Crafts and slime

Junk modelling robots

Cereal boxes become bodies, kitchen roll tubes become arms, and bottle tops become buttons. Every robot is different, and it keeps the recycling out of the bin for one more day.

Ages3+
Time1 hr
CostFree
MessSome mess
WhereIndoors

What you need

Check for sharp edges on tins and lids, and give pots a good rinse first.

Let's go

  1. Tip the recycling onto the table and sort it into piles, like bodies, arms, heads and buttons.

  2. Pick a box for the body and tape a smaller box or pot on top for the head.

  3. Add tubes for arms and legs. Masking tape is your best friend here.

  4. Stick on bottle tops, foil and lids for eyes, buttons and control panels.

  5. Decorate with paint or pens, then give your robot a name and a special power.

Real talk

  • Keep a "junk box" in a cupboard all week so you're ready when the rain starts.
  • Paint sticks to shiny cereal boxes better if you mix in a squirt of PVA glue.
  • Robots, rockets, castles, marble runs. Once they've got the hang of it, they'll build anything.

Love building things?

Science and discovery museums with hands-on engineering zones are perfect for little builders.

Find a day out

You might also like

Fluffy cloud slime
Under £5 15 mins Ages 4+

Fluffy cloud slime

Three cupboard ingredients and the stretchiest slime you'll ever wash out of a jumper.

Homemade playdough
Under £5 15 mins Ages 2+

Homemade playdough

Softer than the shop-bought stuff, smells nicer, and lasts for weeks in the fridge.

Homemade jigsaw puzzle
Free 45 mins Ages 5+

Homemade jigsaw puzzle

Turn an old cereal box and a favourite picture into a jigsaw. Then race to put it back together.