Build a battle fortress

If I can't find large boxes, tape, or cardboard, what can I use instead?

If you don't have large boxes, use couch cushions or stack smaller boxes for the base, and if you lack tape or a flat cardboard for the drawbridge, fasten seams with string and clothespins and use a stiff book or baking tray as the bridge while decorating with markers or stickers instead of colouring supplies.

What should I do if a wall or the lookout tower keeps collapsing during the test toss?

If walls or the taped lookout tower wobble during the soft-object test, have an adult add extra tape at the seams, stuff pillows or blankets behind the wall boxes for support, and retape the tower base securely to the wall.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, skip cutting and have an adult make pre-cut windows and low pillow-and-blanket walls and use stickers for decorating, while older kids can draw a detailed plan, safely cut the gate and windows with supervision, build a taller taped tower, and test and reinforce weak spots themselves.

How can we personalize or extend the battle fortress after it's built?

Personalize and extend your fortress by adding string-lights and a paper flag to the taped lookout tower, cutting secret tunnels between boxes, making a pulley-style drawbridge from the flat cardboard and string, and then take photos of the finished battle fortress to share on DIY.org.