse
Simplicity rules! When your little ones want a home for their dolls to call their own, this cardboard dollhouse is exactly what they need.
Image and tutorial: My Cakies
Chalk and Cardboard Computer
Kids love click-clacking away on a computer, so make them one that they can bang, throw, and tap to their heart's content.
Image and tutorial: Handmade Charlotte
Shoebox Classroom
Make a miniature classroom with nothing but a shoebox and duct tape.
Image and tutorial: Molly Moo Crafts
Cardboard Minecraft Swords
For the Minecraft obsessed child, nothing beats a DIY cardboard sword based on the popular video game. Bonus: Extend the fun by letting your kids do the painting themselves.
Image and tutorial: Twitchetts
Cardboard Hot Wheels Garage
My kid is always taking everyday objects and making them into "garages." This cardboard Hot Wheels garage would be right up his alley.
Image and tutorial: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
Cardboard Airstream Camper
How cute is this life size (well, kid size) Airstream camper made out of a large cardboard box? This one would be perfect if you have a refrigerator or other large appliance box lying around.
Image and tutorial: The Merrythought
Cardboard Grocery Store
Playing "store" is a classic for a reason. Let your kids live out their entrepreneurial fantasies with this adorable cardboard grocery store.
Image and tutorial: katbag
Cardboard Sewing Machine
Every kid will love this replica sewing machine made from cardboard and washi tape. The little details in the buttons and dials are super sweet.
Image and tutorial: Little Red Window
Toy Cardboard Camera
Can you believe what this crafty mama did with an old detergent lid?
Image and tutorial: Molly Moo Crafts
Cardboard Toy Guitars
Just cut and layer up some cardboard and attach the "strings," and you have these adorable cardboard guitars, perfect for kids to strum.
Image and tutorial: Make It & Love It
Cardboard Barn
A DIY painted barn based on your kiddo's favorite books is a perfect "free" toy for a rainy or snowy day when you're stuck inside.
Image and tutorial: Joyfully Weary
Cardboard Labyrinth Marble Game
This one is perfect for the puzzle-loving child.
Image and tutorial: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
Cardboard Airplane
It only takes one box, tape, scissors, and a little pair of helping hands to make this airplane.
Image and tutorial: Small Fry Blog
Cardboard Elevator
The buttons on this elevator are actually clickable. If your kids are anything like mine and are obsessed with buttons, they'll love this craft.
Image and tutorial: Repeat Crafter Me
Cardboard Triangle Playhouse
This clean looking playhouse is attractive enough to keep around the house for more than just a day.
Image and tutorial: Tales of a Monkey, a Bit, and a Bean
Cardboard Puppet Theater
The crazy stories my kids make up when we play with puppets are beyond ridiculous, in the best of ways. A cardboard puppet theater is just what they need to come up with their next Broadway hit.
Image and tutorial: Pink and Green Mama
Cardboard Spaceship
3-2-1...blast off! The kids can pretend to spend a year in space as they fly beyond the stars.
Image and tutorial: Made by K
Cardboard Car
Make it even easier to construct a cardboard cruiser with this mom's hack for fastening and cutting.
Image and tutorial: ikatbag
Cardboard Fire Truck
Your kids can come to the rescue of their entire stuffed animal crew with this cardboard fire truck.
Image and tutorial: Everyday Mom Ideas
Cardboard Roadway
Vroom! Hit the road, Jack. Create a cardboard superhighway with this roadway and a little cardboard.
Image and tutorial: Mr. Printables
Giant Cardboard Birds
Color is the name of the game with these oversized, painted avian friends. Let the kids go crazy decorating to their hearts' content.
Image and tutorial: Krokotak
Cardboard Noah's Ark
Animals go two-by-two onto the boat. Stuffed friends and adventurous sailors can prepare for the big flood with this crafty ship.
Image and tutorial: The Craft Train
Cardboard Animal Masks
When a trip to the zoo isn't in the cards, these masks make sure they're in the cardboard. Create nine animals, like a mouse, hare, mole, and badger, and choose to leave them au naturel or cover them with fabric.
Image and tutorial: The House that Lars Built
Cardboard Toy Bus
The wheels might not go 'round and 'round, but the dolls will never know. Meanwhile, the kids can sing along with the baby goes "waah waah waah," and the wipers go, "swish swish swish."
Image and tutorial: Dani and Bel
Cardboard Dinosaur Costume
Roar!!! Let the kids get prehistoric with a dinosaur costume. Just make sure they don't trample the flowers, or their siblings, as they dominate the Earth.
Image and tutorial: Adventure in a Box
Cardboard Lemonade Stand
Cool off with a cold glass of lemonade this summer. With a staff of smiling neighborhood kids, it's great for shop-related role play.
Image and tutorial: Oh Happy Day
Cardboard Slide
The kids can send all kinds of things (including themselves) down this temporary stairway slide. It's bound to encourage hours of indoor fun.
Image and tutorial: The Contemplative Creative
Cardboard Pirate
Sail the seven seas, or coast through the backyard, with this cardboard vessel. Come aboard, scurvy pirate!
Image: Chick a Bug | Tutorial: Mr. McGroovy's.
Cardboard Ice Cream Shop
Serve up lots of cool treats (imaginary or real) from this portable ice cream shop. The kiddos can practice their sales skills with neighbors, friends, and stuffed animals as they play the day away.
Image and tutorial: Mommy Babble
Cardboard Gingerbread House
Whether winter is on the way or not, this candy-coated cabin is perfect for afternoons indoors.
Image and tutorial: Inner Child Fun
Cardboard Chronicles of Narnia Dawntreader Ship
Bring the classic books to life with this crafty cardboard Chronicles of Narnia ship.
Image and tutorial: ikatbag
More Rainy Day Activities:
10 Awesome Snow Day Activities That Expand Your Kiddo’s Imagination
Rainy Day Activity: Fresh Takes on Making Paper Hats
Rainy Day Crafts with Kids: Alphabet Cookies
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