Easy Cardboard Truck Craft for Toddlers – Shape & Paint Activity
Got a cardboard box lying around? If you’ve got kids I’m sure you’ve got a cardboard box, hello favorite toy! Let’s turn that box into its next adventure. This cardboard truck craft is an easy, hands-on activity perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
This craft puts a bunch of my favorite things together, practicing fine motor skills, shape recognition, and creativity. Plus, it’s messy in the best way–just enough paint fun without a full-blown disaster!
Looking for more hands-on activities? Check out this Easy Paper Plate Rainbow Craft For Toddlers
How to Set Up for a Toddler-Friendly Craft Session
Creating a stress-free, toddler-friendly craft setup makes all the difference when working with little artists! Here are some simple tips to keep things organized and minimize mess while making this cardboard truck craft a fun experience for everyone.
1. Cover Your Workspace with Flattened Cardboard
Before bringing out the paint, lay down large, flattened cardboard boxes to protect the table (and the floor, if needed). This makes cleanup easier and keeps the mess contained.
Any table covering will work really. Easy wipe tablecloths or large sheets of paper are great too.
2. Use Dollar Store Paint Palettes for Easy Cleanup
Small paint palettes from the dollar store are perfect for holding just the right amount of paint. They help prevent spills and allow toddlers to dip their brushes easily.
These are also so easy to wash out, we even use them for glue!
3. Dress for the Mess with Easy-On, Easy-Off Paint Shirts
I always keep a stash of oversized t-shirts with cut sides so kids can slip them on and off without hassle. This keeps their clothes clean while letting them fully enjoy the painting process.
PRO TIP: These are also fantastic bib shirts…super great coverage for spaghetti day.
4. Keep Wet Wipes Handy for Quick Cleanups
Toddlers and paint go hand in hand—literally! Having a pack of wet wipes within reach makes it easy to clean colorful fingers before they leave the table.
5. Set Everything Up Before Inviting Kids to the Table
Once the kids arrive, they’re ready to jump in immediately! To keep things smooth, have all materials prepped—brushes ready and trucks cut out—so the focus stays on creativity instead of chaos.
Materials Needed
- Cardboard box (small shoebox, cereal box, or Amazon box)
- We used small amazon boxes and they were perfect, minimal cutting!!
- Washable paint
- Hot Glue
- Cardboard is heavy, I highly recommend doing the gluing yourself after all the pieces dry
- Scissors
- Paint brushes
- Other shapes you may want to trace / add
- We used hearts as this was used for a fun Valentine project
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Cardboard Truck Craft
This cardboard truck craft is a great way for toddlers to explore shapes and colors while practicing their fine motor skills. Follow these simple steps to set up a successful painting and learning experience!
1. Cut Out the Truck Pieces
Before starting, cut out easy-to-recognize shapes to form the truck. For this project, we used:
- Rectangle (truck body)
- Square (truck cab)
- Two circles (wheels)
- Two hearts (for a Valentine’s twist—optional!)
2. Set Up the Truck Base & Let Kids Choose Their Colors
Place the rectangle truck base in front of each child. Before handing them a brush, ask:
“What color do you want your truck to be?”
This is a great way to encourage color recognition and decision-making skills. Instead of telling them the color names, let them describe it themselves—you might be surprised by their creativity and knowledge!
3. Paint the Truck & Let It Dry
Once they’ve finished painting their truck base, set it aside to dry.
Tip: I personally cleaned the paint palette and brushes between each color change, but this is totally optional!
4. Paint the Hearts & Discuss Shapes
Next, hand out the heart shapes and repeat the color choice conversation. While painting, ask:
“What shape is this?”
“Do you know anything else that is this shape?”
5. Paint the Wheels & Continue the Shape Discussion
Finally, give the kids their circle wheels and let them choose a new color. Continue reinforcing shape and color recognition as they paint.
6. Assemble the Truck!
Once all pieces are dry, use a hot glue gun to attach them. If working with toddlers, you can do the gluing while they watch.
And just like that, your toddler-friendly cardboard truck craft is complete!
Learning Through Play: Extend the Fun & Learning
This cardboard truck craft is a great way to help toddlers and preschoolers practice important early learning skills. Here are a few simple ways to turn craft time into a learning opportunity!
Shape Recognition
As kids paint and assemble their truck, ask questions to reinforce shape recognition:
- “What shape are the wheels?” (Circles)
- “What shape is the truck body?” (Rectangle)
- “How many hearts do we have?” (Two)
Color Matching & Decision Making
Letting kids choose their own colors encourages decision-making and builds confidence. As they paint, ask:
- “What color did you pick for your truck?”
- “Can you find something else in the room that is the same color?”
Got a truck lover? Why not try out this Painting With Toy Cars craft next!!
See the Finished Creations!
- I LOVE how these turned out, and seeing all the different color choices.
- The two purple with orange wheels were made at different times by different kids, it was interesting to see the similar personalities in the paint choices,
- We’d love to see your little one’s truck! Feel free to join our Facebook group and show us there!!
Join our Facebook Group for more printables, fun activities, and hands-on learning ideas for toddlers and preschoolers!
Takeaway Tips for a Fun Craft Experience
Here are a few simple tricks to make this cardboard truck craft even easier and more enjoyable for toddlers and preschoolers:
Choose the Right Size Box – A smaller box is all you need for this fun diy craft, larger boxes can get tough for you to cut and your littles may lose interest in the project midway through.
Limit Color Choices – I’m sure you may love a rainbow truck, but sometimes less is more! Today we were learning color recognition and decision making.
Use A separate Space for Drying – I only set out one set of shapes at a time. This kept their station uncluttered and not too overstimulating.
Have Everything Ready Beforehand – Set up the painting station, paint shirts, cardboard shapes, and wipes before calling kids to the table. This keeps the activity running smooth and low stress.
Embrace the Mess! – Toddlers will get paint on their hands (and probably their faces too!). Keep wet wipes nearby and focus on the fun, not the mess.
Happy Crafting!!
