Hideouts, Treehouses & More: Retreats for Children

Whether it’s the treehouse in the garden or the classic cave in the children’s room: having their own little retreat is something very special for children. Six-year-old Felix is just at the beginning of his cave adventure. He already has a large bedsheet ready, which now somehow needs to be stretched between the dresser and the bed. Felix ties a firm knot around the bed frame and uses a few thick books from Dad’s study to weigh down the dresser. Now everything needs to be darkened with a large tablecloth. After all, there should only be a tiny little escape hole to the outside. Felix drapes the tablecloth over the fitted sheet and then secures everything with clothespins from Mom. A big pile of pillows and a few blankets later, Felix is finally in his own little cave paradise.

Retreats: A Basic Need for Children and Adults

Everyone loves a place to retreat to—just like Felix—all children around the world. Even in adulthood, the longing for peace and security does not fade. After all, it is a basic human need to create a protected retreat space for oneself. So when little ones spend hours curled up in their cave under the dining table, parents have no reason to worry. Children are simply following a primal need. Scientists suspect that children, through play, are expressing a longing to return to the protected womb. Parents subconsciously create retreats for their offspring early on. When mom and dad put the little baby in a canopy crib or pull down the cover on the stroller, they are already creating the first retreats for the baby. Top priority: the little ones should feel comfortable and be protected from external influences.

Building Caves Promotes Development

Building a house or cave is not only a lot of fun but also promotes children’s creativity. The little cave builders engage with a variety of materials that are repurposed and used again and again. This way, creative thinking can unfold. Also, children prefer to tackle the building project together with others. One holds the sheet while the other tries to fasten it. This only works through cooperation. For example, social interaction and teamwork are promoted. Once the retreat is finally finished, it can be cuddled and played in extensively. Children especially love to engage in role-playing games here. One day they are house residents, the next day maybe pirates hiding a valuable treasure from mom and dad. For parents, one thing is especially important: holding back. Children also benefit from peace and solitude from time to time.

DIY Retreats

One way to create a retreat is demonstrated by Felix with his blanket cave between two pieces of furniture. But there are many other DIY ideas. We have compiled some inspirations:

• Loft beds. These are especially suitable for building caves. Sheets can easily be tucked in around the upper mattress.
• A large cardboard box. This can quickly be transformed into a small house. Small windows can be cut out with scissors. Children can decorate the facade with paint, tape, and fabric scraps.
• A treehouse. Play and fun in nature—all this is offered by a treehouse. Caution: It should only be built under adult supervision.
• The dining table. This is perfect for a cave. Simply drape a sufficiently large blanket over the table.

howa Play Tents – A Little World of Their Own for Children

The family company howa offers cozy retreats for boys and girls. From tipis to play tents to canopies: the howa tents are ideal for hiding and retreating. Not only children but also adults love them. howa play tents are lovingly crafted—you can see it in their quality. The optionally pink-and-white or blue-and-white design fits into any décor style. In the children’s room, the play tents quickly become the new favorite spot and transport the little adventurers into their own little dream world.