Fun Ideas and Tips for building the ultimate Fort With Your Kids!

Hey Neighbor,

Who doesn't love the magic of building a fort? It’s one of those timeless activities that never gets old, no matter how many times you do it. Building a fort is not just a fun way to spend an afternoon—it’s a ticket to a world of imagination and adventure.My kids would spend hours building and playing in theirs!  So, grab your pillows and blankets, and let’s dive into some awesome fort-building ideas!

Why Build a Fort?

Building a fort isn’t just about creating a cozy hideaway; it’s an inexpensive activity that fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. Here’s how to make your fort-building adventure unforgettable.

1. Classic Blanket and Pillow Fort

What You Need:

• Blankets and sheets
• Pillows and cushions
• Chairs and sofas
• Clothespins or clips

How to Build:

1. Choose Your Spot: Pick a cozy corner of the living room or a spacious area in the bedroom.
2. Set Up the Structure: Arrange chairs and sofas to form the base of your fort.
3. Drape the Blankets: Throw blankets and sheets over the furniture to create walls and a roof. Use clothespins or clips to secure the blankets in place.
4. Add Cushions: Line the floor with pillows and cushions to make it comfy.
5. Decorate: Bring in some fairy lights, plush toys, and maybe even a few books to complete your fort.

2. Tabletop Fort

What You Need:

• A large dining table
• Blankets and sheets
• Pillows
• String lights (optional)

How to Build:

1. Clear the Table: Make sure the table is clean and free of any items.
2. Cover the Table: Drape blankets and sheets over the table, letting them hang down to the floor on all sides.
3. Create an Entrance: Leave one side partially open or create a flap for an entrance.
4. Make It Cozy: Add pillows inside the fort for a soft, comfy interior.
5. Light It Up: Hang some string lights inside for a magical touch.

3. Cardboard Box Castle

What You Need:

• Large cardboard boxes
• Scissors or a box cutter
• Tape
• Markers, paint, or stickers

How to Build:

1. Collect Boxes: Gather a few large cardboard boxes from recent deliveries or a local store.
2. Design Your Castle: Use scissors or a box cutter to create doors, windows, and turrets.
3. Assemble: Tape the boxes together to form a castle structure.
4. Decorate: Let your kids go wild with markers, paint, and stickers to personalize their castle.
5. Move In: Add some blankets and pillows inside, and your castle is ready for play!

4. Outdoor Tent Fort

What You Need:

• A clothesline or rope
• Blankets or tarps
• Clothespins
• Tent stakes (optional)
• Picnic blankets and pillows

How to Build:

1. Set Up the Rope: Tie a clothesline or rope between two sturdy points (trees, fence posts, etc.).
2. Drape the Cover: Hang blankets or tarps over the rope to create a tent shape.
3. Secure the Sides: Use clothespins or tent stakes to secure the blankets to the ground.
4. Create a Cozy Spot: Spread out picnic blankets and add pillows inside the tent.
5. Enjoy the Outdoors: Bring out some snacks and your flashlights and enjoy a cozy outdoor retreat.

5. Bunk Bed Hideaway

What You Need:

• A bunk bed
• Blankets and sheets
• Clothespins or clips
• Fairy lights (optional)
• Pillows and stuffed animals

How to Build:

1. Top Bunk Roof: Drape a blanket or sheet over the top bunk to create a roof for the bottom bunk.
2. Secure the Sides: Use clothespins or clips to secure the blanket to the bunk bed frame.
3. Add Lighting: Hang fairy lights inside for a cozy ambiance.
4. Make It Comfy: Fill the bottom bunk with pillows and stuffed animals.
5. Move In: Let your kids move in with their favorite books and toys.

Fort-Building Tips

• Get Creative: Encourage your kids to use their imagination and come up with their own fort designs.
• Safety First: Make sure the structure is stable and won’t collapse on your little builders.
• Have Fun: The most important part of building a fort is to have fun and enjoy the process together. Make it fun and serve diner in the fort or do a movie night with popcorn inside the fort!
• Don't Stress The Mess: I know it's hard sometimes to let go and embrace the chaos of a messy room or house for a bit...I get it..I do...but one of the most important things I can tell you as a mom who's kids are college age and older now is to be a "say YES to the MESS" house. The time spent, the bonds created and the memories made will last a lifetime and you will never once think back and remember the mess! >3 

Building a fort is a fantastic way to spark creativity, teamwork, and a sense of adventure in your kids. Plus, it’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy. So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to spend the day, why not build the ultimate fort and create some magical memories?

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see all of the amazing forts you will build!! @shopbigcitykids

Happy fort building!

The Big City Kids Team