Recycled Jet Pack Costume

Rummage around the recycling bin and find everything you need to make these one-of-a-kind jet packs. With the help of cardboard

boxes and some other simple supplies, your kids will be ready for blast

off!

  1. Ages: 3 - 8

  2. 30 minutes - 1 hour

  3. A little messy

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Here's what we used (but of course, every home will have different supplies) so just let your kids look through the recycling bin and get creative!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Step 2

    Since my kids are young (ages 3 and 5), I helped put the jet pack together. However, slightly older kids may not need as much grownup assistance. To make the basic jet pack shape, we first cut a toilet paper roll in half.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Step 3

    I wrapped duct tape around each cut tube and cut slits along one end of the tape. My son called these tubes his "octopus jets"

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Step 4

    The kids then attached the tubes (octupi jets?) to the bottom of their cereal boxes.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    After wrapping the box in tinfoil, we secured the top of the box with duct tape. Then I helped the kids add straps to their jet packs. We made sure the ribbons were long enough that the jet packs could be taken off easily.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Step 6

    We secured the ribbon to the bottom of the box and added some more duct tape all around the jet pack for good measure.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 6

  • Step 7

    Then the kids got busy decorating! They added construction paper "buttons"...

    Photo reference of how to complete step 7

  • Step 8

    ...and used markers to add details. The kids loved cutting, gluing, and personalizing their creations.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 8

  • Step 9

    Of course, my son insisted that jet packs needed flames. Who could argue with such impeccable logic? Together we glued cut strips of tissue paper to add some "flare."

    Photo reference of how to complete step 9

  • Final result!

    The kids eagerly strapped on their packs and jetted off. They had things to do, people to see, planets to get to at g-force speeds! I just hoped they came back in time for bed; blasting off is hard work!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 10

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