Dens
Dens for toys
You can make dens for all the different toys in the house.
The den in the photo is an “ice” den for the polar bear and penguin. Here are some other ideas, use:
- darker greens, browns and black material to make dens for dark caves for bears
- wood to make tree dens for birds and monkeys
- twigs and sticks to make woodland dens for animals of the forest such as foxes and badgers
Make dens for toys that are hiding or living underground. Make up stories about the toys and what they are doing in the dens. Are they hiding? If so, what are they hiding from, who do they live with and do they have a code word to let other toys get into the den?
Make pictures and signs to decorate the den.
Outside dens
There are many ways to make dens if you have access to some outdoor space.
You may be able to make dens that are bigger than your inside den. They are a good way of keeping children in the shade on sunny days.
The den in the picture has three “rooms” and was made with:
- 2 clothes horses
- a parasol
- sheets and blankets
- cushions and pegs
Lay your ground sheets first and then build up the den on top.
Like indoor dens use clothes pegs, tape and string to attach any covering you can find. You may be able to make the dens waterproof using tarpaulin or plastic sheets.
Outdoor tables and chairs can be used to make simple dens.
Draping sheets over a washing line and securing with pegs is an easy way to make a den. You need to widen the sheet out at the bottom and find some heavier objects to secure the sheet.
Role play dens
Indoors or outdoors, you can give your den a special purpose. Some ideas include a:
- shop - make open and closed signs, price tags and make or use coins for money. Fill the den with tins or packets from the cupboard to make a grocery shop
- house - put in a table and chairs and eat tea in the den. Make a sleeping area and a small garden outside the door
- castle or a fort - use big cardboard boxes to turn your den into a castle. Cut the cardboard to make the walls castellated or make a drawbridge out of rope and cardboard
- cinema - make a den and watch a film on a tablet or laptop. Make tickets and “charge” the family to watch the film. Put the seats in rows. You could have refreshments at half time
Woodland dens
The type of woodland den you make will depend on which wood you can visit. There are lots of different ways of making the dens. Make sure you are using wood and plants that are on the forest floor and you are not damaging them. Ensure your structures are safe and secure to be inside.
Find somewhere with lots of natural debris. Avoid wet places or places where animals live or have left tracks.
Prop a long branch in the crook of a tree. Slope it down diagonally and prop the end with a stone.
Add branches coming off this main branch. Make sure they are secure and will not fall on you when you get in the den.
Layer the inside with soft natural debris that you find nearby. See if you can lay down inside.
Make sure you dismantle your den when you leave.
A reading den
If you have a space in your house, it is nice to make a reading den that can be left there to use all the time.
It is important to make this a comfortable and cosy space to settle down with a book.
As with all den making, let your child make it with you and let them help. They are more likely to use it if they have made it themselves.
Fill it with soft toys and books. You can have story times together in the den.
You could go in and read in the den on your own, to show your child how to use it.
You could decorate it with lights or put torches in to use at night.