Best Playhouses
Being a parent means we get to relive our childhood through our kids. And let’s be honest—it’s a bummer that we can’t quite fit inside one of those cool backyard playhouses or cozy tents.
But there’s nothing better than seeing our kiddos’ imaginations run wild (even from the outside). As Dorothy famously said, “There’s no place like home.” And there’s no activity like being the head of their very own house. From toddlers to preschoolers and beyond, kids can easily spend hours playing make believe in their own “retreat,” along with stuffed animals, siblings and friends. Having a place that’s just for them fosters creativity, cooperation and independence. From castles to forts, they can create any world they dream up—the playtime possibilities are endless.
There are a variety of fantastic setups for indoors and outdoors. Here are some of our favorites.
The House with Options
Consider this your kiddo’s one-stop-shop for outdoor play. The Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse has an open design with a door, picket fence, mailbox, kitchenette (with stove and sink!), workbench station and an attached sand and water table. So we can bet the words, “I’m bored” won’t be uttered. Between cooking a feast for the entire doll collection, getting the mail and building sandcastles, your toddler will be completely captivated in this adorable abode. One house, so many places to play.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 80.3 x 36.8 x 52.8 inches |
| Weight | 46.3 pounds |
The Easy-to-Clean House
Have you always dreamed of having a cute little cottage escape? If a second home isn’t in the cards right now, getting one for your kids might be the next best thing. The Step2 Neat and Tidy Cottage has an open design that helps you keep an eye on the kids, and the exterior resembles wood and stone—though it’s made of plastic, so it’s much lighter than actual wood or stone. There are so many sweet details like a doorbell, a flower box, shutters that open and close, a fireplace, a clock, a phone, shelves, a kitchen table, a seat, a faucet and a grill. And the built-in floor—a nice perk on its own—has a drain hole for quick and easy cleaning.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months–6 years |
| Dimensions | 46” x 51” x 35” |
| Assembled Weight | 46 lbs |
| Requires | 2 AAA batteries (not included) |
The Rustic Choice
Going for a more rustic look? The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Playhouse is made of weather-resistant wood and a sturdy plastic roof. Rather than the Dutch-style swinging door commonly found in playhouses, this one features a full-sized (very realistic looking!) door with a knob to open and close. There are two windows with swinging shutters, a third window with fabric curtains, a picnic table and two benches attached to the side and large mailbox to keep the USPS very busy.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 36 mos+ |
| Dimensions | 70.9 x 48.9 x 62.2 inches |
| Weight | 136.7 lbs |
For a Big Backyard
How about some fun in the sun, pavillion-style? The high canopy and double-door entryway make for an extra spacious play area that doesn’t feel as confining as a walled-in playhouse. There’s a kitchen, grill, sink and sand and water play area, plus a snack table. It even comes with some accessories so kids can get cooking right away. This is a great pick for families with multiple kids, especially since the height means little ones will have plenty of room as they grow. Parents appreciate that the canopy offers great sun protection and stands up to the elements.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Dimensions | 47.5” x 47.5” x 60” |
| Assembled Weight | 40 lbs |
The Tented Playhouse
Sometimes kids just want their own space (yet be close enough to ask you for snacks and water). The Ikea CIRKUSTÄLT is a 47-inch high indoor tent, perfect for playing with toys, curling up with a cozy blanket and book or even taking a snooze. It’s easy to setup and easy on the wallet (a win-win). Kids will hunker down and create whimsical scenarios, inviting their favorite stuffed animals (and sometimes mom and dad!) to join the fun.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 47.25” x 39.25” |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs |
The Portable House
Attention parents who don’t want to spend hours building a playhouse: this one’s for you (or shall we say, for your sanity). The Keter WonderFold is compact, foldable and designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s lightweight, easy to assemble (no tools necessary!) and fits plenty of playmates. Storage is simple, too. Just fold it up, pack it up (the roof doubles as a case), and slide under a bed or in a closet. This is ideal for small spaces, family vacations and even toting along to grandma’s house.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2+ |
| Dimensions | Assembled: 35.3 x 40.1 x 43.5 inches; Folded: 35 x 29.1 x 4.72 inches |
| Weight | 29.3 pounds |
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