The definition of a Blanket Fort:
A den constructed indoors, made of sheets, blankets, cushions, pillows, clothes pegs, elastic bands and fairy lights. Though specifically made for children, all ages welcome. This space becomes a place for whispers or shouts, quiet time or raucous time, watching films or playing, getting cuddly and cozy or… fort battles. Am I right?!
In probably a few adults childhood memories there will be one treasured day where a Blanket Fort was made. Perhaps it was a day in the middle of winter where biblical amounts of snow or rain continued to fall or perhaps a day of quarantine from a sickness in the house. Perhaps you were climbing the walls and your parents were out of ideas of entertaining you themselves. Or perhaps, just perhaps it was you, your 5-year-old moment of genius in deciding to build one yourself. Either way, one was built and it was epic, perhaps in your mind, it was the size of Perkin’s tent that was lent to the Weasley family to use for the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter. Let’s be honest, it probably wasn’t anywhere near that size in reality, but that is beside the point really, isn’t it? The point is, it was awesome. Which is why you still remember it to this day and why when you re-tell it, it was the size of a small mansion.
Perhaps you never made one though. No Problem!
We are here to explain WHY they are so awesome.
Apart from the fact that, you know… they just are, there are so many reasons to why they can create pinnacle moments in your child’s long-term memory bank.
We all need somewhere to retreat to from time to time, both child and adult alike. The world can sometimes feel big and overwhelming. Blanket Fort offers a space to process everything. It can be a tool for either contemplation or energy releasing play!
They are great tools to be able to engage with your children, to spend some quality time with them. It is also a fun way for siblings to interact with each other, role play loudly or sit quietly together watching a movie.
They can be bubbles of energy and noise just as they can be pockets of quiet sanctuary and calm – a safe space. They are great for reading with your kids or watching a movie, just as they are great sleepover territory. A small warning – no sleeping will probably occur! Just many, many, MANY films. I should know, I remember them well!
They can be small forts with only one room or big ones with tunnels and multiple chambers. They can be bright with flashlights shining everywhere, dark with no lighting, or somewhere in-between with fairy lights twinkling.
They can be made in any room of the house, whether sitting room, bedroom or dining room, everywhere has potential.
In fact, if anyone needs me…I’ll be in my own blanket fort, that’s the size of the tent in Harry Potter (obviously), eating a tub full of popcorn and reading a book. Perhaps if I’m quiet enough the kids won’t find me…
Items you can use to make your Blanket Fort
For the walls and roof of your fortress
- Blankets
- Quilt covers
- Fitted sheets
For attaching and holding up the walls
- Clothes pegs
- Food pegs
- Elastic bands
- Removable sticky hooks that can be stuck on walls or ceilings
- A broomstick for the middle if you want to make a teepee shapes fort
- Bed frames
- Tables
- Armchairs
- Sofas
- Teepee structures
For inside comfort
- Cushions
- Pillows
- Rugs
- Mattresses
- Plush blankets/cable knit (the more cuddly the better)
- Sleeping bags
Lights to use inside
- Flashlights
- Fairy lights
- Table lamps
Entertainment
- TV
- Laptop
- Tablet
- Coloring pads and pens
- Book
- Magazine
Snacks
- Hot chocolate
- Popcorn
- Dried fruit
- Potato Chips
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Bumble Nums Snack Mix
- Any treat!
Sign (optional)
- Sign of the name of your fort so that everyone that passes will remember for now and prosperity!
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Contributor
Grace Selous Bull is an arts education author and freelance blogger. Her book, ‘Potty About Pots: arts and crafts for home and school’ is aimed at children from 5-12 years old and takes them through a journey of ceramics through time. Her blog, The Rainbow Tree, explores all aspects of arts and crafts, and is aimed at children of all ages. She is a full time Mummy of two girls, both of whom love being creative, and is married to her husband, Andrew, who does not. Follow her on twitter.
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