If your little one loves cars, a homemade ramp is one of the easiest ways to turn a patio or garden into a racetrack. All you really need is a long plank and a few recycled boxes, and you have an activity that combines big physical play with plenty of imaginative fun.
A length of decking board works brilliantly as the ramp. The ridges along its surface act like little rails, so the cars are less likely to shoot off the sides. Prop one end up on a step, a low wall, or a sturdy box, and you have an instant slope for sending cars racing down.
To make it even more fun, tape a couple of recycled boxes over the ramp to create tunnels. Children love the moment a car disappears into a tunnel and reappears at the other end. Toddlers will often push a car halfway in with one hand, then reach around to pull it out the other side with the other, which is great for coordination and for understanding how things move through space.
Once the ramp is set up, the play tends to take on a life of its own. Children experiment with rolling different vehicles, racing two at once, and working out why some travel further than others. It is a wonderful open-ended activity that can be packed away and set up again whenever the mood strikes.
What you need
- A length of decking board or a smooth plank of wood
- A step, low wall, or sturdy box to prop it up
- A few recycled boxes for tunnels
- A handful of toy cars
This works well for toddlers, roughly ages 1 to 3, and it is a great way to get some active outdoor play into the day. For more car fun, take a look at this DIY car track busy bag, or for a quieter session try these coloring pages for boys.