Craft at a glance

Time: 45 minutes plus playtimeAn adult should handle utility knives and difficult cuts.

Gather this

  • Clean empty cereal or snack boxes
  • Construction paper or leftover wrapping paper
  • Washable markers
  • Tape or child-safe glue
  • Safety scissors
  • Optional toy cars or figures

Make it

  1. 1

    Tape the box closed and decide which side is the front.

  2. 2

    Wrap it in paper or color directly on the cardboard.

  3. 3

    Draw doors, windows, signs and people.

  4. 4

    Ask an adult to cut any doors that should open.

  5. 5

    Line up several buildings and add roads made from paper strips.

Give the town a problem to solve

Pretend play lasts longer when there is a tiny mission.

  • A pet is missing from the bakery.
  • The library needs a delivery.
  • A parade must travel through every street.
  • The town needs a park designed by kids.

Store it without adopting a second house

Keep only the favorite two or three buildings, or unfold boxes after play. Photograph the whole town before recycling it so the creation can be remembered without becoming permanent furniture.