BigBoxPlay STEM Toys: Modular Cardboard Forts for Kids

Author: BigBoxPlay - Disabled World
Published: 2020/06/18 - Updated: 2026/01/12
Publication Type: Product Release, Update
Category Topic: Accessible Gaming - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This product review examines a STEM-certified modular fort building system designed specifically for children ages 2 through 8, featuring durable double-corrugated cardboard components that connect together to create customizable play spaces. The information is authoritative because BigBoxPlay has received official STEM Authenticated™ certification from STEM.org, a recognized organization that evaluates educational products worldwide. These play systems address documented concerns about excessive screen time in young children by providing hands-on construction experiences that develop spatial reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. The fort-like design has proven particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders who appreciate enclosed spaces that offer sensory security, making these products valuable for families seeking inclusive play options that accommodate different developmental needs while promoting physical activity and creative expression - Disabled World (DW).

Definition: STEM: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a broad term used to group these academic disciplines. In the early 1990s, the acronym STEM was used by a variety of educators in preference to SMET, including Charles E. Vela, the founder, and director of the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education (CAHSEE). There is no universal agreement on which disciplines are included in STEM; in particular, whether or not the science in STEM includes social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. This term is typically used to address school education policy or curriculum choices.

Introduction

Disclosure of Material Connection: Disabled World was offered a BigBoxPlay for free in consideration for an honest product review article. Like all review products Disabled World receives, the item was donated to a third party. That said, Disabled World chose to write a review for this product because we believe in the power of STEM related toys for kids!

Main Content

Jonathan Rubin, CEO of BigBoxPlay, started a company based in Los Angeles that sells "life-sized" Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) play systems focusing on physical free play, tactile/multi-sensory learning, creativity, and imagination for young children 2-8 years old.

Jonathan believes that kids today spend too much time on digital devices, negatively impacting their cognitive and social development. Studies have consistently shown that excessive use of digital products and the absence of quality playtime adversely impact learning essential "soft" skills such as communications, creativity, social interaction, and collaboration.

Jonathan discovered over the years that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seem to have a special love for BigBoxPlay due to its "private" fort-like features where children feel more protected and secure when inside.

BigBoxPlay

BigBoxPlay addresses this negative trend with a unique play system based on children's timeless love of building forts and cardboard boxes. BigBoxPlay is a modular STEM Fort Playhouse for kids. It's made of durable cardboard and is very easy to assemble in a way that fits your space and preferences.

BigBoxPlay's STEM play systems are modular, extremely durable, and personalized but most importantly, they provide endless hours of creative and imaginative enjoyment. BigBoxPlay was recently awarded a prestigious STEM Authenticated™ Trustmark by STEM.org, an esteemed company that promotes and teaches STEM around the world and has served over 4,500 schools, districts, and organizations in over 25 countries, as well as such globally recognized brands as Disney, Geomag, Learning Resources, Modular Robotics, Play-Doh, and Magformers.

BigBoxPlay Features

BigBoxPlay is safe, has great value (play systems starting at $79) and is easy-to-store.
Building BigBoxPlay is a STEM-based activity that is fun but also helps with tactile development, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
BigBoxPlay is a wholesome "life-sized" play system for the entire family and is modular, extremely durable, and can be customized to each child's preferences.
Playing in BigBoxPlay stimulates a child's imagination and creativity through physical "free play." This is important because studies show that excess time on digital devices may adversely affect the development of children's essential "soft" skills, such as creativity, communication, and social interaction.
BigBoxPlay is featured in Big Box Adventure, which airs on BabyFirstTV, a trendy kid's television, and digital network. Big Box Adventure's primary focus is on IMAGINATION, and the weekly series takes young children on imaginary journeys exploring castles, spaceships, submarines, airplanes, and more!
BigBoxPlay is fun-to-build & easy-to-store. With a kid-friendly design that promotes STEM learning, each BigBoxPlay unit comes with a unique connector system that makes it super fun for children to build--almost like building a gigantic Lego fort--while also providing parents with an easy up-and-down process for efficient storage of the play system.
Eco-Friendly & Made In The USA: Made in the USA, this wholesome and super fun play system is designed for the whole family, particularly for parents and grandparents with single or multiple children/grandchildren. Every inch of these playsets is meticulously designed so there are no tabs or sharp edges. It is well ventilated for a steady airflow and made from strong and sturdy cardboard, which is made from bio-degradable, formaldehyde-free, and Eco-friendly materials. In addition, all BigBoxPlay units are shipped to your house free of charge in a flat-packed box.

