Best Indoor & Outdoor Kids Playhouses

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Childhood is full of stories, from princesses and castles to enchanted lands, to virtually anything your little ones can dream up. A Kids Playhouse has been a wholesome part of childhoods for many years, encouraging active development by giving children their place to make-believe.

What better way to limit screen time than to get your children excited for pretend play?

Whether you are looking for the best indoor playhouse or the best outdoor playhouse, your kids will get to explore their imagination while building vital social skills.

If you are thinking of adding a playhouse to your home or backyard, you want it to be full of excitement for your children!

Choosing a playhouse can be challenging, especially with so many different types for both indoor and outdoor use.

Kids Ride Wild has simplified your search by bringing you the best kids playhouse choices along with helpful insights on the factors to consider.

Don’t let the buying process intimidate you as our goal is to allow you to focus more on the fun that your kids will have.

Your final decision should bother the playhouse that will be a place for your kids to make long-lasting memories.

Best Outdoor Playhouse for Toddlers

Step2 Neat and Tidy II Playhouse

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Not only will it be a charming addition to your backyard with an open window design, but your kids will love the realistic features.

You are able to peak in while your kids are having a blast and some parents can even fit inside the spacious playhouse.

Toddlers will be excited to welcome their friends to join in on the fun with the Step2 Neat and Tidy II Playhouse.

This kids plastic playhouse is perfect for keeping your little ones entertained while you are spending time outdoors.

The exterior of the 35 x 51 x 46.5 inch home is constructed of durable plastic with faux wood and stone accents.

The light brown and burgundy colors are great for complementing your home decor as opposed to the loud, bright colors featured in many plastic playhouses.

Bring the playhouse to life with 2 AAA batteries for the working doorbell and play phone.

Kids can pretend to call all of their pals and buzz them in when they arrive.

The exterior even has a functional mailbox and molded-in flower box that can hold your child’s favorite flowers.

This model also includes a working dutch door and shutters for toddlers to open and close.

Little imaginations will run wild with enchantment as they pretend to cook and clean on the kitchen table, seat and faucet.

The built-in floor has drain holes which are helpful for when it rains as the water simply drains out of the house. It is built to withstand plenty of outdoor wear and tear, making it a great choice for children ages 18 months to 2 years.

Pros:

• The built-in floor has drain holes
• It features a kitchen table, seat, and faucet
• The exterior even has a functional mailbox and molded-in flower box
• It has a working doorbell and phone
• It has an open window design

Cons:

• Assembly takes some time
• The instruction manual is not comprehensive enough for some owners

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FoxPrint Princess Castle Play Tent

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This circular indoor playhouse measures 41.5 x 41.5 x 54 inches when fully assembled.

Kids won’t have to wait for parents to put multiple pieces in place as this playhouse sets up in seconds with a quick pop out motion.

For your little princesses, The FoxPrint Princess Castle Play Tent with Glow in the Dark Stars is a magical place for relaxation, creativity and daydreaming.

Children will love to imagine they are playing in a magical kingdom as they explore their very own princess castle.

It is most certainly a comfortable place for kids to laugh, play and make-believe.

It folds up to a completely flat shape measuring a mere 17 inches and can conveniently fit into the included portable zipper carrying bag.

Kids can even carry it around when folded up as it weighs only 2.4 pounds!

To keep the playhouse stable while kids are inside, the exterior sides have durable support rods built-in.

The sock-corded fiberglass poles have a friendly design that has rounded edges so it won’t hurt if your kids bump into the edges.

It is tough for both indoor and outdoor play, although many kids like to enjoy the castle indoors for tea time and even storytime.

When they want to pretend it is a magical cave, it glows in the dark with stars throughout the interior.

This model is recommended for ages 3 to 8 and several kids can fit inside.

It also has a peep-through window that promotes social interaction, role play, and most importantly; fun!

Pros:

• It glows in the dark with stars throughout the interior
• It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play
• The sock-corded fiberglass poles for safety
• The exterior sides have durable support rods built-in
• It is foldable when not in use

Cons:

• The poles may get shaky
• The fabric can get torn easily

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Truedays Kids Playhouse

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Little ones can also tunnel in and out either of the two tunnel ports. When not in use, you can either roll down the flaps or fold up the entire tent.

There are some helpful YouTube videos available that demonstrate how easily it folds up.

