Toddler at Play | Kids Crafts & Activities

40+ Cardboard Ideas for Kids

flower petal craft- toddler at play (8)

Do you have cardboard at home?

Try these fun ideas using cardboard with your kids! These activities are super easy and fun to do!

RELATED: Recycled crafts

All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post contains affiliate links- this just means I earn a small commission if you purchase via links below, no extra cost to you! Read our disclosure policy here.

#1: Cardboard Penguin Craft

cardboard penguin craft - toddler at play (2)

This Cardboard Penguin Craft is a fun little craft idea for kids you can do today! It’s super easy to prep. You’ll need basic craft supplies, along with a piece of cardboard. With a few simple steps, you can create these cool penguins! For this craft, we used heart-printed card stock for the belly which looks super adorable, doesn’t it? 

 

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Cut out an oval out of the cardboard using craft scissors. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS ONLY
  • Paint the cardboard oval black using the black washable kids paint and a paintbrush. Let dry completely.
  • Now, cut a small beak and two feet out of the orange cardstock.
  • Glue the beak and the feet to the penguin, along with the googly eyes.
  • Next, using the craft scissors cut out a heart from the heart-printed card stock. Glue to the penguins’ belly. Let the glue set.
  •  

#2: City fireworks craft

city fireworks craft (2)

This City Fireworks Craft is fun! Perfect for New Years, Memorial Day or Fourth of July!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Cut the cardboard into rectangles in various sizes. These will be the buildings for your city. Cut them accordingly to the size of your card stock, leaving about half of the cardstock opened.
  • Next, draw windows on each of the building using the yellow marker.
  • Now, glue the buildings onto the card stock using liquid school glue. It’s helpful to place the glued buildings under several books to straighten out and set.
  • Lastly, cut the pipecleaners into about 2 inches, wrap around a pencil and glue to the card stock above the buildings, using hot glue. Let set. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.

#3: Tissue Paper Wreath Craft

Are you looking for an easy, recycled craft this Christmas? Look no more, these Tissue Paper Wreaths are sweet and festive. 

MATERIALS:

Optional:

  • Paper plate
  • Q-tip

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Using the craft scissors, cut out a wreath out of the cardboard. We made our wreaths around 5″-6″ in diameter. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.
  • Next, cut the tissue paper into 2″ x 2″ squares and place in a bowl.
  • Optional: place the liquid school glue onto the paper plate and arrange the q-tip nearby. Skip this step with older kids.
  • Now, crinkle the tissue paper squares slightly and glue all around the cardboard wreath, making sure to cover all of the empty spaces so the cardboard can’t be seen. Let the glue set.
  • Lastly, make a bow using any desired ribbon and glue to the top of the wreath. Let set.

#4: Egg Carton Christmas Trees

egg carton christmas tree - toddler at play

These Egg Carton Christmas Trees look gorgeous and festive but are quite simple to make!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

*Supervision required*

  • Cut long rectangles out of the cardboard, roll together and hot glue. These will be the tree trunks.
  • Using the craft scissors, cut the middle (triangle) sections of the egg carton out. Cut out as many as you need, each tree has 3 egg carton sections.
  • Next, paint the egg carton sections using watercolors. I did pink and teal, but you can get creative! Let dry well.
  • Now, using the craft scissors make deep slits on each egg carton section.
  • Using the hot glue gun, glue 3 egg carton sections together. Hot glue the tree trunks. Let set.
  • Lastly, using a paintbrush apply, randomly, a little bit of liquid school glue on the Christmas trees, sprinkle with artificial snow and let dry. Working over a paper plate keeps the mess to a minimum!

#5: Cotton Round Ice Cream Craft

cotton round ice cream craft - toddler at play (6)

Are you ready for a fun ice cream craft? This Cotton Round Ice Cream Craft will be your kids new favorite summer idea, guaranteed!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Begin by cutting the cardboard into a rectangle, approximately 6″ x 8″.
  • Next, cut out a cone from the beige card stock and glue to the cardboard. 
  • Using the beige permanent marker or crayon, draw lines to make it look like a waffle cone.
  • Next, glue 3 (or more if you’d like) cotton rounds on top of the cone, overlapping just a bit.
  • Lastly, add desired food coloring into the cups with water and mix.
  • Let the kids use the dropper to paint the ice cream scoops!

