Travel to a Quiet Place
Create a portable "quiet place" box with soft fabric, calming pictures, a favorite book, and breathing cards to practice peaceful thoughts and relaxation.
Step-by-step guide to create a portable quiet place box
Safe, Calm Place (A Child- Friendly Visualization Exercise)
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and put them on a clean table.
Step 2
Choose the box you want to turn into your portable quiet place and open the lid.
Step 3
Cut the soft fabric to fit the inside bottom and sides of the box with adult help.
Step 4
Glue or tape the fabric into the box so it lies flat and cozy.
Step 5
Pick three calming pictures that make you feel peaceful and happy.
Step 6
Color or decorate the pictures using your coloring materials.
Step 7
Attach the pictures inside the lid or along the sides of the box with glue or tape.
Step 8
Make four breathing cards by writing one simple breathing prompt on each index card.
Step 9
Decorate the breathing cards so they look soothing and easy to read.
Step 10
Place your favorite small book and the small soft item into the box.
Step 11
Add a ribbon or tape handle or put a sticker label on the outside so you can carry your quiet place.
Step 12
Share your finished quiet place box 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 instead of the soft fabric if it's not available?
If soft fabric is hard to find, line the box with an old T-shirt, felt scraps, folded tissue or wrapping paper, or thin craft foam secured with glue or tape.
What should we do if the fabric keeps bunching up or the pictures fall off?
When the fabric bunches during 'Glue or tape the fabric into the box,' smooth it from the center outward and secure edges with small strips of tape or dots of glue, and press pictures firmly or add a bit more glue/tape to the back when attaching them inside the lid or along the sides.
How can we change the activity for different ages?
For ages 3–5 have an adult pre-cut the fabric and pictures and help write simple breathing prompts on the index cards, while ages 6–8 can decorate and attach pieces with supervision and ages 9–12 can design detailed pictures, write personalized breathing exercises, and add the ribbon handle themselves.
How can we make the quiet place box more special or useful over time?
Enhance the box by adding a small scented sachet or lavender scrap, a battery tea light with adult help for a soft glow, velcro strips to swap calming pictures, extra breathing cards with drawings, and a personalized sticker label before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to create a portable quiet place box
Building Supportive Environments: Setting Rules and Expectations
4 Videos
Building Supportive Environments: Setting Rules and Expectations
Mindfulness Exercises for Kids: Still Quiet Place (GoZen!)
Guided Meditation for Children | YOUR QUIET PLACE | Sleep Meditation for Kids
Sleep Meditation for Kids | 8 HOURS YOUR QUIET PLACE | Sleep Story for Children
Facts about mindfulness and calming strategies for kids
🧸 A soft, familiar item (a transitional object) can make new or stressful situations feel safer for kids.
📚 Keeping a favorite book in a quiet spot gives children a predictable comfort ritual that reduces anxiety.
🧘 Mindfulness can help children improve attention, reduce stress, and manage big emotions.
🌬️ Slow, deep breathing signals the body to relax by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
📦 Snoezelen-style sensory spaces inspired the idea of portable quiet boxes to calm and focus kids.
How do I create a portable quiet place box for my child?
What materials do I need to make a travel quiet place box?
What ages is a portable quiet place box suitable for?
What safety tips should I follow when making a travel quiet place box?
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