Blanket forts are a staple of early childhood entertainment. And they are a great way to engage your children in imaginative play, especially on extremely hot or rainy days!

Prep work and safety
The Build-A-Fort Kit takes the guess work out of seeking supplies. If you haven’t had time to create the kit yet, don’t worry! In the meantime, you can use a twin size sheet or a blanket.

Construction Zone

Look for a large space close to large furniture or a bed to use as a main anchor point. This is where the “kit” comes in handy! Simply tie or clip the fabric panels for easy construction.

*When I didn’t have furniture nearby, I tied the corners to a hand weight!

The rope is very useful to prevent the middle of your fort from sag. (Please remember to supervise your children when using any ropes). Keep in mind, you will want to stay away from pieces of furniture that could easily fall over like a lamp.

Yield
Create a front entrance or secret passages using pillows or a tunnel! Don’t own a tunnel? Make your own using a cardboard box or have the kids crawl through the legs of a chair.

Stop!
Step back and enjoy your constructive play area! Now it’s time to play! Many activities can take place inside your fort such as reading and playing board games. Look inside and see what you think about the space. You can add books, toys, pets, snacks, pillows, and other items to enjoy inside. Don’t forget the flashlight or glow sticks, which can extra fun and imaginative play!

Children at Play!
Just because it looks like a tent doesn’t mean it has to be one! This constructive play can turn a blanket into anything! It can be a race car, a boat, a store, or other imaginative play area. One final tip: whatever is created, get inside with your kids!

Special Needs Mention…
By using your “kit,” you can create a safe place for your child where he or she could go to relax. The darkness and enclosure can help to block out extra stimuli and help create a calming effect. Add calming lights in warm colors and soothing music or adjust to meet your child’s individual needs.