Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks – 4 Things to Know About Artesani Park and Wading Pool

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My favorite Boston park has to be Artesani Park.  This little gem is one of the few parks that seem to have all the perks; a river side view, a splash pad, a bathroom, free parking, on yeah… and a free wading pool complete with life guards.  Every time we’ve come here we’ve had a blast and left eagerly looking forward to coming again.

Things to Note:

1) Price
Free.  Parking is free. The splash pad is free. The wading pool complete with life guards is free.

2) Park Features

  • Free parking and a big parking lot
  • A public bus that drops off right by the park
  • A great splash pad (newly added 2015)
  • Two different gated mini playgrounds, one for young children, one for older children
  • Bathrooms and a shower
  • A river view/ river walk
  • A free wading pool with life guards
He was actually really happy, but impatient about having to wait for me to take a picture

3) About the Wading Pool

  • You have to take a shower before entering.  There is often a life guard posted at the entrance to enforce that this actually happens.
  • There is a limit to how many people can enter the pool at time, again this is enforced by the door guard on busy days (if the pool is full you can always hang out at the splash pad or parks and try again in a few minutes).
  • You need a proper swimsuit and if your child is not potty trained they will need a swim diaper.
  • There is no eating or snacking by the pool.
  • The pool is fantastic for people of all ages, there is a gradient entry so babies can sit at any depth that is comfortable and the pools goes to depth just above your knees.
  • There are different sized spray features in the middle of the pool keeping it interesting for older children.

4) Crowd Control
As you can imagine this is a pretty popular park, you can expect a decent crowd of people to be here any given day of the week and if you want quick entry to the wading pool I would suggest getting there when it opens.

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  This park makes for a fantastic summer outing.  The wading pool is awesome and I have as much fun there as my son does.  We usually start out swimming/splashing for a while, then leave and play at the parks for a little bit while we eat our lunch and if we have any energy left we run through the splash pad on our way to the car.  Artesani Park is a great alternative to the Frog Pond on those hot summer days.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Artesani Park and Wading Pool
1255 Soldiers Field Rd.
Boston, MA 02135

Phone: 617.626.4973
Website: http://www.bostoncentral.com/activities/artesani_wading_pool/p1940.php

Hours: June 27-September 7 Open daily 9:30 a.m.- 7p.m.

Big List of Objects That Start with the Letter “O”

