Two Castle & Cubby team members in navy Gaga Games and Castle & Cubby shirts work together assembling a wooden play structure in the workshop

2025 was a year of intention. A year of stepping back, looking inward, and putting strength into the bones of our business. Instead of racing toward new products and fast innovation, we chose a different path, one that focused on refining, upgrading, listening, and preparing.

It was the year we built the ground beneath the future of Castle & Cubby.

With one joyful exception (because how could we not introduce the chicken coop?), 2025 was all about foundations. Quiet work. Important work. The kind of work that rarely gets the spotlight but makes all the difference in what comes next.

Expanding Into the Animal Housing Space with Our First Chicken Coop

Our single new product of the year earned its place. The release of our first-ever chicken coop marked our thoughtful entry into the animal housing sector, inspired by family lifestyle trends and built from a fresh reimagination of our popular barn cubby.

It’s functional, beautiful, and purpose-led. A natural extension of who we are and how families want to live and play.

Listening to Our Community with Sandpit & Discovery Table Covers

While we paused major product development, one thing didn’t pause: the voices of families and educators. After countless requests, we introduced sandpit and discovery table covers, simple, practical solutions shaped entirely by community need.

Not flashy. Not complicated. Just genuinely useful additions that help protect play spaces and support daily routines.

Giving Back Through Our Vet Cubby House Giveaway

Our vet cubby house giveaway became one of the most meaningful moments of the year. What started as a gift grew into a deeper exploration of the developmental value of vet play, from empathy and communication to confidence and emotional learning.

It reminded us why we do what we do: create environments that spark imagination, connection, and growth.

A special shout out to Bonville Public Primary School who won the giveaway, stay tuned for their story in 2026.

Beginning Our Brand Evolution Ahead of a 2026 Reveal

Behind the scenes, something big has been taking shape. In 2025, we began a full brand evolution, not just a fresh coat of paint, but a complete re-examination of our identity, purpose, voice, and customer experience.

This evolution reflects a decade of learning and building, and it will come to life in early 2026 with a new visual identity and a brand-new website.

It’s the biggest shift in Castle & Cubby’s history, and it’s rooted entirely in the groundwork of this year.

Creating an Imagination Play Village at Keysborough Gardens Primary School

Imagination play villages are rising across Australian schools, and this year we brought a large-scale village to life at Keysborough Gardens Primary School. This installation became a brilliant example of what happens when a school embraces immersive, story-rich play environments.

More confidence. More connection. More creativity. A whole world built for kids to explore, imagine, and belong.

Upgrading Our Workshop: CNC Machine, Semi-Automatic Saw & Printer

2025 wasn’t about new products, it was about building the capabilities that will support the next chapter of Castle & Cubby.

This year, our workshop welcomed:

A CNC Machine for unparalleled precision
A Semi-Automatic Saw for safer, faster workflow
A Large-Format Printer unlocking new customisation potential

These tools don’t just improve our production speed. They elevate everything we make.

Better quality. Better efficiency. Better outcomes for families and schools.

Connecting with Educators Across Australia

We hit the road and showed up where it matters, APPA in Queensland, NSWPPA in New South Wales, VTG and BMV in Victoria.

Across these conferences we spoke with principals, teachers, wellbeing coordinators, and play advocates. We listened to their challenges, shared insights, and explored how play environments continue to shape learning and wellbeing across Australia.

These conversations inform everything we build.

A Year of Team Transition and Growth

This year, we honoured the contributions of long-standing team members who have been with Castle & Cubby since the early days. Their craftsmanship and heart have shaped this business, and we are deeply grateful.

At the same time, we welcomed a new generation of passionate creators and makers, a team hungry to build, experiment, and carry us into a transformative 2026.

It was a year of gratitude, renewal, and new energy.

2025 Was the Year of Foundations

We didn’t release a suite of new products.

We didn’t chase big launches.

We focused on what matters: building strength beneath the surface.

Systems refined.
Processes strengthened.
Workshop upgraded.
Brand reimagined.
Team rebuilt for the future.

This is the groundwork needed to dream bigger and execute better.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 laid the groundwork, 2026 is the year we rise from it.

A refreshed brand.

A new website.

Expanded capability.

Greater creativity and clarity.

More purposeful play opportunities for families and schools.

We can’t wait to show you what’s coming, and we’re so grateful you’re on the journey with us.

Here’s to building the future, one strong foundation at a time.

Journal

2025: The Year We Built the Ground Beneath the Future