#6: Cardboard Woodland Animal Puppets

cardboard woodland animal puppets - toddler at play (4)

These Cardboard Woodland Animal Puppets are a fun recycled craft idea for kids of any age. 

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft scissors or craft knife/mat (which ever is easier for you), cut out a deer, bear and a fox out of the cardboard. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
      • Next, place a little bit of black and white washable kids paint onto a paper plate (optional). You can simplify this step and dip the paintbrush right into the paint bottle, washing the paintbrush in between colors.
      • Using the white paint, color in the ears for each animal and then parts of the face (refer to the picture below). Let the paint dry.
      • Next, using the hot glue gun, glue the small black pom-poms for the noses. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
      • Now, once the white paint has dried a bit, add the eyes using the black paint. Let dry.
      • Lastly, using the hot glue gun, glue the popsicle stick to the black of each animal. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.

#7: Recycled Leaf Turkey

If you’re looking for a fun and easy Thanksgiving craft for kids, look no further! This Recycled Leaf Turkey Craft is perfect. Simple to prep, easy for little ones to make and so festive!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft scissors, cut the cardboard into a half oval shape.
      • Draw a beak and wattle, using orange and red markers.
      • Glue the googly eyes just about the beak and let the glue set.
      • Next, glue the leaves to the back of the turkey and let set. 

#8: Recycled Christmas Tree Craft

recycled christmas tree craft

If you’re looking for an easy, low-prep Christmas craft, then look no further! This Recycled Christmas Tree Craft only requires a piece of cardboard, liquid school glue, Christmas tree branches and glittery foam balls. 

MATERIALS:

Optional:

      • Q-tip
      • Paper plate

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut out a piece of cardboard to be approximately 4″x 6″. 
      • Next, trim the Christmas tree branches into various sizes.
      • Next step is optional, but I always like to do this for little ones. Place the liquid school glue onto a paper plate and add a q-tip. This way the kids can easily apply the glue, rather than squeeze the glue bottle which may be difficult.
      • Add a little bit of glue to the stem of the branch (not the needles) and glue to the cardboard. Create a Christmas tree by adding longer branches towards the bottom and shorter branches towards the top. Let set and dry.
      • Lastly, glue the small glittery gold foam balls onto the Christmas tree. Let dry.

#9: Feathery Owl Craft

feathery owl craft - toddler at play (2)

Are you looking for a fun way to use up an old cardboard box? Try this Feathery Owl Craft!

Materials:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft scissors, carefully cut out an owl out of the cardboard. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.
      • Next, using the liquid school glue, glue the assorted feathers to the sides of the owl. Let the glue set.
      • Cut out a triangle out of the orange card stock and glue onto the face. 
      • Glue the googly eyes just above the nose. Let set.
      • Lastly, using the black permanent marker, draw wavy lines on the belly of the owl.

#10: Glittery Mermaid Tail Craft

Do you have any mermaid fans in your home? If so, your little one might enjoy this Glittery Mermaid Tail Craft!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Start by cutting out a square out of the cardboard, approximately 5″ x 5″.
      • Next, using the pen/pencil draw a simple outline of a mermaid tail on the cardboard piece. Don’t worry about it being perfect!
      • Prepare the glue, by placing a little bit of the liquid school glue onto a prepare plate.
      • Let the kids use the q-tip to apply the glue over their mermaid tail and decorate with assorted glitter.

TIP- working over a paper plate keeps most of the glitter in one place! That’s always helpful!

#11: Nature Heart Craft

nature heart craft- toddler at play (3)

Are you looking for a simple and easy summer craft idea for your kids? Look no more, this Nature Heart Craft is as easy as it gets!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut out a heart out of the cardboard using scissors. You can draw the heart first and then cut out.

