This content was submitted by guest blogger, Michaela Wong from Siege Media

Finding fun things for kids to do at home can be difficult, especially when it’s too cold or wet to spend time outside. If you’ve been spending extra time at home over the past year, it might feel like you’ve run out of ideas to keep your kids entertained. Luckily, kids have an endless supply of energy and imagination. They can get hours of fun out of even the most simple activities – like building pillow forts!

If you’re looking for a fun activity that will inspire creativity, help your kids build a pillow fort. Use everyday household items to make it as simple or grand as you want, and allow your kids to decorate the inside with their favorite pillows, blankets, and toys. They’ll love making the space their own. 

And the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Keep reading for creative pillow fort activity ideas that will keep your kids engaged – and away from screens!

Create a Crafting Station 

Kids love arts and crafts, and letting them use their new pillow fort as a personal crafting studio is sure to inspire creativity. They could color, finger paint, or make things like friendship bracelets and bead art. You could also try out a new crafting activity like creating masks from these puppy and unicorn printables. Simply print, cut them out and attach a string or popsicle stick to the back to build the mask. 

Download DIY masks here. 

Try Journaling

Small homes and apartments can quickly become chaotic when the whole family is home at once. If your child needs a safe, quiet space to relax, try turning their pillow fort into a journaling cave. They can build a soft, cozy nest to curl up in and write about their thoughts and ideas. Kids need alone time to reflect and relax just like adults do, and a pillow fort can be the perfect place to do it.  

Host a Tea Party

If your child is itching to socialize, they can use their pillow fort to host an at-home tea party. Try serving your child’s favorite drinks and snacks, or go the traditional route by adding tea and cookies. To make the experience feel more authentic, print out these tea party invitations for your child to send to their friends or family members before the party. You can also decorate the venue with matching printable tea and snack tags to tie the whole event together. 

Download the tea party printable here. 

Play Pretend

The best way to let your child’s imagination run free is to let them choose what they want their pillow fort to be. Have them decorate their fort to set the scene, and let their creativity guide them. Whether your child wants to create a secluded cave in the wilderness or build a pirate ship to explore the seven seas, these colorful printables can help to create the image they’re looking for.