This spring and summer, we're providing some out-of-the-box ideas that encourage you to bring the boxes you already have outside for some family recreational fun.
Not only is cardboard versatile and easy to work with, it can be a green way to play because once you are done with your project or game, you can recycle the paper or cardboard pieces used. If you are unsure, How Life Unfolds has a handy recycling guide to help you sort out your concerns.
We’ve rounded up a variety of outdoor activities for children of all ages that creatively use, as well as responsibly reuse, cardboard.
The only limit to your fun is your imagination. Cardboard is a fun, easy, and, more importantly, a sustainable and recyclable way to play in the great outdoors!
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunt
Plan a scavenger hunt for paper-based recyclable items. Start by downloading the recycling scavenger hunt printable which encourages children to recycle paper products in an interactive and engaging way. Once collected, deposit the items in the correct bin.
Carnival play:
- Your next carnival is only as far as your front lawn. Build a booth out of cardboard boxes and hand out tickets and treats to the crowd.
- Create fun carnival games that are fun for children of all ages. Ring toss, cornhole and a dart board can all be made out of cardboard
Road Trip
Road Trip
For those taking a family vacation over Spring Break, challenge family members to count how many paper products they recycle throughout the trip. The winner gets a prize! For young ones, kid-friendly printable games—such as Bingo—and coloring sheets will make the travel to the destination seem shorter. Recycle the games sheets when done.
Race around for fun and games:
- Add some extra “feet” to make your next foot race a little more challenging. Two of the most popular are slipping on shoe boxes or creating giant cardboard feet attached to flip flops.
- Supersize the many games we play indoors for the great outdoors with cardboard. Think outdoor like Scrabble and Boggle and lawn checkers!
Seed Paper
Seed Paper
Spring is marked by blooming so creating handmade seed paper is a great way to help kids learn about repurposing cardboard and paper into art that regenerates. Using common kitchen tools described in these printable instructions, simply mush up paper and cardboard and sprinkle in flower seeds to make paper. When done, decorate the paper and give as gifts or plant and watch the seeds sprout.
Tap your inner artist:
- Have your little Picasso take their paints outside. All you need is a pizza box for an easel. And did you know that once done, pizza boxes are recyclable? But if you don’t have one that is okay, easels made from cardboard boxes work just as well.
Paper Plane
Paper Plane
Gather neighborhood kids for a paper plane party! Paper planes are fun to make and can be made from printer paper or even cereal boxes. Once made, they can be judged on style and which plane flies the farthest. When done, the children can place the scraps and planes into the recycle bin. Get plane making tips here.
Take to the air:
- Toss a frisbee between friends or all around the yard. Did you know you can make a frisbee out of paper plates? You can also make them with cardboard.
- If you are short a partner for frisbee, you can still have fun on your own. That’s right, a cardboard boomerang!
