For Grown-Ups:

WHY BUILD FORTS?

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum

WHY BUILD FORTS?
Many children naturally need and want
to create their own special places; it’s a
fundamental experience of childhood that
crosses age, gender, time, and culture.

“
From secret places comes an identification with place, a
“
nourishing of individuality and self-esteem, and an enhanced
joy in the construction of habitation.

—E.O. Wilson, Secret Spaces of Childhood

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum

WHY BUILD FORTS?
The social and emotional growth that
occurs during fort-building is a key part
of children’s healthy development.

Tom and Greyson. Bored in the Basement Photography

“
…a den is the child’s chance to create a home away from home
that is secret, and becomes a manifestation of who they are.
The den is the chrysalis out of which the butterfly is born.
“
—David Sobel, Children’s Special Places
© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum
WHY BUILD FORTS?
Fort-building invites narrative and
creative planning and is a great forum
for three key areas of play: exploration,
construction, and pretend play.

“
“
CCM must serve as a leading advocate and provider of playful
experiences for children.

—CCM Play Position Paper 2008

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum

WHY BUILD FORTS?
Fort-building allows children to define
their own parameters for success.

The Ellis Family; Carlsbad, CA “

“
It’s all yours; you made it yourself and you know you just control it.

—Leah, age 9

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum

 WHY BUILD FORTS?
Through fort-building, children create
their own special places and imagine
a world beyond what adults can see,
do, or build.

The McNichols Family; Bryan, TX. The Mooney Family; Port Allen, LA.
Photo by Z Recommends.

“ Nothing can compare to a fort that kids make by hand with“

stuff they find lying around (not something ordered out of a
catalog and delivered by two big men in a truck.)

—Tom Birdseye, “The Perfect Fort”

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum
WHY BUILD FORTS?
Fort-building is nostalgic for caregivers;
it taps into their childhood memories
and experiences.

The McMullan Family; Papillion, NE, Photo by Laura McMullan.

“
“
I used to love building forts. It’s fun to see what kids today
come up with.

—CCM Visitor

© 2009 Chicago Children’s Museum