These fun and simple activities with cardboard boxes will keep kids of all ages and ability levels entertained and engaged!
We all have empty cardboard boxes lying around somewhere. Before throwing them away or recycling them, try giving them another use as props for some activities with cardboard boxes, amazing motor activities for kids! And, if your kids are really ambitious (or bored!), you can even decorate them before you use them! Here are a few fun ideas:
What you’ll need:
A variety of cardboard boxes
What to do:
1. Collect all the boxes you can find and make a trail with them. Use boxes with varying heights, depths, and widths to add to the challenge. Have your child walk along the trail by putting their feet only in the boxes, not touching the ground.
Can they make it all the way across the trail? Try placing the pieces of a puzzle at one end of the trail and the puzzle frame at the other end. Have kiddos walk through the box trail to place the pieces in the puzzle at the other end. Balance, proprioception, motor planning and motor control are all actively addressed in this game!
2. Jump into and out of the boxes. Start with shallow boxes and gradually increase the depth of the boxes so your child has to jump higher to get in and out. If you only have shorter boxes, jump from one box into the next. This is a challenge but is great for motor planning, prioprioception, gross motor development and motor control.
3. Hide different objects inside the boxes — some heavy, some light. Carry the boxes from point A to point B and talk about the difference in weight. What do you think is inside? Talk about the difference in how your child’s body reacts to different weights — did their legs have to work harder? Did their arms feel tired or was a box super easy to carry? A fun way to get some strengthening work in!
4. Have a relay race to stack a variety of boxes. Who can do it first without toppling the tower? Or, if you only have one child playing, can they beat the clock? Do you have a scooter or skateboard? Try our Topple the Snowman Activity for kids!
Skill Areas Addressed:
Gross motor skills, balance, proprioception, motor control, strength
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