The Truedays Kids Outdoor Indoor Fun Play Big Tent Playhouse is excellent for portability to tote around inside or outside and conveniently store away.

This polyester playhouse pops up with a quick, one-second motion. The front door is easy to open and secures with a simple velcro strip. Contrary to most playhouse models, this big tent requires no assembly and isn’t a pain to take down or move around the house, which makes it a dream for both parents and kids alike.

This model is one of the most massive play tents that you can find for indoor use measuring at 55.1×47.2×47.2 inches. Its design from a polyester material makes it durable enough for lots of rough play. Parents will appreciate the sturdy construction that is supported by a patented shock-corded PU coated pole system. It has also passed USA CPSA testing standards, making it a safe play environment for kids ages 12 months and up.

You can start teaching your kids the primary colors as this house features bright yellow, red, and blue colors. With room for multiple children to explore, this is the best indoor playhouse if you have small children and want an easy to store solution.

Pros:

• It has enough room for multiple children to explore
• It has sturdy construction with a patented shock-corded PU coated pole system
• It is foldable and easy to set up
• The front door is easy to open and secures with a simple Velcro strip
• It is lightweight and easy to carry around when folded

Cons:

• The poles may get shaky
• The Velcro strip may become weak after a while

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Backyard Discovery Timberlake Playhouse

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Parents can put this cedar playhouse together in less than one hour, which means that your little ones will be cooking up meals and drinks in no time.

The Backyard Discovery Timberlake Playhouse is the perfect environment for all of the kids that like playing house. There is plenty of room for multiple children ages 24 months to 10 years to enjoy the house party.

The cedar wood panels are not only easy to install, but they contribute to a charming look for your backyard environment. Add some extra flavor to the decor by letting your child pick out flowers to put on the flowerpot shelves.

Playtime will be magical for many years to come as the material is weather-proof and won’t decay from the rain or sun. The open windows give kids a chance to peek outside, and there is also a snack window designed for serving pretend-meals. Right outside of the window is a bench seat for one or two children to sit and eat off of the window ledge.

On the interior of the house, the built-in appliances include an adorable sink and stove. They can even dial up their best friends and family members by picking up the cordless phone hanging on the wall.

Parents can easily see in the full windows, and kids will have plenty of breeze coming through on a lovely summer or fall day. It is an excellent option for children of multiple ages who enjoy imaginative exploration.

Pros:

• The full windows allow plenty of air into the playhouse
• It has a cordless phone hanging on the wall
• Right outside of the window is a bench seat for one or two children to sit and eat
• It features weather-proof materials
• It has flowerpot shelves

Cons:

• The wooden panels are prone to chipping
• It is not suitable for very tall kids

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Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse

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Not only is the Lookout Treehouse packed with fun features, but it offers a shaded play area for kids to stay out of the beaming sun. The red roof gives this plastic playhouse the look of a real-life treehouse without having to climb up high into the trees.

For small backyards or areas with limited space, the Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse is a great playhouse solution. Toddlers love this sturdy treehouse as they can easily climb up the steps to the treehouse platform. The platform measures 19 inches, which will safely fit one or two kiddos between the ages of 18 months to 5 years.

There is an attached kid’s periscope that allows kids to peek outside. Pivoting the scope will enable them to explore the nearby land while concocting new stories and adventures. For a quick getaway, kids can zoom down the fun play side attached to the playhouse.

It is lightweight and easy to assemble so that repositioning around the backyard is possible without straining your back. The inside cabin is 31 inches tall, and the slide has a length of 33 inches.

It will be ready in a matter of minutes for kids to playtime machine, pirate ship, or any story that they can think of.

This playhouse will surely be a hit for little explorers to climb, slide and spy while they play make-believe games.

Pros:

• It is lightweight and easy to assemble
• There is an attached kid’s periscope that allows kids to peak outside
• Sturdy treehouse design
• It features a shingled roof and a play slide

Cons:

• The stairs are steep and have no handrails
• It is not suitable for very tall kids

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Things to Consider When Buying a Playhouse

Design: The material used to construct the playhouse can make a huge difference when it comes to durability and portability. Wooden playhouse models are by far the most durable and resistant to weather conditions. Plastic models may be a bit easier to assemble, but the longevity will be lesser when compared with a sturdy wooden playhouse. There are also mesh, playhouse models designed for indoor use, which are much more portable but are not as durable as wood or plastic models.

