I have been blogging a lot about online activities for kids. But recently I find myself having the need to have some form of creativity out of the screen. Hence, I created this new page dedicated to screen-free activities for toddlers.
I am convinced to create things using things I already have at home and be creative with it.
So recently ordered some stuff from Amazon and was not sure what to do with the box. As we all know Amazon has the habit of “over packing” their things.
I did not want to just fold and throw the box away and got inspired to do something with it. My toddler has this new obsession with cars.
The light bulb in my head sparked and I began cutting the box to make a car race track for her.
This literally took me 2 minutes to create. As you can see the quality is not great but she doesn’t seem to care.
How to make home made race track?
You don’t need to spend cash on fun activities for your toddlers. With some cardboard and duck tape, you can create this track yourself at home.
Materials Needed
- Cardboard Boxes: You’ll need a couple of large cardboard boxes for the base and the ramps.
- Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape: For outlining the track.
- Utility Knife or Scissors: To cut the cardboard.
- Ruler or Measuring Tape: To make sure your track is symmetrical.
- Paint and Brushes: To add color and designs to your track.
- Small Cars: Toy cars to race on your track.
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks: To secure ramps and any additional features.
- Markers or Stickers: For decorating and labeling.
- Optional: Items like bottle caps, popsicle sticks, or LEGO blocks for added features like tunnels, pit stops, or grandstands.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Plan Your Design
First things first, sketch out how you want your race track to look. Decide how many lanes it will have, the shape of the track, and any special features like ramps or tunnels.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cardboard Base
Take one of your large cardboard boxes and open it up so it lays flat. This will serve as the base of your track. Measure and cut it to fit your desired size.
Step 3: Outline the Track
Use your ruler or measuring tape and masking tape to outline where the lanes of your race track will go. Make sure you leave enough space for the cars to move freely.
Step 4: Cut and Attach Ramps
Cut ramps out of your second cardboard box and attach them to the base using your hot glue gun. You can create simple inclines or more complex spirals depending on your design.
Step 5: Paint and Decorate
Once your track layout and ramps are ready, it’s time to bring it to life with some color. Use paint to add grassy areas, a starting line, and finish line, or any other designs you like. This is also a good time to label the track lanes if you wish.
Step 6: Add Special Features
Using your optional materials like bottle caps, popsicle sticks, or LEGO blocks, create tunnels, pit stops, or grandstands to make your track unique.
Step 7: Secure Everything
Once everything is in place and the paint has dried, go over your track one last time with the hot glue gun to make sure everything is secure. You don’t want your ramps falling over during an intense race!
Step 8: Play!
Your DIY race track is now ready for action. Invite your little ones to bring their favorite cars and have a family racing championship!You don’t need to spend cash on fun activities for your toddlers. With some cardboard and duck tape, you can create this track yourself at home.
Instead of just making one track, I made two so she can use two cars and start her own race.
How to make simple car race track?
How to make this :
- Cut the cardboard to a rectangle shape
- Bend the sides so the cars don’t fall off ( like a little pavement)
- Use the duck tape if to stick the 2 tracks together
- Using a marker pen color the track
- Take another cardboard and role it so you can use it as a stand to the track
You can watch this 30 seconds video on how to make this cheap and easy car track
Conclusion
Creating a homemade car race track is not just a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options, but it also offers an incredible bonding experience.
Customize it as much or as little as you like, and most importantly, have fun with it!
So rev your engines and get crafting! And don’t forget to share your creations with us; we’d love to see how your DIY race track turns out.
Happy crafting!
Have you made one? share with us how it looks like
Before you leave don’t forget to check out this card slot activity that keeps your little one busy for at least 20 minutes !