Before you can build your fort, you'll need to know where you're going to raise it. We recommend making your fort indoors so that you will still have access to electricity and a comfortably controlled climate. An indoor fort can also save you a bit on cleaning costs if you decide to use materials that you already own. The location that you choose will also impact the type of materials that you'll need. Here are a few location ideas with a rundown of their advantages.

• Living room

Your family room or living room is a great location choice as it can most likely offer plenty of space. You can use your couch and other durable furniture as a part of the fort, or scoot it against the walls. On the downside, your living room will be occupied entirely for the duration of the slumber party.

• Bedroom

A bedroom is another great space in which you can set up a fort. You'll be able to keep the mess contained within a single room, and it can also make it easier to retreat to the bed if you decide that the fort isn't exactly where you want to sleep after all.

On the downside, choosing a bedroom may limit your available space. It may also be less exciting for those attending the slumber party.

• Dining room

If you want to take things up a notch and make them very interesting, consider using the dining room. This option allows you to utilize your dining room table and chairs easily. It also means going to sleep in a room you aren't used to, adding a level of excitement and nostalgia to the environment.

On the downside, a dining room may have an uncomfortable hardwood floor and be somewhat awkward to utilize. If you decide to use it, you will likely need an extra layer of blankets and pillows for the floor.

Why Avoid Outdoor Forts

Some planners may decide to build a slumber party fort in their backyard or garden. This is our least favorite option for a number of reasons. For one, the air may become cold and damp overnight, and an outdoor fort may not provide the proper elemental protection.

Additionally, your linens and blankets may get stained, dirty, or damaged. For what it's worth, anyone looking to create an outdoor fort might better opt for purchasing a tent and holding a backyard camping party instead.

Now that you have chosen a location, it's time to plan your fort and activities. Planning your fort's design will allow you to foresee potential problems and create a durable and impressive fort.

We recommend grabbing a pencil and paper and drawing out blueprints of the slumber party fort in your mind's eye. Remember to make a fort with a 'door' that can be "shut." You can do this by draping a small sheet or towel over the entrance of the fort.

Choose a Theme

You should consider whether or not you'll want a theme for your fort. Underwater and camping ideas work well for slumber party forts, but you can choose any theme you like! Get creative and choose an age-appropriate theme, depending on whether the fort is for you or for kids. You can choose food, movies, fort materials, and colors that will match your theme for some extra fun.

Design Based on Space 

Design your fort based on the available space. If you've chosen the family room, for instance, you'll want to get a good idea of your available space and build your fort accordingly.

• Make sure you have enough room Allow plenty of room for entering and getting out of the fort. You'll want this to have two entrances, which also allows for better imagination play. You'll also want to have plenty of space and headroom inside of the fort.

• Utilize available furniture Decide if you want to include any furniture in your fort. If you have a large sectional couch, for instance, you could build your fort around the center of it. This means that you could also get to actually sit on the couch inside the actual fort. If you have a large recliner, you could use it as an anchor point for sheets or linens. Chairs are another great way to add height to your fort.

Be careful! Don't anchor linens or sheets to bookcases or other furniture that may tip over. Keep things simple and durable and safe!

Its also quite simple to find inspiration for your fort, and you'll also get a clearer picture of what furniture you should use, or not.

Now it is time for us to gather the materials! This is a really important step as you don't want to find yourself frustrated when you find out that you're missing materials midway through your build! Having the right materials ready and at hand will save you time, energy, and help you avoid all sorts of aggravation. You can actually purchase fort materials that are designed specifically for indoors, and pre-made forts as well, to make things easier.

  Now it's time to build your fort! If you've gathered all your materials, this part won't be all that difficult, you just have to follow the steps.

1. Raise the Structure

First things first, clean the fort area of all unnecessary furniture and things. Then, using your game plan, delimitate the fort area and start raising its structure. Position chairs and structural supports where you want them. Tie and clip ropes where they will ensure the structural stability of the fort.

2. Drape Sheeting

Drape sheets carefully over the structure. Make sure the fabric isn't too tough, as you'll still need to clip it down.

3. Clip and Secure

Use your clips to secure the sheets and fabrics over the ropes, chairs, and all other parts of your structure. You can also use rubber bands and anything else you need to help ensure things won't fall down.

4. Test

Test the areas of your fort by gently pulling and tugging, much like a child would. Do this to make sure the fort won't come tumbling down in case of an unexpected movement. Also, test to make sure that the fort is high enough and that there's enough headspace and room to move in it.

5. Fill the Fort

First, cover up the floor and make it nice and comfortable. Depending on the location, you will need more or fewer pillows, comforters, and materials for this. Then, fill the fort itself with pillows, blankets, comforters, and anything you like. Don't forget the fun part either!

If you're going to use electronic media of any sort, set them up beforehand, even if they are Bluetooth speakers and might seem simple to use. Don't forget about games, books, toys, or anything else you might want. Designate a special place for the drinks and refreshments in the fort too.

Here are some extra tips and tricks for building your fort, and some advice from others that learned how to make a slumber party fort as well.

• Who Will Raise the Fort?

Also consider whether you'll want to raise the slumber party fort on your own, or if you will be integrating its construction and make it a part of the slumber party.

• Don't Make it Too Heavy

Heavy comforters or down blankets may overly heat up the fort and might even bring it down, in worst case scenarios. Keep things standing by using sheets or light blankets.

• Keep Safety First

Don't plug in lamps or other potential fire hazard elements within your fort. This can be very dangerous if the fort falls or in case of unexpected movements. Use only safe materials and leave the risky elements outside.

• Include Entertainment

See if you can integrate the TV, laptop, or other media sources into your fort. After all, nothing is more fun than eating popcorn and watching a movie within an impressive slumber party fort! Don't forget about games and other such activities as well! Music is always a good idea, so take an instrument as well, or just bring a book if this fort will be your own personal haven for the day.

• Be Creative and Set the Mood

Remember to get creative and have fun! This is the kind of activity that can brighten up the whole day. Whether or not you chose a theme, don't forget to set the appropriate mood. One of the easiest ways of achieving this is through the use of lights. Safety tip! Skip the flame by using LED candles, or use string or fairy lights for a whimsical feel.

Do your Research

Don't be afraid to check out videos and gather ideas from other fort builders who can show you the ropes on how to make a slumber party fort. Here are a few more links to videos that may be helpful!

That’s It, Folks – Enjoy Your Fort!

So there you have it! A simple guide on how to make a slumber party fort in the easiest way possible. What about you? We want to hear your own tips and tricks so do share them with us! We hope that this guide on how to make a slumber party fort has been helpful. Enjoy your slumber party!