Make a board game where players dodge virus tokens, design rules and cards, move pieces with dice, and test strategies while learning about germ safety.


Step-by-step guide to build the Dodge The Virus game
Step 1
Gather all the materials on a clear table so you can reach everything easily.
Step 2
Lay the cardboard flat and use the pencil and ruler to draw a winding path of squares from a Start box to a Finish box.
Step 3
Choose and draw 6 to 10 virus hotspot spaces and 3 to 5 safe zone spaces along the path and label them clearly.
Step 4
Decorate the board with colours stickers and pictures to make the path look fun and exciting.
Step 5
Make 6 small virus tokens by cutting circles from extra cardboard and drawing little virus faces on them.
Step 6
Pick or create one game piece for each player by using small toys or making paper tokens and write each player name on their piece.
Step 7
Make a Safety card deck by writing one safety action per index card for examples Wash hands move forward 2 or Use mask skip next virus.
Step 8
Make a Challenge card deck by writing one challenge per index card for examples Cough lose one turn or Close contact move back 2.
Step 9
Write simple clear rules on a sheet that explain turn order how many spaces to move when you roll the dice what happens when you land on a virus hotspot and how Safety and Challenge cards are used.
Step 10
Play one practice round with friends or family following the rules exactly to see how the game feels while testing dice movement card effects and virus space penalties.
Step 11
Change any rules or card effects that seem too hard or too easy and rewrite the rule sheet so the game is fair and fun.
Step 12
Take a photo or video of your finished Dodge The Virus Game and share your creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Help!?
What can we use if we don't have cardboard, index cards, or a dice?
Use a flattened cereal box or poster board instead of cardboard, cut plain paper into 3x5 pieces for the Safety and Challenge cards, and use a coin flip or a spinner app instead of a dice.
My winding path looks messy or tokens keep falling—how can we fix that?
Draw the path lightly in pencil then trace with marker for cleaner squares, and secure virus tokens and player pieces with a dab of glue or double-sided tape so they don't slide during play.
How can I adapt the game for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, shorten the path, choose fewer virus hotspot spaces and simpler Safety cards like 'Wash hands: move forward 2', and for older kids add more hotspots, tougher Challenge cards, and extra rule-sheet effects for strategy.
What are fun ways to personalize or extend the game after we finish it?
Add educational facts or bonus points on Safety cards, decorate virus tokens with unique art, try a cooperative rule where players team up to reach the Finish, and film a short tutorial to share your finished board on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build the Dodge The Virus game
Facts about board game design and germ safety
🧠 Playing board games helps kids build planning, problem-solving, and social skills while having fun.
🎲 Rolling two six-sided dice gives 36 possible outcomes and 7 is the most likely total — great for balancing chance in games!
🦠 Some viruses can survive on surfaces for hours to days, which is why wiping high-touch spots helps lower risk.
🧩 The oldest known board game, Senet, is over 5,000 years old — people have loved tabletop play for millennia!
🧼 Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds (try singing 'Happy Birthday' twice) removes lots of germs.


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