A den is a child’s chance to crate a home away from home that is secret, and becomes a manifestation of who they are
David Sopel
Who didn’t build a homemade fort out of bed sheets when they were little? Den building and den play brings a lot of joy and happiness to childhood and engages children for hours with endless role play adventure opportunities!
Children just love creating their own little imaginative world and hideaway, where they can make up their own rules, scenarios and language – and den making gives children an exciting opportunity to think outside of the box and create secret worlds that no one else knows about! This gives children a great sense of independence and introduces challenge and risk into their environment as well.
Not only do play den’s spark a child’s creativity and imagination, but it also helps to improve their physical development, communication, language, teamwork and problem solving skills as well. Den play is essential for a child’s development and learning, so let the little ones imaginations run wild with these fun den play activities and ideas! No adults allowed…
5 Den Building Ideas:
1. Build an indoor den
Majestic hidden castle? Mysterious bear cave? Magnificent space rocket? Wherever the imagination takes you, indoor den making gives children heaps of pretend play opportunities due to the large range of den making materials that they can use inside – whether that’s building a rigid den from cardboard or a draped den with fabrics, ropes and pegs!
2. Outdoor den
Take den making to the next level! Head out into the wild and create the ultimate outdoor den. Building a den in the fresh air gives children a healthy opportunity to explore the natural world and use different materials – whether that’s creating a protective outdoor shelter with weather-resistant fabrics or using the EYR Ultimate Den Making Kit or getting mucky with natural materials such as sticks and branches.
3. Sensory Den
Stimulate the children’s senses and create the ultimate glow in the dark experience! Using just our tuff tray dark den kit, blackout sensory tents or a blackout sheet draped over a tuff tray you can create the ultimate sensory space. Add various UV resources, light up toys and fairy lights for added effect. This will give children an exciting and new experience of light and colour, whilst heightening their senses.
4. Reading Nook
Calling all bookworms! Create a relaxing space and let the children nestle down with a book in their own cosy dedicated reading corner canopy. Decorate the den with soft seating, cushions, fairy lights and an array of books to create the ultimate tranquil reading zone, which will encourage children to read.
5. Upcycled Den
Den making does not need to cost the earth! Children can make use of upcycled and recycled materials from your setting to create a magical set up. Why not experiment with milk and H crates to give your den some structure and then throw a blanket or a waterproof sheet over the top for a quick and easy den!
5 Den Play Activity Ideas:
1. Create a themed Den
Cater to your little one’s particular interests by creating themed dens. This could be animal themed, story based or even just simply themed by colour. Try and incorporate the theme into the den itself and then fill the den with books and toys related to the theme to support learning!
2. Sensory ball pit
Elevate your sensory dark den by adding ballpit balls to create a fun tactile sensory experience for little ones. This will keep your children entertained for hours (and keeps the mess in one place!).
3. Have a Teddy Bear picnic
We’re going on a bear hunt! Time for a teddy bears picnic party inside a garden themed den. Ask the children to bring along their favourite teddies and enjoy a range of miniature-sized tasty delights and games, such as pass the parcel or five little bears number rhymes.
4. Create a camping set up
Introduce children to the idea of camping by creating an imaginative play set up in your setting. This could be indoor or out. Create your set up by adding camping classics such as a camp fire, teapot, cooking toys and sleeping equipment like sleep rest mats! Your little ones will feel as if they are on an adventure in their own house!
5. Create a small world
Add an extra dimension to small world play! By combining small world play with a den, it takes the children’s imagination to the next level. Whether its animals, cars or fairies, small world play inside a den makes children feel as though their imaginative world is more extraordinary and secretive.
Time to inspire creativity…!
Don’t forget to let us know what the children’s favourite den play activity is on our Facebook or Instagram.
Looking for den making equipment and resources?
Explore our wonderful selection of Den Making Resources – including den making kits, tools, materials and accessories for children. We also have a FREE downloadable Den Making Guide & Resources as well.
