As wonderful as it is to have the kids home for winter break, it can be hard to keep everyone entertained as screen time and coloring books can only be fun for so long. However, the right indoor activities can make staying at home a blast — starting with building an epic pillow fort!
Building a pillow fort is a super fun activity that keeps your kids engaged while letting their imagination run wild. All you have to do is hunt down a few sheets, pillows and supportive furniture for you and your family to have fun for hours on end. Check out these tips and ideas from Apartment Guide to build the ultimate pillow fort where you and your kids can spend quality time and make treasured memories!
How to build a pillow fort
Step 1: Pick a location: Pick a location that has enough space to fit everyone while incorporating different factors like entertainment and design.
Step 2: Set up furniture: Furniture becomes the sturdy pillars that hold the fort together. Whether it’s a couch, some chairs or a table, this is where you can get creative and construct your fort to be exactly how you want it.
Step 3: Build the roof: Use a lightweight sheet to throw over your furniture supports and secure it with clothespins or rope. If you like, you can layer sheets to make the roof more substantial. Use heavy items like books or shoes to secure the sheet to the floor so the inside of your fort can’t be exposed.
Step 4: Fill in the gaps: Fill in any gaps with items around your home like pillows, blankets, additional sheets or even couch cushions. While pillows are sturdier, sheets cover more surface area, so be mindful not to use up all of your pillows for the walls.
Step 5: Let your imagination run wild: Now that you’ve successfully constructed your pillow fort, it’s time to let your child’s imagination run wild and make it completely their own. The inside of the fort is their own little retreat, so don’t let them be afraid to get creative with it. Don’t forget to have your child claim their fort with these printable fort welcome signs that can be cut out and hung on the entrance!
Pillow fort activities
Now that your fort is completed, check out some of these fun activities to do in your new fortress!
1. Play a game
A classic idea to do in your fort is play a game! Depending on where you assembled your fort, you could set up a gaming console and play some video games or play some app games on a handheld device. Classic board games like Monopoly, Battleship and Scrabble are also a great option and can keep the kids entertained for hours.
2. Make crafts
Turn your pillow fort into the ultimate crafting station where you can let your children create pieces of art that can be displayed on the fridge. Try coloring, drawing or a crafting activity like these printable unicorn and puppy masks that can be cut out and worn using a string or wooden popsicle stick!
3. Watch a movie
Break out the snacks and popcorn and get ready for the ultimate movie night in your pillow fort! Make sure your fort is near a TV or set up a projector inside your fort to shine on a blank wall to make your very own movie theatre.
4. Host a tea party
Turn your fortress into a venue to host a lavish tea party. Dress up and make cookies and finger sandwiches to go with your fresh pot of tea. Have your kid send out these printable tea party invites to other members of your household along with matching tea and snack tags.
5. Play pretend
A fort is whatever your child wants it to be — a secret cave in the wilderness, a pirate ship setting sail to find the lost treasure or even a palace in fairytale land. The point is to let your kids’ imaginations run wild and have fun. To help them create the ambiance they’re looking for, check out these printable fort decorations to transform their fun new space.
A pillow fort is the perfect activity for you and your kids to spend quality time and have a lot of fun. Whether you’re cooped up indoors due to the winter weather or just looking for a fun weekend activity, pillow forts will help keep your kids entertained for hours.
