Build a beach shack
Build a small model beach shack using cardboard, craft sticks, glue, paint, and sand while measuring, designing, decorating, and learning basic construction skills.
Step-by-step guide to build a beach shack
How to Make Popsicle Stick Beach Hut, Craft Idea For Kids
Step 1
Draw a simple floor plan of your beach shack on cardboard using your pencil and ruler.
Step 2
Cut out the base and four wall pieces from the cardboard with scissors.
Step 3
Cut a door and windows from the wall pieces so your shack can open and look fun.
Step 4
Glue each wall to the edges of the base so the walls stand up.
Step 5
Glue craft sticks inside the corners to reinforce the wall joins.
Step 6
Cut two roof panels from cardboard sized to sit on top of your walls.
Step 7
Glue craft sticks across each roof panel to make a wooden shingle look.
Step 8
Attach the two roof panels to the top of the walls with glue.
Step 9
Paint the walls and roof in bright beach colors and let the paint set for a few minutes.
Step 10
Spread white glue on the base around the shack where you want the beach to be.
Step 11
Sprinkle sand over the glued area and gently tap off the excess to create the beach.
Step 12
Glue small shells stickers or other decorations onto the shack to personalize it.
Step 13
Let your entire model dry completely so nothing moves.
Step 14
Share your finished beach shack 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 I use instead of craft sticks or real sand if I can't find them?
If craft sticks are missing, cut and fold thin strips of cardboard to glue inside the corners as reinforcements, and if sand is unavailable sprinkle coarse brown sugar or fine coffee grounds over the white glue on the base to mimic the beach texture.
My walls keep flopping over after gluing to the base—how do I fix that?
If walls collapse when glued to the base, hold each wall upright and press for 30–60 seconds, then clamp with clothespins or small heavy objects until the glue sets before adding craft-stick corner reinforcements.
How can I adapt this beach shack activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the base, walls, door, and windows and let the child paint and sprinkle sand, while older kids can measure and cut the roof panels themselves, glue craft-stick shingles, and add detailed decorations like glued shells or stickers.
What are some ways to personalize or extend the finished beach shack?
Extend the project by painting a boardwalk with extra craft sticks glued to the base, adding a tiny paper furniture set inside the shack, or gluing a battery-operated LED behind a window to make the shack glow.
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Facts about model building for kids
🏖️ Beach huts became especially popular in 19th-century Britain as small changing rooms at seaside resorts.
📦 Corrugated cardboard fibers can usually be recycled around 5–7 times before they get too short to reuse.
🪵 Many craft (popsicle) sticks are made from lightweight woods like birch or poplar, which are strong and easy to sand.
📏 Miniature builders commonly use scales like 1:12 (dollhouse) or 1:24 when making small model buildings.
🧴 PVA (school) glue is non-toxic, dries clear, and washes off skin and clothes—perfect for kids' crafts.
How do I build a small model beach shack with my child?
What materials do I need to build a model beach shack?
What ages is a cardboard beach shack activity suitable for?
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