Cardboard Arcade

Cardboard arcade at home. Build games from boxes, hand out tickets and open a prize counter.

Save boxes for a few days, then have everyone build one or two arcade games: a ball toss into holes worth different points, a string-and-hook claw machine, a tiny basketball hoop, or a marble maze. Make paper tickets and set up a prize counter with stickers, candy, or chore-free passes. Hang a sign, open the doors, and invite neighbors or grandparents in as customers. Play every game, collect your tickets, and cash them in. The best photo is the first customer stepping up to play.

• Adventure
• Half day
• Moderate
• Under $20
• Indoors
• Daytime

Photo prompts along the way

1. Builders mid-tape
2. The arcade sign
3. The first customer
4. A high score
5. The prize counter

Kids' version

Build your own arcade from boxes!

1. Your box game
2. Your arcade sign
3. Someone playing your game
4. Your prize
5. A selfie with your grown-up!

Checked November 2026

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