Kart Racers

45 min + drying · $2-6 · Medium

Cardboard karts and racing caps for a full starting grid of friends.

You need

Large cardboard box, 1 per racer, big enough to fit around the torso (make: collect spares)
Red, blue, green, and yellow paint or wrapping paper, 1 bottle or roll per color (buy: dollar store)
Paper plates for wheels, 4 per kart (buy: dollar store)
Racing cap or helmet, 1 per person (own: from closet)
Scissors, 1 pair, tape, 1 roll, and string, 1 spool (own: household tools)
Ribbon for kart straps, about 3 feet per kart (own: from closet)

Buy the paint or wrapping paper and paper plates. Collect one large box per racer.
Have each racer step inside the box first and mark where the waist sits BEFORE cutting, an opening cut too big slides down, and cardboard cut away cannot be put back. Cut the top and bottom out of each box so it fits around the torso like a kart, starting with a smaller opening and widening. Paint each kart a different bright color.
Tape two paper-plate wheels to each side. Tape ribbon straps inside so the kart hangs at waist height.
Safety: keep the kart box at waist height so legs move freely, and tape all cut edges smooth.
Wear the kart with the racing cap, line up side by side, and strike the starting-grid pose.
Optional pro finish: number each kart with a big marker digit on the front. Numbered karts turn a row of boxes into a starting grid.
Optional pro finish: number each kart with a big marker digit on the front. Numbered karts turn a row of boxes into a starting grid.

How do you wear a cardboard kart without tripping?: Keep the box at waist height with the ribbon straps, and keep the bottom opening wide enough that legs move freely. Tape all cut edges smooth so cardboard never scratches thighs.
Paint or wrapping paper for the kart color?: Wrapping paper is faster and has zero drying time; paint looks better up close. For kids, wrapping paper wins, they can help tape it on.

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