Kidz Forts: Play Forts That Spark Imagination and Creativity Through Playful Design

Kidz Forts: Play Forts That Spark Imagination and Creativity Through Playful Design

Jul 4, 2025

NATIONWIDE - JULY 2025 - (USAnews.com) — In a world increasingly dominated by screens, where children often find themselves glued to phones, tablets, and televisions, there’s a growing need for play that promotes both imagination and human connection. For Dean Likas, a father and seasoned professional in the paper industry, the inspiration to create something that could truly spark creativity in kids came from an unexpected moment: a cardboard box.

"I watched as my five-year-old daughter transformed a simple box into a custom play fort. The joy, the excitement, and the creative energy she poured into it was amazing," Dean recalls. "That moment was a turning point. I knew I had to do something to bring that kind of magic to more children."

Thus, Kidz Forts was born, a brand focused on creating kids' play forts that encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while offering families a chance to bond away from screens. But the story of how Kidz Forts evolved from a simple idea into a growing brand is about much more than cardboard and design. It’s about reimagining the future of play and creating a product that’s safe, durable, and environmentally friendly.

The Journey:

Dean’s experience in the paper industry laid the foundation for Kidz Forts, but it was his love for his daughter and the joy she found in building forts that pushed him to turn a simple concept into a business. After that pivotal moment with the cardboard box, Dean started developing a kit that would allow children to build their own forts at home, something simple, fun, and safe.

The product needed to be more than just a cardboard structure. It needed to be durable, easy to use, and capable of being assembled in a way that allowed kids to exercise their imagination fully. That’s where the patented "twist-lock" connector came in, a feature that makes Kidz Forts' kits some of the strongest and most sturdy cardboard play structures on the market. Unlike anything else available, this innovative connector ensures that the forts can withstand hours of play without falling apart, no small feat when children are actively involved in the building process.

"One of our primary goals was to create a product that not only sparks creativity but also lasts," says Dean. "I wanted something that could stand up to enthusiastic play, something the kids could build and rebuild without it falling apart after a few hours."

Kidz Forts quickly garnered attention for their innovative design. The kits are made from 100% recycled paper and are fully recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly choice for families. But beyond their sustainable nature, it was the joy these forts brought to children that set them apart from other toys.

Obstacles & Turning Points:

Launching a new business in a highly competitive market is never easy, and Dean faced his fair share of challenges. The greatest challenge, however, wasn’t the design or production process. It was figuring out how to spread the word about Kidz Forts to parents and families.

"You would think it would be easy.  Just post on social media, and it will take off by itself," Dean admits. "In a digital world, where digital devices are so prevalent, it can be hard for parents to slow down and remember how important it is for kids to step away from screens, and engage in physical, imaginative play. But once they saw how much kids loved building and playing in our forts, the proof was in the pudding."

Parents began to recognize the benefits. Kidz Forts became more than just a toy. They became a tool for developing creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. With younger kids, parents who help build the forts (under the strict direction of their kids), realize they aren’t just creating physical structures; they’re building memories, showing their kids how to work as a team, and learning to communicate and solve problems together.  Watching their parents help build the forts, the smaller kids quickly pick up the technique, and are eager to build the forts on their own.  The older kids really enjoy building the forts, and are always wanting to make bigger, better, more complex forts.

The Breakthrough:

The breakthrough moment for Kidz Forts came when parents started sharing their stories and experiences. Testimonials poured in from families who had discovered the power of imaginative play. It wasn’t just about the forts themselves, but about the family time they fostered.

“Watching my son and daughter collaborate to build their fort, then spend hours designing and decorating it, was such a special moment for me,” one parent shared. “They were learning together, creating together, and most importantly,having fun together without any screens or devices involved. It was priceless.”

Kidz Forts began to grow steadily, expanding its reach and popularity. As the brand gained traction, more families discovered the unique value in the product: a hands-on, screen-free experience that encouraged children to use their minds and bodies creatively. It was a product that fostered play and imagination in ways that traditional toys simply couldn't match.

What Makes Kidz Forts Unique Today:

Today, Kidz Forts stands out in the crowded kids' toy market due to a few key differentiators:

  1. Innovation and Durability: Kidz Forts’ patented "twist-lock" connectors make them some of the most durable cardboard play kits available. These connectors ensure that the forts remain intact even after hours and days of play, allowing children to rebuild and reimagine their forts over and over.

  2. Environmental Responsibility: The kits are made from 100% recycled paper and are 100% recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice for families who want to provide their children with hours of entertainment, utilizing a sustainable product.

  3. Fostering Imagination and Collaboration: Beyond just building forts, Kidz Forts encourages children to think critically, collaborate with each other, and engage their creativity in a hands-on, interactive way. These kits offer kids the freedom to design their dream worlds, whether it’s a secret hideaway, a royal castle, or a spaceship.

  4. Safety and Quality: Kidz Forts are rigorously tested to meet or exceed U.S. and Canadian Consumer Product Safety Standards for Children, ensuring that every fort kit is as safe as it is fun. The company’s commitment to safety is evident in every aspect of the design process.

Why Kidz Forts Matter:

In an age where kids often spend more time in front of a screen than engaging in physical, imaginative play, Kidz Forts provides a much-needed alternative. These kits offer children the opportunity to take a break from technology and engage in a tactile, creative activity that strengthens both their bodies and minds. They encourage social interaction and problem-solving, making them a valuable tool for both individual and group play.

Dean’s passion for fostering creativity in kids is at the heart of Kidz Forts. His commitment to creating something that is not only fun but also educational and sustainable has made the brand a favorite among parents who want more than just another toy. They want a tool that will enrich their children’s lives.

“As a parent myself, I know how important it is to provide kids with experiences that make them think, create, and explore,” Dean says. “I’m proud that Kidz Forts can help families do that.”

Explore Kidz Forts:

If you’re interested in seeing how Kidz Forts can encourage creativity and collaborative play in your home, you can visit Kidz Forts’ website for more information about their fort kits.

Stay connected with the Kidz Forts community on social media and see how other families are creating imaginative play spaces:

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This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of USA NEWS.

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of USA NEWS.

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