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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.
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.
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Operated by WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology · Bloomington, Indiana
In the heart of Bloomington, Indiana, the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology offers a unique hands-on event that stretches beyond traditional outdoor adventures—Cardboard Build Days, held October 16 and 17. This innovative workshop invites kids ages 8 and up to engage with cardboard not just as a craft material, but as a tool for imagination and engineering.
While Bloomington is known for its parks and limestone bluffs, WonderLab stands out by blending creativity, science, and sustainability in an indoor outdoor-adjacent atmosphere. Cardboard Build Days encourages young adventurers to think critically about structure and design, using techniques such as notching, hinging, slotting, and folding. The museum supplies all the cardboard, turning simple boxes into spaceships, castles, bridges, and more, fostering inventive thinking and tactile problem-solving skills.
Cardboard’s sustainable nature aligns with WonderLab’s mission to promote environmental awareness through interactive learning. Kids learn while playing, discovering how materials impact the world around them and how reuse and recycling can be creative and fun.
The event features four themed stations—Marble Runs, Forts, Towers and Bridges, and Nature-Inspired builds—each offering hands-on challenges that spark creativity and engineering insight. Unlike typical trail or river adventures, this event offers a different kind of exploration—one that tests imagination and hands-on skills in a lively, supportive space.
Whether visiting Bloomington for its outdoor charms or seeking a family-friendly, educational diversion, WonderLab’s Cardboard Build Days offers a fresh, practical take on creativity and construction. It’s a standout event that bridges curiosity, learning, and play, perfect for budding engineers and artists eager to build beyond boundaries.
easy.
Up to 5 hours (drop-in anytime between 11 AM and 4 PM).
Suitable for children with average energy levels; requires sitting, standing, and light manual dexterity
No experience is required—WonderLab staff guide participants through each step.
Children ages 8 and up will benefit most, with activities designed for their skill levels.
All cardboard and crafting supplies are provided by WonderLab.
This is a drop-in event, but checking the museum’s schedule beforehand is recommended due to limited space.
Parents are encouraged to support and collaborate but the focus is on children’s independent creativity.
Yes, it is included with general admission and free for WonderLab members.
Bloomington’s limestone heritage shapes much of its landscape and architecture, influencing science and engineering curiosity in the community.
WonderLab promotes sustainability by using recyclable materials like cardboard, teaching young minds about environmental responsibility.
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology in Bloomington, Indiana is a hands-on learning center focused on science, health, and technology for families and visitors of all ages. The museum programs combine interactive exhibits, workshops, and timed events to encourage curiosity and experiential learning. WonderLab offers a variety of scheduled experiences and admissions options. Seasonal and special events include DinoLab: Dig, Build, Learn (Nov 28 & 29), CardBoard Build Days (Oct 16 & 17), and WonderLab New Year’s Eve 2025 (Dec 31). The museum also offers DIY Parties that include a private party room for 1.5 hours, access to museum galleries, and party accommodations for up to 40 guests. General Admission tickets are available online and are valid all day; the museum lists designated Immunocompromised Sundays to provide specific access for visitors who prefer those sessions. Onsite exhibits and event highlights referenced by the museum include interactive spaces such as the Glitter Room and a character named Stuffee, named in event descriptions. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance for time-based events and special programs to secure preferred dates. The museum follows posted visitor policies for all ticketed entries. WonderLab’s combination of scheduled events, family-focused programming, and clear admission options supports straightforward planning for group visits, parties, and seasonal activities.
Book with WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology