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Home » Play and Learning » Learning Numbers » Easy DIY Cardboard Parking Lot Number Matching Activity

Easy DIY Cardboard Parking Lot Number Matching Activity

By Krissy of B-Inspired Mama 36 Comments

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links; as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

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Collage of three photos showing a toddler child doing a cardboard parking lot number match activity and car parking game, including playing with small toy cars labeled with numbers and parking them in matching numbered parking spaces inside a simple DIY cardboard box parking garage.
A toddler child doing a fun car parking game with small toy cars each labeled with a different number, parking them in numbered parking spaces drawn inside the bottom edges of a cardboard box.
Collage of two photos showing a DIY cardboard parking lot number matching activity with small toy cars labeled with numbers and a homemade cardboard box parking garage with numbered parking spaces.
Disclosure: This blog post, contributed by Georgina of Craftulate, contains affiliate links; as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Looking for a fun and easy activity to keep your little one busy? How about a simple cardboard parking lot that engages your child’s interests with a car parking game and builds early math skills with a number match activity, too?

Make a Cardboard Parking Lot for Number Matching Fun!

This play-based number matching activity requires only a cardboard box, some stickers, a marker, and your child’s favorite matchbox cars. Plus, this kids car parking game is easily adaptable for toddlers, preschoolers, Kindergartners, or really any age group or grade level.

So, grab a piece of cardboard from the recycling bin and have your kiddo gather up some toy cars, and let the fun begin!

Collage of three photos showing a toddler child doing a cardboard parking lot number match activity and car parking game, including playing with small toy cars labeled with numbers and parking them in matching numbered parking spaces inside a simple DIY cardboard box parking garage.

DIY Cardboard Parking Lot Supplies and Instructions:

First, you’ll need to transform a plain old cardboard box into a fun parking garage. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think!

Materials for making an easy cardboard parking lot, including a large cardboard box with 3- to 4-inch walls and a ramp cut into one side. Small toy cars labeled with number stickers sit on the floor outside the box.

A medium-sized box will work best. Just use scissors or a utility knife to cut the sides of the box down to around 3″ to 4″ high.

Then, cut and fold down a section on one side to create an entrance ramp for the cars to drive into your cardboard parking garage. We only made one entrance ramp, but you could cut side flaps on other sides, too. Just make sure to leave lots of room inside your garage for parking spaces.

A toddler child doing a DIY cardboard parking lot number match game with small toy cars each labeled with a different number, parking them in numbered parking spaces drawn inside the bottom edges of a cardboard box.

Now, grab a black marker and draw your parking spaces inside the bottom of the box. We drew ours around the inside edges of the box. 

Next, write a number inside each parking space. We used numbers 1 through 15, but you can use any numbers your child is learning.

Finally, add a matching number sticker to the roof of each of your toy cars. That’s it! You’ve made a homemade cardboard parking garage for endless car parking and number matching fun!


A Fun Number Matching Activity with Your New Cardboard Parking Lot

When I presented my preschooler with his new cardboard car garage, he was so excited to start playing! I let him explore the it independently first, but it didn’t take him long to start recognizing the numbers and parking cars in their matching number parking spots.

A toddler child doing a homemade cardboard parking garage number activity with small toy cars each labeled with a different number, parking them in numbered parking spaces drawn inside the bottom edges of a cardboard box.

When my child got bored playing independently, I came up with some more guided number matching activities.

I called out a random number for him to find and park the number car in its matching number parking spot. If he got stuck, we counted the parking spaces together, pointing to each one as we counted, until we found the correct number.

When we got all of our toy cars parked in their corresponding parking spaces, we counted them aloud again and celebrated with a little dance party.

A toddler child doing a DIY cardboard parking lot number match activity with small toy cars each labeled with a different number, parking them in numbered parking spaces drawn inside the bottom edges of a cardboard box.

This was such an easy play-based number match game to set up for a toddler or preschooler. I know my little one will get lots of learning and fun out of it!


Full Cardboard Parking Lot Number Matching Activity Tutorial:

A toddler child doing a homemade cardboard parking garage number activity with small toy cars each labeled with a different number, parking them in numbered parking spaces drawn inside the bottom edges of a cardboard box.

