5 Castles for Your Little Prince or Princess

Castles hold some kind of magical spell on kids. They love ‘em. Now getting them a real castle is out of most people’s budgets, but here are five choices of castles that not only don’t cost an arm and and a leg but they’ll actually fit inside your home. And just think, the heating bill is much more affordable.

Fisher Price Trio King’s Castle (above)
This building set includes 213 pieces, yup that’s a lot of pieces. But with these modular building blocks you can create up to four different castle configurations. The set comes with a guide book that gives easy to follow instructions that even a kid could understand. The pieces easily snap together and are a great way to get those little hands workin’. And once you’ve built them, you can play with the draw bridge, cannons, catapult, along with the two figures and horse that comes along with the set. Different configurations lead to countless different castle fantasies for them to delve into. Available here for $75.

Playmobil Knights Empire Castle

Although this is a bit more expensive, it’s pretty darn impressive. This castle is meant for the over 4 set and includes added bonuses like a drawbridge, a trapdoor in the tower, a functional hoist, a King’s throne, and of course a dungeon. This castle is available here for $174.95. But be warned, there’s lots of assembly needed, about two hours worth. But Rome, it was not built in a day and two fun filled building hours for endless play afterwards? Totally worth it.

Lego Castle King’s Castle Siege
You can’t go wrong with Legos! It’s so true. But this one ain’t for the preschooler in your life. You must assemble 876 pieces so it’s more for ages 7 to 14. The set also includes characters such as a king, royal knight, crossbow knight, 2 castle guards, wizard, blacksmith, 2 skeletons, evil knight and of course a squire. This fortress comes complete with swinging halberds at the gate, a dungeon and a blacksmith’s workshop. Available here for $121.99.

Fisher Price Imaginext Dragon World Fortress
Now this is not some mere passive castle. No, this is an interactive adventure. The Imaginext Dragon Fortress has special activation points that when one of the included figures are placed and turned, suprises happen. Like really cool surprises. We’re talking lights, noises, and boulders running down the dragon’s tail. This fortress will “come to life” when the right ‘activation point’ is activated. Plus there’s a hidden staircase, and who doesn’t love one of those. It also comes with two knights, flags, boulders, a bed and of course a cannon.  It’s  available here for $55.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Folding Medieval Castle
If you want something simpler, less flashy and over the top, the Melissa and Doug is much more Waldorfian. It’s made of a sturdy wood and includes lots of hand-painted accents, a working drawbridge and has a trap door. Plus it folds for easier storage. You can pick one up here for $69.37