18 Den Building Ideas for Indoors and Outdoors

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Quick answer: 18 Den Building Ideas for Indoors and Outdoors. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Indoor dens; Outdoor dens; Den features and decor; Den games. Budget: Mostly free, kit under £15. Best for: Ages 3 to 11.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

• Time: 20 minutes to build, hours to play
• Budget: Mostly free, kit under £15
• Best for: Ages 3 to 11

Every parent knows the sight: every cushion in the house vanishing into the lounge, followed by two small architects with serious faces. Dens are where children go to be private, brave and a little bit in charge.

Here are eighteen den ideas for inside and out. Check that structures are stable, keep fabric away from heaters and candles, and never leave young children alone in a den built near water.

Top tip: Use clothes pegs and heavy books to hold sheets down. They are much kinder to furniture than tape, and they let children adjust the design as they go without having to ask for help.

Indoor dens

The sofa is the best construction site in the house.

• Classic sheet den: Drape a sheet over two chairs and secure with books. Add cushions inside for a floor and fairy lights for atmosphere.
• Sofa fort: Lean cushions against the sofa and roof with a duvet. Make an entrance flap with a towel.
• Table cave: Cover a dining table with a tablecloth that hangs to the floor. Cut a small door and add a torch.
• Bunk bed hideout: Hang a sheet over the top bunk to create a secret room. Make sure children are not left unattended climbing.
• Cardboard box house: Cut a door and windows into a large box and decorate it. Smaller boxes become furniture.

Outdoor dens

Fresh air makes everything seem more adventurous.

• Stick wigwam: Lean long branches together at the top and tie with twine. Cover with a sheet or leafy branches.
• Washing line den: Peg a sheet over a low line and weigh the edges with stones. Quick to set up and simple to take down.
• Woodland lean to: Find a fallen branch in the woods, prop it against a tree and cover with smaller sticks. Never cut live wood.
• Sunflower house: Plant sunflowers in a square in spring and leave a gap for a door. By summer you have a living hideout.
• Pop up play tent: A quick option for family picnics. Anchor it well in wind and keep it in view when children are inside.

Den features and decor

The best dens have personality. Let children add their own design touches.

• Fairy light ceiling: Use battery powered lights on a string and pin them to the roof. Avoid plug in lights near fabric.
• Reading corner: Place a small basket of books and a pillow in the den. Add a soft toy to guard the door.
• Name sign: Make a sign with card and paint to hang on the entrance. Add a password to keep siblings out.
• Snack stash: Pack a mini picnic of fruit, crackers and water. Eating in a den feels like a feast.
• Secret mailbox: Tape a small box to the side and post notes to each other. A brilliant way to encourage writing.

Den games

Once built, the game begins.

• Spy base: Make a lookout window and use binoculars to spy on the garden. Create secret codes on cards.
• Camping night: Sleep in the den for a night, with sleeping bags and torches. Do this indoors for a safe first attempt.
• Shadow puppets: Shine a torch at the wall and make shapes with hands. See who can make the best animal.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• NHS: physical activity guidelines for children: How much activity children aged 5 to 18 are advised to get each day.
• NHS Healthier Families: Simple recipes, food swaps and active ideas for the whole family.
• National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make a den safe?

Check the structure is stable, keep fabric away from heaters, and ensure there are two ways out. Supervise younger children at all times.

What materials are best for dens?

Sheets, clothes pegs, cushions and clips are best. Heavy books or sturdy chairs give strength.

Can I build dens outside in winter?

Yes, but dress warm and keep it short. Waterproof sheets help, and a hot chocolate afterwards is a nice reward.

More ideas you might like

• Indoor Activities for Kids
• Rainy Day Activities for Kids
• Sleepover Ideas for Kids
• Outdoor Activities for Kids