Indoor fun for kids: how to build a fort with pillows and blankets

Making a blanket fort is great for your child's imagination and can be a lot of indoor fun for kids. The best thing about it is that you can learn how to build a fort using things you already have in your home. It’s time to let the little ones get creative and build a fort!

Make sure your pillows and blankets are clean and fresh before you start by laundering with a delicate detergent, like Skip.

How to make a blanket fort or pillow fort

Looking for some games to play at home with the kids that don’t require any special kit and will keep them entertained for hours? Here are the steps for one of our favourite indoor games for kids: making a fort with blankets and pillows!

1. To prevent your fort from caving in, use lighter blankets or bed sheets to create the fort roof. Stretch them over the back of two chairs, creating a space below for the fort.

2. Sofa and armchair cushions make great walls for your new fort. They tend to be stiffer than pillows, which helps your structure to stay upright.

3. Add soft cushions, pillows, and blankets to the floor for a comfy, cosy spot to hide out and relax.

How to build a bed fort

Whilst a bed fort is easiest to make on bunk beds, that doesn’t mean you can’t make one using other types of bed too! 

1. If you’re using a bunk bed, hang blankets on all four sides, from the top bunk. Use heavier objects, such as books or toys, to hold them in place. The bottom bunk is your fort!

2. For other bed types, hang a sheet or blanket from the bed to another piece of furniture, like a desk chair.

3. In the same way as building a blanket fort, use cushions and blankets to make the floor beneath your ‘roof’ more comfortable.

4. Add extra cushions for comfort.

Be aware of safety issues when building a fort. Do not build forts near heavy items that could fall or near heat sources or open flames. Make sure your fort does not block any access or exit points in the home in case of an emergency.

Top safety tips for when you build a fort

There will always be some safety considerations to keep in mind when building the fort. Some of the key ones are:

• Allow plenty of ventilation. For example, try building your fort near an open window on hot days.

• Don’t bring in open flames. Open flames are a fire risk. Instead, use torches or battery-operated candles if you want an authentic "camping" atmosphere.

• Always have an escape route. No matter how safe you think your children are, it is important that your fort does not block doorways or windows that could be used as an escape route in an emergency.

Building forts from soft furnishings is one of our favourite activities for kids at home - and one that never gets old. Try it with your little ones today and if you're letting them build a fort as part of a celebration then check out our tips on how to organise a children's party too!

• Get a blanket and lots of fresh pillows.

• Throw the blanket over the top bunk of the bed or over items of furniture (sofa cushions make great "walls").

• Create a cosy space underneath with pillows and blankets.