14 Insanely Fun Ideas to Steal From a Kid-Friendly Home

Ditch the ladder and opt for a climbing wall at one end of a bunk bed instead. Not only is it a supercool feature, but it also takes up less floor space. You can find climbing holds on Amazon.

A freestanding staircase is another nonladder idea that can be used to gain access to the top bunk. Bonus: the stairs double as toy storage!

Kids love building forts out of pillows, blankets, and freestanding furniture. Take that creative idea one step further with a built-in fort. Add cutouts, shelves, a crib mattress, and a ladder to complete the look. It's like an indoor tree house! The space beneath can be used as a puppet theater with a hinged door that doubles as a stage.

Indoor tepees are extremely popular, and it's easy to see why. They're little rooms within rooms that feel secretive and special. Make your own, or buy a basic canvas tepee and put your spin on it with paint, bunting, and twinkle lights. Toss in a pile of books and flashlights to encourage quiet time.

Place a vintage trunk next to a sofa to corral toys while still providing a surface for the TV remote, drinks, and reading material.

An L-shaped sectional makes the most of limited space in a small family room. Forgo a coffee table in favor of a plush rug so kids can plop down to play or watch movies.

What could possibly be more fun than an indoor swing?! Hang one in a common area for hours of entertainment. Use basic, inexpensive supplies from a local home improvement store. Enlist the help of a professional if installation is beyond your skill set.

Even though studies show that sitting down to dinner has numerous health, social, financial, and academic benefits, the quintessential family dinner is on the brink of extinction due to busy schedules and screens. Help preserve it by pulling children's chairs right up to the grown-ups' table. Numerous retailers offer stylish, kid-friendly options, but vintage stools work just as well. Give kids a turn at the head of the table to lead the (humorous) dinner conversation.

Slip a kid-size table and chairs under a staircase to encourage spontaneous drawing and crafting sessions. Corral crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, scissors, and glue in a vintage utensil holder, and leave a stack of scrap paper on the table.

Numbered stairs make learning to count fun! Scout antique stores and thrift shops for vintage numbers (they don't have to match) that can be tacked on to stair risers.

An in-home children's library fosters big imagination, but it doesn't require a ton of space. A simple wall mount bookshelf can be used when space is limited. Load it with books, throw in a bean bag chair, and voila! Instant library.

A cushioned window seat is a dreamy spot for reading and napping. (Dormer windows are especially magical.) Built-in Ikea drawers provide storage for toys, clothing, or extra linens. Playfully patterned textiles can be sewn into curtains and cushion covers for a cozy effect.

To free up floor space for play, an Ikea dresser can be tucked into an eave and built in. It's also a great way to optimize otherwise wasted space.

Create open toy storage in a children's room with plywood and leftover paint. Design shelving to accommodate especially large or small items so kids can see what they have and tidy up quickly. Pitched "roofs" and a fresh color scheme add personality.