Activities: Sleepy Tepee

Make a fort with your family!

Submitted by
Kayla Chong

Sick of your kids using your sofa cushions for forts? Tell them to take it outside (yes, even though it's winter). Donate your old sheets and help them make a tepee in the yard. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to upgrade your bedding!

8 Thick Tree Branches:
A good activity to do after a visit from the tree trimmers.
Saw:
For grownups only!
Sheets:
Either two full-size sheets or one king-size sheet.
Snow:
To anchor the branches; we don't want you digging any holes!
Rope or string
A thick blanket:
Tuffo's waterproof blanket is a must-have for homes with kids.
Large garbage bags

Cut or pull down eight tree braches, each about 7 feet long.
Help the kids tie the branches together in a bundle at one end with a strong piece of rope. Make sure it's nice and secure—you don't want the tepee caving in on them!
Spread the other end out as if you were opening an umbrella.
Help the kids push the branches into the snow to anchor them to the ground.
Once the frame is built and anchored, toss the sheet (or sheets) over the branches to form the walls of the tepee.
Secure the top of the sheet(s) to the frame with some string.
Next, have your kids make a big pile of snowballs.
Get them to pack the snowballs around the base of the sheet to hold it down.
Cut open a large garbage bag to create a tarp.
Lay the tarp down on the inside floor of the tepee.
Then have them place a nice blanket on top of the tarp to make a comfy place to hang out.
Whip up some hot chocolate and bring it out to the tepee. Sip your cocoa and enjoy some quality time with your kids away from the TV. When your feet begin to freeze, it's time to head back inside. And, no, they may not sleep in the tepee!