Cardboard box play for kids

Safety first

Keep the play space clear of furniture, bags and sharp objects, and put a rug, cushion or folded blanket on hard floors. Let a grown-up do all the cutting and fold over or tape any rough edges, staples or old tape before play starts. Boxes are for crawling, sitting and imagining, so please do not stand on them, stack them to climb, or use them near stairs, windows or furniture edges. Keep a grown-up in the room, and keep play areas open, never sealed shut: never close a child inside a box. Keep staples, tape and small scraps away from mouths. Socks off or non-slip socks are best on smooth floors. Small flats and rooms work well: choose one corner, and fold boxes flat when you finish. Use dry, clean boxes and wash hands afterwards. Age hints are only a guide, so you know your child best.

1. Cosy crawl tunnel

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: two or three open-ended boxes, wide tape, a rug.

1. Ask a grown-up to cut the flaps off both ends of each box.
2. Line the boxes up on the rug and tape them together at the joins, leaving the inside smooth.
3. Crawl through slowly, one at a time, with a grown-up at the end.
4. Drape a light scarf over one end to make a pretend cave entrance.

Notice: What would live in a cave like this?

2. Post office

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: a box with a slot cut in the top, scrap paper, crayons, small envelopes.

1. Ask a grown-up to cut a letter slot in the lid.
2. Draw pictures or stamps and fold them into envelopes.
3. Take turns being the postie who collects and delivers the letters.
4. Open the box and hand out the post to family members.

Notice: Who would you like to send a picture to today?

3. Corner shop

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: a large box, small boxes and tins from the kitchen, paper for labels.

1. Turn the large box on its side so the open face is the shop counter.
2. Make price tags and signs with crayons.
3. Fill the shelves with empty, clean packets.
4. Swap roles between shopkeeper and customer.

Notice: What would your shop sell, and what would you call it?

4. Box-brick castle

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: lots of small boxes, tape, paper flags.

1. Collect small boxes and tape the lids closed.
2. Stack them no higher than the child's knees to build walls.
3. Add paper flags and a drawn door.
4. Knock the walls down gently and build again.

Notice: Where would the entrance go, and who lives inside?

5. Puppet stage

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: a tall box, scissors for a grown-up, paper, sticks or spoons.

1. Lay the box on its back and ask a grown-up to cut a wide window in the front panel.
2. Draw characters on paper and tape them to sticks or spoons.
3. Hide behind the box and pop the puppets up above the window.
4. Perform a short story for an audience of cushions and teddies.

Notice: Which character is the funniest, and what does it say?

6. Little car or boat

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: a medium box, paper plates, crayons.

1. Cut off the top flaps and the bottom of the box with a grown-up so the child can walk it.
2. Tape paper-plate wheels or waves to the sides.
3. Hold the box by its sides and shuffle around the room.
4. Park it in a corner, or call it a harbour, when the journey ends.

Notice: Where are you travelling to, and who is coming along?

More to do on Rangooo

Keep going with more indoor games for kids, turn spare packaging into recycled crafts for kids, act out stories with pretend play ideas, try building and stacking games, fill a grey afternoon with rainy day activities, make wheels with paper plate crafts, browse more stories and activities, or see resources for teachers.

Questions

What size boxes work best for cardboard box play?

Anything from a shoebox to an appliance box works. Medium boxes suit most ideas, large ones suit tunnels and shops, and small ones suit castles. Always use clean, dry cardboard that a grown-up has checked for staples and sharp edges.

Can we do these in a small flat?

Yes. Pick a single corner, build in front of a wall, and use smaller boxes. Fold everything flat and slide it behind a door when playtime is over, so the room stays clear.

What age are these ideas for?

Most suit ages three to seven with a grown-up nearby. The tunnel, castle and car are good for younger children, while the post office, shop and puppet stage suit slightly older ones.

How do we keep boxes safe for little hands?

Ask a grown-up to do all cutting, tape down rough edges and remove staples before play. Replace a box that gets wet, torn or crumpled, and recycle it when you are done.