How to Create an Epic Adventure Cave for Your Children's Summer Reading Program

May 13, 20242 min read

*contains affiliate links to help support this blog

Want to transform your entry and children's space into an epic, jaw-dropping, imagination-inducing space and entice people to see what is happening in your library? Low on budget? Keep reading!

This year's theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library", called for something spectacular. Every year, we transform our space into a magical wonderland where kids will want to spend their summers. Librarians everywhere plan this program for months. Programs, displays, booking entertainment, designing book logs, the list goes on and on. So naturally, you want a good turnout! THIS is going to make it happen.

In about two days and a handful of supplies, I and one other person transformed our entryway into this:

How did we do it? With no game plan and a handful of supplies, we just started building. Here's what we used:

Garden Arch: ( Two, one at each end. Many cool display uses!) https://amzn.to/3wzI0px

Black Bulletin Board Paper: (one roll goes A LONG way) https://amzn.to/3WI2KGt

Torch Lights: https://amzn.to/4dxMttx

Flame LED Bulbs: https://amzn.to/4dAh35N

Paper Torches: https://amzn.to/3wyXnhU

Faux Moss: https://amzn.to/4bzMZFu

Hot Glue: (link to my favorite glue gun) https://amzn.to/3UWN8h2

Staple Gun: (link to my favorite staple gun) https://amzn.to/3QCFXYF

Pool Noodles: Dollar Tree!

Tape

We first set up the arches at either end of the cave area. We needed a third smaller arch, so we taped two pool noodles together to make a small one that led to our circulation desk. That was the only framework. Using long pieces (about 5ft long) of bulletin board paper, we first scrunched and crumpled it up, then carefully re-opened it and stapled/taped/glued it to form the rock walls, floor to ceiling, curving and wrapping around the frames as needed. It doesn't need to look perfect! We used double-sided or rolled tape to close seams. There is a display case in our entry where we put all of the prizes that kids can win. We covered it similarly but cut peep-holes so they could discover them! Inside the display case are also spider webs, gems, and gold coins to give it a treasure effect.

The torch lights linked above provide a really cool atmosphere and look like real fire. Recessed lights were replaced with "flame" LED bulbs. They provide just enough light. Hidden below the display case, we have a Bluetooth speaker to loop "cave sounds" like dripping water.

Across the way, there are boxes for their raffle tickets (to win the prizes in the case). Smaller incentive prizes are earned throughout the program as well!

Need prize ideas? Here's what is hidden in the case:

Kids

Bubble Machine https://amzn.to/3WBxwjZ

Popsicle & Ice Cream Chalk Set https://amzn.to/4dBFy2y

Last Kids on Earth Game https://amzn.to/4bDT2cn

Walkie Talkies https://amzn.to/3UBglg1

Mystery Squishmallow Set https://amzn.to/4ad8KtK

Teens

Karaoke Speaker https://amzn.to/4dEIUlh

Bluetooth Phone Charger https://amzn.to/3UYhEH5

Totoro Bag https://amzn.to/4anSGW2

Ramen & Japanese Snacks https://amzn.to/3wAA1sm & https://amzn.to/4bvSSU4