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A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “O” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “O” objects.
  1. Oak: A type of large, sturdy tree that typically has broad leaves and produces acorns.
  2. Oar: A long pole with a flat blade used for rowing or steering a boat.
  3. Oat: A cereal grain that is commonly used for making oatmeal or in baking.
  4. Oatmeal: A type of porridge made from ground oats, often cooked with water or milk and served as a breakfast food.
  5. Oatmeal Cookies: Cookies made with oatmeal as one of the main ingredients, often combined with other ingredients such as raisins or chocolate chips.
  6. Obelisk: A tall, narrow monument or pillar that is typically pointed at the top.
  7. Obi: A wide belt or sash worn with a traditional Japanese kimono.
  8. Oboe: A woodwind instrument with a double reed and a distinct, high-pitched sound.
  9. Oboist: A musician who plays the oboe.
  10. Observatory: A building or area equipped with telescopes and other instruments for observing celestial bodies and phenomena.
  11. Obsidian: A natural volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava, often used in jewelry or as a cutting tool.
  12. Obstacle: Something that blocks or hinders progress or movement.
  13. Ocarina: A small wind instrument with a compact oval or spherical shape.
  14. Ocean: A vast body of saltwater that covers a large portion of the Earth’s surface.
  15. Oceanographer: A scientist who studies the physical and biological aspects of the ocean.
  16. Ocelot: A small wild cat with distinctive markings, native to Central and South America.
  17. Octagon: A polygon with eight sides and angles.
  18. Octopus: A marine mollusk characterized by its soft body, eight arms, and typically a rounded sac-like structure called a mantle.
  19. Off-Road Vehicle: A vehicle designed for driving on unpaved or rough terrain, often equipped with larger tires and increased ground clearance.
  20. Office: A place or room used for administrative or professional work.
  21. Oil: A viscous liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel or to lubricate machinery.
  22. Oil Color Painting: A painting technique that uses pigments mixed with oil as a medium.
  23. Ointment: A thick, oily substance used to treat or soothe skin conditions.
  24. Okra: A flowering plant commonly cultivated for its edible green pods.
  25. Old Maid (Kid Card Game): A traditional card game played with a special deck of cards that includes an “old maid” card.
  26. Old Man: A term used to refer to an elderly male.
  27. Old Woman: A term used to refer to an elderly female.
  28. Oldenburg (horse breed): A breed of warmblood horse originating from the Oldenburg region in Germany, often used for dressage and show jumping.
  29. Oleo: A margarine-like spread made from vegetable oils.
  30. Olive: A small oval fruit with a hard pit, typically used to produce oil or eaten as a pickled or stuffed delicacy.
  31. Olive Oil: An oil extracted from olives, commonly used in cooking and as a salad dressing.
  32. Omelet: A dish made by beating eggs and cooking them in a frying pan with various ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, or meat.
  33. Omelette Pan: A special pan designed for making omelets, typically shallow and non-stick.
  34. Omnivore: An animal or person that consumes both plants and animal products.
  35. One: The number after zero and before two; the numerical value of a single item.
  36. Onion: A pungent bulb vegetable with many layers, used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
  37. Onion Rings: Sliced onions that are battered and deep-fried, often served as a side dish or appetizer.
  38. Onyx: A semiprecious stone with a smooth, black surface.
  39. Onyx Necklace: A necklace made with beads or a pendant crafted from onyx.
  40. Onyx Ring: A ring adorned with an onyx gemstone.
  41. Opal: A gemstone known for its play of colors and iridescence.
  42. Opera: A form of classical music that combines singing and acting, usually performed in an elaborate theatrical setting.
  43. Opera Glasses: Small binoculars or telescopes used to view performances in a theater or opera houses.
  44. Ophthalmoscope: A handheld instrument used by ophthalmologists to examine the inside of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
  45. Opossum: A small marsupial animal found in the Americas, known for its long tail and ability to feign death when threatened.
  46. Opposites: Two things that are completely different or contradictory to each other.
  47. Optometrist: A healthcare professional who examines and tests eyes for vision problems, prescribes corrective lenses, and treats certain eye conditions.
  48. Oracle: A person or object regarded as a source of wise and insightful guidance or prophecy.
  49. Orange: A citrus fruit with a round shape, typically orange-colored flesh, and a tangy flavor.
  50. Orange Blossom: The fragrant flower of the orange tree.
  51. Orange Juice: A beverage made by extracting juice from oranges.
  52. Orangery: A greenhouse or conservatory where orange trees and other citrus plants are grown.
  53. Orangutan: A large ape native to Indonesia and Malaysia, known for their long arms and reddish-brown hair.
  54. Orb: A spherical or round object.
  55. Orbit: In astronomy, the path followed by a celestial object, such as a planet, around another object, such as the sun. In the context of Orbit Gum, it is a brand of chewing gum.
  56. Orca: A type of large predatory marine mammal, also known as a killer whale.
  57. Orchard: An area of land where fruit trees are grown.
  58. Orchestra: A large ensemble of musicians who play various instruments, typically performing classical music.
  59. Orchid: A flowering plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family, known for its beautiful and diverse range of flower shapes and colors.
  60. Oregano: An aromatic herb commonly used in cooking, known for its distinctive flavor.
  61. Oreo: A popular sandwich cookie consisting of two chocolate wafers with a sweet cream filling in between.
  62. Organ: A musical instrument with pipes or reeds that produce sound by air being forced through them.
  63. Organza: A thin, sheer fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers, often used for formal clothing or decorative purposes.
  64. Origami: The Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures.
  65. Oriole: A colorful songbird with a melodious voice, often found in North America.
  66. Ornament: A decorative item used to enhance the appearance of something, often hung on a Christmas tree or worn as jewelry.
  67. Ornithologist: A scientist who studies birds, their behavior, and their habitats.
  68. Orthodontist: A dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using braces or other orthodontic appliances.
  69. Orthopedic Shoes: Footwear specially designed to support and align the feet and ankles, often used to treat foot or musculoskeletal conditions.
  70. Orzo: A type of pasta shaped like rice grains, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
  71. Oscar (award): An annual award given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in recognition of excellence in the film industry.
  72. Osprey: A large fish-eating bird of prey with a white underside and brown upperparts, also known as a sea hawk or fish eagle.
  73. Osteopath: A healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, often using manual techniques.
  74. Ostrich: A large flightless bird native to Africa, known for its long neck and legs.
  75. Otologist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear.
  76. Otter: A semiaquatic mammal with a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a long tail, known for its playful behavior.
  77. Otterbox (phone case): A brand of protective phone cases known for their durability and impact resistance.
  78. Ottoman: A low upholstered seat or footstool without a backrest, often used as a footrest or for additional seating.
  79. Outfit: A set of clothing items worn together as a coordinated ensemble.
  80. Outhouse: A small, detached structure located outdoors that serves as a toilet or bathroom.
  81. Oval: A shape that resembles an elongated circle with two equal and symmetrical ends.
  82. Oven: An enclosed appliance used for baking, roasting, or heating food.
  83. Overalls: Protective or casual one-piece garments typically covering the torso and legs, often worn for work or utility purposes.
  84. Overcoat: A heavy, long coat worn over regular clothing for warmth, usually during cold weather.
  85. Overhead Projector: A device that projects images or text onto a screen or surface from above, typically used for presentations or lectures.
  86. Overnight Bag: A small suitcase or bag used to pack essentials for an overnight trip or short stay.
  87. Overnight Train: A train service that runs overnight, allowing passengers to travel and sleep on board.
  88. Oversized Chair: A large chair designed to accommodate more than one person or provide extra space for comfort.
  89. Owl: A nocturnal bird of prey characterized by its large eyes, a flat face, and sharp beak, known for its hooting sound.
  90. Ox: A domesticated hoofed mammal, usually a male, trained for work, often used in agriculture or as a draft animal.
  91. Ox Cart: A cart or wagon pulled by an ox or oxen, used for transportation or hauling heavy loads.
  92. Oxygen: A chemical element essential for life, constituting about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere and necessary for respiration.
  93. Oyster: A shellfish found in marine or brackish waters, known for its hard shell and prized for its edible meat.
  94. Oyster Sauce: A thick, flavorful sauce made from oysters, often used in Asian cuisine as a condiment or cooking ingredient.
  95. Oyster Shell: The hard, protective outer covering of an oyster, typically discarded after the meat inside is consumed.

