Our DIY backyard playhouse was built with a Fort Magic construction kit in under an hour. It’s easily moved and can be used to build a submarine or anything else we want next time.
The other day, when Maia and Daphne were off adventuring with friends and I had a rare few hours of kid-free time to myself, I cleaned the house from top to bottom I played with their toys.
The Fort Magic kit, specifically.
In fact, I put together a DIY backyard playhouse all by myself and enjoyed every minute of it. Here’s how…
Building a DIY Backyard Playhouse with Fort Magic
I built the playhouse over the sandbox with the idea of creating some afternoon shade in what is one of the more popular kid spots in our yard. Maybe even some rain protection as we are getting daily afternoon showers.
I went in with a goal about shaping my children’s outdoor play space so they have:
- Shade from the harsh afternoon sun
- Protection from rain (maybe; as you can see from the photo we’re not quite there)
- A fun playhouse to inspire the kids’ pretend play
- A partially enclosed kid-size space for a sense of privacy and safety
My other goal was to try out an idea I’ve long had—cover the playhouse with a blank canvas and let the kids paint it.
Building the playhouse was easy and fun. (As it should be, since it’s a kids’ construction kit!)
I mostly followed the playhouse diagram from the Fort Magic booklet that came with the kit but made ours a little taller.
For the walls, I cut a large white thrift-store sheet into two sections and clipped it to the frame of the playhouse with the handy little Fort Magic clips.
When the girls got home from their adventures, they were so excited about the playhouse!
After they played in it for a while, I brought out a tray of fabric paints* and the three of us painted the playhouse.
I focused on the roof and high parts. Maia painted a window with a flower box.
Daphne painted a rainbow, a sun, a mouse house, a big person house, a butterfly, and more.
A note about the paints we used to paint the playhouse
We used BioColor paints mixed with a special BioColor fabric medium to turn them into fabric paints. We’ve been doing this ever since using it for our heart doily shirts and it works great as a fabric paint. Plus it allows you to mix up your own colors. We use BioColor paint more and more for much of our painting; it has pretty much replaced Tempera paint in our studio because of it’s ability to be used on a variety of surfaces and how vibrant the colors remain when dry.
For a project like this, you could also use acrylic paint thinned with water. (And if you don’t want the paint to be permanent, tempera would be fine. Or you could spray the playhouse with liquid watercolors—also not permanent.)
One thing I love about the Fort Magic construction kit, is that it allows you to build something BIG but it’s not permanent. Our DIY backyard playhouse will be thoroughly enjoyed, but after a while, the kids will probably want to build some tunnels or a cabana over the kiddie pool or another submarine. And so the playhouse will come down and something newer and more exciting will go up.
Daphne playing with water balloon babies and nesting turtles in the sandbox.
Why We Love The Fort Magic Construction Kit
If you read The Artful Parent, or follow me social media, you know that we love our Fort Magic kit. Like really love it.
- It allows us to build big, be creative, and work together.
- As a construction toy, it allows us to make just about anything we can conceive, inside or outside.
- As an accessory for imaginative play, it allows us to create worlds.
- And I love that as a parent, I can shape spaces for my children, making a room within a room for quiet play, fashioning a reading nook, or creating a shady kid play space outdoors.
Where to Buy Fort Magic
You can buy the Fort Magic kits on Amazon or on the Fort Magic website store. Note, they have a 30-day money back guarantee and a full manufacturing warranty on all the parts!
This is post is sponsored by Fort Magic. The Fort Magic fort kit for kids was sent to us for free to try out and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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242 Comments
Kari Richmond
July 2, 2014 at 7:26 amMy son has been asking for one of these for a long time. I got the chance to build with one at my daughter’s school a few weeks back, and I was impressed with how sturdy it is once put together. I also love the curved pieces for windows, steering wheels, architectural interest, etc!
Victoria
July 2, 2014 at 7:27 amI have been looking at those plastic playhouses for my grandkids, but this outshines them. How much fun would it be for them to help put up their own little place at Baba’s house? I love it!
Christan
July 2, 2014 at 7:31 amMy kids would love this- so any options to build! Thanks for sharing !
Karla
July 2, 2014 at 7:47 amThis looks like sooo much fun!! We have always wanted a play house of sorts in the backyard…but cannot afford one. My kids (3,7,10) would love this! We try so hard to foster outdoor play and using their imagination… With a husband who works away from home, and not enough extra funds for a pool pass like most, this would provide hours of amazing play for children… They love building things and painting, so this fort would be perfect!!
Marissa
July 2, 2014 at 7:54 amMy son would love this so much! Our furniture isn’t really well designed for forts, and he would be so excited for a free-standing fort!
katie
July 2, 2014 at 8:05 amThis reminds me of a more sturdy version of a straws and connectors kit my great aunt from england gave me for one of my birthdays. I have never been able to find one for my kids. I am still amazed by this kit’s versatility. We just moved to temp housing out of state…how fun would this be for the kids as we try to settle and adjust ?!
Robin
July 2, 2014 at 8:13 amI just love how many forts/shapes you and yours can construct. Its endless, and horray for immaginations and using them:)
jennifer
July 2, 2014 at 8:19 amTHis is pure genious! I have kits to make playhouses but never thought of draping a sheet and painting it! I will be trying this out today! Thank you for sharing!
Sarah
July 2, 2014 at 8:22 amHow fun! My kids love to build forts, and this would be perfect for them! Love all the different ideas the website has for creative building.
Rebecca
July 2, 2014 at 8:23 amMy kids would love this!
