The Best Fort Building Sets for Kids

Power Your Fun Fort Building Kit

Versatile design

Your kiddos will never run out of new ways to build with this multi-functional set.

Best Overall

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For a truly versatile and exciting set, we turn to this awesome kit from Power Your Fun. It comes with multi-link spheres and connecting rods so that kids never have to make the same fort twice. There are so many possibilities. If you buy two or more sets, you can make it even more versatile and create room-sized and outdoor forts. Once you have the links and rods connected and set up how you want them, all that’s left is to throw a sheet or some extra blankets over to finish off your new hideaway.

Pros:

• This set is affordable
• It’s easy for both kids and adults to assemble
• There are many different ways to set it up, so your kids can make their fort exactly how they want it

Cons:

• The included pieces don’t make a very large fort, so if you have multiple kids, you may want more than one set
• It doesn’t include material to go over the frame once you build it

Easy Playhouse Arts and Crafts Castle

Heavy-duty

Give your children creative freedom with this sturdy cardboard fort set.

Most Fortified

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If your kids love to personalize their toys and games, this color-it-yourself option by Easy Playhouse may be perfect for them. It comes in three different fun designs — choose from a fairy tale castle, haunted castle, or a blank one they can make uniquely their own. It has opening windows and a door to add some realism and extra excitement. We love how versatile it is; you can get each child their own for their rooms, make a fun make-believe village, and even make decorating one a part of your kid’s next birthday party.

Pros:

• Assembly is quick and easy
• Kids of all ages often love these crafty castles, even teens
• The price is great

Cons:

• There’s no roof
• Because it’s cardboard, it’s best for indoor play

The Original Tote-a-Fort

Compact convenience

Take this fort building kit along on all of your adventures with your kiddos.

Most Portable

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Being on the go doesn’t have to stop your kids from having all kinds of fort-centric fun. They just need the original Tote-a-Fort, of course. All the blankets have velcro so that you put them together in whatever way works the best for where you are. There are also several anchor weights included to keep it right where the kiddos want it. When you’re traveling or want to store it away between uses, all you have to do is pack all the pieces right into the included cinch-sack bag, which doubles as a backpack.

Pros:

• Each of the blanket pieces is separate, so your fort isn’t limited to one shape
• The materials are all durable and rip-resistant
• It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors, so you can take it along to visit friends or have a day at the park

Cons:

• This set is a bit pricey, but the convenience and versatility are impressive
• We wish more weights were included

The Original AirFort

One-step system

This simple fort kit only needs two things; a fan and your child's imagination.

Easiest To Use

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To skip the organization and complicated building of multi-piece sets, you may want to go with the Original AirFort. All you need to do to set up your kid’s fun fort for the day is insert a fan into the fan slot. It has a mesh divider to protect your kids from pinches and accidents, and once the fan is on, it blows the fort up. It will stay that way until you decide to turn it off — no pieces, parts, assembly, or mess required. When you’re all set for the day, simply fold it all up and put it in a drawer or closet.

Pros:

• There are tons of fun colors and designs to choose from
• The fabric is durable and breathable for safety
• It’s super convenient and requires no assembly or construction

Cons:

• This deluxe fort comes at a deluxe price
• There’s no designated door

USA Toyz Rocket Ship Pop Up Fort

Fast fun

When you choose this tent, your children will always have a fun fort to play in.

Best Pop-Up

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We love simplicity, which is why we love this fabulous pop-up fort from USA Toyz. It’s an excellent choice when you want to find a fort that can stay up longer than most. For example, once assembled, you can leave it right in your kiddos room for a unique and cozy little space to relax, read, or play quietly. There’s plenty of floor space for toys, blankets, and more. As a bonus, if they spill something in it or make a mess, it’s easy to wipe it out and clean it up.

Pros:

• The door flap is easily opened and closed to give your tot some privacy
• We find it to be an affordable option
• There’s an included travel bag to make it portable

Cons:

• Both designs are super cute, but we wish there were more options
• It’s not the most durable fort

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get a fort building set for your kids?

Kids have been making their own forts for as long as we can remember, which is why we can understand how someone could ask what the point of a fort building kit is. The answer is simple: it makes life easier, and it adds some versatility to their options. For example, it can be tough to find a place to anchor down a regular blanket fort. A kit includes everything you need to make a fort without needing to find extra pieces, and the fort your kids make with it won’t collapse or break anything like a blanket anchored with a vase will.

What’s the best type of fort kit?

The best type of fort kit will be based on what you and your kids like and how you live. If you’re often on the go, it’s a good idea to find a portable fort that comes with a carrying case or bag. On the other hand, if you’re often home and your child likes to find a private place to hide alone, a pop-up or blow-up fort may be just right. Once you figure out your kiddo’s likes and needs, and from there, you can easily figure out which fort kit is best for them.