Activity ideas for all ages with a cardboard box

Simple things often are the best, and that applies to play too. As is gets towards the end of the summer holidays, we thought we’d share some ways to use one of our favourite playthings – the humble cardboard box 

If you have a big cardboard box you might not need any of these ideas, because children of all ages love getting in a box, or filling it with some of their favourite things.  

That means you could start by simply putting the box somewhere your child can play with it, without bumping themselves on anything that might hurt them if they topple over as they climb in or out, and let them lead the way.  

If you’re looking for some new ideas, or the box has already been out for a few days and play needs a boost, why not try some of these. We've suggested things for babies, toddlers, and children but you know your child better than anyone so choose the option you think they’ll enjoy 😊  

Babies 

Create a sensory play surface 

Simply cut some holes into a box. 

Look around your house for different textiles, bubble wrap, old clothing, crinkly paper, recycled clean packets... you could add images of family members too! 

Stick the textiles, or photos, over the back of the hole, and ta da! You have a sensory surface or box. 

Make sure anything you give your baby is safe for them, and don’t leave them unsupervised especially if using plastic items.  

Toddlers 

Make your mark 

Give your toddler some crayons, pens or even brushes and paint.  

Then let them decorate the box – a big box is great for this as your toddler can then move their whole arm to draw on the sides and maybe even get inside to try drawing from a different angle.  

If you have a corrugated cardboard box – open it out so your toddler can draw along the ridges or run a toy or stick along them. Feeling the vibrations as they go along the bumps will help them develop their awareness of their body.  

Children 

Imaginative play 

Boxes can be transformed into a variety of things to encourage imaginative play.  

Simply give your child a cardboard box (a big one if possible!) and let them decide how to use it.  

If they can’t think of ideas, you could make some suggestions such as “I wonder if the box could be a garage for your cars, or a bed for teddy?”  

You can add a selection of pieces of fabric and blankets, so your child can adapt the box to be a den, or a bed, or any other space they could want it to be.  

Your activity tab, which you can find at the bottom of the Today page on your app, has been updated!

We heard users who asked to see more activities at once – you'll now see all the activities linked to your child’s active skills in one place. Simply tap the activities icon and scroll down to find the one which inspires you today.