DIY Kart Racers Costume: 45-Min Cardboard Build

DIY kart racers costume built from large cardboard box, 1 per racer, big, red, blue, green and yellow paint, and paper plates for wheels

AI-generated concept photo

Time45 minEffortMedium

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

Cardboard karts and racing caps for a full starting grid of friends. The karts are the costume. About forty-five minutes, a medium build: a large cardboard box, paint or wrapping paper in racing colors, and paper plates for wheels. The karts should be waist-height; taller karts tip over.

1 of 6 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Still need:

RedPaper platesRacing capScissors +2String / yarn / ribbon

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Tip: number each kart with a big marker digit on the front.

Materials

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)

Steps

Have each racer step inside the box first.
Mark where the waist sits.
Do this before cutting.
A too-big opening slides down.
Cut the top and bottom out of each box.
Start small, then widen.
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.
Strike the starting-grid pose.
Optional pro finish: number each kart with a big marker digit on the front.

Start this costume in the planner

Common questions

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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