Have you ever saved one of those huge boxes that you've gotten something delivered in? My kids love it when I cut a door and window into it. We put it on the front porch and call it their "Beach House."
We went a step further this last time. We painted it. First I found a can of old white house paint in our garage. Next I set out a paint tray, a roller and some large paint brushes and asked my kids to help me paint it. They loved taking turns using the roller, and took pride in their work.
We waited a few days after the white was fully dry and invited some friends over for a play date to paint it. I put two colors of watered down tempera paint in an old paint tray, plus a roller brush and some other large brushes. The kids did the rest! Adding a little water to the paint will make it easier to apply and you won't waste as much paint.
Next time you get a large box in the mail, turn it into a little house. Your kids will love it and it will keep them entertained for weeks to come!
Supplies:
large cardboard box
scissors or box cutter to cut the door/window (parents do this)
white house paint or primer
roller brush and/or house painting brushes
paint tray
tempera paints