Judy
July 2, 2014 at 8:25 amThis fort would be a great addition to a building theme. You could build it and chose various building materials(blocks, Legos, etc) to put inside.
Kelly
July 2, 2014 at 8:31 amI love the space ship. My son loves to build and it keeps him busy for hours!
Almost Unschoolers
July 2, 2014 at 8:36 amThey really have a nice gallery of design possibilities!
Chelsey
July 2, 2014 at 8:38 amThis kit is awesome! My daughter and our neighbor really want to do this.
Joy roll
July 2, 2014 at 8:50 amWow, endless building fun & possibilities with this fort kit! So cool!
Erin
July 2, 2014 at 8:57 amThis looks like an amazing adventure! My girls would love it.
Erin
July 2, 2014 at 8:59 amOn the website, I’m amazed by all the pieces you get, and it’s great to see how you can use your own fabric covers to customize it!
Susie
July 2, 2014 at 9:08 amMy girls would love this- the neighbor kids come over all the time, and this fort would be perfect for keeping kids occupied during long summer afternoons!
Shirley
July 2, 2014 at 9:10 amLooks like it would be A great rainy day activity inside. Like the looks of it with a sheer fabric cover you can still see through a little.
Donna Corder
July 2, 2014 at 9:15 amI have a 5 and 3 year old that would absolutely love this fort kit! I love how it can go up and stay up for a while or go down after played with for the day. The possibilities are endless! Such an awesome product!
Mandy shefman
July 2, 2014 at 9:21 amI really liked the different forts that can be made. And their demonstration of using the clips to attach sheets is really well described. This is a really neat product that I think my niece and nephew would love.
susan stein
July 2, 2014 at 9:28 amLove the idea of using the kit to build a cabana over the sandbox! Our school just had a (shade less) new playground created for us and would love to have our kids create one for their space. And it will be exciting to see what they figure out after that!
tikki
July 2, 2014 at 9:36 amwow, I love that one kit allows so many different options! Plus the fabric fun that could be had!
Emma
July 2, 2014 at 9:52 amWow, the site has some great building ideas. I love the airplane. I think my kids would enjoy building with these!
Terri
July 2, 2014 at 10:00 amI love the open-ended nature of these construction toys. My sons loved building and I am looking forward to my grandsons following in their footsteps. I had never thought of using it as a painting easel, though!
Terri
July 2, 2014 at 10:16 amone kit can make unlimited designs!
Dannie
July 2, 2014 at 10:18 amWow! I love this! My 4 and 3 year old love making indoor forts and it usually ends up being quite the debacle because their walls fall down (little sister pulls or sits on top of the walls), etc. And, it’s usually never tall enough for me to get in, while holding baby to read to them… It’s literally a pile of pillows and blankets over the couch and Ottoman.. Creating a 2 foot hole! I never knew there was something like this! Thanks for sharing!!
Libby
July 2, 2014 at 10:37 amThese look amazing. My boyos would be crazy for this! Have an outdoor birthday party coming up at the end of the month, this would be a great addition to the event :)
Sarah M
July 2, 2014 at 10:42 amI love that you played during your kid-free hours. :)
I think I am most impressed with Fort Magic because it can become SOOO many different things. The options are endless, really.
Sarah M
Sarah Wilkey
July 2, 2014 at 10:49 amI’m so in awe of all the possibilities worth this. The submarine looks amazing!
Anilia
July 2, 2014 at 11:14 amI’ve been dreaming of one of these sets for while. My son builds and rebuilds forts every day and is constantly asking for better materials. I love how endless the possibilities are!
Melissa
July 2, 2014 at 11:23 amI’ve never seen these sets before, but I am so excited to be introduced to them. What a great way to encourage imaginative play! I really like the flexibility this product offers since you can always take it down and rebuild. This would be a great addition to our back yard :)
Brooke
July 2, 2014 at 11:36 amMy 2 and half year old son, my 8 month old son, and I have Friday night fort night where we get blankets and chairs build a fort ( old school) and wAtch a movie and eat ice cream sundaes. It’s something we do for fun to end the week and start the weekend! This fort magic would be amazing! I love how there are different designs and options and how your website is super detailed showing how to make them! If we won we would use this all the time and my 2 sons would be so happy!
Janet Newhall
July 2, 2014 at 11:36 amI’ve been itching for one of these for my three year old! Paper walls for art is a great idea.
Alisha
July 2, 2014 at 11:39 amI love their mission statement. :)
beth c
July 2, 2014 at 11:49 ami love the tunnel & fort!!
Rose
July 2, 2014 at 12:24 pmlove the variety of ways these can be used – the submarine may be my favorite – pretty sure they would never get old!
Laura
July 2, 2014 at 12:36 pmI love that it’s such a bare-bones product, so open-ended.
Kate
July 2, 2014 at 12:57 pmI love the open ended play that this would inspire – and that it can be used both inside and outside. Also great for encouraging cooperation among brothers!
Janet
July 2, 2014 at 1:35 pmI learned that the company offers a full manufacturer’s warranty on all parts. Way to go!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Kacee Kludt
July 2, 2014 at 1:59 pmI learned about all the different things you can build. My son would love a rocket ship!!!
Trish
July 2, 2014 at 2:05 pmAfter visiting the website, I didn’t realize all the amazing things you can build with it. My girls would love it!
Miriam Prantner
July 2, 2014 at 2:47 pmI love that there are curved pieces in the kit.
I also really love how you used it, so fun to decorate/paint outdoors!
