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As we entered what seems like day 52 of January, in the midst of nearly 12 days straight of no school, I was getting desperate for a fun activity for the kids.

Since running off energy outside was no longer an option (thanks Polar Vortex for the -30° temps) I decided to let the kids create a ‘drive in movie’.  Not only did they sit through an entire movie, they spent over an hour making their boxes into cars!

Now that is what I call WINNING! Nearly three hours of entertainment from cardboard boxes!

📌 Pin here for later!

After the boxes were done and dried (we ate dinner while they set) the kids parked for their movie.  A rare treat of food in the living room was allowed including popcorn and juice! WOW, we live on the edge around here!  In case you were wondering, these are the Contigo Spill Proof cups we used.

You don’t need any special supplies or craft skills to pull this off.  Give your kids some cardboard boxes, construction paper and glue!  Of course, you could paint the boxes, too, but that is WAY out of my comfort zone.

Not to ANYONE’s surprise, (check out his birthday party from a few years ago) Nolan wanted a John Deere for his! No problem, green paper, yellow paper, and a shoe box!  Add a few black circles for wheels and some head lights!

Carlie asked for a PINK car.  Again, pink paper and DONE! She started calling it her Peppa Pig (insert LOUD SNORTS) car and after adding purple pin strips asked for PEPPA to be wrote on the sides!

The kids were able to handle this mostly on their own.  I helped minimally with the pin striping and making sure too much glue wasn’t getting all over.  You could decorate the cars ANY WAY! Stickers, glitter glue, washi tape, markers, and it goes on and on!

Not only did they have a blast constructing their personalized cars, they sat still for a movie AND are still playing with their vehicles hours later!  We have changed the oil and filled the gas tanks and there may have been a minor collision requiring a tow truck!  Bring on the imaginary play!

More Kid’s Activities to try out

Homemade Play Dough

Easy Bubble Refill Jar!