As we get further into summer, the heat makes it hard to want to go outside. Between high temperatures and social distancing, it’s getting harder and harder to find fun activities for kids to enjoy.
That’s where a pillow fort comes in. Pillow forts are an inventive, fun way to keep the whole family busy and get creative. As a bonus, the forts are typically made from materials that are found around the house to begin with, so they’re low-cost and eco-friendly!
Once you’ve created the fort, you can have fun as a family playing games and spending time together inside.
Here is a step-by-step guide on creating the ultimate fort, complete with printable themes:
Step 1: Gather Supplies
- Gather supplies
Most pillow fort supplies are found around the house, making it a fun and easy activity that doesn’t require a lot of preparation. Supplies for your fort can generally be found in the living room or bedrooms!
Here are some common items used in pillow forts:
Blankets
Sheets
Pillows
Chairs
Step 2: Choose a Space
A good location makes a good fort. Choose a space that is well-lit and well-ventilated, and that won’t get too hot. You may also want to consider building your fort next to an electrical outlet so you can plug in lamps or electronics inside the fort.
Step 3: Create the Base
Choose a bigger piece of furniture, such as a couch, table or large chair, to serve as the base of the fort. This piece of furniture must be sturdy, so it can support the rest of the fort. Then, place smaller pieces of furniture around the fort in whatever shape you want the fort to be.
Step 4: Build the Roof
Either tie a rope or simply hang sheets over the base and your anchor points to create the roof of your fort. You want to secure the sheet to the base so it doesn’t slip.
Step 5: Make the Walls
Once you’ve got the roof secured, use other blankets or sheets to create the walls. Drape these sheets over your fort so they touch the floor and create an actual shelter. For added strength, use binder clips to secure. Put pillows or cushions on the floor to fill gaps.
Step 6: Decorate!
Once the structure is created, make the fort your own. Bring in rugs, stuffed animals, lamps, games and anything else you need for a fun experience inside your fort. Check out these pillow fort printables to take your fort to the next level:
Customizable Welcome Sign
This welcome sign is customizable, so you and your family can give your fort a totally unique name.
Printable Night Sky
These stars and planets can bring the beauty of the outdoors into your fort! Attach them to the fort’s roof with tape or string, or attach them to string lights for a realistic twinkle effect.
Beach Day Garland
Create the relaxing and fun feeling of a beach tent with this fun beach garland! Attach the sea animals and letters to a long piece of string or ribbon, then hang up in your fort.
Printable Garden
These flowers, bugs and leaves can create a fun, whimsical feeling inside of your fort. Attach them to the fort’s walls with tape.
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