Construct a Blanket Fort

Cabin Fever set in yet or have you been lucky enough to have some great weather like we did here in southern Illinois. When children have to much inside time they often get bored which is not a good thing for those that love them. Today I am sharing a great idea that you can do with your child and they can spend hours having fun in and with

Building forts, homes, tents whatever they are called in your area is something that I did when I was a kid, my children did when they were kids and my grandbabies love to do as well Blanket forts are great to build with your child. There are many ways to build a blanket fort but I believe the easiest way is to drape a large sheet over the table and crawl under. Use the chairs to build on extra rooms. If you have a set of bunk beds hang a sheet over by tucking it under the top mattress and cover the bed below. By now you are getting the point of what a blanket fort is and ideas of how to build one.

Supplies:

• Blankets, sheets, or quilts — and for added versatility, include a couple of fitted sheets
• Pillows
• Chairs
• Tables, a sofa, or a bed — something as a main anchor
• Clothespins or tape

Prep work and safety

After you’ve gathered all the supplies, you’ll need to prepare the space for construction. Look for a large space close to large furniture or a bed to use as a main anchor point. You’ll also need to clear out any breakable or valuable objects, as forts tend to be demolished once the children are tired of the creation.
You’ll also want to stay away from small tables or pieces of furniture that could fall over on the kids while they play.

Step 1

After you’ve located your space, spread a large sheet over the anchor piece of furniture, like the back of a sofa or the top of a table — in my house we’ve used our piano.
A handy tip: if you are using the back of a sofa as an anchor, use a fitted sheet to hold it more securely.

Step 2

Spread the sheet out and drape it over other pieces of furniture. Use additional sheets and blankets to add more room in the fort. You can either overlap the sheets as they drape over the anchors, or secure them with clothespins or tape (you can also anchor down the corners and sides with heavy objects or books, although it’s not recommended as they could be pulled down on the kids as they play).

Step 3

Bring in chairs or a tall support of some kind to prop up the middle of the sheet. You can use a tri-pod, a bar stool, or another sofa. Avoid using lamps or other objects that may easily fall over. Wherever you see sags in the sheets, simply bring in another chair or support to get the sheet to the desired height.
For advanced builders only: Mount removable 3M hooks in the ceiling, drop string from them, and attach clothespins or potato chip clips to the end of the string. Then clip the blanket or sheet to the clips in order to create a floating ceiling.

Step 4

Once the roof is up, use the extra blankets or pillows to fill in the gaps. You may not get every gap covered — no worries, just use that gap as another door or window.

Step 5

Create a front entrance. No fort is complete without a main door. You can use a pillows, or if you want to really get into it, use a cardboard box as a tunnel entrance

Step 6

Stock it with necessary supplies. This will include whatever age appropriate toys or items your kids want: stuffed animals, sleeping bags, flashlights, puzzles, flat screen TV with DVD player, cold beer and pretzels (oh wait — those last few are my supplies). You get the idea.

Step 7

Step back and enjoy your awesome creation.  It’s time to play.
One final tip: get in the fort with your kids. Let them be in charge of the play. It can be a great experience together.