I’ve got this memory of when I was in elementary school. We had built this enormous fort in the basements with boxes, tables, blankets and things that we had found around the house. Wanting the kids to have the same memories, we’re always making use of the cardboard boxes that come through the house, and have blankets and sheets that make perfect forts, with tools like tension rods that make simple and easy forts that are perfect for easy kid entertaining.
1. Box Fort Maze
There’s one reason to resist sticking the cardboard in the recycling bin - and it’s right here.
2. Sheets, blankets and garlands Fort
There’s one fantastic reason that you’re going to want to stock up on cheap bright colored blankets and sheets during the closing of Target stores, and that’s to make these fantastic blanket forts in a special corner of the room. Doesn’t it look cozy enough to curl up in and have a nap?
3. Duct Tape and Cardboard Village Fort
Simple boxes and a couple of rolls of bright colored duct tape come together in this fort that’s sure to bring some fun to those dreary and cold winter days.
4. Sensory Light Box Fort
Use that old strand of Christmas lights to create something special - in just under five minutes. It’s something simple that you can use to create something new on those winter days in, that’s perfect for those first-fort-timers, or the under two kiddos. Just think about how long this is going to entertain the kids for as they’re climbing in and out. Use a screwdrive to poke the holes before the lights, to make this fort simpler.
5. Air Fort Blanket
Do you have one of those large fans kicking around? Use it at the end of a Duvet cover to create a fort filled with air. It’s perfect for those hot days (but just as fun during the winter months).
6. Newspaper Forts
You know the newspaper that you throw in the recycling bin at the end of the week? We’ve found something new to create with those, by simply rolling them up and making triangles. Use them to piece together with duct tape to create a fort that makes a wonderful frame for a blanket thrown over - and something to keep the kids occupied for hours building. It’s one of my favorite ways to send the kids outdoors during the summer (and just as fun and good at keeping the kids occupied through the colder months).
7. Hula Hoop Fort
Bring back the hula hoop through the winter months. Combined with a hook strung from the ceiling, and a couple of blankets, or yards of fabric, you can create something wonderful inside. Fill it with blankets, with pillows and create a cozy reading nook to spend those cold winder days.
8. Tablecloth Tent
Put those sewing skills to use, or find the no-sew version and use a couple of tablecloths and some fabric or ribbon (or even plastic table cloths from the dollar store) to create a table covering that doubles as a secret fort under the table. It’s one of the easiest forts that you can make, just move the chairs out of the way and create somewhere exciting for the kids to play, hide, and even have lunch.
9. Camp In Fort
What’s better than camping out? Camping in. Use this fort idea to take your simple blanket fort indoors to the next level. Let the kids sleep on the living room floor. Or, surprise them even more and sleep there with them. Order pizza, make S’mores in the microwave, and camp inside while you take advantage of the wi-fi and watch movies on Netflix. Looking for something different for date night? That works too.
10. Under the Umbrella Fort
Why didn’t I think of this, is exactly what ran through your head when you saw this one, right? I mean, let’s just ditch the idea of bad luck being unleashed when you open an umbrella inside the house and get out those umbrellas and blankets to make something cool inside.
If you’re stuck for something to do indoors try these cool indoor forts - they’re hours of fun.
