As the weather turns a little more autumnal and the kidlets are all returning to school, we’re turning to the indoors to camp out and have fun. But, just because the summer is over, it doesn’t mean we need to stop our imaginative den building.
From a jungle hideout in which to stay when the animals are out and about, to a place you can stash away all your treasure from pirates, or cosy up under layers of blankets whilst listening to the rain, dens are one of the best ways to explore our imaginations and enhance the magic of play.
So, let’s banish the boredom of a rainy day, by setting up some indoor dens for them to make their own fun.
Here are 5 ways to set up a den indoors:
Make use of the space under the bed
One of the most straight forward ways to create a den is to make use of the space under a piece of exisiting furniture, whether that's a bed or a table for example. The framework is already there, so it's really a case of using it to hang and drape textiles from.
If your child has a mid-sleeper, cabin bed or raised bed, they’ll likely also have some standalone furniture items that can be shimmied about a little in order to make some space underneath.
Re-fashion a few blankets by tucking them into the underside of the slats, pile up some scatter cushions on the floor underneath, and set up a few of their favourite toys to create a fun, independent space that they’ll enjoy for hours.
Loft beds with independent furniture underneath (i.e., anything that isn’t already pre-built in), can also be home to the most wonderful camps, forts and castles. Simply shift any furniture out from underneath the bed to create a larger den space with more head room - perfect for older children (and grown-ups too!)
Deck out the space under the stairs
For a more permanent den space, you could try converting what is often the lost space under the stairs. Add some fun paint colours, vibrant wall art and maybe some bean bags and bunting to create a quiet reading nook, perfect for catching up with their favourite comic or book.
Use the trundle for a cosy spot to sit
If you have a trundle drawer and usually use it for toy storage, why not slot in some cosy blankets and cushions, and create a fun spot on which to watch a movie or read a book? Brownie points if you can rig up some duvet covers or blankets above their heads for added theatre!
Double the den fun
Much like wedging blankets underneath the mattress slats for raised beds, try creating a fun curtain effect along the front of the bottom bunk using flat sheets for play time. – Endless fun for a cosy snug to make use of on a chilly morning.
Camp indoors
If space allows, why not set up a pop up tent inside the living room? Make a proper event of it by making your own ‘campfire’ (loo rolls and orange/red card for flames in the middle?) Make dinner camping food such as sausages and beans and enjoy melted marshmallows too.
Gather around in a circle for campfire songs or storytelling before snuggling up in a sleeping bag inside the tent.
Do you have any indoor den ideas to add? Maybe you've made a more unusual den at home? Let us know in the comments!
Comments