Cereal Box Games: Easy DIY Activities for Kids

Cereal box games turn an empty cardboard box into simple tabletop activities, from a beanbag toss to a marble maze. They use ordinary craft supplies, take about half an hour to make, and can be adjusted for different ages and play spaces.

Ingredients

1 clean, empty cereal box, about 12 inches (30 cm) tall
1 sheet of construction paper, about 9 by 12 inches (23 by 30 cm), optional for covering the box
2 sheets of plain paper, 8½ by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm), for targets and labels
1 roll of masking tape, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide
1 pair of child-safe scissors
1 washable marker
3 lightweight beanbags, about 1 ounce (28 g) each; substitute rolled-up pairs of clean socks
1 ruler, at least 12 inches (30 cm) long
1 small marble, about ½ inch (1.3 cm) across, for the maze variation only; omit for children under 3

Instructions

Prepare the box. Empty the cereal box completely, remove any plastic liner, and check that its edges are not torn or sharp. Flatten it by opening the glued side seam carefully. If the box is greasy or damaged, use a clean replacement; cardboard needs to stay firm enough to stand upright.
Make a target face. Lay the flattened box printed-side down. Draw a large opening near one end, roughly 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 5 inches (13 cm) tall. Cut it out with scissors, keeping the cutout as smooth as possible. For younger children, an adult should do the cutting. Fold the box back into its original shape and tape the side seam closed.
Give the target a wide base. Open the bottom flaps and tape them securely so the box stands upright. If it wobbles, tape a small folded piece of spare cardboard inside the base. Cover the front with construction paper if desired, leaving the target opening clear. Draw a large number above the hole for scoring, or make several openings of different sizes and give the smallest one the highest score.
Mark the throwing line. Place the box on the floor, away from breakable objects. Measure 3 feet (about 90 cm) from the front of the box and lay down a strip of masking tape as the starting line. For older players, move it to 5 feet (1.5 m); for toddlers, start closer and use a larger opening.
Play the toss game. Each player takes turns throwing the three beanbags toward the opening, one at a time, while standing behind the tape. Count one point for each bag that passes through the opening. Retrieve the bags only after everyone has finished a round. Play to 10 points, or agree on another short target score before starting.
Switch to a roll-and-score game. Set the box on its side with the target opening facing the players. Roll a beanbag or sock ball along the floor rather than throwing it. Make paper score cards for different openings if you cut more than one. Rolling works well indoors because the object stays low and is easier to aim.
Make a cardboard maze if you want a second activity. Use the flattened box or a spare piece of clean cardboard as the base. Cut strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide from leftover cardboard and tape them upright to form a simple winding path, leaving room for the marble to pass. Test the path as you build and adjust any tight corners. Set the marble at the start and tilt the board gently to guide it to the finish. Keep the marble with an adult and do not use it around children under 3, because it is a choking hazard.

Tips

Use socks instead of beanbags. Roll two socks into a compact ball, or use a soft foam ball. Avoid hard balls, coins, or objects that could damage furniture or hurt someone if they miss.
Keep the box steady. A narrow cereal box can tip when hit. Tape its bottom flaps firmly and add a little folded cardboard inside the base rather than weighting it with small loose objects.
Make cutting an adult task. Scissors and cut cardboard edges can be difficult for young children to handle. An adult can cut the openings and maze pieces; children can decorate, count points, and help tape safe, blunt-edged pieces.
Make the challenge fair. Adjust the throwing line or target size for each player, and agree on scoring before the first turn. Smaller openings are harder, so give them more points only if everyone understands the rules.

Serving Suggestions

Set up the target on a clear patch of floor with the throwing line marked visibly. Give each player three turns, then rotate who collects the beanbags and keeps score. A short game to 10 points works for a quick activity; for a group, play in pairs and add each player’s score together. Keep the lane clear of pets, glass, and people walking through the play area.

For a quieter activity, offer the marble maze at a table with an adult supervising. Let players take turns navigating it, or time each attempt if everyone is comfortable with a friendly challenge. Avoid making speed the focus for very young children; simply reaching the end is a satisfying goal.

Variations

Color match: Tape colored paper around each opening and use beanbags or sock balls in matching colors. Players earn a point for landing a matching color through its opening.

Number practice: Label openings with numbers and ask younger children to name the number before a throw. For older children, use addition targets—for example, score points by adding the values of the openings they hit.

Bowling box: Stand the box upright and roll a soft ball to knock it over. Set it a few feet away and use a clear, unobstructed lane. This version needs no cutout, so it is a good option if you do not want to use scissors.

Seasonal theme: Cover the front with paper and draw a friendly face, a rocket, or a garden. Keep decorations flat and secure, and leave the target opening unobstructed. Use washable markers if the game will be used by several children.

Storage and Reheating

There is no food to refrigerate or reheat. After play, remove the marble and store it out of reach of children under 3. Keep the box and beanbags in a dry indoor place; cardboard can soften or warp if it gets wet. A homemade box game usually lasts several play sessions, but replace it if the cardboard becomes damp, crushed, or develops sharp torn edges. Recycle the box when it is no longer sturdy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are cereal box games suitable for?
With close adult supervision and age-appropriate materials, the toss game can suit preschoolers and older children. Younger players need a larger opening and a shorter throwing line. Keep marbles, small parts, scissors, and loose tape away from children who may put objects in their mouths.

Can I make the game without scissors?
Yes. Use the intact box as a bowling target and roll a soft ball to knock it over. An adult can also prepare the cutout in advance, so children only need to decorate and play.

What can I use if I do not have beanbags?
Clean rolled-up socks or a soft foam ball are suitable substitutes. Choose an item light enough to throw or roll safely, and avoid hard objects that can dent walls or injure someone.

How do I keep the target from falling over?
Tape the bottom flaps closed, place the box on a flat floor, and add a folded cardboard brace inside if needed. Widen the base by taping an extra flat piece of cardboard underneath.

Can I use a cereal box for the maze too?
Yes. Flatten a spare box or use a broad panel cut from one as the maze base. Tape low cardboard strips upright as walls, and leave enough space for the chosen ball or marble to move without getting stuck.

How can I make this activity less competitive?
Set a shared goal, such as getting five beanbags through the opening together, or take turns trying to beat the group’s previous score. Players can also decorate the box or invent new targets instead of keeping points.

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