• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Little Fish

  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
    • Disclosures
  • Crafts and Activities
    • Easy Arts and Crafts
    • Creative Play
    • Sea Themed Activities
    • Books and Activities

Fun Shoebox Haunted House (for Kids!)

September 12, 2018 by Rosie 4 Comments

Turn a shoebox into a haunted house small world! This is a fun and non scary activity that is fun to do around Halloween, or any time of year!

My kids love making things with shoeboxes. There’s something so satisfying about turning a plain old empty box into something magical! It’s also a great way to reuse boxes and get some play value out of them before they get recycled.

This shoebox haunted house is super easy and requires little adult help. As you know, I love open ended and imaginative activities that children can take in their own direction. Kids can use this for creative play, or you can make it as a Halloween decoration to put in your window.

Children of all ages from around 3+ will love this activity and can do at their own level. Preschoolers will need help with the cutting and gluing, whilst older children will enjoy doing the whole project independently. Use your own judgement and adapt accordingly. (Remember to keep small toys or parts away from toddlers or babies who may still put things in their mouths.)

Fun Shoebox Haunted House for Kids

You’ll need:

  • An empty shoe box with lid
  • Large piece of corrugated card – one panel from a small or medium sized box is perfect
  • Black paint
  • Paint brush
  • Glue stick
  • Tape
  • Assorted ‘spooky’ toys – legos, figures etc
  • Craft paper – to make cobwebs, or other decorations
  • Some battery powered tea lights or small torches (Keep away from toddlers and babies)

Let’s get started!

Find an empty shoe box, with a lid. Take the lid off and place the shoebox upright, resting on one of the small sides of the box.

Start by making the floors for the house. Cut a piece of corrugated card to fit the width of the upright box. Make a fold, which will stick to the back of the shoebox.

Fit the ‘floor’ into the house to check it fits. Then trim any excess card, so it fits the depth of the box.

Repeat this step for the second floor in the house. If you like you can add a trapdoor!

Now use the lid to make a roof for the house. Cut the lid in half width ways. Trim the back of each piece so that they are the same width as the depth of the box.

Paint the entire box and all of the separate pieces with black paint. Allow to dry.

This is a good time to go off and find some spooky toys and figures to put inside your house! Grown ups send your little ones off on a ‘Halloween Hunt’ and this is your chance to grab a cuppa! You might like to point them in the direction of the legos, or figures they may have – mini pumpkins, ghosts, spiders, owls, dragons – anything goes!

Alternatively children can get crafty and draw some of their own Halloween characters onto paper or card. Paper cobwebs are also a fun activity and look effective in the house.

Now get ready to assemble the house.

Glue the flap on one floor and glue into the house, leaving space for the second floor. Repeat for the second floor.

Fit the two pieces of roof together into an ‘arch’ and tape or glue together.

Place the roof on top of the house.

Now children can assemble the toys, figures and decorations however you would like. If you have any small torches or battery powered tea lights these add a nice touch to the house. (Please be sure to keep any batteries away from toddlers and babies.) If you are making this as a window decoration, you might like to use a little blue tac to hold the figures in place.

The house is ready to play! Woooo! Or you can put it in the window as a fun decoration for Halloween. My daughter loved putting the pieces in and out of the house for ages!

Will you give this idea a try? What other things do you like to make from shoeboxes?

You might also like my kids recipes for Halloween: Easy Halloween Spider Muffins and Halloween Surprise Cauldron Cookies

Pin this idea for later!

Related Posts

  • Little Moments # 33: Family and ThanksgivingLittle Moments # 33: Family and Thanksgiving
  • Surprise Egg Activity Ideas for ToddlersSurprise Egg Activity Ideas for Toddlers
  • Moments of Gratitude #13Moments of Gratitude #13
  • Introducing Little Miss…Introducing Little Miss…
  • Toilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine CraftToilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine Craft
  • Invitation to Make: No Bake Energy Bites (Using Construction Vehicles!)Invitation to Make: No Bake Energy Bites (Using Construction Vehicles!)
Sharing is caring...Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
0Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter

Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Creative Play, Halloween

Previous Post: « #MySocialSpirit – 5 Ways to Be an Environmentally Friendly Family
Next Post: Does Your Star Sign Reflect Your Ideal Work Environment? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me)

    September 19, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Oh, this is so cute! We have some of these halloween lego figures, I think. I#ll have to get the kids to make a house like this to put them in 🙂

    Reply
    • Rosie

      September 21, 2018 at 7:54 pm

      So glad you like it! Yes do – I’m sure they’ll have fun putting it together 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kelly-Anne

    September 22, 2018 at 7:33 am

    Now this looks like some Halloween fun.

