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Build Your Big Ideas in Beyond the Box (formerly Cardboard City), where cardboard, recyclables, and creativity come together to create something extraordinary. Children become architects, engineers, and community builders as they transform everyday materials into a bustling miniature city.

Along the way, they’ll learn new construction techniques, tackle creative challenges, and work independently or collaboratively to bring their visions to life. Every structure adds to a shared world built through imagination, innovation, and play.

Our Beyond the Box Exhibit is ready for construction from July 15 through September 7.

Free with admission or membership.

Child uses a Makedo saw to cut a piece of cardboard

In Beyond the Box, visitors can put their skills to work utilizing a variety of materials and Makedo tools including kid-safe saws, perforators, and screwdrivers with reusable screws. Like what you play with? Check out the SCM shop to take some Makedo tools home with you!

Mother and son collaborate on a creation in Beyond The Box at Seattle Children's Museum

Beyond the Box is a perfect exhibit for adults to get involved and have just as much fun as (if not more than) their kiddos. Come ready to put your hard hats on as you collaborate with your family to design, assemble, and test out your creations.

Small girl poses next to her cardboard creation

While you’re welcome to take your creation home with you, we encourage all builders to place their creation in a neighborhood of their choice so that it enhances the resident’s environment and builds upon the community!