One day mid-pandemic, I got real sick of my kids taking my couch apart to build forts. It’s fun the first day, right? It’s perfect for a rainy day. It’s not perfect for day 100,000 of lockdown when your toddlers take the couch apart, you have nowhere to sit, and they NEVER put it back. Thus the hunt for the perfect indoor fort began. I’m bringing you some tried and true forts and fort-building toys to get you through the rest of winter.
The Nugget
This one is a bit expensive but 100% worth the investment. I actually want to get another Nugget for more building options. The kids have made forts, set it up as a movie theater, laid on it for quiet times, made a slide out of it, and more. If you are looking for an alternative to your couch cushions, this is it.
Obuby
I LOVE these. Love. They are great for fort-building, but they’re great for so much beyond that. Our kids have made a rocket ship, used them as limbo bars, and of course created classic forts. The thing I love about these so much is that the kids can really use their imagination. Unlike the Nugget, my kids are able to use their imagination a little bit more with these as they create a million different combinations. If you’re looking for a classic fort, just snap these together and then drape a blanket over the top.
Airfort
Alright this isn’t a building one, BUT if you’re looking for something to keep your kids busy this is it. It’s a secret hideout and it’s a place where my kids will undoubtedly leave me alone. If you’re looking for a fort that doesn’t require parent help this is the way to go. The best part is you can buy them local from Mother and Earth!
Classic forts that are free:
The dining table fort
This is an easy one. Just grab some blankets, throw some pillows under the table, and voilà! You’ve got a fort!
The bed fort
Okay, I’ll admit this is made easy by having bunk beds, but I’m sure you could get creative with traditional beds. We call this the sailboat fort because of Faith Hill’s song “Fireflies.” Who remembers that line where she says, “bedsheet sails?” Well, the bed is the perfect thing to become an imaginary boat or pirate ship. Just grab the blankets and sheets, drape them over and that’s it! Landlubbers, watch out.
Couch Cushions
Okay, when all else fails, use the couch cushions. My kids still try to take them off, but I gently try to redirect. However if Dad’s in charge, our living room becomes a combination of all of the above for imaginative play.
