How to Build a Tent With Sheets for Kids

Re-create the fun of camping in your own living room using sheets to create a tent.

As a parent, you will no doubt be asked to help your kids make an indoor tent using sheets and blankets. Although a sheet tent will temporarily take up your entire living room, it will also provide you and your little ones with hours of free entertainment. There are absolutely no rules when it comes to making a tent out of sheets—let your imagination be your guide. Once your tent is built, be sure to join your child inside to make shadow puppets on the walls or read their favorite book.

Things You'll Need

• Furniture
• Sheets
• Blankets
• Pillows

Instructions

1. Look around your living room for a large piece of furniture that can be used to anchor down your sheet. Since you don’t have tent poles or other structural items, you’ll need to get inventive. Your couch, entertainment unit, or piano all make sturdy blanket anchors.

2. Secure the main blanket to the solid object. For example, if you’re using your couch, tuck the blanket along the top edge and let the blanket drop down over the backside of the couch to create the tent.

3. Enlist the help of chairs or other items to prop up the other side of the blanket to create the tent. Once you’ve secured the object, look for other tall objects you can tie the other side of the blanket to in order to create a raised roof for the tent.

4. Add extra blankets and sheets to the tent to make it larger. You can often secure two or more blankets beside each other to create a larger tent. If you want to create a dark, cave-like tent use a dark colored sheet or blanket so the light doesn’t shine through.

5. Finish the tent by draping blankets over the back and front entrance of the tent. Throw some pillows inside the tent for comfort and your tent is ready for playtime.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attach your sheets to objects that could fall or topple over. Homemade tents often get tugged and pulled by kids going in and out of the tent. Make sure the objects you secure the sheet to are very heavy and will not budge.

References

• Simple Mom: How To Build A Great Blanket Fort