DIY Storybook Castle
UPDATED JUNE 2026
For my niece's first birthday party, she's having a celebration fit for a queen-- or a princess, to be more exact. My task was to build her Storybook castle. Here's how to make a kids play castle!
Disclosure: The Creative Saver is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I started with moving boxes from Lowe's. I tried to obtain a free refrigerator box, but I was told they were out and I was in a time crunch so I purchased two large moving boxes. If I did this again, I would splurge on the heavy-duty moving boxes instead!
I cut along ONE corner each of two of the boxes. That way you can lay each box flat and paint the side that does NOT say Lowe's, Never Stop Improving. We will connect these two boxes later.
I painted two of the boxes gray, using a combination of black and white tempura paint. This is the paint I had on hand, and I like it because it washes out of clothes when I inevitably get paint on myself. After I painted both boxes, I then used a sponge to attempt a stone look.
As you can see above, I folded the bottom out, which helps keep the box upright. I decided to paint a moat and some grass, using blue and white paint for the water and green paint sponge painted for the grass. For the water, swirl blue and white paint together but don't fully mix. I think it gives it more of a fairy tale look as opposed to one flat color. Sorry my photos aren't the best. I'm surprised I actually remembered to take any of each step!!
After I was done painting, it was time to cut! We cut out boxes from the top and also cut openings for windows and a drawbridge.
I painted the drawbridge brown and attached an old kitchen drawer handle for easy opening and closing from inside the castle. I'd recommend doing this with sturdy glue, because I used Velcro, and it didn't hold the handle well.
We also used Velcro to attach the two boxes together on one side. This way, the castle can easily be taken apart to transport or for storage.
I left one side of the castle open for older kids to enter and exit easily.
On this side, the two boxes overlap instead of being held together by Velcro.
Here is the final product. The entrance for older kids is in the back, closed simply by overlapping the cardboard panels. The front pieces are attached with Velcro to keep them closed. The drawbridge comes down, which my niece enjoyed. Just be careful to attach the handle well or else a small child could accidentally pull off the handle and instead be playing with a handle and some Velcro. 😊
Also, if your child cannot walk yet, be careful because this cardboard DOES NOT support a child's weight.
Please let me know if you have any questions! I hope you enjoy this easy cardboard castle that folds easily for storage and transport! If you make it, please show me your final product!!
For my niece's first birthday party, she's having a celebration fit for a queen-- or a princess, to be more exact. My task was to build her Storybook castle. Here's how to make a kids play castle!
Disclosure: The Creative Saver is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I started with moving boxes from Lowe's. I tried to obtain a free refrigerator box, but I was told they were out and I was in a time crunch so I purchased two large moving boxes. If I did this again, I would splurge on the heavy-duty moving boxes instead!
I cut along ONE corner each of two of the boxes. That way you can lay each box flat and paint the side that does NOT say Lowe's, Never Stop Improving. We will connect these two boxes later.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Here is the box standing up! Although I like this height for older kids, it is too tall for my niece. Additional note: the cardboard would need to be reinforced in order to stand up better after painting. Hopefully the heavy duty boxes would not require reinforcement, but I can't say that for sure. Reinforcing shouldn't be a problem if you don't intend on moving the castle much, but we need it to lay flat for transport and then for storage so we decided to go the easiest route possible.
I decided to fold the bottom of the box out, as shown in the photo below this photo.
As you can see above, I folded the bottom out, which helps keep the box upright. I decided to paint a moat and some grass, using blue and white paint for the water and green paint sponge painted for the grass. For the water, swirl blue and white paint together but don't fully mix. I think it gives it more of a fairy tale look as opposed to one flat color. Sorry my photos aren't the best. I'm surprised I actually remembered to take any of each step!!
After I was done painting, it was time to cut! We cut out boxes from the top and also cut openings for windows and a drawbridge.
We also used Velcro to attach the two boxes together on one side. This way, the castle can easily be taken apart to transport or for storage.
Here is the castle folded, laying flat! Sorry it's not a great picture, but you get the point... it's really easy to transport and store for the next party or play date!
On this side, the two boxes overlap instead of being held together by Velcro.
Here is the final product. The entrance for older kids is in the back, closed simply by overlapping the cardboard panels. The front pieces are attached with Velcro to keep them closed. The drawbridge comes down, which my niece enjoyed. Just be careful to attach the handle well or else a small child could accidentally pull off the handle and instead be playing with a handle and some Velcro. 😊
Also, if your child cannot walk yet, be careful because this cardboard DOES NOT support a child's weight.
Please let me know if you have any questions! I hope you enjoy this easy cardboard castle that folds easily for storage and transport! If you make it, please show me your final product!!
Follow The Creative Saver on Pinterest for more book-related DIYs.
Comments
Post a Comment