Now go on a wildflower hunt! Once you collect a small bouquet of assorted wildflowers, tape them to your cardboard heart. It’s simple, but beautiful, right?

#12: rainbow cloud craft

Are you ready for a fun rainbow craft? This Rainbow Cloud Craft uses cardboard, cotton balls and colored popsicle sticks to make this rainbow come alive!

MATERIALS:

Optional for younger kids: 

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Begin by cutting out a cloud out of the cardboard. You can use a pencil to sketch out a cloud first and then cut out, if that’s easier. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
      • Now, prep the glue. Place a little bit of liquid school glue onto a paper plate and place a q-tip onto the plate. This steps helps little ones by not dealing with the difficult-to-squeeze glue bottles! You can certainly skip this step with older kids.
      • Glue the cotton balls all over the cloud so you can’t see the cardboard in between. Let dry a bit.
      • Using the hot glue gun, hot glue the colored popsicle sticks to the back side of the cloud. You can space them out, like pictured or you can hot glue them right next to each other. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.

TIP- Use red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple popsicle sticks, in that order, for a beautiful rainbow!

#13: fall bouquet craft

fall bouquet craft - toddler at play (4)

This Fall Bouquet Craft is the perfect craft idea for Fall. 

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using a beige or gray permanent marker, draw a vase on the cardboard.
      • Next, using a green permanent marker, draw several stems out of the vase.
      • Now, using the glue, glue the leaves on the stems to create a beautiful bouquet.

#14: Cardboard camera craft

This Cardboard Camera Craft is a ton of fun!

materials:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Begin by drawing a rectangle on the cardboard using a pencil (about 3″ x 4″). Draw a little button at the top left edge. Cut out using scissors.
      • Using the craft knife, cut out a little rectangle for the viewfinder (little window to look through).
      • Cut a desired print of card stock into a long strip (about 1 1/2 inches wide). Glue around the camera.
      • Next, trace and cut out two circles. Glue one on top of the other to the right side of the camera on the printed card stock.
      • Make two holes at the sides of the camera using the single hole punch and thread a long piece of string, secure. 
      • Lastly, using the brown permanent marker, color the button, trace around the viewfinder and inside the lens circle.

TIP- since these camera’s have a string kids will put around their necks, please supervise the child. Alternatively, get rid of the string and you’re good to go!

#15: Cardboard sheep craft

cardboard sheep craft- toddler at play (3)

If you have a cardboard box at home, don’t toss it yet. Create these adorable and soft Cardboard Sheep!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Begin by drawing a simple sheep outline on the cardboard using a pencil (approx. 4″ x 5″). It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make it look like a fluffy cloud or simply make an oval! Cut out.
      • Add the liquid school glue to the paper plate and prepare the q-tip or paintbrush. This spares little ones dealing with the squeezable glue bottles which can be hard for small children.
      • Let the kids use the q-tip to apply the glue to the cardboard sheep and stick the cotton balls to create a fluffy sheep.
      • Once all of the empty spots on the cardboard are covered with cotton balls, draw a face for the sheep using the permanent marker (adults should do this step). Alternatively, kids can do this step using a colored pencil/crayon.
      • Add 2 clothespins for the legs and your sheep is done!

#16: ballerina tying practice boards

ballerina tying practice boards- toddler at play (3)

These Ballerina Tying Practice Boards are easy to make and help kids learn how to tie knots and bows in a fun way!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft knife and mat, cut out rectangles out of the cardboard. Approximately 4″ x 5″. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
      • Next, using the colored permanent markers (you could use crayons or colored pencils), draw simple pictures on each cardboard rectangle.
      • Using the screw driver, carefully poke 2 holes close together where you want the ribbon to be. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
      • Lastly, thread the lace, ribbon or string though the holes.

Let the kids play around with the practice boards. At first, they will probably have no idea how to tie knots and bows, so demonstrate slowly how to properly tie a bow and they will get the hang of it quick! 

