Indoor forts spark creativity, teach problem-solving skills, promote teamwork and make memories to last a lifetime. They also keep the kids busy for hours on end, whether building or fixing up the inside of the fort.
There are a ton of inexpensive ways to create a fort, using supplies from home. And, my personal favorite: They don’t require every kitchen chair you own.
A quick tip about building a fort: Find a spot in the house that is off to the side in the kids’ bedroom or a corner of the living room. This way, you can build it and leave it up for as long as your kids show interest in it.
Corner FortÂ
Materials
- String or twine
- A sheet or two
- Clothespins
- Hammer
- Nails
- Tape or a removable hook, optional
From the corner of the room, nail one side of the string and move diagonally, attaching the other end of the string in a different spot. For example, string from one window of the room to another window across the room, or one windowsill and string up to the ceiling.
Throw a sheet or two over the string and use a clothespin to keep the sheet in place. The sides of the sheet can be draped over anything nearby, or use tape to hold back the opening. Viola! The corner positioning creates a naturally cozy environment. Now, all you need are some pillows, blankets and anything else the kiddos can come up with.
Air FortÂ
Materials
- Duct tape
- A large sheet
- A box fan
First, tape the short side of the sheet to the box fan and turn the fan on. Then, stretch the sheet out (this will look kind of like a taco) and tape the loose ends together to the floor. Be sure to leave a small opening for the kids to crawl through.
The fan puffs the sheet up like a hot air balloon and gives the kids plenty of space to play. Be sure the kids are old enough to know not to put fingers or anything else in the fan itself. It may get a bit chilly with the fan blowing on them, but the kids don’t seem to mind!
Box FortÂ
Materials
- Large boxes
- Scissors
- A large sheet
- Crayons, markers, stickers, paint, etc.
This one might require a little pre-planning. If you have any large boxes around the house or know someone receiving a delivery, save the box! You can also use several medium sized boxes to create multiple rooms or towers.
Simply cut an entry way out of a large box and a throw a sheet over the top of it. What makes the box fort super fun is it’s a blank canvas for crayons, markers, stickers, stencils and more. Some parents bring the box outside for an afternoon of painting the fort before bringing it inside to sleep in and others keep it indoors and allow creative minds to decorate the inside of their new fort. Either way, you’re sure to end up with the most creative and custom fort on the block.