DIY Cardboard Parking Lot Number Matching Activity

Make this quick and easy cardboard parking lot for a fun number matching activity your preschool kid is sure to love!
4.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time30 minutes minutes
Activity Time30 minutes minutes
Total Time1 hour hour

Tools

  • scissors (or utility knife)

Materials

  • cardboard box (medium-large)
  • permanent marker (black)
  • number stickers (1-15, or blank labels with numbers written on them)
  • 15 small toy cars

Steps

  • Use scissors or utility knife to cut sides of cardboard box down to around 3- to 4-inches high.
  • Cut a flap on one side wide enough for a toy car to fit through, then fold it down to create an entrance ramp.
  • Use permanent marker to draw 4-inch perpendicular lines around 3 inches apart along the inside edges of the bottom of the box to create parking spaces.
  • Write a number inside each parking space, from 1 through 15.
  • Place number stickers on the roofs of 15 small toy cars to create a matching numbered car for each numbered parking space.
  • Give the cardboard parking lot and numbered cars to your child and watch them play and learn!

Notes

Adaptations and Extensions for Learning:

  • Choose numbers the child is currently learning.
  • Adjust the number of cars/parking spaces.
  • Label parking spaces in numerical order or randomly for greater challenge.
  • Guide the child to count and touch each car/parking space at the beginning of play and when they get stuck.
  • Try an auditory number recognition game; call out a random number, and have the child identify the number car and park it in its matching parking spot.
  • For a Kindergartener or older child learning number sight words, label each parking space with a number word to match each numbered car. 
  • Try an addition and/or subtraction car math game; park 2 or 3 cars in random spaces (or ask child to do so) and have the child add the numbers. Alternatively, drive one car away and subtract that number from the total. 
PIN FOR LATER EMAIL TO A FRIEND
Project Type: DIY · Learning · Play
Category: Kid-Friendly

Preschool Number Games and Toys on Amazon:

Don’t have the time to make the DIY cardboard parking lot game above? No worries! Check out these preschool number games and toys you can purchase right on Amazon…

Educational Insights Shelby's Snack Shack Preschool Math GameEducational Insights Shelby’s Snack Shack Preschool Math GameDinhon Kids Learning LocksDinhon Kids Learning LocksArizona GameCo Number Slap JackArizona GameCo Number Slap JackCoolToys Monster Balance Math GameCoolToys Monster Balance Math GameThink Fun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo GameThink Fun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo GameWooden Number Tracing Board SetWooden Number Tracing Board SetLearning Resources Smart Snacks Number PopsLearning Resources Smart Snacks Number PopsSkoolzy STEM Apple Factory Learning ToySkoolzy STEM Apple Factory Learning ToyOsmo-Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad + Early Math AdventureOsmo-Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad + Early Math AdventureLearning Educational Sensory NumbersLearning Educational Sensory Numbers

 

Plus, find all of our favorite kids math games and toys in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Cool Math Games and Goodies for Kids


Like this Cardboard Car Parking Game Idea? Then, Save It & Share It!

Collage of two photos showing a DIY cardboard parking lot number matching activity with small toy cars labeled with numbers and a homemade cardboard box parking garage with numbered parking spaces.

Don’t forget to save this fun car parking game and number matching activity to come back to. And share it with friends! Simply use the buttons at the top or bottom of this post. Or, click here: Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend


More Fun Number Matching Activities for Kids:

  • 5 Fun Number Games for Kids
  • Printable Car Number Match Activity Video
  • DIY Mitten Number Match Counting Activity
  • Printable Beach-Themed Preschool Number Puzzle
  • Basic Printable Number Match Counting Game
  • A Simple DIY Counting Sticks Busy Bag for Preschoolers
  • Math Fun with DIY Number Rocks

Disclosure: This blog post, contributed by Georgina of Craftulate, contains affiliate links; as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.

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Filed Under: Fun with Games, Learning Numbers, Math Fun, Play and Learning Tagged With: Cardboard Box, Cars, Math, Math Games, Numbers

About Krissy of B-Inspired Mama

Former M.Ed Art Teacher. Current Blogger & Social Media Influencer. Always Crazy & Creative Mama of 3.

