DIY Firefighter Costume – How to Make a Fire Truck
This cardboard-made fire truck is the best accessory to a DIY firefighter costume! Plus, it’s a fun way to cart off the kids during Halloween or a local parade!
The Ultimate Pretend Play DIY Firefighter Costume
Imaginative play for kids is really important. This not only gives them a way to think creatively, but it helps them expand and use their imagination in new and fun ways. A DIY fire truck allows kids to take pretend play to the next level!
Once made, this DIY fire truck can be played with year round, but it could be especially fun during Halloween or as local float during a Thanksgiving Day parade!
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Skills:
Ages:
Prep Time:
See Us Create a DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon!
Once you see how we created this fun fire truck wagon, you’re going to be motivated to make one, too! I was amazed at how quickly it came together to create a really fun look and activity. Plus, the supplies couldn’t be more simple and budget-friendly!
Once it was finished, the kids couldn’t wait to put on their fireman costumes and take their new favorite vehicle for a spin! They were the hit of the neighborhood for sure!
See Us Create a DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon!
Once you see how we created this fun fire truck wagon, you’re going to be motivated to make one, too! I was amazed at how quickly it came together to create a really fun look and activity. Plus, the supplies couldn’t be more simple and budget-friendly!
Once it was finished, the kids couldn’t wait to put on their fireman costumes and take their new favorite vehicle for a spin! They were the hit of the neighborhood for sure!
Tips for Making This DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon
Save all the Cardboard! The main supply we used for our DIY fire truck was cardboard! I am a cardboard hoarder, so it wasn’t hard for me to piece all of it together to make the costume, but in case you are an avid cardboard recycler, make sure you start saving!
The Paint. There are lots of different ways you could color your fire truck, but one of the quickest approaches is to use spray paint. The paint comes out evenly, fast, and dries quickly. Of course, you will want to keep the kiddos away for this process and do it outside (or in the garage with the doors open, like I did) for proper ventilation!
If you love making your own costumes, you’ll have to check out our DIY Astronaut Costume and DIY Artist Costume!
Materials
- Cardboard
- Spray Paint
- Strong Tape
- Cardboard
- Spray Paint
- Strong Tape
- Red Cups
- Wagon
- Firefighter Costume
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Gather your cardboard pieces and cut out the following shapes: 2 rectangles (to wrap around the side of the truck), 4 squares (for the top of the truck – alternatively if you have a square box, just remove 2 of the sides), 2 right triangles (for the side windows). Plus, cut out the details: circles for lights, small rectangles for the grill, 2 x ladders, and 2 x badges.
Step 2
For the top of the truck, be sure to cut out windows (as pictured) within the 3 square pieces and within the 2 right triangles.
Step 3
Spray paint all of the pieces. We kept the top white, the bottom red, and the details yellow and white for the most part.
Step 4
Once dry, add the painted pieces to the wagon, securing them with tape.
Step 5
Put the red solo cups on top as the sirens and let the kids have fun!
Step 1
Gather your cardboard pieces and cut out the following shapes: 2 rectangles (to wrap around the side of the truck), 4 squares (for the top of the truck – alternatively if you have a square box, just remove 2 of the sides), 2 right triangles (for the side windows). Plus, cut out the details: circles for lights, small rectangles for the grill, 2 x ladders, and 2 x badges.
Step 2
For the top of the truck, be sure to cut out windows (as pictured) within the 3 square pieces and within the 2 right triangles.
Step 3
Spray paint all of the pieces. We kept the top white, the bottom red, and the details yellow and white for the most part.
Step 4
Once dry, add the painted pieces to the wagon, securing them with tape.
Step 5
Put the red solo cups on top as the sirens and let the kids have fun!
The Benefits of Pretend Play
This DIY fire truck is a fun way to create a lasting vehicle that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!
Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!
The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.
The Benefits of Pretend Play
This DIY fire truck is a fun way to create a lasting vehicle that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!
Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!
The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.
More Ways to Explore Pretend Play
If your kiddo loved this DIY fire truck, there are so many other fun ways to have fun with imaginative play. Here are some top gift picks!
Doctor’s Kit
This adorable doctor’s kit is made of mostly wooden parts. It includes a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, blood pressure gauge, and more!
Dress Up Kit
Inspire your little ones to role play with this dress-up kit that includes 3 different careers – scientist, explorer and gardner! Great for any and all genders!
Play Kitchen
This play kitchen is not only adorable but will inspire such fun imaginative cooking play with it’s stove, oven, microwave, and storage areas!
Cleaning Set
It is surprising how much kids love this 6 piece pretend play cleaning kit! A fun way to motivate independence and a love for cleaning!
What’s Next?
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Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version
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