Frugal Fun with a Newspaper Playhouse!

After a recent coupon-clipping frenzy, I had a stack of newspapers that I was ready to recycle. At the last minute, I found a fun newspaper re-purposing idea for a geodesic dome from Disney FamilyFun. Little did I know that this would be one of the best rainy day ideas ever! This project will take you less than one hour to complete, and it is extremely versatile and fun for kids (and dogs) of all ages! Here’s my spin on it:

If you want to try it for yourself (trust me–you should do it), you’ll need some newspaper, tape, scissors, stapler, and a dowel rod (or pencil). For optional flair, try ribbon, fabric, wrapping paper, stickers, paint, markers, or colored duct tape.

1. Crossbars: The tutorial mentioned using 4 sheets of newspaper per crossbar, but I would recommend having around 4 Sunday papers handy and using 5 sheets of newspaper per crossbar for added strength! You’ll make 25 of these crossbars from newspaper and tape.

To make a crossbar, open a newspaper and lay out 5 full sheets stacked. Starting at a corner, lay down your dowel rod and roll the newspaper diagonally around the dowel rod, then remove the dowel rod and tape the crossbar securely. Make sure the lengths are all around the same size, and clip any ends if necessary.

2. Triangles: You are then going to use 15 of the crossbars to make 5 triangles by stapling the ends together, and then add connecting crossbars across the top. Stand the triangle row up on its side and staple the ends together so that you have a standing pentagon. (This is the trickiest part since it is a bit wobbly!)

3. Star: Form a star with the remaining 5 crossbars. You’ll staple the ends of the stars to the joints of the pentagon at the top of the structure for reinforcement.

I used clear packing tape to reinforce all of the joints and cover all of the staples! I then used fabric strips to tie bows around the joints. Preschoolers and older children will love to decorate their playhouse with your help! Get creative, take your time, and have fun!

When my little one woke up from her nap, I had prepared a little animal reading nook that she just loved! My little one’s favorite part–when we draped a sheet over the structure to form a tent! We also added some plastic balls to make a fun ball pit! I am sure we will construct many more of these in the future.