The magic of dens – playing and relaxing with babies, toddlers and children

A blanket under the dining table, a sheet over the washing line, or simply a box big enough to sit inside becomes magical when you make this your den. Just having their morning snack in it might be something your child remembers for years – we've got some ideas to get you started.  

Younger and older children playing together 

If you have both younger and older children, having their own separate den or cosy corner might be best.  

Younger ones are often more interested in looking at how the den was made and taking bits off, or filling it with all their toys, which might frustrate older children. 

If you don’t have space for more than one, you might prefer to use something like a box or table (anything that can’t be taken apart) as the den.  

The children could play together by visiting each other’s dens or by choosing one to sit in while they have a snack.  

Simple things that might be useful for den building... 

A giant cardboard box  

For younger children this is often enough! If you have more than one child having a box each can prevent arguments.  

You could give them some pens or crayons and they could decorate their box, so they know which one belongs to who.   

A dining table  

Your den could simply be made by moving the chairs from around your dining table and all sitting together under there (if you can fit in, too, your children will love it!). 

A cosy corner  

Put a blanket and some cushions in a corner of the room and make this your den.  

Your child might just enjoy sitting in a different place, or having somewhere that is especially ‘theirs’ while they play.  

Blankets, sheets or tarpaulin (and some pegs) 

Place a blanket over a table to make a simple den, take them outside and peg them onto a washing line, or even use two large boxes or tubs and put a blanket across the top.  

If you have a child who’s more interested in pulling the sheet off (lots of toddlers will be) this probably isn’t the best way to make your den.  

Supervise den play, and make sure anything you use to build your den is safe for your child.  

Now you’ve got a den... what next?  

Have a snack 

Take a drink and snack into the den and enjoy a rest together, if you can’t fit in easily, sit just outside so you can be part of the fun!  

Tell a story 

Sit in the den and tell a story together, or take in a favourite book snuggle up and enjoy reading it in a new place.  

Let your imagination run wild 

The den could be the start of some imaginative play! It could be a shop, café or take you to an exciting new place.  

If you have an older child they will probably take the lead, you could ask some questions to get them started.  

What could the den be? Who could you all be?  

Older children could suggest a role for younger ones – although younger children might not fully understand pretending to be someone else, so if you think this might upset your younger child, they could just be themselves! 

Just be 

Your children might simply enjoy being in the den, they might want to fill it with favourite toys, or just sit for a little while.  

Spending time together and chatting about what is happening around you is perfect for practising taking turns in conversations, and for encouraging everyone to have a chance to talk.  

Breathe 

The den could be a place for a mindful moment – show your child how to do finger breathing: 

• Hold one hand out in front of you. 
• Use the first finger of your other hand to go up and down each finger.  
• As you go up breathe in, and as move down breathe out. 

Your child might just watch at first, but then they might have a go at joining in with you.  

Make a sign 

Your child might want to give their den a name, or make a sign to welcome everyone in.  

Give them some crayons and paper and see what they make. Older children could draw or write some signs and younger ones make some decorations.  

Take an activity into the den 

Check your child’s activity page and see if there are any ideas you could do in a den!  

Have fun – your child will probably have lots of ideas about what they want to do in their den, so you can relax and follow their lead!