Building Snow Forts or Castles

Are your kids looking for something new to do with the snow?  Have they tried using snow blocks to build a snow fort or castle?

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Building a Snow Fort 

containers,
boards,
straight edge

 

Instructions:

1. Pick a container and pack the snow into it.
2. Decide where you want the first wall of your building, and tip the container over putting the block in place. 
3. Make another block, and put in place.  Use snow as mortar to fill in any gaps.
4. Keep adding blocks until your finished the length of the wall.
5. Start the second layer, with a half width block (use a different container, or a something with a straight edge to carve the block in half).  Keep placing blocks so that the edges of one row don't line up above the cracks in the rows above or below.  
6. Keep building until the wall is the height you want.

Ideas and Hints

1. Be sure to leave gaps for doors and windows.  Once the walls are equal to the height of the door, lay a board (like 2x4) across the opening.  Use the board to support the next layer of blocks in that spot.
2. There are lots of possible containers.  Square or rectangular containers (lego bins, recycling bins, even diaper wipes containers) work best.  Save circular containers (ice cream buckets) for fancy details on the top of the wall.
3. If you're building a high wall, you might want to add a platform part way up.  When the wall is 2-3 feet tall, add some pillars behind the wall.  Lay a sheet of plywood on the pillars and the wall.  Make sure there are enough supports for the platform! 
4. For an ice castle, spray water over the finished structure to create the ice coating.  Make sure the air temperature is cold enough to freeze the water quickly.  The water should be more of a mist than a fast stream from a hose or it could damage the building.

Warning

Adults should check the structure every day to make sure it is sturdy and that any repairs are completed.  Be careful as the temperature starts to climb.  The walls will melt and could be unsafe.

Send us a note if you have any questions.

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