MATERIALS

Large cardboard box (ask at appliance stores)
Utility knife
Sticks
Grass or leaves
Markers (for signs)

The cardboard half of our fort offers a room with a view, courtesy of the simple awninged windows. The door is wide open, but you'll still need to say the secret password to get in. Just whisper it through the special hole.

1. Lay the box on its side and, with a utility knife (kids, ask your parents first), cut three sides of a flap for a door and for windows, leaving the top side for a hinge. Prop open the windows and door with sticks, as shown.

2. Cut a Password Hole near the door and identify it with an appropriate sign, like Say Password Here.

3. For a camouflaged look, place a layer of grass clippings, hay, weeds or brush on top of the box. In the fall, try burying the box with leaves, starting around the bottom and piling the leaves in a heap over the entire fort.