Stacey Brill
July 2, 2014 at 2:48 pmI love that it doesn’t come with fabric so you can be so creative, making it new each time.
Cindy
July 2, 2014 at 2:51 pmI love this idea! I have 4 kids and I know they would love this!
Mindi
July 2, 2014 at 2:57 pmHow cool is this idea of yours! I would love to do the same over our sandbox and make a fun day of it with painting the walls. Hitting Goodwill for some sheets….now I just need to win the fort!
sheri anderson
July 2, 2014 at 3:01 pmI love Fort Magic because of the creativity it inspires in both the child and the parent/grandparent, so awesome and would love to try it out with my two grandsons some day, Thanks!!
valerie theberge
July 2, 2014 at 3:02 pmI learned they offer a 30-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee of Satisfaction
Carlen
July 2, 2014 at 3:05 pmWe could truly never afford one of these, but I am seeing them everywhere and they look a-mazing. From the site, my boys would LOVE to make the space ship. Your backyard looks so fun! Thank you for this giveaway!
Shawna
July 2, 2014 at 3:06 pmI’ve been looking at this for my children for a few months now! It looks so neat! I really think my son would go to town creating with it.
Johnnie
July 2, 2014 at 3:06 pmWoah you guys are brilliant!
Nicole Walker
July 2, 2014 at 3:12 pmI love that it all breaks down for easy storage and that you can create anything you can think of.
Angie
July 2, 2014 at 3:13 pmI just LOVE the endless options with this kit! Especially the submarine!
SarahH
July 2, 2014 at 3:21 pmLove Fort Magic and the Artful Parent. So many possibilities…… I would love to build many things outside right now but would probably start with a playhouse similar to Jean’s :)
jen r.
July 2, 2014 at 3:28 pmI like thaatt youu can make so me many different things with the fort magic!
ioana c.
July 2, 2014 at 3:34 pmI like all the different design ideas!
April P
July 2, 2014 at 3:40 pmI have been wanting one of these for my son forever! It looks amazing! I love that the company has so many diagrams and building examples on their website. :-)
Rachael
July 2, 2014 at 3:49 pmI love how many options there are so everyone can find something to enjoy. Plus it’s open ended, so the fun never stops.
Mindy
July 2, 2014 at 3:50 pmI learned that you can use your own fabric! Helps I hands the design by being able to go to the local fabric store and pick up something that matches your building theme! Or just use sheets!
nicolthepickle
July 2, 2014 at 3:52 pmI learned that you can build unlimited designs with just one kit.
kim
July 2, 2014 at 4:19 pmI am so impressed with everything you can do with fort magic. I have seen so much creativity.
melissa b
July 2, 2014 at 4:23 pmchecked out there website (again) and learned (again) that they are awesome! I have to get one for my girls for sure! ps awesome yard! love it!
charla graepel
July 2, 2014 at 4:27 pmI love that Fort Magic is an amazing imaginative building tool and not limited to just forts.
becky
July 2, 2014 at 4:28 pmI would love this! I love how the kids can use their imagination with it!!
Barb
July 2, 2014 at 5:01 pmI have been looking at the fort magic set for a while now. They seem like they have a lot of versatility and allow for creative play. I would love to win one.
Wendy
July 2, 2014 at 5:02 pmI love this. I know my son would want to build all kinds of vehicles.
Anna
July 2, 2014 at 5:03 pmThis kit looks like SO much fun! My kids (3.5yi and 6m) would absolutely love it! And, as a plus, mama would enjoy every minute of helping them to build it:)
Amy
July 2, 2014 at 5:36 pmWoah! Those kits are so cool! I love how versatile they are – I just wish they were less expensive.
Jessica
July 2, 2014 at 5:49 pmI was thoroughly impressed by the sheer number of building ideas. So much potential for creativity!
Elizabeth
July 2, 2014 at 5:55 pmMy 3 daughters are always building forts and they would love this.
A. P.
July 2, 2014 at 6:50 pmI love that the kit comes with fabric clips!
Lisa J
July 2, 2014 at 7:33 pmFort Magic is so awesome. I’ve seen it before on blogs and even their basic kits are neat. This would be great to win!
Christina
July 2, 2014 at 7:38 pmI love their mission statement.
“Fort Magic is dedicated to creating products that celebrate the greatness and uniqueness of every child as an individual. We believe that every child deserves to become a confident human being, experiencing life in its most loving, abundant and unlimited potential. Achieving happiness through individual and creative self-expression, with positive and meaningful connection to the world and others around them. Fort Magic believes that any child can build the life they dream of!”
Michelle B
July 2, 2014 at 7:41 pmAmazing product! I really love the easy connectors and that the kit comes with so many curved pieces too. Your idea of covering it with paper and then painting is genius! Thanks for the giveaway :)
Heather
July 2, 2014 at 8:04 pmMy kids LOVE building forts and building BIG, so I think they would love everything about this set. I would probably build the canoe or the submarine, but my kids would probably love to build a teepee or an igloo!
Carrie
July 2, 2014 at 8:05 pmI LOVE the idea of painting the fabric. Brilliant!
Carrie
July 2, 2014 at 8:07 pmAnd I love that a mom runs the Fort Magic company!
Michelle Morris
July 2, 2014 at 8:07 pmMy kids have been wanting a fort or treehouse forever! I love that this exists! The fact you configure it so many different ways and it’s not permanent and can be re-done is awesome! My youngest will LOVE the castle or mansion! I sure hope we win because it’s definitely not in our budget as cool as it is. :(
Nicki
July 2, 2014 at 8:12 pmI love that the kit comes with suggested designs to build. My kids are forever pulling out all our blankets to make forts. They would love this!
