So you’ve been in self isolation for several weeks now and are running out of things to do. Maybe you’ve got a couple kids bouncing off the walls and your attempts to entertain them have come to a point where the ideas have dried up. Now, one advantage you have at your disposal is time, far too much of it in fact. Another resource you might just have at your disposal is cardboard boxes left over from that storage unit you just got. Now what can you do with these two powers combined? Behold: the cardboard box fort.
The image above depicts the simplest box fort you could put together with your kids. A simple setup of arranged boxes to simulate the walls of a mighty fortress, and a large box used as the main keep. Also has the side effect of keeping the grass stains off your kids clothes. As a simple yet fun way to keep the kids entertained, and use up some old boxes, you can’t be beat. Sometimes though we want something grander then a simple box arrangement, and since there is time on your hands to do so, you might as well shoot for the Moon.
That’s more like it, a true castle your kids can call their own, a playground of endless imagination. Of course you may wish to make yours inside should you have the space, a little rain or slushy snow and your fort will begin to break down. How complicated you get is entirely up to you and your ambition. Sometimes a simple fort is the best fort for what you have at hand.
If you only have thin cardboard from your typical box, your construction options are limited to some degree. The walls may begin to sag after a while, and any water on them will cause them to disintegrate quickly. An advantage of this type of cardboard is the ease in which you can work it. Being so thin makes it very easy to cut into whatever shape you need, and some clever construction will improve the strength of your design. How you do this is not difficult, requiring some good tape, a cutting tool, and of course your cardboard.
For the best forts that will last through many long sieges you want to use the thick and strong cardboard you commonly find protecting heavy and pricey appliances. Working with it will be tricky if you’re just going by hand. Using a jigsaw is an ideal tool to easily cut and shape this heavy duty cardboard. Using these boxes for the main frame of the fort is a good idea if you have limited resources, then use the thinner type to expand your construction.
The Elements Of A Basic Fort
Now suppose you have your materials and tools ready to go, but you’re not sure what a good fort needs. Let’s look at some basic elements found in every good stronghold.
Gate House: The main entrance to the fort itself, the gate house should be equipped with a stout door or draw bridge that can be closed when attacks or unwanted parents come wandering by.
Corner Towers: Two square towers on either end of the fort will provide good lookout points and defensive positions. They also help to reinforce the gate house.
Perimeter Wall: The wall joins the gate house to the corner towers and provides a barrier to invasions from excited pets. Good thick walls will hold up to any attack that comes their way.
The Main Keep: The heart of any fort, the main keep is the primary part of the fort. It provides the living and main play areas. During any invasion the Main Keep will be the target to be captured, so guard it well.
Other Additions: Every fort needs some extra this to really bring it together. On the top of the towers, gatehouse, walls, and the keep itself, cut out some battlements to really give it that castle feel. Include some nice windows in the keep and high up on the towers so the kids can look out.
Have the Kids Help Too!
Once the main fort is assembled, it’s time to decorate! Show your kids pictures of castles and forts for inspiration, and watch them go! Every wall and battlement can easily be coloured into traditional or vibrant colours. Consider adding flags, vegetation or other colourful decorations by cutting out construction paper and gluing them to the fort. Just decorating the fort will bring plenty of entertainment before it’s even finished!
With time on your hands, and kids to be entertained, a box fort is a great idea to bring some fun to the family, and to use up some old boxes. How grand you go is up to the space you have and the resources available to you, but let your imagination run wild.