#17: Button Turtle Craft

This Button Turtle Craft is a fun recycled crafts idea for kids!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft knife and mat, cut a circle of about 3 inches, 5 semi ovals (1 inch each) and a small pointy triangle out of the cardboard. These will be the body, legs, head and tail.
      • Next, let the kids construct the turtle. Glue the head, legs and tail to the underside of the body. Let dry a bit to firm up.
      • Now flip over and decorate the top of the turtle by gluing the assorted buttons. Let dry.
      • Lastly, using the permanent marker, draw the eyes and smile for the turtle. 

#18: egg carton volcanoes

egg carton volcanoes- toddler at play (4)

These Egg Carton Volcanoes are super easy to make and make a fun recycled idea for kids of all ages!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      1. Using the craft scissors, cut the middles of the egg carton.
      2. Cut a piece of cardboard, approximately 4 x 4 inches and glue the egg carton volcanoes onto the cardboard using a hot glue gun (this step is for adults).
      3. Next, using a funnel (or not, like me lol), place about a tablespoon of baking soda into each section.
      4. Using the paint, paint the volcanoes to make them look real!
      5. Pour a bit of vinegar into a bowl.
      6. Using the dropper, squirt vinegar into the holes of the egg carton volcanoes to watch them erupt!

#19: Dandelion lion craft

dandelion lion craft- toddler at play (5)

This Dandelion Lion Craft is a fun way to use up a piece of cardboard and make something beautiful using nature around us!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut the cardboard into a circle using the craft scissors.
      • The fun part! Go outdoors on a hunt for dandelions! Collect as many as you can find so you can make a nice, bushy mane for the lion!
      • Glue the dandelion flowers all around the edge of your cardboard circle. Let the glue firm up.
      • Using the permanent marker or crayons (brown or black) draw a simple face for the lion. Add googly eyes if using.

#20: pounch lid flower activity

pouch lid flower activity- toddler at play (7)

If you have saved pouch lids at home, then this Pouch Lid Flower Activity is for you! And if you don’t, you’ll have a whole new reason to save them!

MATERIALS FOR POUCH LID FLOWER ACTIVITY:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Start by cutting out a semi large piece of cardboard with the craft knife. Be sure to use the mat. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.
      • Draw simple flower stems and leaves with the permanent marker.

#21: pipecleaner designs activity

This Pipecleaner Designs Activity is a quick and easy way to keep your little ones busy and happy!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut the cardboard into squares (about 4 x 4).
      • With the colored permanent markers, draw different designs on the cardboard squares (spirals, zig-zags, etc.). You can match the color of the design to the pipecleaner for even more fun!
      • Prepare the cardboard squares with the designs along with pipecleaners for the child to use.

#22: collage house craft

This Collage House Craft is a fun way to use up those old pieces of scrap paper!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Begin by cutting up the scrap-book paper into about 1 inch pieces. You can keep them all squares or irregular like we did.
      • Next, using the craft scissors, cut out a simple house from the cardboard.
      • Let the kids use the glue stick and glue the pieces of scrap paper all over a piece of white or gray cardstock. Next, glue the house and decorate using markers.

#23: bee counting activity

bee counting activity- toddler at play (4)

This Bee Counting Activity is a quick counting activity you can set up in under 5 minutes!

mATERIALS FOR BEE COUNTING ACTIVITY:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the scissors (or craft knife) cut out as many honeycombs as you want. I made 5 honeycombs.
      • Prepare your number manipulatives and stickers.

#24: flower petal ballerina craft

flower petal craft- toddler at play (8)

This Flower Petal Ballerina Craft is a beautiful little craft idea perfect for toddlers!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Begin by drawing a simple ballerina on the cardboard with the permanent marker. Do as best as you can, no one will judge….except your kids.
      • Place the flower petals into a bowl and you’re ready to go!

#25: bubble wrap rainbow craft

This Bubble Wrap Rainbow Craft is an easy and fun recycled craft idea!

MATERIALS FOR BUBBLE WRAP RAINBOW CRAFT:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Start by cutting the bubble wrap to match the size of the cardboard you’ll be using.
      • Using the paintbrush and washable paint, paint a rainbow on the bubble wrap.
      • Stamp the bubble wrap onto the cardboard and let the paint dry a bit.
      • Once the paint is dry, use the glue stick to glue on the cotton rounds to make the clouds. I got a bit creative and cut out cloud shapes from the cotton rounds. 

