Cardboard Box Crafts and Projects for Kids

Have you got extra cardboard boxes lying around? Trying to think of creative ways to use them? If you've got kids, don't let your boxes go to waste. Instead, try out these easy to make craft ideas for kids.

Cardboard Box Crafts and Projects for Kids: Racecar

An inoperable racecar is an easy craft that's appropriate for small kids. If you've got a fairly long cardboard box, remove the flaps on the open side and then, with the open side facing up, begin designing your "racecar". Draw four wheels on the outside and a tachometer, speedometer and gas gauge on the inside. Then stencil your kid's favorite number or flames along the side. With the extra flaps or pool noodles (find them at the Dollar Store), you can make a steering wheel that you can attach to the front.

Cardboard Box Crafts and Projects for Kids: House

If you just bought a large appliance, you've got the perfect sized cardboard box to make a simple kid's house. For this project, remove the flaps on the open side, then flip it over and cut out a door. Be sure to cut the door in such a way that your kid can close it once she's inside. Then cut a window out on one side. Draw a flowerbox under the window, a handle for the door and a peephole. You can also spray paint the entire box; however, most children won't find this necessary.

Cardboard Box Crafts and Projects for Kids: Princess Castle

Another moderately easy kid's project is a princess castle. Spray paint the inside and outside of your box silver. Then fold up the flaps and close it. Using the same color, spray paint 2 to 4 empty paper towel holders (these will be the towers) and 2 to 4 cone shaped paper cups or homemade funnels (these will go on top of the towers) then glue to your castle. You can cut the box in half, leaving one side connected, so that you can open it up and decorate the inside. Using a straight razor, create a drawbridge at the front of the box. Attach thin silver ribbon or string to your drawbridge so that it can be raised and lowered. Stick a clear or black tack next to it to wrap the drawbridge string when not in use. Cut out windows on your towers. Put the entire castle on a piece of poster board, and then draw a "moat" along your board. In addition, draw green moss and tall grass along the bottom of your castle.

Cardboard Box Crafts and Projects for Kids: Skycrapers

Another idea for that extra cardboard is to make a skyscraper like those seen in Superman or Batman. For a 3-dimensional skyscraper, simply design bricks on your boxes, using a black marker and reddish brown spray paint. Paint and stack smaller boxes. For an easy 2-dimensional skyscraper that can be taped to the wall, simply cut up your cardboard and then cut it and glue to create skyscraper tiers. You can also draw windows, poke holes through them and put white or solid colored Christmas lights in to make it look like the windows are lit.