Cardboard Fort Engineering
About 90 minutes, indoors, for ages 5 to 7.
Where it works
Works in any indoor space
Who it's for
ages 5 to 7
Build These In:
- box structure
- tape joints
- a door that opens
- a window to look out of
- a roof that holds itself up
- a room only one person fits in
Today's Challenge
- 1.How did you reinforce the walls?
- 2.What is our fort’s designated purpose?
- 3.How do you expand the structure?
Quick Start: What you need
- 1cardboard boxes
- 2masking tape
- 3markers
The Goal
Engineer a resilient fort or spaceship using spare boxes and tape with this screen-free indoor activity.
How to start
- 1
Gather what you need: cardboard boxes, masking tape and markers. Nothing else required.
- 2
Head indoors and build: box structure, tape joints, a door that opens, a window to look out of.
- 3
Talk about what you made. Start with "How did you reinforce the walls?"
- 4
Print the worksheet to plan it out and keep what you make.
Draw Your Blueprint
Before you start building, sketch your fort's layout below, doors, windows, and all.
Architects draw a blueprint first so mistakes get caught on paper, not in the actual building.
If you want to push it further
- Test the roof with a cushion before you trust it
- Build the door last so you can get out
Print it and go
The worksheet has the checklist, the prompts, and a space to draw in. One page, ready for a bag or a glovebox.