#26: flower petal art

This Flower Petal Art is an easy craft idea that uses flower petals to combine sensories and creativity!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft knife and mat, cut a rectangle out of your cardboard. Make it big enough to have plenty of room for kids art.
      • Once the cardboard is cut, draw flower stems and centers using the crayons. I drew 5 stems, but you can draw as many as you can fit, leaving about an 1.5″ in between the stems.
      • Place the petals into a bowl and set besides the cardboard along with a glue stick.
      • Once you’ve done the prep, let the kids glue on the petals to the stems. You’ll be surprised at how busy and concentrated they stay!

#27: ladybug counting activity

counting ladybug spots activity- toddler at play (4)

This Ladybug Counting Activity is an easy, inexpensive and hands-on way to learn to count!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft knife and the mat, cut out 5 leaf shapes. I made mine about 3″ x 2″, but that depends on the size of your ladybug stickers. You can first use a pencil to draw an outline of a leaf and then use the craft knife to cut along the lines, but I just eyed it.
      • Next, place the number manipulatives next to each leaf and set the stickers beside.

28: recycled bee craft

recycled bee craft- toddler at play (5)

This Recycled Bee Craft is so fun and easy to do!

MATERIALS:

Book optional, but totally recommended! Just look at this sweet book about honeybees!

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • First, cut the cardstock into an oval (about 1.5″ x 2″) using the craft knife and mat.
      • Paint the cardstock oval with the yellow washable kids paint. Let dry.
      • Once the paint is dry, wrap the black pipecleaner around the oval and pinch the ends to secure. I was able to wrap a standard size pipecleaner 3 times around the oval.
      • Next, using the hot glue gun, glue the googly eyes. Also, cut out 2 tear drop shapes out of the scrapbook paper for the wings and glue as well.
      • Lastly, make a stinger and antennae from the black pipecleaner and hot glue.

#29: button patterns

button patterns activity - toddler at play (8)

This Button Patterns Activity is super easy to set up and is wonderful for kids development.

MATERIALS FOR BUTTON PATTERNS ACTIVITY:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • First, cut the cardboard into about 3″x 4″ rectangles using the craft knife and mat.
      • Then using the colored permanent markers draw different patterns on each cardboard rectangle. Use a different color for each pattern.
      • Place the assorted buttons into a small tray.

#30: decorate a heart

This simple and quick to prepare Decorate a Heart: Invitation to Create Activity allows the little ones to get creative and stay busy!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft scissors, cut out as many hearts as you need from a piece of cardboard (approx. 4″ wide).
      • Next, lay out all of the materials the kids will be using on the tray with separations.

#31: decorate a christmas tree

decorate a christmas tree tray- toddler at play (11)

This Decorate a Christmas Tree Tray (Invitation to Create) is a super simple way to keep kids busy, happy and learning all at the same time! The prep is so easy you’ll be done in less than 5 minutes. All you need is to cut the Christmas trees out of a piece of cardboard and arrange all of the decorating pieces around onto a tray. What’s awesome about this tray is that you can use leftover glitter, buttons, odd numbers and colors of pom-poms or any last years Christmas supplies you no longer need!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Using the craft scissors, cut out a Christmas tree (I just did elongated triangles in various sizes).
      • Arrange all of the decorating pieces onto the tray as well as the glue.

Prep is done! Now you’re ready to create beautiful, unique Christmas Trees!

#32: MINI CHRISTMAS WREATH CRAFT

mini christmas wreaths- toddler at play (11)

These Mini Christmas Wreaths are made from cardboard, elastics and the most wonderful nature finds of the season!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut out mini wreaths out of the cardboard. I traced a large lid and a smaller lid first and then cut out.
      • Once you have the wreaths cut out, cut through one of the side with the craft scissors (to make an opening).
      • Now put 5-6 elastics through the opening and onto the wreath.