Safety: You must find a playhouse that will be a safe play haven for your children. Take note of the certification of the options you are considering against federal or domestic safety standards. Sometimes you may need to visit the manufacturers’ website to get more detail on the safety specifications of a particular model. If you have smaller children, take caution when looking at models with sharp edges.

Size: Regardless of whether you are looking for an indoor or outdoor playhouse, you will want to make sure you have enough room to accommodate the size and that it will safely fit your children. It is recommended to measure the room or area that you are planning to put it and compare that against the dimensions of the playhouse models that catch your interest. You want to be able to fit it in your home with at least a few feet to spare on each side of the playhouse.

Price Point: The amount of money you have available to spend will be one of the primary considerations when buying a playhouse. Often smaller plastic or mesh playhouses are relatively inexpensive, while the larger, fully-inclusive options will cost more. Keep in mind when it comes to features, you will often need to spend more for playhouses with added functionality such as a built-in kitchen, swing set, or a slide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best age for a playhouse?

Most times, the instructions and package state the recommended age of use for each playhouse. Remember that the idea of having one's own space is something that captivates children. In this house, they can sit down to read; they can read or rest in their private area.

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor playhouses?

Yes, there is a difference. One significant difference is that while indoor playhouses are designed for kids to play in and have tremendous fun inside the house, outdoor playhouses are usually kept outside, in the backyard, where kids can enjoy themselves. Again, indoor playhouses are smaller than outdoor playhouses.

Are playhouses safe?

Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to children. It is even more relevant with toys that can cause them serious injuries. So, it becomes essential that the playhouse you choose for your child complies with all toy safety regulations and standards of the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Are wooden playhouses better than plastic ones?

It all depends on what you want from the playhouse, whether it is for your child to play indoors or outdoors. Several plastic playhouses are, in general, smaller, which allows them usable indoors. Wooden playhouses, on the other hand, are larger and offer more play space. They are mostly for the outdoors because they weigh more and are generally not mobile once constructed.

What is the best playhouse size?

As a rule of thumb, the average size of a playhouse should be about 50-100 square feet in the floor area. If you are a novice woodworker, it is essential to keep the design simple. The walls of these playhouses do not need to the over 6 feet tall, as most children are usually about 4 to 4-1/2 feet tall.

20 Additional Playhouses Reviewed

Little Tikes Cape Cottage – Kids Plastic Playhouse

The Little Trikes Cape Cottage is the perfect option if you are looking for a playhouse that is easy to move around. Its contemporary design incorporates a red brick roof and tan brick siding to fit almost any outdoor decoration. Kids can quickly enter and leave the house using either of the two Dutch doors.

Key Features:

• Two Dutch doors
• It weighs about 31.2 pounds
• Two windows with brown shutters
• Flag holders
• Made of a durable plastic material

Little Trikes Picnic on the Patio Playhouse

Little Trikes Picnic on the Patio Playhouse will get your children thrilled as they would get to interact and play out their favorite stories. This fun playhouse comes with a pretend phone, tableware, and play food that other houses would require you to buy separately. There is also a fireplace and cupboards that give the kitchenette a lifelike feel.

Key Features:

• It comes with a pretend phone, tableware, and play food
• There are a fireplace and cupboards
• The doorbell makes six different noises
• Measures 45.3 x 15.4 x 47.6 inches

Step2 Welcome Home Playhouse

The Step2Welcome Home Playhouse is a classic playhouse full of magic and excitement that will make your kids feel like they have their little mansion as it features many of the characteristics of a real home. With two large bay windows and a built-in skylight, there will be plenty of natural light coming into the playhouse.

Key Features:

• Two large bay windows and built-in skylight
• There are a door handle and an electronic doorbell
• Cordless phone
• A small table to set plates and food
• A built-in little sink
• Measures 66 x 73 x 66 inches

ECR4Kids Indoor/Outdoor Buccaneer Boat

For kids who love to play pirates, the ECR4Kids Indoor/Outdoor Buccaneer Boat is the perfect fit. The fact that its design resembles a real lifeboat instead of a traditional house makes it far from your average playhouse. With a movable wheel, the captain of the ship can pretend to be sailing far away through the vast oceans.

