While trying to find more and more activities for Eira, I also try to find activities that can turn out into toys. Toys that can be stored well and kids can keep going back to them for independent play.
Today, I have one such activity named “Jungle in a box”. We ordered some cookies for Easter and the box was just lying around. I was thinking of ways to use it for storage. While planning this activity, the box came in handy.
This activity is based on magnetic play. You decide on a pretend play scene, plan your characters, and use magnets to move them around and play. Let’s see how to make it.
Supplies
Cookie box or any box
A4 size paper
Crayons
Scissors
Printed dinosaurs
Dot magnets
Fevicol
Let’s get started
1.Use one side of the cookie box and trace the outside edges on A4 size paper. This will make the backdrop. Tracing the lid side will be better. If you do not have a box, you can make it on a piece of cardboard as well.
2. Draw the jungle on paper and color it.
3. Cut the drawing out and the backdrop is ready. Do not stick it but just place it in the lid of the box. Since we have traced from the outside it will fit in just right and will not keep falling off. We avoid sticking so that we can make more such backdrops for more plays and use the same box.
This image belongs to http://www.myworldwitheira.com and reuse is strictly prohibited.
4. Now cut out the dinosaurs from the printout. We also printed out a volcano on Eira’s demand. It turned out as an added element and I loved it too.
This image belongs to http://www.myworldwitheira.com and reuse is strictly prohibited.
5. Glue up the dot magnets on the back of the dinosaurs and the volcano. Let them dry.
6. Attach the dinosaurs onto the backdrop with one magnet on the outside of the box lid to hold the dinosaur up. Place the others similarly with magnets on the outside to hold up.
Jungle in a box is ready!
See your child enjoy this activity while in play. Eira moved around the dinos. Fed them some greens and even the volcano was rumbling and throwing up lava at one point in time. It kept her busy for an hour and she kept coming back for more.
Remember, to use the box to store the backdrop, dinos, and magnets. Make more of these backdrops and characters involving camping sites, dollhouses, solar system, and racing tracks and store them in the same box. Your child can keep reusing them over and over again choosing which pretend play they want to do.
We have made a quick video while Eira was making this activity.
Hope you like it!
This post is a part of Blogchatter’s challenge #BlogchatterA2Z.
My World with Eira 
That’s cool. My kid is a bit young for the activity but I tried one. I cut a hole in a shoebox so that he could add in or take out balls from it and it worked well!
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I loved this activity. I am sure my 4 year old will love it. The best part is they can use their imagination. And we can replace the animals with other elements too.
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super awesome.. i love doing crafts with my child, this post got me new ideas.. loved to see how happy your daughter was working on this,.
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This is a very interesting and a unique idea and I am going to make the same for my son in solar system theme. He will go bonkers for sure.
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We used to do so many of such simple yet fun activity. This jungle theme is hit with my son too. Well crafted
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Wow this is an awesome activity. My son loves making stuffs with cardboard boxes n all. I will show him the jungle in the box. I’m sure he will love this.
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Wow That is such a beautiful craft idea to do with kids and recreate the jungle magic as well. Loved this idea. Will try with my kids.
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