Cardboard Build Days at WonderLab in Bloomington
Difficulty
easy
Duration
Up to 5 hours (drop-in anytime between 11 AM and 4 PM)
Fitness Level
Suitable for children with average energy levels; requires sitting, standing, and light manual dexterity
Overview
Join the WonderLab Museum in Bloomington for Cardboard Build Days, a hands-on event where kids 8+ turn cardboard into creative structures using clever building techniques. Discover the fun of sustainable construction and engineering in this unique, interactive program.
CardBoard Build Days – Oct 16 & 17
Free with museum admission. Free for WonderLab Members. Not a member? Get your tickets now!
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About This Adventure
Recommended Ages
Ages 8 and up
Duration
Thursday, Oct. 16 – 11am - 4pm Friday, Oct. 17 – 11am - 4pm
About
Come build with us at Cardboard Build Days, a hands-on, creativity-packed program where imagination and engineering meet! Designed for children ages 8 and up, this experience invites young builders to explore the endless possibilities of cardboard as a construction material. Drop in and build!
Cardboard boxes are blank canvases for kids to turn into anything they can imagine, from castles and spaceships to shops and houses. We’ll supply all the cardboard – you bring the ideas! With expert guidance from WonderLab staff, you’ll learn clever construction techniques like notching, hinging, slotting, and folding. These methods help kids understand engineering basics while developing problem-solving skills and inventive thinking.
Cardboard is more than just a building material—it’s a sustainable choice! Because it can be recycled and reused, cardboard encourages eco-friendly creativity and helps kids think about how materials impact the world around them.
Cardboard Build Days offer the freedom to imagine and the tools to build. Every session includes opportunities to tinker, test ideas, and bring big visions to life—all in a welcoming, collaborative environment. Participants will gain confidence as they experiment with form and function, work through challenges, and bring their creations to life.
So bring your curiosity, your creativity, your love of hands-on fun—and discover just how amazing cardboard can be!
Special Crafting Stations:
To spark creativity and demonstrate building strategies, we’ll have four themed stations each showcasing a different cardboard crafting technique. Kids can try them all—or simply use them as inspiration for their own original ideas. The stations include:
- Marble Runs
- Forts
- Towers and Bridges
- Nature-Inspired
Please call us at 812-337-1337 if you have any questions.
Adventure Tips
Bring a Sketchbook
Sketching your ideas beforehand can help plan your cardboard creation and speed up building once you arrive.
Arrive Early
Sessions run from 11 AM to 4 PM; early arrival ensures you have plenty of time to enjoy all themed stations without rush.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty or scratched, as working with cardboard can be hands-on and messy.
Ask Questions
WonderLab staff are expert guides—don’t hesitate to ask for help with tricky construction techniques or design ideas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern Bluebird
- White-tailed Deer
History
Bloomington’s limestone heritage shapes much of its landscape and architecture, influencing science and engineering curiosity in the community.
Conservation
WonderLab promotes sustainability by using recyclable materials like cardboard, teaching young minds about environmental responsibility.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bloomington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Clothes
Wear clothing that accommodates sitting, bending, and creative building.
Notebook and Pencil
Useful for sketching designs and planning structures before building.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during hours of hands-on fun indoors.
Creative Mindset
Bring your curiosity and willingness to tinker and problem-solve.