Key Features:

• Designed to resemble a real-life boat
• It has a moveable wheel and a bright blue pirate flag
• Blow-molded plastic construction
• Easy to assemble
• It has multiple sections for children to play
• Weight limit of 55 pounds and measures 54.3 x. 30.7 x 56.7 inches

KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Kids Playhouse

With KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse, your kids can venture into their imaginations while spending quality time in the backyard. It comes with many hip features that allow your kids to either decide to sit at the picnic table and enjoy a meal or prepare some snacks for their friends. The wooden panels of the playhouse can easily be stained or painted, giving you the option of changing the design to be more colorful if you wish.

Key Features:

• Pretend sink in the interior
• The faux grill comes with a removable lid
• Wooden panels can easily be stained or painted
• Reinforced and water-resistant wooden materials
• A picnic table

Step2Neighborhood Fun Centre

If you want to promote your child’s development and social skills, then Step2Neighborhood Fun Centre is the perfect fit. You will not have an interrupted playtime when they are ready for a snack as this playhouse features a snack table with a built-in countertop. Also, it comes with two balls and four rings for various activities; hence, there is no need to buy children’s toys separately.

Key Features:

• Snack table with a built-in countertop
• It comes with two balls and four rings
• Quick to assemble
• It is an all-in-one play center

Backyard Discovery Shenandoah

Backyard Discovery Shenandoah is the best wooden playhouse if you are looking for a fully inclusive play environment with multiple exciting features for your kids. The lower fort has all the signature characteristics of other models of wooden playhouses, such as a play kitchen with two burners, a sink, and a faucet. With this playhouse, your kids can play imaginary restaurant games while settling down to enjoy their meal at the snack window.

Key Features:

• There is a play kitchen with two burners, a sink, and a faucet.
• Large doors and windows.
• Extremely sturdy construction.
• Made with durable want decay-resistant cedar wood material.

Step2Sweetheart playhouse

The Step2Sweetheart Playhouse is an adorable pink and white playhouse that will remind your kids of the colors of strawberry shortcake. Its pink roofing, shutters, and door make it an attractive setting for little girls. There is an intricate heart design that adds to the sweetheart theme at the top and bottom of the door.

Key Features:

• Intricate heart design at the top and bottom of the door
• The roofing, shutters, and door are all pink in color
• Large skylight on the roof
• Convertible table flips
• A mounted clock with moveable hands in the interior
• Measures 53 x 47 x 58 inches and 55.5-inch height

BATTOP – Toys and Games Children Playhouse

The BATTOP Children Play Tent Game Playhouse is the perfect choice for families who are looking for an indoor playhouse that is simple and easy to move around. The polyester nylon makes it extremely durable and can withstand long hours of playtime. The fact that it is water-resistant makes it easy to clean up whenever your child spills drinks or snacks inside.

Key Features:

• Water-resistant
• Requires no extra tools for assembly
• Made of polyester nylon
• It is foldable when playtime is over
• It comes with a lightweight storage bag
• When opened, it measures at 34 x 34 x 44 inches

Starplay Magical Playhouse

Starplay Magical Playhouse is perfect for kids who love pretend play. Its construction from high-quality plastic makes it easily movable and usable indoors or outdoors. Since it comes with two doors, front and back, both with different designs, your kids have the chance to change up their play.

Key Features:

• Made of high-quality plastic
• Measures 102cm x 90cm x 109cm when assembled
• It has opening and closing side windows
• It comes with two doors

Little Trikes Build-a-House

The Little Trikes Build-a-House is perfect for imaginative indoor and active outdoor play. As a parent, you can choose to build the frame and roof while your kids customize the rest. The frame is strong and durable as it is made of high-quality materials.

Key Features:

• Strong, durable frame
• It comes with 25+ customizable panels and accessories
• Mailbox panel and realistic doors

Palplay M780P Kids Outdoor Playhouse

The Palplay M780P Kids Outdoor Playhouse is a detailed, spacious, and sturdy playhouse that resembles a real house for your kids to enjoy their pretend play and backyard fun. There is enough room for several kids to play at the same time. It features a door mail slot, balcony, hinged windows, and working doors that open and close soundly.

Key Features:

• It gives enough room for several kids to play at the same time
• A door mail slot and balcony
• Hinged windows and working doors
• High-quality raw materials

LOJETON Princess Tent Girls Large Playhouse

If you have a little girl who loves castles and fairies because they help her keep her secrets, then LOJETON Princess Tent Girls Large Playhouse is a perfect choice since its design fulfills every girl’s princess dream. Its construction from durable polyester blend fabric makes it durable and easy to clean. The size is enough to accommodate up to 3 kids at the same time.