#33: clothespin color sort activity

clothespin color sort- toddler at play (1)

This Clothespin Color Sort Activity is a simple and easy way for toddlers to familiarize with and learn colors!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut a piece of cardboard into a circle using the craft knife and mat (you can also do a square, it’s up to you!)
      • Next, using the colored permanent markers, draw semi circles along the border of the cardboard circle, picking as many different colors as you can.
      • Lastly, color the clothespins with the corresponding colors of the semi circles on the cardboard.

#34: leaf scavenger hunt

This outdoor Leaf Scavenger Hunt Activity is a great reason to head outdoors and get kids moving! They will have a ton of fun searching for leaves, matching them up to the pictures on the cardboard and then securing them to the board.

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • On a piece of large cardboard (not too large but so it’s still easy for kids to hold), draw 4 or many different types of leaves as you can. I simply opened up leaf clip art on Pinterest and free-hand drawn them.
      • Write which tree each leaf comes from underneath each leaf. That’s it! It’s time for the leaf hunt!

*Adults do the stapling 🙂

#35: diy play-dough stamps

diy play-dough stamps- toddler at play (5)

Play-dough is so versatile, fun and great as a sensory play component. And it gets even more fun with an addition of these DIY PLAY-DOUGH STAMPS, which are super easy and exciting to make!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • Cut the cardboard into squares (any preferred size, we did about 2″ x 2″).
      • Next, allow the child to draw whatever they would like on the cardboard square using the pencil.
      • Heat up the hot glue gun and trace with it the drawings the kiddos made. Let cool and dry.

#36: felt button art activity

felt button art- toddler at play (1)

This Felt Button Art activity is a quick and creative way to use up a box or cardboard you no longer need.

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

      • One a piece of cardboard, draw a scene, doodles, etc. using the colored permanent markers.
      • Next, using the needle and thread, add the buttons (matching the colors) onto each picture.
      • Now, with the craft scissors cut out matching pictures/objects to the outlines you drew on the cardboard. They don’t have to match perfectly!

Rules are simple: kids have to match the felt objects to the pictures on the cardboard and secure them using the buttons creating a beautiful felt scene!

#37: cardboard window wildflower craft

This Cardboard Window Wildflower Craft is an easy and beautiful recycled craft any one can do!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Lay a piece of cardboard onto the cutting mat and using the craft knife cut out a square approximately 6″ x 6″. This size makes it easier for toddlers to hold. Next draw a simple window doodle, you don’t have to make it perfect! Next using the super glue, glue the mini clothespins to the “window sill”. Make sure the opening of the clothespins are at the top. Now you’re ready to go on a hunt for wildflowers and fill the vases!

 

#38: pom-pom umbrella craft

This Pom-Pom Umbrella Craft is so festive and colorful!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by cutting out the cardboard into an umbrella (I suggest for the adult to do this step!). Next, allow the kids to paint the umbrella in any color they want and let dry. While the umbrella is drying, make the rain. Cut long piece of thread and loop through the needle. Weave the needle through the pom-poms and spread them out (this step is for adults). We made about 4-5 pom-poms per thread and 3-4 pieces of thread. Hot glue the ready pieces of thread with pom-poms to the umbrella.

#39: match game using stickers

This Match Game using stickers is a fun and simple game for toddlers!

mATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the craft knife cut a piece of cardboard into 8-10 squares (about 2 x 2). Then add matching stickers on two cardboard squares. DONE!

GAME TIME! Flip all of the square stickers side down, now by taking turns, flip over two squares. If they match set them aside, if not then flip them back over leaving them in their spots. Next person goes. Try to match up every sticker. Who has more matched squares wins!

#40: nature hunt activity

nature hunt activity- toddler at play (14)

A fun way to spend time outdoors!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take the cardboard (cut if too large) and add 3 elastics around it separating into 3 spaces. Label each space using the permanent markers. We did flowers, leaves and twigs.

