Q&A for How to Build a Sand Castle

Try to build a low-lying arch over the moat. That way the water from the moat can still run underneath the bridge.

Of course, it says in part 1 that the best tools for the job are your bare hands, go for it.

Jiggling the sand helps to drain out the water and create a firmer, more stable shape.

Try lining the moat with strips from a large trash bag, and then cover up the plastic with sand. This should prevent the water from soaking into the sand.

You don't have to make a wall around it. You can make anything you want. However, a wall is great for the protection of your sand castle and it will look good.

Neither suggestion is suitable. Cigarette butts contain toxic chemicals and are unsafe for handling, especially if children are building and playing with the sandcastle. Hermit crabs are living creatures, not toys, and should be left alone. If they want to crawl onto the sandcastle, you could pretend they live there until they leave, but don't touch them. Alternative ideas for knights include small plastic figures, shells, pebbles, pieces of seaweed, etc.

You could, but you should throw them away in a trash can when you leave, so that animals don't get hurt. Also, avoid picking up anything sharp, dirty or that might house an animal.

Sandcastle buckets can often be purchased from toy stores or dollar stores. If you're staying at a beach town used to tourists, there will often be general stores with beach supplies that include such buckets as well. But your best bet is usually a toy store.

Keeping the sand moist helps it stick together.