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Host a cardboard challenge

Host a cardboard challenge
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Plan and host a cardboard challenge where you design, build, and judge creative cardboard structures with friends, learning teamwork, measurement, and problem-solving.

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Step-by-step guide to plan and host a cardboard challenge

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Cardboard House Challenge for kids

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard boxes, coloring materials such as markers or crayons, decorations like stickers or scrap paper, glue stick or white glue, paper and pens for scorecards, ruler or measuring tape and pencil, scissors or craft knife and tape

Step 1

Gather all the materials in one place so everyone can reach them easily.

Step 2

Invite friends and decide whether you will work solo or in small teams.

Step 3

Write down the challenge rules and judging criteria on a paper so everyone knows what to aim for.

Step 4

Assign one clear role to each person such as builder measurer or timekeeper.

Step 5

Sketch a simple design for your cardboard structure and write the key measurements on the sketch.

Step 6

Measure and mark the cardboard pieces you need using the ruler and pencil.

Step 7

Cut the marked cardboard pieces with scissors or ask an adult to use a craft knife.

Step 8

Assemble the cut pieces using tape and glue to make the basic structure.

Step 9

Reinforce any weak joints or balance points so the structure stands sturdily.

Step 10

Decorate your finished structure using coloring materials stickers or scrap paper.

Step 11

Test your structure against the judging criteria such as height stability and creativity.

Step 12

Have the judges score each structure tally the scores and announce the winner.

Step 13

Take a photo of your finished creation and share it on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use instead of a ruler or craft knife if we don't have them?

If you don't have a ruler use a printable or phone-measuring app or a straight edge, and for cutting the marked cardboard pieces use sturdy scissors or ask an adult to use a craft knife.

What should we do if our cardboard structure keeps collapsing or joints are weak?

If the structure collapses, reinforce weak joints and balance points by adding extra tape and glue, inserting internal cardboard braces or triangular gussets, and double-checking the measurements from your sketch.

How can we adapt the cardboard challenge for different age groups?

For younger kids simplify the challenge by pre-cutting cardboard pieces and giving them decorating or measuring roles, while older kids can sketch full designs, measure and cut their own pieces, and use a craft knife with adult supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the activity to make it more challenging or creative?

To extend the activity add criteria like moving parts or load-bearing tests, personalize with stickers, paint or scrap paper decorations, attach a small pulley or motor for motion, then test stability and take a photo to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to plan and host a cardboard challenge

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Facts about cardboard engineering and design

♻️ Paper fibers in cardboard can usually be recycled about 5–7 times before the fibers get too short to reuse.

📦 Cardboard is one of the world's most used packaging materials — billions of boxes are made each year for shipping and storage.

🏗️ Designers and artists often prototype with cardboard because it's cheap, quick to shape, and surprisingly strong for structures.

📏 Running a cardboard challenge teaches real STEM skills: measuring, scaling, testing, and iterative problem-solving.

🧩 The wavy "flute" layer inside corrugated cardboard gives it extra strength while keeping it light and easy to cut.

How do I host a cardboard challenge where kids design, build, and judge cardboard structures?

To host a cardboard challenge, pick a theme and set clear rules (time limit, size limits, safety rules). Divide children into teams, let each sketch a plan and measure pieces before cutting. Provide tools and adult supervision, then build, decorate, and test structures. Finish with a judging round using simple criteria (stability, creativity, teamwork) and a short reflection so kids share what worked and what they'd change.

What materials do I need for a kids' cardboard challenge?

You'll need clean cardboard boxes or large sheets, rulers and pencils, scissors and a craft knife (adults only for cutting), tape and hot glue (adult help), cutting mat or protective surface, markers, paints, and recyclable bits for decoration. Optional: clamps, clips, string, measuring tape, and templates. Prepare safety gear like gloves and goggles for older kids using tools.

What ages is a cardboard challenge suitable for?

This activity suits children ages five to fifteen with adjustments. Ages five to seven do simplified builds with pre-cut pieces and close adult help, focusing on gluing and decorating. Ages eight to eleven can plan, measure, and cut with supervision using simple rulers. Ages twelve to fifteen handle more complex engineering, tool use (with safety training), and leadership roles. Always supervise tools and match tasks to each child's skills.

What are the benefits of doing a cardboard challenge with my child?

Cardboard challenges build problem-solving, measurement, and teamwork skills while encouraging creativity and spatial reasoning. Kids practice planning, budgeting materials, and testing designs, which boosts resilience and iterative thinking. It's low-cost and eco-friendly, using recyclables. Group judging and reflection improve communication and empathy. For extra learning, add measurement tasks or simple physics explanations to link play with STEM concepts.
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