This summer, we’re providing some out-of-the-box ideas that encourage you to turn the boxes you already have into something a little more fun. Consider it your new hobby: finding creative uses for cardboard boxes.
Not only is cardboard versatile and easy to work with, cardboard crafts can be a green way to play because once you’re done with your project or game, you can recycle the paper or cardboard pieces used.
Plus, when you use paper products in the first place, you’re contributing to maintaining North America’s forests—purpose-planted forests help store carbon, foster a variety of wildlife habitats and protect land from deforestation.
We’ve rounded up a variety of indoor and outdoor ways to repurpose cardboard boxes—some for kids, some for adults. In other words, fun for all.
The only limit is your imagination. Cardboard is an entertaining, easy, and, more importantly, sustainable and recyclable way to play in the great outdoors!
Make 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 seed paper. When done, decorate the paper and give as gifts or plant and watch the seeds sprout.
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.
Tap your inner artist
Have your little Picassos take their paints outside. All you need is a pizza box for an easel. And did you know that once done with them, pizza boxes are recyclable? But if you don’t have one, that is OK—easels made from cardboard boxes work just as well. Pro tip: Use a paper cup for watering down pigments and cleaning paint brushes. Paper cups are recyclable in some communities across the United States.
Head to the Carnival
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. You can also create fun carnival games that entertain children of all ages. Ring toss, cornhole and a dart board can all be made out of cardboard.
Home Improvement
Want to see how handy you are without spending your entire paycheck at the hardware store? Repurpose cardboard boxes into home furnishings. Up your work game with a laptop stand, then let yourself kick back while you work with your DIY, storage-friendly ottoman. And don’t forget the pets! Our cardboard doghouse will help Fido feel like a king, and this DIY cat scratcher helps keep your tabby’s claws in tip-top shape.
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 travel to the destination seem shorter. Recycle the game sheets when done.
Craft Some Homemade Fun
Add some extra “feet” to make your next footrace a little more challenging. Two of the most popular are slipping on shoe boxes or creating giant cardboard feet attached to flip flops. Prefer brainier games? Supersize the many games we play indoors for the great outdoors with cardboard. Take it outdoors with Scrabble or lawn checkers!