Julie B
July 2, 2014 at 8:54 pmThis would be a great way to help the kids use their imagination!
Diana L
July 2, 2014 at 9:22 pmThis looks like so much fun!
Faye E. Hunt
July 2, 2014 at 10:24 pmI love how versatile this building kit is. Allowing for children to stretch their imaginations. My five year old son and two year old daughter would LOVE this!!!
Elisa
July 2, 2014 at 11:48 pmSaw them on shark tank – would love to win!
Katy Rizzuti
July 3, 2014 at 12:01 amFort Magic is an amazing versatile, open-ended product. I love the many design ideas that their website provides. The added bonus that is created by another inventive mother!
I love how you took the fabric and had your children paint their own patterns, designs, and shapes on their fort! What a treasure!
Jean W.
July 3, 2014 at 12:02 amI love that it’s totally customizable and can be made into all different shapes and sizes.
nicole glow
July 3, 2014 at 12:07 amMy kids would looooove this fort building kit. My oldest daughter is always trying to build forts and I am convinced this would be perfect gift for her 9th birthday coming up. I admit, the price is a bit hard to swallow. She is getting older and how long really will she want to build forts?!
Amy
July 3, 2014 at 12:18 ami adore that this is as happy outdoor as it is indoors. our cardboard forts never last long in the weather!
Aly Kantor
July 3, 2014 at 12:18 amI am having trouble putting into words just how much I want one of these for my classroom. I think I have entered every fort magic giveaway you have had on your site so far – LOL! I loved looking at all of the imaginative plans for construction on the website (and imagining what the kids would do with it if I had the money for a set!)
Jenika
July 3, 2014 at 3:13 amI love how these forts inspire cooperative play!
Nicole Vosburgh
July 3, 2014 at 8:06 amI learned that they are coming out with fabric covers!
Holly McCormick
July 3, 2014 at 8:31 amI like the design patterns on the website and I love how you painted the cover!!
Susan
July 3, 2014 at 9:00 amIt’s great how open ended the creativity options are for the kids, awesome product!
Jennifer
July 3, 2014 at 9:40 amThis is a fun idea to do with a great product!
KathyK
July 3, 2014 at 10:59 amI just love the chance to create over and over again – my boys do things on whims, and these Fort kits understand that. And I think my oldest boy could easily be the architect while the little one does the dreaming and designing! We really really want a kit!!
Maureen
July 3, 2014 at 1:06 pmforts like this are great fun for the kids and to have it come in a kit is so convenient!
Marilyn Legault
July 3, 2014 at 1:25 pmI learned how easy these creations are to set up for the kids and you can even build a submarine.
Maiz
July 3, 2014 at 2:21 pmThis Fort Magic kit has always looked like so much fun! Such a wonderful open-ended, large scale building toy… I want one!!!
Jeanette R. Wirth
July 3, 2014 at 3:03 pmThis looks like so much fun. The kids are just the right ages to really get full use out of a kit like this. The older ones can help the younger ones with design and attaching the pieces. Everyone would love to decorate each creation. Love it.
Heather
July 3, 2014 at 3:31 pmI love love the fact that you can build all of those different things from just one kit! Talk about versatility! My 3 would have a blast with this, for sure.
Jen
July 3, 2014 at 4:32 pmThe possibilities are endless, my boys would love to build a fort and I’d live for them to leave my couch cushions alone!
parnella
July 3, 2014 at 4:43 pmGreat open ended play. My kids would love building with the kit.
Cali
July 3, 2014 at 4:44 pmI love that the kit can be used to make all kinds of different configurations! Looks awesome!
Jennifer
July 3, 2014 at 4:58 pmWe have a fort building set we received as a gift, and we love it, but there’s so many more possibilities with a fort magic set. I’d like to trade mine in!
Kelly A
July 3, 2014 at 6:29 pmI love the circles, you could make steering wheels, castle lookouts, submarine windows, you do not see circles in most kid building kits.
Jami Sears
July 3, 2014 at 8:40 pmThis is perfect for summer outdoor play!
Emily
July 3, 2014 at 10:19 pmAmazing! Who doesn’t love building an awesome fort to play in? The fort magic kit is one that would give my 3 kids hours and hours of creative playtime. With so many things you can make with this, I’d probably find myself playing with it after they go to bed! And to top it off it’s an award winning educational toy. It does t get any better than this!
Pallavi
July 3, 2014 at 10:53 pmMy kids would love this Fort Magic kit! I love how it fosters creativity and imagination.
janell
July 3, 2014 at 11:03 pmThis is one of those toys that I don’t know who’d have more fun with it: me or my boys.
Jennifer P.
July 3, 2014 at 11:19 pmWow, my daughter would love this! I like that their website has all kinds of building design ideas – great for creatively-challenged moms like me!
Tanya
July 3, 2014 at 11:26 pmI love the size and versatility of this kit. And, I love those curves!
Tammi
July 4, 2014 at 9:51 amI like that you can make several designs of your choice. This looks like such fun.
Mary
July 4, 2014 at 4:58 pmI learned that Fort Magic has won several awards.
I hope we win!!!!
Kristina
July 5, 2014 at 8:53 amI love that the kit comes with so many different kinds of pieces and connectors -the variety means an endless amount of designs can be built! I also love the length of some of the pieces, for building larger structures, like what you built! The curved pieces seem like they’d add a lot of fun visual interest. This wound be awesome to win, as its totally something we’d not be able to splurge on with our budget. Thanks to Fort Magic for the opportunity!
