Busy boxes for kids are so fun to make! Perfect for those times when mom or dad needs a little break. Kids can work independently on their busy boxes. Keep reading for busy box ideas and get free busy box labels to make your own at home.
Why you will love Busy Boxes
Kids love busy boxes for many reasons. One, they are fun and provide hours of entertainment and hands-on learning. Parents love them because it allows their children to participate in activities that not only keep them busy but provide parents with a bit of a break from entertaining the kids. Independent play is important and these quiet boxes prove that kids can play alone from time-to-time.
Supplies
Supply Notes
- Storage Bins – I prefer these because they fit coloring books, most small toys, and more! They are clear so I can see what is inside them at first glance.
- Tape – tape the daily labels on the front of the bins with this if you prefer to stay organized.
- Paper Trimmer – This helps me cut the labels straight. Scissors also work if you have a steady hand.
- White Paper or Cardstock – I find cardstock paper looks best and makes the colors really pop!
- Printer
- Busy Box Daily Printables – (get download by entering your email below or visiting my shop)
- Fun toys, workbooks, supplies for inside the boxes – See below for ideas. I love to shop at the Dollar Store or Target Dollar Spot for budget-friendly items.
Instructions
- Download, print, and cut daily labels for box covers.
- Open boxes and fill each box with different activities for kids. Feel it randomly or make themes out of each box.
- Store boxes and play with them at any time.
Busy Box Ideas
Since spring break is a week and we are at home I made a box for each day. Each box is filled with non-technology toys that kids love to play with.
Monday Busy Box Theme – Hands on play and building
Items included: Legos, play-doh, Growing in water toys
More ideas: Lincoln Logs, TinkerToy, Magnetic Tiles, K’NEX
Tuesday Busy Box Theme – Nature and outdoor play
Items included: Kindness rock kit, Bug Catcher, Sidewalk chalk.
More ideas: Bubbles, jump ropes, photo scavenger hunt game with a camera.
Wednesday Busy Box Them – Games and Workbooks
Items included: Workbooks, flash cards, Brain Busters, card games
More ideas: Bingo, board games for kids, Eye Found It card game
Thursday Busy Box Theme – Art
Items included: Coloring Books, Mess Free Coloring, Magnetic Doodle Drawing Boards, crayons, and markers.
More ideas: Paint, Finger paint, paintbrushes, tie dye crafts, food coloring crafts, free printable coloring pages for kids.
Friday Busy Box theme idea: Puzzles and problem solving
Items included: Age appropriate puzzles
More ideas: Map of the USA puzzle, Allessimo Reality Puzzles, Rubik’s Cube
Expert Tips
Hide the busy boxes to add an element of surprise! Each day bring the busy box out to surprise your kids.
Project FAQs
What age group are busy boxes geared towards?
These boxes were made for ages 3-8 years old. Busy boxes
Can you use busy boxes for traveling?
Yes, these quiet boxes are so portable you can travel with them with no problem! I would keep the activities mess-free and include this Road Trip Bingo game.
More fun for kids
- Spring Boredom Buster Jar – 24 activities for kids
- Summer Bucket List – 101 ideas for family fun!
- 25 Science Experiments – easy and fun to do at home.
- 30 indoor activities for families – printable calendar included!
Get the Files
Enter your first name and email address below to get the free printable file. You’ll receive a PDF copy sent to your email shortly.
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If you do not fill out the form, you can get a copy in my shop here.
The printable includes
- Busy Boxes Labels (4 pages)
If you do not immediately receive the email, make sure to check your promotions, spam, and junk folders!
These printables are for personal use only. Commercial use of these print files is prohibited! The actual files may NOT be shared, sold, given away, traded, or transferred to anyone else in any form.
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Kathya says
Love these ideas ! Thank you 😊