Activities for Kids

2 matching activities — all with full instructions, safety notes, and ways to adapt. Clear filters

Build a Cardboard Town

Ages 4–10 60 min Medium Indoor Imaginative

A collection of recycled boxes becomes the foundation for a model town, farm, or imaginary world. Children decide what each box becomes, decorate it to match, and arrange the buildings. The town can be added to over multiple sessions.

Adult Preparation

Collect a variety of box sizes. Flatten any that are not needed immediately. Cut any openings, such as doors or windows, that require a craft knife or strong scissors — this task should always be handled by an adult.

Steps

  1. 1 Lay out the boxes and decide together what types of buildings the town needs.
  2. 2 Choose a box for each building and draw on doors, windows, or signs.
  3. 3 Decorate the outside of each box using crayons or paint.
  4. 4 Allow any painted surfaces to dry fully before handling.
  5. 5 Arrange the buildings on a flat surface. Use paper strips as roads between them.
  6. 6 Add trees made from scrunched paper, or paper cones for hills.

Children can practise: Creative planning, fine-motor practice through drawing and cutting, and sustained play across a larger project.

You will need
  • Various cardboard boxes (cereal boxes, tissue boxes, small delivery boxes)
  • Crayons, felt-tip pens, or poster paint (non-toxic)
  • Tape
  • Scissors (adult-handled for thicker card)
  • Optional: paper scraps for roads, trees, signs
Make it easier

Focus on decorating one or two boxes rather than building a whole town. Use pre-drawn windows or doors if the child finds drawing small shapes difficult.

Try next

Add small vehicles, paper figures, or toy animals to populate the town. Create a "town map" on paper. Build the town on a large piece of card so it can be moved and stored intact.

Safety note

Adults should handle cutting, whether with scissors or a craft knife. Check recycled boxes for staples, sharp edges inside, or residue from previous contents. Non-toxic colouring materials should be used. Ensure good ventilation if paint is used indoors.

Cleanup

Allow painted pieces to dry fully before storing. Flatten and store the town carefully, or display it on a shelf. Unused scraps can be kept in a craft box for future projects.

You might also enjoy: Build With Recycled Boxes

Indoor Camping Setup

Ages 3–10 60 min Medium Indoor Imaginative

Blankets draped over chairs and a table become a tent. Cushions go on the floor inside. A torch lights the space. The setup creates a contained, cosy play environment that can be used for quiet reading, storytelling, or a pretend camping adventure.

Adult Preparation

Clear the chosen area. Set up the blanket tent structure using chairs and the table — check that it is stable and will not collapse. Ensure the torch is safe for children to use.

Steps

  1. 1 Build the tent together, draping blankets over chairs or the table.
  2. 2 Arrange cushions inside.
  3. 3 Add a torch.
  4. 4 Decide together what happens at camp — reading, storytelling, a pretend walk, cooking imaginary food.
  5. 5 Spend time inside the camp before eventually packing it away.

Children can practise: Imaginative play, cooperation, and a sense of a personally created space.

You will need
  • Blankets
  • Chairs or a table
  • Cushions
  • A torch (adult supervises)
  • Optional: a picture book about nature or animals
Make it easier

An adult sets up the tent in advance as a surprise. Focus on one activity inside rather than several.

Try next

Make a "camp rules" list together. Use the camp as the setting for a longer story. Add outdoor nature sounds from a recording if the child is interested.

Safety note

Ensure the blanket tent is stable and cannot collapse. Use a battery-powered torch only — no candles or open flames under any circumstances. Do not use plastic bags as tent covers. Supervise children using the torch.

Cleanup

Fold blankets and return chairs and cushions to their usual places after the session.

You might also enjoy: Quiet Observation Jar

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