A Cardboard Box... let the magic begin!

A new appliance has joined the family and you are getting ready
to throw out the packing material. 
After all...
It's just a cardboard box...

STOP!
Don't throw it away.
Create, pretend and play first!

If you aren't in the market for a new appliance, do not fear.  Contact any store that sells appliances and ask for a refrigerator, washing machine or dryer box.  Actually, any large box(s) will do.  Most businesses are more than happy to share packing boxes with you. Many times I have gone dumpster diving (with permission) for that perfect box.

After bringing the box home an adult should cut out windows,doors and ramps.  Whatever suits your fancy.  If kids are old enough let them help create the design.  Make two holes in the doors and lace  string in each hole for door handles.  This makes it easier to open and close the doors.

 

 Bring out crayons and markers and let the kids decorate the box. 

 

Draw grass and flowers on the outside, color in the letters on the box, draw furniture on the inside.

 

Label the front door with your name.

 

Add a piece of carpet scrap or a carpet rectangle (sample) for indoor carpeting. 

 

Cut apart old greeting cards and tape them inside for artwork on the walls. 

 

 A piece of foil taped inside makes a fun "mirror".

 

Light weight dish towels or pieces of fabric can be taped, or tacked, to the window openings for curtains.

 

Let your imagination go wild!

 

 

And, don't forget... it is fun for big people too! 

Kids will love it if you join them inside their new secret place. 

What a great way to share a story, read a book or pretend.

 

 

  Why not get several boxes and set up a "city" in the basement or backyard.

You may be surprised of the hours of fun a simple cardboard box will generate!






This Blog Post is inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky B. Baxa

If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children

(that do not require batteries or electronics )

you can purchase this 180 page book,

full of color photos,

for $21.95

from Amazon.com

Or

from the gift shop at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO,

Silver Dollar City General Store in Branson, MO.

This book can also be checked out of the following libraries:

Scenic Regional Library - Pacific, MO

First Christian Church - Washington, MO

Hawaii State Library - Honolulu, HI

Story City Public Library - Story City, IA

Ellsworth Public Library - Ellsworth, ME

Ludington Public Library - Ludington, MI