Beth
July 5, 2014 at 9:39 amI’ve been considering creating something similar out of PVC plumbing pipes. This set is way better, tho. My kids–a preK and a senior in high school–would both love this kit.
Ginny
July 5, 2014 at 10:25 amWow!! This is one of the neatest imaginative toys I have ever seen! I have four kids, and I can see each of them playing for hours making their own creations :) The play options are endless!
Kate
July 5, 2014 at 10:40 amLove this idea! My son would have a blast!
Melissa S
July 5, 2014 at 10:44 amHow fun would this be for summer! Yes PLEASE!!!
amy
July 5, 2014 at 10:48 amSo much fun and creativity in this kit, would love to see what my two girls could create
Kathy S
July 5, 2014 at 11:18 amAnother set of twins added to our list of grandchildren (that makes #8 and #9). The oldest is 10 years old. I would absolutely LOVE to have such a creative and fun building project for them all when they visit. I’ve been building structures in the house with furniture, blankets, boxes, etc. ever since my own children were small and still do with the grandchildren……….but this would just be fabulous! Their little creative brains would be working overtime for sure.
Shanda Frydenlund
July 5, 2014 at 11:51 amI love that it is an open ended toy. They give you some great recommendations but from there the options are unlimited!
Lynn Wong
July 5, 2014 at 12:30 pmLove it!
Austin
July 5, 2014 at 2:07 pmWhat a great idea! This would be fantastic with a mosquito net thrown over it to protect us from the dreaded skeeters here in South Texas!
Jennifer Schulz
July 5, 2014 at 3:23 pmmy girls would absolutely positively love this kit! They get so frustrated when their forts built from couch cushions just fall over or don’t provide enough space. This kit is so versatile!
Paula
July 5, 2014 at 3:39 pmThis is SUPER cool!! I love the fact that with new sheets from the thrift store, this can be a new thing again and again AND AGAIN!!! And the fact you can take it down, each summer it can become NEW again!!! And I don’t think you are EVER too old for this. I can see any age from my 14 yr girl down to my 8yr old boy loving this!
Gidget @ StArt in Pre-k
July 5, 2014 at 3:39 pmI love that it can be anything and seems very easy to put together and take apart. Also love that it isn’t permanent and can be stored easily
Day
July 5, 2014 at 5:26 pmI love the designs page, especially the airplanes!
Helen T.
July 5, 2014 at 5:57 pmMy kids would love to construct this!
Paula Dooge
July 5, 2014 at 10:11 pmI LOVE this opportunity – thank you – as could not afford to buy it. Who doesn’t love a hidey-hole or a way to build any sort of plane/tunnel/boat you like!! Wow, fort magic offers a world of amazing fun. My 2 boys would go crazy for this.
Isa
July 5, 2014 at 10:17 pmI love the fact that only ONE kit gives you so many options! My girls would love this! Unfortunately I just checked on Amazon and they don’t seem to be shipping to Canada so I really need to win this! :)
Heather
July 5, 2014 at 10:25 pmI love how open-ended the play with Fort Magic is!
Patrick Printz
July 5, 2014 at 10:26 pmI visit fortmagic.com and I liked how they show some fort design ideas.
Sandy
July 5, 2014 at 11:42 pmI love how versatile this is. My grandchildren will be able to use this for years!
debra
July 6, 2014 at 2:14 amThis is the coolest thing that I have seen in a very long time. We have a very small backyard and this would be perfect for creativity in the desert
carol
July 6, 2014 at 5:13 amI know my grands would LOVE this set as they have a smaller version and could build bigger and more creative things with this set.
tannis
July 6, 2014 at 6:55 amI love it! To build a fairly sturdy outside play structure (especially shielding from the sun) that is easy to take down and build something new. I’m not sure who would love it more – me or the kids!
Mary
July 6, 2014 at 12:13 pmMy kids would love it!
Also… I saw this poem an thought of your site!
PURPLE by Alexis Rotella
In first grade
Mrs. Lohr said
my purple teepee
wasn’t realistic enough
that purple was no color
for a tent,
that purple was a color
for people who died,
that my drawing
wasn’t good enough to hang
with the others.
I walked back to my seat
counting the swish swish swishes
of my baggy corduroy trousers.
With a black crayon
nightfall came to my purple tent
in the middle of an afternoon.
In second grade
Mr. Barta said draw anything,
he didn’t care what.
I left my paper blank
and when he came around
to my desk
my heart beat like a tom tom.
He touched my head
with his big hand
and in a soft voice said
the snowfall
how clean
and white
and beautiful.
Wendy
July 6, 2014 at 7:08 pmThis looks sooooooo fun! My 2 littles would looooovvvvveeeeee this! Thanks for sharing!
jennifer
July 6, 2014 at 7:23 pmLove this
Emily McCann
July 6, 2014 at 9:18 pmWOw! This looks so cool! I love that one kit can make so many different “forts.” This would be endless fun!!
Mary
July 6, 2014 at 10:54 pmWhat a wonderful idea. I have dreamed of getting the Fort Magic kit for my kids for a while now.
Samantha
July 6, 2014 at 11:59 pmI learned how versatile this set is!
monica
July 7, 2014 at 8:12 amI love the fabric clips and the options for creativity are endless!
Peggy
July 7, 2014 at 8:16 amI love these kits – possibilities are endless. Would be so fun to own one!