YouTube Video Clips

BigBoxPlay SpaceShip - Screenshot from the video product example.

BigBoxPlay Submarine - Screenshot from the video product example.

BigBoxPlay PirateShip - Screenshot from the video product example.

BigBoxPlay Airplane - Screenshot from the video product example.

BigBoxPlay Castle - Screenshot from the video product example.

Available BigBoxPlay Models

BigBoxPlay currently offers sells four models - 2 smaller play systems (Castle and No-theme) and two larger play systems (Castle and No-Theme). Each system is described below:

Each STEM BigBoxPlay 5 unit system contains:

2 dry erase panels
90 connector knobs
4 connectable panels
3 towers and 2 tunnels

If space is limited, you can also get a smaller three-unit system.

BigBoxPlay Small No-Theme Set ($79): 2 Towers and 1 Tunnel system include nine durable double-corrugated cardboard sections (2 Bottoms, 2 Tops, 4 Sides, and 1 Tunnel). It also includes 3 Panels and 1 Dry Erasable Panel, along with 62 Connector Knobs to assemble the play system.
BigBoxPlay Small Castle-Theme Set ($99): 2 Towers and 1 Tunnel system include nine durable double-corrugated cardboard sections (2 Bottoms, 2 Tops, 4 Sides, and 1 Tunnel). It also includes 3 Castle-Themed Panels and 1 Dry Erasable Panel, along with 62 Connector Knobs to assemble the play system.
BigBoxPlay Large No-Theme Set ($109): 3 Towers and 2 Tunnel system includes 14 durable double-corrugated cardboard sections (3 Bottoms, 3 Tops, 6 Sides, and 2 Tunnels). It also includes 4 Panels and 2 Dry Erasable Panels, along with 92 Connector Knobs to assemble the play system.
BigBoxPlay Large Castle-Theme Set ($129): 3 Towers and 2 Tunnel system includes 14 durable double-corrugated cardboard sections (3 Bottoms, 3 Tops, 6 Sides, and 2 Tunnels). It also includes 4 Castle-Themed Panels and 2 Dry Erasable Panels, along with 92 Connector Knobs to assemble the play system.

Due to COVID-19 and with Summer coming, BigBoxPlay is more meaningful than ever, as many families are spending huge amounts of time in their homes, and parents are looking for wholesome ways to keep their young children busy in a fun but educational manner.

Hosted Events

BigBoxPlay is the Perfect STEM Product For Your School, Daycare, or Church!

BigBoxPlay will come to your school and host a fun-packed STEM event teaching students essential skills such as creativity, collaboration, and social interaction. They are an approved home-school vendor for Inspire, iLead, Summit Academy, Sky Mountain, South Sutter, and Ocean Grove.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: BigBoxPlay represents a thoughtful response to the challenge parents face balancing entertainment with developmental growth during early childhood years. The company's focus on tactile construction rather than passive digital consumption addresses real concerns backed by child development research, while the modular nature of these playhouses means they can adapt as children grow and their interests change. What sets this product apart in the accessible play market is its dual appeal - it functions equally well as an educational building activity and an imaginative play space, with the added benefit of easy storage when not in use. The pricing structure, ranging from $79 to $129 depending on configuration, positions these systems as accessible alternatives to more expensive play equipment while still meeting safety and durability standards. For families with children who have special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, the enclosed design provides therapeutic benefits that many conventional toys cannot offer, making BigBoxPlay a genuinely practical option worth considering for households seeking play solutions that work for all their children - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by BigBoxPlay - Disabled World and published on 2020/06/18, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.