Can you think of any other letter “O” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Touring Boston – What to Know About Celebrating the 4th of July in Boston

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Boston is an amazing place to celebrate Independence Day!  There is so much going on around the city that it’s hard to narrow down just a few of the things to do in Boston over the 4th of July to highlight in this post, but I’m going to try.

Let me just say Boston Harbor Fest. There are literally hundreds of events that take place in the city and really all throughout New England during this time, walking tours, historical reenactments, concerts, the USS Constitution sailing it’s yearly nautical mile, the Boston Pops and of course fire works.

Things to Note: 

1) Bostonians Take the 4th of July Seriously 
Honestly the whole city seems to be parting in the days leading up to the 4th of July and if you walk through the city I can guarantee you’ll find some amazing event to help you celebrate the 4th.

2) USS Constitution
This is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy and it only gets to keep its title by sailing at least one nautical mile every year. So each year, on the 4th of July the USS Constitution sails half a mile into the Boston harbor and half a mile back to its port.  If you want to see this awesome ship sailing just show up to the harbor.

3) Boston Pops
The Boston Pops play a free concert every year on both the 3rd and 4th of July.  They don’t do fireworks after the dress rehearsal on the 3rd, but you also have a slightly better chance of squishing into the Hatch Shell area and actually getting to enjoy the show on the 3rd.  If this is something your interested in be prepared to get there early as things fill up fast!  Their shows are amazing and during the 4th of July celebrations they end the 1812 overture with actual cannon blasts (which is apparently written into the score?) and makes for a wicked awesome finish.

4) Fireworks
On the 4th of July thousands upon thousands of people line the Charles river to see the amazing Boston fire work display.  We’ve always watched the fire works from the Cambridge side and we’ve heard it’s a lot less crazy than the Boston side. Also if you don’t care about hearing the music from the speakers that goes along with the firework display then you can get a front row view just about anywhere west of the Harvard Bridge, even if you show up as the fireworks are beginning. It’s still an amazing view and yes, you can see the fireworks glittering off the water.  Also the Boston Firework show is constantly ranked one of the best in the nation.  Boston and New York both make the top five every year… I’m just saying…

5) Transportation
This is going to be a mess just about anywhere you go.  If you can walk to the fireworks I would suggest doing that since driving and public transportation are pretty much in grid lock once the fireworks stop.  All I can say here is “Good Luck.”

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  I live in Boston!  One of the key founding places of our nation, how could I rate it any less? Yes it puts the city in chaos, but it’s a fantastic celebration and the firework show is not one to miss!  I love being able to walk along the Charles and celebrate our nations birthday with so many great people every year!