Gloria
July 7, 2014 at 8:45 amI love that they are coming out with fabric for the forts
Rebecca
July 7, 2014 at 8:49 amI love how sturdy I looks. We have another fort building set that falls apart easily and the kids can’t really assemble themselves. I also love the sheet clips! Great idea! Both my kids would love this.
C
July 7, 2014 at 8:59 amThese are great! My kids were looking over my shoulder, and inspired to put together a fort today. I enjoyed seeing all the creations on their website, and the kids playing in them! That this is such a lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble product makes it very appealing.
Midori Hyndman
July 7, 2014 at 9:22 amWhat a wonderful idea. Visited the site and found wonderful photos of all the creations. Such a great idea to make creations at such a large scale.
My kids would adore this!
Kara
July 7, 2014 at 9:28 amLove this! My kids would have so much fun with this :) Right now, we just have sheets hanging from the cloths line. This would be so much better! Thanks for the giveaway :)
Nicole M.
July 7, 2014 at 9:37 amThis is so cool! I love the company’s mission. It’s wonderful to have a product that allows for more than one design and gives a child the chance to put his/her unique stamp on it.
Jennifer
July 7, 2014 at 10:05 amLove this and the endless possibilities!!
Kelsey
July 7, 2014 at 10:29 amI have been drooling over this kit for some time now. It’s just not in my budget right now. I really hope I win!
Loryn
July 7, 2014 at 10:34 amLooks great, especially since it’s so versatile! We have a couple of “fort” sets and none of them are easy for my kids (4 & 7) to assemble because they all have sticks that have to get inserted into “balls” and it’s difficult, even for me. I think the Fort Magic looks much sturdier. I wonder if I could use it outside and then clean it off and put it in the basement for play when it’s not summer anymore?!
Kiera
July 7, 2014 at 10:41 amLove the idea of using this for shade in the areas of your yard where it’s super sunny! Brilliant :)
Rachel
July 7, 2014 at 11:10 amWhat an amazing idea!! My boys would be outside for the rest of the Summer!!! I am a preschool Teacher too, gonna have to get one for my (other) kids :)
Carrie @ Rhubarb Sky
July 7, 2014 at 12:02 pmThis looks amazing!
Trisha
July 7, 2014 at 12:53 pmWow, I never imagined all the different designs for the magic fort. They really seam endless but easy enough to build. Super fun. Thanks for sharing all your inspiring ideas.
Beth
July 7, 2014 at 1:08 pmI like how the website emphasizes that the possibilities are endless with this project
Rachel L
July 7, 2014 at 1:50 pmI like the ‘world of fort magic’ tab that shows new ideas and other products.
Tammy B
July 7, 2014 at 1:50 pmI love that you can build different forts depending on where you are going that day :)
Maghen
July 7, 2014 at 1:54 pmMy boys love to be workers; they diligenly build with any scraps they can find. This would be an amazing way for them to work together and build a more functional unit to play in.
sheri anderson
July 7, 2014 at 1:54 pmWhat an awesome kit and brings out so much creativity in both young and old, love that, and thanks for the chance!
LeKeshua
July 7, 2014 at 1:57 pmI have never heard of this before and sounds amazing. The possibilities appear endless. My kids would love this and create endless adventures with it as well. Hope we win. Glad I found you a couple of weeks ago. I need to get your book Asap!!!! Thanks for sharing your world with us.
Eva Jackson
July 7, 2014 at 2:02 pmComment from my kids, “this is way cool, I can build so many things with it. I don’t need instructions!” Great way to expand their imagination!!!!!
Cassandra WM
July 7, 2014 at 2:02 pmI absolutely love everything there is about Fort Magic! I love that it provides for active and open-ended imaginative play and that it allows kids to express their creativity almost endlessly. Thank you for the chance to win!
Julie U
July 7, 2014 at 2:06 pmLove this kit!! My kids would love one for summer! I love that they can use their imagination!!
Michelle Ferris
July 7, 2014 at 2:11 pmMy daughter would love to paint this outside. What a great idea!
Priscilla
July 7, 2014 at 2:11 pmPainting on the house is such a good idea! That blank canvas adds a whole other element!
Kristy Z
July 7, 2014 at 2:15 pmI learned from the Fort Magic site that they will be having fabric covers for the forts soon, how cool! Thanks for the chance!
Jessca Beegle
July 7, 2014 at 2:31 pmI love the curved pieces and the connectors! We have tried other fort building kits and were very limited in what we could do and they were not sturdy at all. I don’t think we ever got anything built because they would just fall apart at the lightest touch. If I was frustrated trying to build something with those other kits I can only imagine how a kid must feel!
I’ve been eyeballing the Fort Magic kits for about a year now, if I don’t win one I’ll be buying one for the kids “big” combined Christmas present!
Ross Olson
July 7, 2014 at 2:32 pmI learned how many different shapes and types of creations you can make with these! Fun!
Andrea Mahoney
July 7, 2014 at 2:36 pmWe love the versatility of Fort Magic and all that you can do with it!! It has been so fun watching families build so many fun things! We would love the opportunity to bless our family with this set, especially with temps being in the 110’s for much of the summer here. :-)
Jenifer
July 7, 2014 at 2:36 pmI loved learning about the fabric paints you used. I often want washable paint since my kids are very smal, but I love the option of making something more permanent!
Michelle
July 7, 2014 at 2:38 pmI love how the playhouses can be configured in so many imaginative ways!
Traci
July 7, 2014 at 2:45 pmThis is such a cool toy! I had never heard of it before seeing it posted here. I got on the website and saw that you can build a pirate ship. how cool! My boys would love this : )
Elizabeth garrison
July 7, 2014 at 2:57 pmLove that it leads to such open and creative play.
