I remember a very commonplace activity.

Turning a large appliance cardboard box into a playhouse for my niece.

I cut out a door and made a handle for it. Then I cut the windows so that they would be working shutters. I helped draw flower boxes, some trim and other decorations. She decorated the inside. I set up some interior lighting. Nice place.

Then the dog insisted on getting inside with her and careening into everything. You can imagine the plaintive puppy eyes and desperate tail-wagging in the face of a small girl's irritation. But it all got settled down.