What are your favorite things to do over the 4th of July in Boston? I’d love to know more about your experiences and any great places you’ve visited in the comments section below. 

95 Objects and Things That Start with the “Letter N”

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A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “N” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “N” objects.
  1. NHL hockey puck: A small, hard rubber disc used in ice hockey as the object of play.
  2. Nachos: A popular snack made of tortilla chips topped with cheese, salsa, and other ingredients.
  3. Nail: A thin, horny plate that grows on the upper surface of the tip of each finger and toe.
  4. Nail Polish: A colored liquid or paste applied to nails to enhance their appearance or protect them.
  5. Nail art stickers: Decorative designs or patterns that can be adhered to the nails to create intricate nail art.
  6. Nail brush: A small brush with stiff bristles used for cleaning and scrubbing the nails and cuticles.
  7. Nail buffer: A tool used to smooth, shine, and polish the surface of the nails.
  8. Nail clippers: Handheld cutting tools specifically designed to trim and shape the nails.
  9. Nail file: A long, flat tool with a rough surface used for shaping and smoothing the edges of the nails.
  10. Nail strengthener: A product applied to the nails to improve their strength and prevent breakage or splitting.
  11. Nanny cam: A hidden camera used by parents to monitor the activities of their child or caregiver.
  12. Napkin: A square or rectangular piece of fabric or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands during a meal.
  13. Napkin holder: A container or device designed to hold and dispense napkins in an organized manner.
  14. Nappy (Diaper): An absorbent garment worn by infants and young children to contain and manage waste.
  15. Narrator: The voice or character that tells a story or provides commentary in a literary work or film.
  16. Narwhal: A medium-sized Arctic whale known for its long, spiral tusk protruding from its head.
  17. Nasal spray: A liquid medication delivered through a spray nozzle into the nose to relieve congestion or other nasal conditions.
  18. Nashi Pear: A type of Asian pear that has a crisp, juicy texture and a sweet, refreshing flavor.
  19. Natural spring water: Water sourced from underground natural springs that is believed to be pure and free from contaminants.
  20. Nautical chart: A specialized map used by sailors and navigators to plot and navigate their course on the ocean.
  21. Nautical flags: A set of flags used as a system of communication between ships at sea, each flag representing a different letter or message.
  22. Nautical rope: A strong and durable rope specifically designed for maritime use, such as securing or towing boats.
  23. Nautical telescope: A telescope with a specialized design for use at sea, typically used for navigation and spotting objects at a distance.
  24. Navel: The hollow or depression in the center of the belly, commonly known as the belly button.
  25. Navel Orange: A type of orange characterized by its navel-like formation on the blossom end, often sweet and easy to peel.
  26. Navy: A branch of a country’s armed forces that primarily conducts naval operations at sea.
  27. Neck: The part of the body that connects the head with the rest of the body.
  28. Necklace: A piece of jewelry worn around the neck, typically consisting of a chain or string with a pendant or beads.
  29. Necktie: A long, narrow piece of fabric worn by men around the neck and tied in a decorative knot under the collar.
  30. Nectar: A sweet, sugary liquid secreted by plants, often used as a food source for bees and other pollinators.
  31. Nectar-sipping bird: A bird that feeds primarily on the nectar of flowers.
  32. Nectarine jam: A sweet spread made from cooked nectarines, often used on toast or pastries.
  33. Nectarine tree: A tree that produces nectarines, a type of juicy fruit similar to peaches.
  34. Nectarines: Small, fuzzy fruits with a smooth, juicy flesh and a sweet taste.
  35. Needle: A thin, pointed instrument used for sewing or medical purposes.
  36. Needle threader: A small device used to help guide thread through the eye of a needle.
  37. Needlepoint: A type of embroidery done with small, diagonal stitches on a canvas or fabric.
  38. Neighbor: A person who lives near or next to someone else.
  39. Neon sign: A sign made using brightly colored, illuminated tubing filled with neon gas.
  40. Neoprene wetsuit: A suit made of a synthetic rubber material called neoprene, commonly used for water sports to provide insulation.
  41. Nerd: A term often used to describe someone who is highly intellectual or deeply interested in specific subjects.
  42. Nerds Candy: A sweet and crunchy candy with a tart flavor, usually sold in small, colorful pieces.
  43. Nerve: A bundle of fibers that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
  44. Nest: A structure built by certain animals, such as birds, to house and protect their eggs or offspring.
  45. Net: A meshed fabric or device used to catch or hold objects, typically used in sports or fishing.
  46. New Year’s Eve party hat: A festive hat worn during celebrations on New Year’s Eve.
  47. Newborn: A recently born baby, usually within the first few weeks of life.
  48. Newspaper: A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, typically published daily or weekly.
  49. Newt: A small, lizard-like amphibian with a long tail, typically found near water.
  50. Nickel: A silvery-white metal element often used in alloys or as a coating for other materials.
  51. Nickel coin: A coin with a face value of five cents made primarily from nickel.