Key Features:

• It is a princess fairy castle
• Made from durable polyester blend fabric
• Sizeable enough to accommodate three kids at the same time
• It is easy to clean

UTEX3 in 1 Pop Up Play Tent with Tunnel

This play tent is the perfect playhouse for children’s parties, backyard playing, kids’ playroom, playgrounds, and kids’ daycare. Its construction with colorful and high-grade 19OT polyester taffeta makes it very resistant to wear and tear. Unlike other playhouses, it also serves as an excellent tent for dogs, cats, and pets as well.

Key Features:

• Made of bright and high-grade 19OT polyester taffeta
• A TeePee and square tent house with a long tunnel
• Features mesh windows
• Great for pets

Hide N Side – Play Tent and Tunnels for kids

The Hide N Side Play Tent and Tunnels is the type that can take the fun to a whole new level. Your kid will gain access to many different customization options, keeping the entire experience fun and exciting. Aside from the guaranteed fun, it is also therapeutic and helps enhance your child’s creativity and imagination. Its design with high quality 19OT soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring ensure that your child enjoys a safe, long, and enjoyable playground experience.

Key Features:

• Made with high-quality 19OT soft polyester and thick steel wiring
• Easy assembly and storage
• Passes all CPSC and ASTM toy safety standards

USA Toyz Mermaid Kids Tent

The USA Toyz Mermaid Kids tent features a magical mermaid, rainbow narwhal, and sea creature illustrations, which gives your kid the chance to explore the fascinating world under the sea. Its setup is quite easy, as well as storage and cleaning.

Key Features:

• Features magical mermaid, rainbow narwhal, and sea creature illustrations
• Easy to set up, store, and clean
• Features breathable mesh windows
• Made with polyester fabric and lightweight foldable tent poles

Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent

Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent is an excellent choice for outdoor and indoor activities, as well as the cutest fairy house tent where kids can enjoy playing, reading, or relaxing themselves. Its durable and polyester blend fabric makes it very easy to clean if your child spills drink or snacks on it. You can allow your child to play late in the evening, trusting that the many screens around the playhouse will keep mosquitoes away from him or her.

Key Features:

• It measures 55 X 53 inches
• Made from durable and polyester blend fabric
• It provides a sizable space for your kids to play and rest
• Many screens around the playhouse help keep mosquito away from your kids

My Very Own House cardboard Coloring Playhouses

This coloring cottage playhouse provides endless entertainment as kids get to create their own custom-design home. Because the manufacturers love the environment and care about your child’s safety, they designed the playhouse using sturdy cardboard made from bio-degradable, formaldehyde-free, and eco-friendly materials. It also features four windows, two mail slots, and doors.

Key Features:

• Easy assembly
• Made with safe and recyclable materials
• Four windows
• Two mail slots and two doors
• The interior is white while others are brown

The Original Airfort

The Original Airfort is an honest tech-free constructive playhouse that helps to bring out your child’s ever-growing imagination; hence, it serves as a perfect alternative to screen time. It takes less than 30 seconds to set up and can be cleaned up in no time. Because the playhouse is child safety tested and approved, you should rest assured that your child is safe while playing.

Key Features:

• It has a durable and breathable construction
• Easy to set up
• Very spacious and can accommodate plenty of kids at the same time
• Serves as a perfect alternative to screen time
• Child safety tested and approved

Cardboard Playhouse for Kids

`With this 3D art and crafts playhouse, your kids should better prepare themselves for hours of interactive and imaginative fun as it will give them the liberty to create their own unique house. It comes with ten washable markers and over 50 colorful stickers for hours of fun decoration. No glue or tape is required, making the clean-up quick and easy too.

Key Features:

• Easy assembly and storage
• Made with highly durable and safe materials
• It comes with ten washable markers and over 50 colorful stickers
• Customizable Play House
• Four operational windows, two doors, and one roof hatch

Final Thoughts

Finding the best kids’ playhouse will open new doors in your child’s imagination as it is the perfect place for both development and fun. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor model, we hope that our guide has helped you to narrow down the choices for your little ones to enjoy. Allow their creativity to flourish as they embark on new make-believe adventures!