One of the greatest childhood experiences we can remember is getting all cozy and feeling safe inside an improvised fort - usually with blankets and chairs, or even cushions and pillows. The best thing about these improvised forts is that you can do just that: improvise! So, whatever you have around the house can give you a little extra help in building your own.
What we have for you today is just a simple idea that you can either follow to the letter or change it as you go. The important thing to remember is: have fun!
You’ll Need
Okay, once again I’ll say:
Building a fort in your room is a change-as-you-go experience! We’re only giving a couple of tips to help you know how to get started.
That being said, you can start by gathering some supplies that will make the most incredible fort ever:
- Cushions
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sheets
- Heavy books
- Chairs
- Clothespins
Accessorizing
If you think the kids will quickly make a mess and maybe put the fort down with all their excitement and energy, I’d say to skip this part. However, if this fort is intended to be a calm, chill place where your kids (and you) can maybe spend the night, accessorizing can be an awesome idea!
You can consider:
- String lights
- Flashlights
- Snacks
You could also take some books and a notebook or a portable TV, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that. Not that I don’t love reading and watching movies, it’s just that the intention is to get to know your kids a bit better by talking to them and enjoying the time with them, right?
Step by Step
This is the best part, where you’ll be able to get creative!
- If you’re doing this in the bedroom, you can start with the headboard. But if you’re doing this in the living room, the couch or a large table will do the job!
- The structure walls can be made with sturdier cushions or chairs. If you want your “roof” to stand still, you can place the chair with seat out, put the blanket (or sheet) over it and place some books to weigh it down!
- When you put the sheets over the structure, you can use clothespins to attach it better. And as we mentioned on the previous step, use books to weigh down on the sides and avoid the roof from sagging.
- Throw in some blankets and pillows on the floor inside your fort so it gets super comfy in there!
- This is the optional step of bringing in string lights and hanging them around the fort or strategically placing some flashlights. One thing I always did when building my own forts was using one chair on each side with the seat towards the inside of the fort, right in the middle. That way I’d have two surfaces to place the flashlights onto.
- Last, but mostly important: get your snacks, get your kids, and enjoy!
Here’s a Bit More of Inspiration
“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.” - Agatha Christie
Are you ready to make the most awesome fort for your children? Of course the idea is that you enjoy it with them too! Hope you have the time of your lives! And if you’re willing, we’d love to see some pictures of your creation! You can share those with us on our Facebook page!
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