  52. Night vision goggles: Optical devices that enhance visibility in low light conditions or darkness, allowing users to see clearly in the dark.
  53. Nightgown: A loose, lightweight garment worn for sleeping, typically for women.
  54. Nightstand: A small table or cabinet placed next to a bed, often used to hold items such as lamps, books, or alarm clocks.
  55. Nine: The number between eight and ten.
  56. Ninja: A skilled warrior or person trained in the art of Ninjutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art.
  57. No-bake cookies: Cookies made without baking, often made by combining ingredients and allowing them to set or chill.
  58. Noah’s Ark: According to biblical tradition, a large vessel built by Noah to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal during a great flood.
  59. Noise machine: An electronic device that plays soothing sounds or white noise to help mask or drown out unwanted noise.
  60. Noise-cancelling headphones: Headphones designed to reduce or cancel out background noise, allowing for a more immersive and focused listening experience.
  61. Noisemaker: A device, such as a horn or rattle, used to make noise, often used during celebrations or events.
  62. Non-dairy milk: Plant-based alternatives to dairy milk, commonly made from sources like almonds, oats, or soy.
  63. Non-stick pan: A cooking pan that has a non-stick coating, making it easier to cook with and clean.
  64. Noni fruit: A tropical fruit that grows on a small evergreen tree, known for its pungent smell and purported health benefits.
  65. Noodle bowl: A bowl of soup or broth-based dish that includes noodles as a primary ingredient.
  66. Noodles (Food): Thin strips of dough made from wheat, rice, or other grains, often used as a base for various dishes.
  67. Noodles (Pool Float): A inflatable pool toy shaped like long, flexible pasta that can be used for floating or lounging in the water.
  68. Nook: A small, secluded space or corner, typically in a room, where one can relax, read, or work.
  69. North: The cardinal direction on a compass that points towards the Arctic or the upper half of a map.
  70. North Pole: The northernmost point on Earth, located at 90 degrees latitude, where the Earth’s axis intersects its surface.
  71. North Star: A bright star, also known as Polaris, that is located almost directly above the North Pole and serves as a navigational marker for finding north.
  72. Nose: The prominent organ on the face of humans and many animals, responsible for breathing and the sense of smell.
  73. Nose flute: A musical instrument played by blowing air through the nostril into a hollow tube, producing melodic sounds.
  74. Notch: A small cut or indentation made in an object or surface, often used for keeping track of measurements or fitting two objects together.
  75. Note: A brief record or message, typically written to serve as a reminder or to convey information.
  76. Note cards: Small, single-page cards used for writing brief notes or messages, often used for studying or organizing information.
  77. Notebook: A bound book consisting of multiple pages for writing, note-taking, drawing, or other purposes.
  78. Notebook paper: Loose sheets of paper that fit into a notebook, usually featuring lines or grids to facilitate writing.
  79. Notepaper: Similar to notebook paper, but generally refers to loose sheets of paper used for writing notes or letters.
  80. Nouveau art: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by decorative and ornamental styles.
  81. Novel: A long piece of fictional prose narrative, often centered around characters and their experiences or adventures.
  82. Novelty socks: Socks with unique, whimsical, or humorous designs, often used as a fashion statement or for fun.
  83. Nozzle: A device or opening at the end of a hose, pipe, or nozzle, used to control or direct the flow of a substance, such as water or air.
  84. Nugget: A small, solid piece of something, often used to refer to a small piece of meat, precious metal, or information.
  85. Numbers: Mathematical symbols or figures used to represent quantities, perform calculations, or indicate a position in a sequence.
  86. Numbing cream: A topical anesthetic agent that temporarily numbs the skin, often used prior to medical procedures to minimize pain.
  87. Nunchucks: A traditional martial arts weapon consisting of two short sticks connected by a chain or rope, often used for striking or blocking.
  88. Nurse: A trained healthcare professional who provides medical care, support, and assistance to patients in various settings, such as hospitals or clinics.
  89. Nurse shark: A species of slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark known for its relatively docile nature and nurse-like appearance.
  90. Nut butter: A spreadable paste made from ground nuts, often used as a spread on bread or as an ingredient in recipes.
  91. Nutcracker: A tool used to crack the hard shells of nuts, typically consisting of two hinged arms and a mechanism to exert pressure.
  92. Nutcracker ballet: A classic ballet performance set to Tchaikovsky’s music, usually performed during the holiday season, featuring a story involving a nutcracker doll and a young girl.
  93. Nutella: A popular brand of sweet, hazelnut-flavored spread, often used as a topping or filling for various desserts or breakfast foods.
  94. Nutmeg: A spice derived from the seed of a tropical evergreen tree, often used in culinary preparations for its warm and aromatic qualities.
  95. Nuts: Edible seeds or kernels surrounded by a hard shell, such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts, often eaten as a snack or used as ingredients in cooking or baking.
  96. Nylon: A type of synthetic material known for its strength, silk-like texture, and resistance to various elements.

