How to Make a Kid's Playhouse
A great big cardboard box is an imagination sparker for any child. Furniture boxes and appliance boxes lend themselves well to becoming temporary playhouses. Not only is cardboard plentiful, but it is a cheap and recyclable material perfect for young budding builders. Maybe your child would like to build a castle, or a country cottage, a space station or a ranch house. Help your child create a great play space with a big box, some paint and some imagination. Your playhouse can be folded flat and stored when not in use. Once it wears out you can recycle it and help your child build a new one.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn the box upright, so that the closed end is on the bottom.
-
2
Paint the box and allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
-
-
3
Cut an upright rectangular door in the box, leaving one side attached so the door can be opened and closed.
-
4
Cut square windows in the box.
-
5
Use makers to add details.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To create a castle cut slot windows in the sides of the box and rectangular crenellations around the top. Cut an arched doorway and leave it attached at the bottom to make a drawbridge.
Turn your playhouse into a country cottage by lifting the longer top side flaps up and adding extra cardboard pieces to make a peaked roof.
Add rooms by adding more boxes and cutting doorways in-between them.
Use extra pieces of cardboard to cut out, paint, and glue on decorations and accessories.
Cover the floor or ground with plastic sheeting or newspapers before painting the box.
Protect clothing by having your child wear an old, adult-sized dress shirt or T-shirt while painting.
An adult should cut out the doors and windows.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit magic box image by Kit Wai Chan from Fotolia.com
