These DIY Lego car kits are easy and inexpensive to make, plus they include a simple storage solution when they’re not being used!
This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
A couple of weeks ago I was at the dollar store (Dollar Tree) and found some Lego base plates, small packs of Lego blocks and even Lego people. My wheels started turning and I began to brainstorm how I could create a self contained Lego activity my kids could play with in the car. It needed to have the following criteria:
- fit in a small container
- have a way to keep the Legos from getting all over
- inexpensive
After wandering around the store for a bit longer, I found everything I needed to create a couple of small Lego car kits for my kids, complete with storage. Between everything, I spent $14 for two kits: one for each of my older kids, ages 5 and 7. (But it could easily be less expensive depending on how many base plates you buy, if you already have Legos from home you want to use, etc.)
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Lego car kits:
- base plates*
- building blocks (Legos)*
- small “brownie” pan* (11×7)
- Velcro*
- hot glue gun
- ziplock bag(s)*
- Sharpie*
- ruler*
- rectangular storage container with lid* (9×13)
*indicates that it was purchased (or can be purchased) at the dollar store
Let’s get started!
First, plug in your glue gun and let it start heating up.
Next, open up your base plates. I bought a total of four, one in each of the colors they had available. (I did see some cute pink and purple base plates online though!) Then I turned the base plate over and used my ruler to make a mark on the bottom side. I measured half way towards the top, middle and bottom of each base plate so I knew where the Velcro needed to go.
Cut your Velcro. I cut them into 1 1/2″ pieces, for a total of six pieces of Velcro (3 hook and 3 soft). I then used my glue gun to glue the hook side of the Velcro onto my base plate, making sure to center it on the mark I made earlier. Repeat for the other two Velcro pieces.
Decide where you want to put your base plate in the pan. (I wanted it next to the edge of the pan for a reason I explain towards the end of post.) To help the two Velcro pieces to match up, I use a simple trick: Stick the soft Velcro piece to the hook side. Then, apply the hot glue directly to the back of the Velcro, turn the base plate over and press it onto the pan where you want it to be glued down. Let it cool before lifting the base plate off. Repeat with the other two Velcro pieces. When you’re done, you will be left with perfectly placed Velcro pieces!
*NOTE #1* I wanted the base plates to be interchangeable so using Velcro is a good way to do that. If this isn’t an issue for you, then you could skip this step and glue the base plate directly to the pan.
*NOTE #2* Another option for sticking the base plate to the pan would be to use magnets (round or magnetic tape). Since the pan is galvanized, the magnets will stick to it.
To store the Lego blocks, I divided up the four packs I’d bought into two piles and then used two ziplock bags to store them.
The two pans, four base plates and almost 100 Lego pieces all fit inside the plastic container I found at the dollar store! I really love that the brownie pan has higher sides so the pieces are less likely to fall when my kids are using them.
Like I mentioned above, there is a reason I placed the Velcro for the base plates towards one side of the pan. Now my kids can also use this pan for their magnetic puzzles! (Those are also going to be stored in a plastic bin inside of their metal tins.)
And that’s it! This is probably one of the easiest tutorials I have on my blog but sometimes great solutions are simple. *wink* We plan on using our Lego car kits for longer rides (like when we drive to Disneyland) as opposed to when we are just running errands. I think this would also make a great gift for kids to give to their friends!
Do you think this Lego car kit and storage solution would work for your family? I’d love to hear if you try it out!
12 Comments
My son is obsessed with Legos! I love how easy it is to transport the legos. Thanks for sharing such an awesome idea!!!! 🙂
Omg I love this idea!! My daughter loves legos but is so crazy with them haha. What a smart way to keep it organized!
This is SUCH a great idea! I have a four-year-old nephew who would get a kick out of this, so I’m passing this post on to my sister. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh wow, this is so fun! My nephews would go nuts for it, they love legos.
This is such a great idea!! I love how everything stays contained which is so important in the car. I am definitely saving this idea for when my kids get older. Thank you for sharing!
These are so fun!! I love the idea of putting it all in a pan!
Yea I needed this. Currently have mini legos spread all across my living room floor lol
This is such a great idea! My son loved his legos when he was little, wish I would have had something like this for him then!!
Yep, this is exactly what i need for our road trip in June with both boys! lol perfect!
I think this is such a great solution! I really love it Shani!
Brilliant especially because of the storage idea.
We haven’t gotten into the smaller legos yet but I’m saving this idea for the future! This is great for road trips.