Previous Post: « 35 Fun Kids Reading Activities and Games for Kids
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Niki at Toot's Mom is Tired says

    March 7, 2018 at 7:02 PM

    Such a good idea! I want to try this with my toddler.

    Reply
  2. Cher says

    December 26, 2016 at 6:52 AM

    Thank you for sharing this great idea. We have a new foster grandson and I’m anxious for him to try this.

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      December 27, 2016 at 9:06 AM

      Awe – I’m so glad you’re going to try it. I hope he has fun!

      Reply
  3. E.H. says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:57 PM

    This is a great idea that combines fun with learning. Brilliant!!!

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      June 24, 2016 at 12:04 PM

      I think so, too! It was contributed by Craftulate. Definitely look up that blog for more fun ideas!

      Reply
  4. Jacquie Morrical says

    November 19, 2015 at 5:37 PM

    If you use a large pizza box you can store everything in the box besides.

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      November 20, 2015 at 8:04 AM

      Now that’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  5. Surekha says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:31 AM

    Great idea! I’ve got a good collection of cars and my children are going to love this! Thanks so much for sharing. Pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      July 27, 2015 at 7:06 AM

      Isn’t it, though?! This is one of our most popular ideas here at B-Inspired Mama. Thanks for stopping by! And pinning! 😉

      Reply
  6. Acey says

    February 15, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    Great idea! I’m modifying this to be an auditory memory game for a seven year old with bilateral cochlear implants!
    (Park the green car in space 4 and the blue car in space 5….park the green car four spaces left of space 8)
    So excited, I think he will love this!

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      February 16, 2015 at 9:02 AM

      Brilliant!!! So glad you’ve found some inspiration. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Sarah Mueller says

    March 5, 2014 at 8:35 PM

    What a sweet idea! My almost 3 year old will adore this game. He’s always looking for matches between colors and things.

    Reply
  8. Maria Gorete da Silva says

    September 15, 2013 at 6:27 AM

    Gostei demais dessa ideia,fiz pro meu pequeno ele adorou!!!

    Reply
  9. Valerie says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    This looks very inviting. We did something somewhat similar last year with first letter sounds and “vehicles” on a “parking” sheet during out transportation week. We had a “h” “helicopter”, “c” “car”, “b” boat”, “t” “train” and more. So the idea is highly adaptable as well. I just love the huge cardboard Georgina used compared to my tiny sheet! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Ashley says

    August 13, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    So cute my little guy will love this when he gets a little older!

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      August 13, 2013 at 8:56 AM

      I know! My J.C. will, too. 🙂

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        August 14, 2013 at 7:08 AM

        Featured you this week on Mom’s Library!

        Reply
  11. Denise says

    August 12, 2013 at 12:27 AM

    Great simple play idea, Krissy. I just made a couple to add to the cars and garage area in my developmental preschool classroom. I have some little ones who I think will enjoy parking their cars in the lot! My tykes always have trouble recognizing and naming the “teens”, so one of my objectives was to include this in play. You’ve come up with an authentic play scheme. ~Denise

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      August 13, 2013 at 9:16 AM

      Actually all of the credit goes to George of Craftulate. She’s got so many great ideas! I’m so glad that you’ll be able to use this one in the classroom, Denise!

      Reply
  12. Krista @ the happy housie says

    August 10, 2013 at 1:15 AM

    This is such a great idea to use with my kindergarteners at the start of the year… You could also adapt it to have each parking spot have a specific number of dots and then the kids have to match the numbers on the car to the corresponding number of dots…. Thanks for sharing this! Pinning:)

    Reply
    • Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says

      August 13, 2013 at 9:18 AM

      Great idea for an adaptation, Krista!

      Reply
  13. Jessica says

    August 6, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    What a fun way to teach numbers! I like the use of stickers to label the cars. This could be modified for lots of different interests!

    Reply
  14. Laura M says

    August 6, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    That is soo cute and clever! It looks like an activity that would be played with a lot at my house!

    Reply
  15. Andrea @ No Doubt Learning says

    August 6, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    I love how you used stickers on the cars! What a fun activity for matching!

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    August 6, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    Awesome Idea! What a great way to use what you have and learn through play!

    Reply

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