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By Kim Vij

DIY Chalkboard Town in a Box

Chalkboard Town for Kids Play with Recycled Box

Creating play activities and learning activities out of everyday items is one of our favorite things to do at The Educators’ Spin On It. We invite you to take a peek at how a pin on Pinterest inspired a mom, and dear friend of ours, to create a playful Chalkboard Box Town!

Create your own DIY Chalkboard Box Town for hours of fun! @ The Educators' Spin On It

Think Outside the BOX!

I had a big cardboard box left over from a present my son received and I saw my boys playing with it on and off. I knew I didn’t want to throw it away but I wanted to create something special for them. But what exactly?

I decided to search on Pinterest for some ideas and I came across a pin from Picklebums on “What To Do With a Big Box? – Make a Town”. I automatically knew my boys would love this! So I came up with the idea of spray painting the inside of the box with chalk paint and I grabbed my kids colorful chalk and I started creating a town for them.

Here’s how I made it…

DIY Chalkboard Box Town

Items Needed:

  • 1 big cardboard box (wide enough for them to play in)
  • 1 Chalk Spray Paint
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • toy cars

Directions:

I started by spray painting the inside of the box (let it dry before you start drawing), then I drew a road, shopping center, parking spaces, a lake, and of course a train track.

Create your own DIY Chalkboard Box Town for hours of fun! @ The Educators' Spin On It

I then added some toy trucks, cars, and trains and voila! A city in a box! The boys loved it and automatically jumped in and started playing. I believe my oldest said “This is awesome! I love it!” which totally made my day.

Create your own DIY Chalkboard Box Town for hours of fun! @ The Educators' Spin On It

I truly loved seeing them use their imagination with this “city in a box” plus it entertained them for a couple of hours…win win for mommy and children!

Create your own DIY Chalkboard Box Town for hours of fun! @ The Educators' Spin On It

Another cool thing is that since I used chalk I can simply wipe away and create something new and exciting for them. Have fun creating!

Annette McNally is a photographer living in Winter Garden, FL with my husband, 3 young boys, and our dog named Nala. I love crafting, reading, exercising, and being a part of my community through service but most of all I love to spend time with my family and create lasting memories through photography.

Follow Annette on Facebook  and Pinterest and Instagram.

Thank you so much Annette for sharing your fun idea of a Chalkboard Box Town. Here are a few more fun ideas using chalk! Have fun! ~Kim

Playful Chalk Ideas for Kids

  • Counting Chalk Trains 
  • Learning Landmarks and Math with Chalk
  • The Best Sidewalk Chalk Activities for kids
  • Sidewalk Painting with Siblings 
  • Monster Math with Chalk
  • Magnetic Construction Site Sensory Bin

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

Construction Themed Sensory Bin for Preschoolers with Magnets
Children holding sidewalk chalk to play learning activities
Children's Books about Cars and Trucks

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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Filed Under: Kids Activities Tagged With: cars, chalk, Chalkboard Craft, Guest Post, Outdoor Fun, PLAY, Preschool, sidewalk chalk, toddlers, Transportation, Transportation Activity

About Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing developmentally appropriate activities.

« Paper Train Tutorial for Kids
Best Children’s Books About Cars and Trucks »

Comments

  1. Anne at Left Brain Craft Brain says

    August 30, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    This is so fun! What a great way to use leftover cardboard.

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Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim Vij shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing all kinds of easy kid crafts, activities, recipes and even travel ideas for families!
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