#41: house color hunt

house color scavenger hunt- toddler at play (1)

This House Color Scavenger Hunt is such an awesome idea if you’re stuck indoors and kids need to let some of their energy out! It’s super easy to prepare, in fact you’ll need only a few craft supplies plus some old cardboard you might already have laying around the house. Great recycled idea!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using a semi large cardboard write out “House Color Scavenger Hunt ” right on top center. Next using the permanent markers or crayons scribble red, blue, green, purple, orange (any color you want!) in sections and then hot glue a clothespin on top of each color. You may color the clothespin accordingly as well, like I did.

Rule are simple- kids have to find something, ANYTHING (although small enough to clip) around the house that matches each color.

#41: shoelace caterpillar apple threading activity

This Shoelace Caterpillar Apple Threading Activity is a fun recycled activity for toddlers.

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your cardboard and make as many double holes as you’d like with something sharp (be careful doing this! I used a screw driver and put the cardboard on the rug while poking, this worked wonderfully. But you’re welcomed to use a hole puncher if it will work through cardboard). Now freehand draw apples right where the two holes are. Next attach the shoelace to the bottom of the cardboard by tying it and use the colored permanent markers to draw a little caterpillar on the tip/plastic part of the shoelace. I just made it green. And that’s it!

#42: number weave

number weave (1)

This Number Weave activity took me less than 5 minutes to create. Seriously! May look like it took me longer, but I did this at 6 am while my coffee brewed.

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut 10 (1″x 6″) strips of colored cardstock. Using the permanent marker, number each strip of paper 1 through 10. Now using the hot glue gun, glue the ends of each strip of paper together to create a circle, then glue on to the cardboard. Make a hole at the bottom of the cardboard (I used my scissors) and secure the shoe lace. If your shoe lace isn’t long enough you can tie two together to create a long one or use a thin rope instead.

#43: cardboard bunny craft

Make this adorable Cardboard Bunny Craft this Spring! This is a perfect recycled craft that is super easy to make with just a few basic materials.

materials:

Personalize the bunny!

  • You can use any printed scrap book paper you want. We used a minty polka dot paper because it screams Spring!
  • You can use any color of felt for the felt flowers. Lilac or mint felt would look lovely as well!

instructions:

  • Using the craft scissors, cut out a square (about 3″ x 3″) and two ears out of the cardboard. *This step should be done by an adult*
  • Next, cut out the belly detail and two ear details out of the printed cardstock.
  • Now, using the pink felt, cut out 3 spirals in different sizes. Cut out a few leaves too. Twist them together and hot glue to create a flower. *Hot gluing should be done by an adult*
  • Now let’s put the bunny together. Hot glue the details to the ears and then the ears to the head of the bunny. Hot glue the belly detail.
  • Next, hot glue the flowers to create a headband for the bunny and a few felt leaves. Hot glue a small white pom-pom into each flower.
  • Lastly, using the permanent marker, draw a face for the bunny.

#44: Sponge Stamped Tulip Bouquet Craft

sponge stamped tulip bouquet craft - toddler at play (6)

Create this beautiful and colorful Sponge Stamped Tulip Bouquet Craft for your next craft! For this craft, you’ll need simple craft materials and a sponge! Kids will love this fun and unique painting process and the lovely final artwork! This Sponge Stamped Tulip Bouquet craft is perfect as an Easter, spring or summer craft idea and can be made by even the youngest ones!

materials:

 

Instructions:

  • Start by cutting out a desired vase out of the cardboard. Make it approximately 4 inches tall.
  • Next, glue the cardboard vase to the white cardstock, holding the cardstock vertically and gluing the vase to the lower bottom half of the paper.
  • Now, using the craft scissors, cut out tulips out of a sponge. I got 3 tulips out of one sponge for each paint color.
  • Next, add the desired colors of washable kids paint to the paper plate, prep the paintbrush and sponge tulips. 

NOW THE FUN PART!

  • Let your child paint the sponge using the paintbrush to get a nice even layer and then “stamp” the sponge tulips onto the top half of the white cardstock with vase. Alternate colors for a colorful bouquet!
  • Lastly, using a paintbrush, add green stems and leaves. Let the art dry.

 

ENJOY THESE IDEAS!

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