Can you think of any other letter “N” objects?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Cardboard Creations – DIY How to Make a Small Cardboard Mailbox

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When I was young I remember every Valentine’s Day at my school we would create some kind of creative box for everyone to deliver Valentines too.  I’m pretty sure that every single year of elementary school I made the same kind of a box, a mailbox.  I loved it and I thought it was so fun to feel like I was getting letters delivered to my personal mailbox from all my classmates.

I was thinking that my son might also have a blast both writing and sending letters to the different members of our family, but because he’s a toddler I wanted to make our mailboxes out of something a little more durable than strait up paper.

So my cardboard creation for this month is a mailbox.  I built three and then talked to my son about writing and sending letters.  We wrote a letter to his grandma and put it the real mailbox, then we went home and he and I spent the rest of the afternoon writing and sending letters to each other via our cardboard mailboxes.  They were a total hit. 🙂


Supplies Needed For Each Cardboard Mail Box: 

  • 1 Piece of Thick Cardboard (Like From A Packing Box)
  • 2 Pieces of Thin Cardboard (Like From a Cereal Box)
  • Hot Glue (I have Elemer’s Glue pictured above, but don’t waste your time with that, it wasn’t strong enough)
  • Brad
  • String
  • Button
  • Paint

Set Up: 

  1. Start by cutting a smallish rectangle from your thick cardboard the size you want your mail box to be.
  2. Take a piece of thin cardboard (like the front square of a cereal box) and bend it around your thick cardboard creating the main mailbox arch. Line the strait edge of the thin cardboard up against one side of your thick cardboard and leave an inch or so of extra cardboard off the back side.  Once it’s positioned glue it to your thick cardboard piece.
  3. Cut small slits every inch along the extra cardboard that is hanging off your box and fold those pieces inward, creating an arch.
  4. Set your mailbox down on a piece of thin cardboard with the printed side of the cardboard against your mailbox.  Trace around your mailboxes arch and cut out that cardboard leaving an extra inch along the bottom.  Glue that cutout arch over the tabs you just bent down in the steps above and glue the extra tab to the bottom of your mailbox.
  5. Turn your mailbox around to the side that didn’t have excess cardboard hanging off of it and trace that arch on another piece of cardboard (with the printed side of the cardboard facing your mailbox).  Remove your mailbox and make another arch an inch over the arch you just traced, double rainbow style.  Cut out the cardboard leaving an inch or two extra at the bottom so you have something to use to secure it to your mail box.
  6. Cut small lines on the cardboard arch you just cut out going from the outer arch to the inner arch.  Space each cut out an inch or so.  When you’re finished bend in the sections you just cut so it creates a curve.
  7. Cut a thin strip of cardboard long enough to cover the curved part of your mailbox and glue it over the bent strips you just cut.
     
  8. Finish by gluing the bottom tap to the front of your mailbox.
  9. If you want a flag cut one out a piece of cardboard.
  10. Your mailbox structure is all in place at this point.  Now it’s time for the details.
  11. Paint your mailbox and flag.
  12. Cut a small piece of string (our were about three inches long) and glue it inside the front flap of the mailbox right at the top.
  13. Glue a button to the top, middle, front of your mail box.  Now you can close the mailbox by wrapping the string around the button.
  14. Add the flag to the side of your mailbox with a brad and you’re done.  

Enjoy your personal mail delivery service.

Thanks for reading!

Have you tried to make a cardboard mailbox?  I would love to see the mailbox you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.