    Reply
  3. Candice

    September 22, 2018 at 8:02 am

    Thanks for sharing this information it’s very useful for me. These blogs is fabulous corrugated box and carton box

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Hi, I’m Rosie!

Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler!

I’m here to help you, with sweet and simple ideas to inspire your children.

Art, crafts, creative play and a splash of nature. Let’s get creative, the simple way!

Take a look around…

Popular Posts

  • Making Play-Doh Dinosaur EggsMaking Play-Doh Dinosaur Eggs
  • Miniature Fairy Envelope Craft for Kids to MakeMiniature Fairy Envelope Craft for Kids to Make
  • Toilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine CraftToilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine Craft
  • Book Character Painted Rock CraftBook Character Painted Rock Craft
  • How to Make Easy Stencilled Whale CardsHow to Make Easy Stencilled Whale Cards

Give us a Like!

Tweet with me!

Rosie | Little Fish 🐠Follow

Avatar
Avatar
12 Jan

Question for #supplyteachers Have you been furloughed? I was last time, but have heard nothing from my agency this time so far. Wondering what your experience is?

Reply on Twitter 1349125769142939654Retweet on Twitter 1349125769142939654Like on Twitter 13491257691429396541Twitter 1349125769142939654
Avatar
6 Jan

Wow, what a week and it’s only Wednesday...

Reply on Twitter 1346963236260884482Retweet on Twitter 1346963236260884482Like on Twitter 1346963236260884482Twitter 1346963236260884482
Avatar
16 Dec

Just finished my final supply teaching shift of the year 🙌 - ready for a rest! 🤞none of my classes are asked to isolate in next couple of days...

Reply on Twitter 1339246266358910978Retweet on Twitter 1339246266358910978Like on Twitter 13392462663589109783Twitter 1339246266358910978
Avatar
5 Dec

Simple Christmas tree stencil gift wrap! Keep the kids busy, whilst making wrapping paper for the grandparents, win win! Have you made your own gift wrap before?

https://littlefishblog.com/homemade-christmas-gift-wrap-that-kids-can-make/

Reply on Twitter 1335224537303175168Retweet on Twitter 1335224537303175168Like on Twitter 13352245373031751681Twitter 1335224537303175168
Retweet on TwitterRosie | Little Fish 🐠 Retweeted
Avatar
30 Nov

The reindeer are all self-isolating, so Santa is bringing in the giraffes this year...

Reply on Twitter 1333503263510048768Retweet on Twitter 13335032635100487681Like on Twitter 13335032635100487682Twitter 1333503263510048768
Load More...

We’re on Pinterest too!

Member of:

TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
TOTS100

Footer

Follow us on Instagram

littlefishblog

Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So what action do I commit to do?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
#blackouttuesday #iamlistening #blackouttuesday #iamlistening
Do your children ever say that they are 'bored'? 😑 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Children are the masters of their own creativity. 🖼 Given the time and space, children will think of ideas that will never fail to surprise you!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But sometimes we all have moments when we're at a loose end - children included. A little inspiration can go a long way. 💡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try putting some ideas for play and projects into a jar or box, ready for when inspiration is needed. 📦 You could include some of your ideas and some of your children's ideas. 👶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To start you off I have a FREE PRINTABLE with 40 simple ideas to inspire your children’s creativity! Grab your printable from my bio - print and cut! You're ready for when boredom strikes! 🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do your children ever get bored? How do you try to inspire them?
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Disclaimer

This site is for information purposes. Please use your own judgement as to the suitability of each activity for your child.

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Please see my full Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information.

Copyright © 2021 Little Fish on the Foodie Pro Theme

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cookies are small files stored on a server to help ensure a smooth user experience. Some cookies are functional and required to make this website work. Find out how to disable cookies in your browser by reading the full policy.Accept CookiesDisable Non-Essential CookiesRead more