Wendy W
July 7, 2014 at 2:58 pmMy boys would love all that they could come up with while play with this kit.
Jenifer
July 7, 2014 at 3:06 pmMy kids would think this was the bomb-diggity!
jobeth
July 7, 2014 at 3:26 pmthat you can build different forts from one kit
Danielle F
July 7, 2014 at 3:38 pmI love that there are so many options. What a great way to get the kiddos to use their imagination!
Stacey Shuback Diaz
July 7, 2014 at 3:50 pmMy son would love this! I love how you make it their own by letting the kiddos paint on it :)
Stacey Shuback Diaz
July 7, 2014 at 3:55 pmMy son would love this! I love how you make it their own by letting the kiddos paint on it :) I learned that you can make many designs from one kit and that it is easy enough for kids to do themselves. The directions on the website make it easy for anyone to follow along with.
Laura B.
July 7, 2014 at 4:02 pmFort Magic looks like a lot of fun. All the different shapes you can make, the submarine and airplane directions remind me of the cardboard forts i made from refrigerator, freezer, washer, and drier boxes growing up.
Rhonda
July 7, 2014 at 4:04 pmThis looks incredibly fun. I know my kids would love it. I especially like that there are so many different projects that can made from it… this is one of those toys that will be used and used. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Melissa Sparks
July 7, 2014 at 4:16 pmI learned that putting together forts are super easy and fun!!! And there are many designs for boys and girls!
T Michelle Trump
July 7, 2014 at 4:26 pmMy nephew would love to make a rocket and my niece would love to make a castle. This would be the perfect for hot summer days in Florida.
Jennifer Berquist
July 7, 2014 at 4:27 pmI have been admiring fort magic now for quite some time. I would love to build some of the designs with my kids. The pirate ship makes me quiver with excitement as the boys love to be pirates. I also am curious as to the fabric covers coming soon.
Mandi Gilliam
July 7, 2014 at 4:30 pmMy son Taylor suffers autism. But like most autistic children he has one very special talent. And that is ART!!! For an 11 year old you really wouldn’t believe what he could do. But because of his autism it leaves him socially awkward and so he doesn’t go out much even though I encourage him everyday. This would be a dream come true for him. He has been asking for a fort and with him being able to paint it himself, well I think if we won he would PASS OUT! Thank you for the opportunity to give something so perfectly fit for my son!
Stacy Wilson
July 7, 2014 at 4:33 pmI love this for so many reasons, 1) it’s outdoors, our theme in our homeschool is nature is a treasure,2) I love the easy assembly, it’s also outside, messy but mess free in a sense, and great if your using the natural paints. I’m lucky and can use flour ( i’ve made gluten free finger paint before also) to make the paints and love using natural dyes, like eggplant :) 3) it seems like I can never save the kiddos amazing creations, this would very easy to roll up the art to keep for later to show in life. I love it!
Mary L
July 7, 2014 at 4:37 pmMy kids would love this set as my son is always stealing all the cushions from the sofa to make dens- this would be so much better!
Dana Olson
July 7, 2014 at 4:38 pmI love how many different ways the kids can design their fort/playhouse/whatever! I’ve been wanting some kind of playhouse for our little backyard and this would be perfect.
Polly
July 7, 2014 at 4:43 pmI like the tons of design options. It would be nice to not worry about a one size fits all.
Deanna C
July 7, 2014 at 4:45 pmAwesome idea to use as sun shelter! I love it!
Deanna C
July 7, 2014 at 4:49 pmI love the ship ones! They are very cute and remind me of the very expensive playgrounds.
Julie Robertson
July 7, 2014 at 4:52 pmI like that they have tutorials that will help me until I get the hang of it and help the kids jump start their imaginations. Thanks for the giveaway!
Kortney Marwood
July 7, 2014 at 5:08 pmI first saw fort magic a couple of months ago and I love it! I like how they provide instructions for various designs, but it is so easy to come up with more.
Ruth
July 7, 2014 at 5:19 pmI love that this can be used inside and outside. It would be great for outdoor play this summer.
Dana Ogle
July 7, 2014 at 5:29 pmThis looks so awesome! My kids love building stuff.
Carrie
July 7, 2014 at 5:34 pmWow! This would be amazingly fun for the littles in our life!!
Eve
July 7, 2014 at 5:34 pmI love that it encourages imagination and creativity. It is magical, we love the idea. The possibilities are endless of what you can make. My son would have so much fun with this and so would his friends. I think I would too!!!
Danielle Scarbro
July 7, 2014 at 5:51 pmI love that Fort Magic kits can be used so many different ways to make the coolest forts for your little ones! :) So much fun with the opportunity to create and imagine all types of “forts”
Michele H.
July 7, 2014 at 6:16 pmThis looks so awesome and I know my son and daughter would LOVE it!
Alexis
July 7, 2014 at 6:17 pmI love your creativity! What a fun parent you are! Literally building amazing memories with your kids!
Doris
July 7, 2014 at 6:22 pmI love the fact that this will allow my girls to use their imagination and build whatever they can think of. Love this!!
Barbara Lundberg
July 7, 2014 at 6:48 pmI LOVE this Fort Magic kit, but the price is a little probative. It would be such a treat to win one for my twin’s birthday, coming up in a month!
Barbara Lundberg
July 7, 2014 at 6:52 pmI just noticed that you asked us to visit the Fort Magic site and tell something that I liked or learned. I want to add to my comment that the thing I like most is how this products encourages creativity. You can assemble it in many different ways, using only some of the pieces, or all of them. It lets kids decide how to create. I can’t get enough of toys like that.
