Outdoor forts are more than just hideouts; they spark creativity, imagination, and physical activity. Whether on a rainy afternoon or sunny weekend, building a fort lets kids explore and create their own world. From simple blankets to elaborate wooden designs, outdoor forts can be made with everyday materials and a bit of creativity. At The Kids Point, we believe these forts inspire fun, learning, and family bonding. These ideas will keep your kids engaged in hands-on play, providing hours of entertainment wherever you are. Building a fort also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and independent thinking. As kids design and construct their own forts, they develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Outdoor forts are not just a pastime; they are an opportunity for growth and adventure.
The Classic Blanket Fort
A blanket fort is a timeless favorite, and it’s one of the easiest forts to build. While traditionally an indoor activity, with a little creativity, you can bring the classic blanket fort outside. To create a cozy outdoor blanket fort, simply gather a few old blankets, sheets, or towels. You’ll need some chairs, a clothesline, or even tree branches to hang and drape the fabric over.
How to Build:
- Choose Your Structure: Use sturdy chairs, tables, or even the limbs of trees to create the framework. Make sure they are secure and can hold the weight of the blankets.
- Drape the Blankets: Lay your blankets over the structure to create walls and a roof. You can tuck the edges into the furniture or use clothes pins to keep them in place.
- Create an Entrance: Leave a space open for the entrance, or fold back a portion of the blanket to create a flap that kids can crawl under.
- Add Decorations: Inside, use pillows, cushions, and toys to create a comfortable space for reading, playing, or just relaxing. String lights or lanterns can add a magical glow to the fort.
Blanket forts are not only easy to build, but they can also be made with materials that are already available at home, making them a cost-effective option for hours of fun. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply want a quiet space to relax, a blanket fort offers an easy and fun escape.
Teepee Fort with Sticks
Teepees are a classic design for outdoor forts and can be built with simple materials like sticks, branches, or even bamboo poles. Teepee forts are particularly great for building in your backyard, where there’s plenty of space for kids to get involved in the process.
How to Build:
- Gather Your Materials: Collect long, sturdy branches or poles. The number of sticks you need will depend on the size of the teepee you want to build.
- Create the Framework: Arrange the sticks in a circle, leaning them against one another at the top to form a cone shape. You can tie the sticks together with string or rope at the top to secure them.
- Add the Covering: Drape a large cloth, blanket, or tarp over the top of the teepee frame. You can use fabric that matches the natural colors around your yard for a more rustic look.
- Add Some Comfort: Inside, place cushions, pillows, and toys to make the teepee a cozy retreat. You can even add a few string lights or lanterns to create a magical atmosphere.
Teepee forts are great for kids who love nature. They offer a chance to work together to build a structure and create a unique space that feels like an outdoor hideaway. With the simple materials required and the opportunity for creativity, a teepee fort is perfect for both small children and older kids.
Tree Fort
If you have a tree in your backyard that’s sturdy enough, a tree fort can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting fort idea. Tree forts provide a natural high ground and a sense of adventure, allowing children to feel like they have their own little world up in the trees. While building a tree fort requires a little more work than some other options, it is well worth the effort.
How to Build:
- Pick the Right Tree: Choose a sturdy tree with thick branches that can support a platform or structure. The tree should be free of hazards such as loose branches or obstructions.
- Build a Platform: If you’re going for a basic tree fort, start by building a platform with wood planks or plywood. Make sure the platform is level and securely attached to the tree.
- Build the Walls: Once the platform is stable, add walls using wooden planks, fabric, or mesh netting. This will help create a safe and enclosed space for the fort.
- Create Access: Add a rope ladder, small stairs, or even a simple plank to climb up to the fort. Be sure the climbing mechanism is safe for children to use.
- Decorate the Interior: Inside the fort, add cushions, blankets, and perhaps even a small table or chairs for a cozy spot to hang out.
Tree forts take more time and effort to build than some other fort options, but they are a perfect way to let kids experience nature while providing them with a sense of independence. It’s a project that can be built over time, and as the tree grows, the fort can evolve into a larger, more intricate hideaway.
Stick Forts
For a truly nature-inspired fort, you can build a stick fort using natural materials found around your backyard. Stick forts are easy to construct and provide an excellent opportunity for children to engage in outdoor play while using materials they gather themselves.
How to Build:
- Gather Sticks: Collect a variety of sticks or branches, making sure to pick pieces that are long and sturdy. You can also gather leaves and twigs to use for decoration.
- Create the Base: Start by leaning large sticks against a tree or two to form the framework of your fort. You can make a teepee shape or build walls using the sticks.
- Strengthen the Structure: Use twine or string to secure the sticks together at the top and in the center of the fort.
- Add the Roof and Walls: Continue layering sticks to create the roof and walls. Be sure to leave a space for an entrance.
- Decorate: Use additional leaves, vines, or flowers to decorate the fort and make it feel like a natural, cozy hideaway.
Stick forts allow kids to engage directly with nature. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that involves creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Building a stick fort can also be a wonderful bonding activity for families or groups of friends.
Canopy Tent Fort
If you’re looking for a temporary but effective fort idea, a canopy tent is a great option. These easy-to-assemble tents can be set up quickly in the backyard and are perfect for a day of outdoor play. You can easily transform a regular canopy tent into a fun, themed fort with a few creative touches.
How to Build:
- Set Up the Canopy Tent: Set up a basic canopy or pop-up tent in your yard. Many tents come with a frame that makes setup a breeze.
- Add Fabric and Decorations: To give the tent more of a fort-like feel, hang colorful sheets or blankets around the perimeter to create walls. You can even add fairy lights, plush cushions, or hanging decorations for a personalized touch.
- Create an Entrance: Use a fabric flap, or tie back one side of the tent to create a welcoming entrance.
- Interior Comfort: Fill the tent with blankets, pillows, books, and snacks. It can serve as a reading nook, play area, or even a little campsite for kids to enjoy.
Canopy tents offer a flexible option for outdoor forts. They are quick to set up, portable, and can be used for more than just a day of fort building. Once the tent is set up, kids can enjoy a variety of activities in their new outdoor space, from reading to playing games.
PVC Pipe Fort
If you’re looking for a more structured fort that requires a bit of DIY work, consider building a fort with PVC pipes. PVC pipe forts are durable, customizable, and can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be assembled using basic tools and are perfect for families looking for a longer-lasting fort option.
How to Build:
- Gather Materials: You’ll need PVC pipes, PVC connectors, and a fabric cover or tarp. You can find most of these materials at a hardware store.
- Design the Structure: Decide on the shape of your fort—whether it’s a cube, dome, or tunnel. Measure and cut the PVC pipes to the desired length, then use connectors to assemble the frame.
- Cover the Frame: Drape a fabric cover or tarp over the PVC frame, securing it with clips or ropes.
- Decorate the Inside: Add pillows, blankets, and other fun decorations to make the fort feel like a real hideaway.
PVC pipe forts are a more permanent solution to outdoor fort building, and they can be taken apart and reassembled in different configurations. This type of fort is perfect for kids who love creating their own spaces.
Building outdoor forts is a fantastic way to spark creativity, encourage physical activity, and allow kids to engage in imaginative play. Whether you’re constructing a blanket fort in the backyard, building a tree fort in a sturdy tree, or using natural materials like sticks and branches to create a rustic hideaway, the possibilities for fort building are endless. These forts not only provide kids with a space to play, but they also foster problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a sense of independence.
At The Kids Point, we believe that simple outdoor fort ideas can inspire hours of creative fun for kids of all ages. So gather your materials, get outside, and let your kids’ imaginations run wild!