15 Great Things To Do with moving boxes and small children

The kids’ rooms are probably the most ordered places in the house right now—I mean, they have to be if we’re going to send them in there to play! The living/dining area, however, is another matter entirely:

One of the things that makes unpacking difficult this time around is that what had been our two bookcases have been commandeered for use in the kitchen and Joshua’s room, respectively. That leaves the rocking chair surrounded by about a dozen boxes that are displaying utter disregard for any concept of “personal space.”

Meanwhile, we’re certainly getting more exercise. Back in Timonium, we could avoid using stairs all day if we just stayed inside. Here, the bedrooms are upstairs so if nothing else we have to go up and down whenever Joshua needs changing. It’s all part of my “get in shape without really trying” plan.

Now once we really do get unpacked, we’re going to have lots of boxes lying around (or more accurately, collapsed and stuck in a closet). Before we toss them, do you have any clever ideas for ways we can entertain the kids with cheap, used corrugated cardboard? Here’s my list so far:

1. Cardboard Castle
   I like this, but it seems pretty involved. I’m most likely to get halfway done, grow bored and move onto something else… leaving the monstrosity in Nicole’s way.
2. Tunnel Network
   It’s quick and easy, so it’s got that going for it. But where would the tunnels run? If we set it up in the attic, then sure… but somehow that doesn’t strike me as very safe.
3. Puppet Theater
   The kids love puppets, so this one’s a no-brainer. Except that I don’t think we have any puppets. We could make some with socks, paper bags, etc.—but that would start getting as involved as the castle idea.
4. Cardboard Furniture (submitted by Elaine)
   Make some funky chairs, stools or rocking chairs with these printable PDF blueprints.
5. Recycle Them, Before The Kids Make A Mess (submitted by Jodie)
   Jodie, you’re so practical.
6. Cardboard Box Races (submitted by Audrey)
   On a carpeted floor, set the box on its side (like “]”) and put your head and arms inside, then run blindly forward. Great for laughs, and a good workout, too!
7. Canvas-ize ‘Em (submitted by Audrey)
   Instead of the walls (or even the paper that’s still packed away… somewhere…) break out the finger paint or brushes and let the kids go wild on some empty boxes! (This could also work alongside most of the other tips, too—who wants a drab, tan puppet theater?
8. Car Tunnels (submitted by Audrey)
   Remember when Mattel and McDonald’s would team up and we’d get Hot Wheels with our McNugget Happy Meals? Remember how the Happy Meal boxes would come with punch-out openings so your new die-cast car could drive through a cardboard city? Pass that experience along to the next generation by punching out a few holes and turning those empty boxes into tunnels and buildings to drive the cars through!
9. Doll House (submitted by Audrey)
   You know, until I get around to building the fancy one Nicol– er, Katie has always wanted.
10. Drums (submitted by Audrey)
    All you need is a large stick (or unused tension rod) and the kids can rock out.
11. Hats (submitted by Audrey—girl’s on a roll)
    Okay, I think you’re reaching a bit here, Aud. Sure, this is a great idea… with smaller boxes. Maybe it would work with the larger ones, too, but I can’t help thinking the kids would look like this.
12. ?
    That’s all we’ve got. How about you? Leave a comment and I’ll add your own great idea(s) to the list!

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