Jessica Smith
July 7, 2014 at 6:55 pmJust discovered your website, excited to look around! Love Fort Magic!
Sarah
July 7, 2014 at 7:03 pmWhat fun my two princesses would have with this. Such a creative toy the possibilities are endless.
Trish
July 7, 2014 at 7:14 pmOh my gosh, how brilliant is that? I have never thought about using Fort Magic this way!! Great review and great job!
Leela O
July 7, 2014 at 7:26 pmI love this idea. My kids keep trying to build forts and I would love this for them. I love to see them creating art there too.
Cyndie
July 7, 2014 at 7:40 pmI love all the different option that Fort magic has to offer. So many choices from a castle to a tunnel,I know my kids would love to have this.
Alicia
July 7, 2014 at 7:44 pmI love that the materials are so versatile. A look through the customer images proves that the children are in control of the story/ the creative experience. They can make it anything they choose. I’m all for that open ended creativity. My kids love building forts and this would be a great addition to “couch cushions” and blankets.
Suzee
July 7, 2014 at 8:02 pmI love this idea. It would be so much fun for my grandkids when they came to Nana’s house
Kendra Wadsworth
July 7, 2014 at 8:04 pmI love how this can be used inside and outside and seems really sturdy
bonnie
July 7, 2014 at 8:05 pmThis looks like it would keep my grandchildren busy for hours!
Cassie Hayes
July 7, 2014 at 8:19 pmI like that the possibilities are endless. Love that their site gives you ideas. Will have to make the car and pirate ship for my girl.
Jessica
July 7, 2014 at 8:22 pmI love their warranty on parts. How many companies stand behind their products anymore?
Cindy McElwee
July 7, 2014 at 8:22 pmI learned that if playing is serious learning for children then there’s a lot of fun learning with this. The possibilities are endless ♥ awesome product.
Britta
July 7, 2014 at 8:22 pmIt has 382 pieces! Sounds like fun!
Hollie Jahnke
July 7, 2014 at 8:23 pmI think the pirate ship is pretty cool!
Katie
July 7, 2014 at 8:23 pmMy girls would go crazy for the submarine shape!!!
Michelle Proper
July 7, 2014 at 8:29 pmI liked that you can build unlimited designs. How unique and creative!
Robin Guerra
July 7, 2014 at 8:34 pmIt is so awesome, love the fort magic. The fun can be endless…
amanda
July 7, 2014 at 8:41 pmI love how many differnt designs you can make. My nieces would love this
cynthia Harvey
July 7, 2014 at 8:54 pmI was trying to save for one of these but the brakes went out in my truck so I would Love to win one. I have liked the way fort magic had so many possibilities for building. But, in the back of my mind I wondered how I could convince the boys to leave it one way for any length of time. Being able to paint the sheet panels would be just the way to achieve that so the girls would be happy. ( I have 2 of each)
eva
July 7, 2014 at 9:13 pmI love the different designs you can make and how durable people say it is.
Michele Haugen
July 7, 2014 at 9:18 pmI learned that the possibilities are endless. What a great way to help work on family team building!
eva
July 7, 2014 at 9:19 pmI would love to win this for my little girl. I love all the different things you can do with this.
amanda
July 7, 2014 at 9:27 pmI love the idea of creating a fort that elicits a sense of privacy and safety! I loved building forts as a child– and still remember the feeling of sitting under the table with blankets as walls…and feeling that sense of privacy and safety. My daughter’s birthday is approaching and she would love this! Thanks for sharing!
Charlene W.
July 7, 2014 at 9:53 pmI love the rocket ship and mansion setups. My son would love this kit
Kiasa
July 7, 2014 at 9:54 pmThis is so awesome! I love how many different forts you can design with the set. Very cool. I want one just for myself…okay, maybe I’ll share with the kids.
Sarah
July 7, 2014 at 9:58 pmI loved how you incorporated art with the fort! My five kiddos would flip over having the chance to design their own fort with some paint and a brush. Great idea!!!!
Della
July 7, 2014 at 10:02 pmI love the fact that kids are able to assemble the pieces together to make the tents. That is part of the fun of having a tent is to create it yourself!
Julie
July 7, 2014 at 10:06 pmSo many options! Would be so much fun for my 4 little ones. :)
Jen
July 7, 2014 at 10:11 pmWow! All those building possibilities! I may be even MORE excited than my girls will be:)
Valerie V
July 7, 2014 at 10:26 pmThis would be so much fun to share with the grandkids!
Valerie V
July 7, 2014 at 10:30 pmWhat fun!
wendi watson
July 7, 2014 at 10:32 pmi like that you can get a 30 day money back guarantee and all parts are warrantied
Debbie B
July 7, 2014 at 11:21 pmI love Fort Magic and have been wanting one since I discovered them. We are constantly building forts in our house and constanlty rearranging our furniture. This would be amazing for my three little ones.
Charity Cram
July 7, 2014 at 11:29 pmI really like the variety the kit can build!
Sarah P
July 7, 2014 at 11:31 pmFabric covers are coming soon :)
sheryl s
July 7, 2014 at 11:38 pmMy grandchildren would love to do the artwork on this wonderful playhouse. They would bo so proud of their work when finished and playing inside their house. Love it!
Amanda Blackman
July 7, 2014 at 11:50 pmWhat a fun product! So much you could do with those. I will have to remember this come Christmas!