Pretend Play
Pillow Fort Picnic
Build a blanket fort, pack a snack and eat lunch inside it.
Ages 3 to 5
40 minutes
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Get ready
10 minutes. Gather blankets, pillows and a snack.
What you’ll need
Blankets, pillows, two chairs and a simple snack.
Let’s play
1. Drape blankets over chairs to build the fort.
2. Pack a basket with a snack and a favorite book.
3. Have your picnic inside the fort.
4. Read one story by flashlight before you come out.
Your part in the adventure
Take orders as the picnic waiter, then crawl in and join.
What they’re discovering
They’re planning, building and practicing pretend play.
Before you begin
Keep heavy pillows and books off the fort roof.
Keep the idea going
Turn the fort into a campsite with pretend fishing.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.