Ways to Transform an Old Cardboard Box

Drink Up, Hot Rod, Awesome Oven Drink Up

Kids will get a kick out of selling summer coolers from their very own lemonade stand. A roof, cleverly supported by empty wrapping-paper tubes, provides some shade from the hot sun.

Box dimensions: 22x22x20 inches

Additional supplies: Four 30 inch empty wrapping-paper tubes, packing tape

To make: For roof, cut off one long flap from each end of box. Use packing tape to hinge together at long edges, and set aside. Glue box closed at both ends to secure. Glue empty wrapping-paper tubes to top of stand, one at each corner. Cut four 3-inch-wide strips of cardboard. Glue to top of tubes, forming a square frame. This will stabilize the tops of tubes. Glue roof to front and back edges of square frame.

Hot Rod

Does your child have a need for speed? This cardboard car is a real winner. Black and white plastic plates and craft-foam flames give our roadster a smokin' look.

Box dimensions: One 20x15x12 inches box; two 12x9x5 inch boxes

To make: For the car's body, glue bottom flaps of large box closed to secure. Cut each long top flap into a half-moon shape to form windows. For the car's front end: Center one of the smaller boxes, with all flaps open, in front of the car body. Openings should be in front and back, with longer flaps on top and bottom. Tuck edge of bottom flap that's nearest to car body 1 inch under the car body; glue. Angle top flap to meet top of car body; glue. Glue side flaps to sides of car body. Bend short top flap of car body down to rest on top of small box. Trim to match width of small box, and glue to secure. Trim front flaps of small box into triangle shapes; glue together at edges. For back end, glue bottom flaps of the second smaller box closed to secure. Then, glue this end to the rear of car body. Short flaps of the box should be on top and bottom. Fold out short top flap of the car body to meet short top flap of the small box; glue. Cut short bottom flap of the small box at an angle on each side. Fold in long side flaps to meet the edges of short bottom flap; glue to secure.

Awesome Oven

He may not be ready for culinary school just yet, but it's never too early to start practicing! Plastic plates placed upside down make great burners, and the door really opens so your child can see what's cooking.

Box dimensions: One 18x18x24 inches box; one 18x18x8 inches box

Additional supplies: One empty paper-towel tube

To make: Glue bottom of large box closed. Glue smaller box closed, and place in bottom of larger box (to form floor for oven and an inner shelf). On front of larger box, sketch top and sides of oven door, and cut with a box cutter. Glue an empty paper-towel tube to the outer top edge of oven door for a handle. With front of stove facing you, fold remaining front and side flaps flat to create stovetop. Leave back flap free. To create rear panel of oven, crease the back flap in half and fold down. Fold the edge under about 1 inch, and glue to top of stove.