We researched the best indoor and outdoor playhouses, considering if each is age-appropriateness, fits your space, and includes add-on features. The Step2 Neat and Tidy Cottage Brown Playhouse checks all of our boxes, being easy to assemble, suitable for indoors and outdoors, and including innovative features like a working doorbell. Here are 10 of our favorite indoor and outdoor playhouses for children, for every budget and home. If you’re looking for an affordable, durable, and fun playhouse that works inside and out, you’ll love the Step2 Charming Cottage as much as we do. It features plenty of fun details, like a working electric doorbell, a removable flower box that can be used to plant real or fake fake flowers, and indoor storage shelves for their toys. It also has an outdoor table and bench, so your child can sit down and enjoy a snack after a long day in the kitchen, although some reviewers wished it had a bit more room. The large, open design allows for social play and is perfect for houses with multiple children. Even older children enjoy the interactive features! Reviewers say the Step 2 Charming Cottage is easy to assemble and a delight for children of all ages. It only took about an hour or less for more consumers, but they recommend using your own tools rather than the ones provided. We The waterproof design helps it stand up to the elements (if placed outside), and it’s not too big for indoor playrooms if there’s no room outdoors. However, there are not many draining points, so this option is best to store inside when it rains or snows. Still, the plastic is extremely easy to store and clean, which is just another reason why this is our top pick and worth the price. The kitchen playset includes a mini outdoor grill and grill cover for little chefs to pretend to whip up a meal and serve it out of the serving window. The inside comes with a sink and faucet and chalkboard for writing down daily specials. The water-resistant roof panels and reinforced wooden panels protect this choice against weather so kids can play outside no matter the forecast. The big size ensures little ones can enjoy this playhouse with siblings or invite friends over for even more enjoyment. The durable construction can accommodate kids, adults, and their friends with room to spare. Kids can bring books or toys into their fort for hours of imaginative, screen-free play. This option packs into a small drawstring for taking on vacation or to grandparents’ houses. Also, you can choose from fun designs including houses, barns, and tiki huts, for adorable designs kids will love. While it’s not the most elaborate tent on our list, users like that it’s affordable, large enough for multiple children, and has a peep-through window for checking in during playtime. Reviewers say the Turtleplay Teepee is incredibly charming (some owners even suggest adding string lights for extra coziness) and can be assembled in one hour or less. While it’s meant for indoor use only, children can pretend they’re in the great outdoors with a little help from their imagination! While most wooden structures have the tendency to warp and rot, cedar is naturally more resistant to these conditions. This is why this type of wood is great for outdoor structures. Even though this cedar house is naturally resistant, a chemical-free wood stain gives this playhouse an added layer of durability. Other notable features include doors and windows that open and close, flower pot holders for gardening, and a plastic sink and stove (the plastic is UV-resistant). This playhouse takes a little extra time to put together (most customers estimate about five hours), but it’s definitely worth the effort. Not only does it look great in any backyard, but it provides shade and shelter for endless hours of outdoor play. Customers report that while the bed does have to be assembled, it’s simple enough to do on your own. Place the mattress on the bed frame (the wood slats are durable and strong), and then attach the canopy to the frame using the ties. Reviewers praise the Snack Shack Playhouse for being easy to assemble, lightweight, and loads of fun. It is a bit deeper than other playhouses, though, so be sure that your playroom can accommodate it. Overall, customers praise this product and give it high marks. Reviewers say it’s not too difficult to put together and provides hours of fun. Even toddlers with a short attention span are entertained by the Wonderball Fun Playhouse! Some customers do note, however, that the balls are fairly flimsy and might need to be replaced.
Material
Some playhouses are perfect for backyard settings while others are only suitable for the indoors. If you have enough space for an indoor playhouse, you may not need to think about weather-proof materials. If your playhouse is going to live outside, look for mold and bacteria-resistant materials so your playhouse looks new for years to come.
Price
When it comes to picking the perfect playhouse for your kid, you may want to think about how long they will use it. A playhouse that will grow with your kid may be worth a splurge more than one where your kid will only get a year or two out of it.
Extras
Playhouses and play tents come in many sizes and shapes. Pay close attention to the “extras” if that’s important to you or your kid. For example, a real, working doorbell can help your imaginative child play house for hours. A built-in “kitchen,” lights, or additional features can take your playhouse to the next level. No matter how simple or fancy, “any playhouse is a great form of structured play for children,” says preschool teacher Gina Puccinelli, adding that it fosters imaginative play in a new and exciting environment. “When searching for a playhouse, less is often more. When there are fewer stimuli, the children have the space to think creatively and use that to the fullest as opposed to constantly switching tasks,” says Puccinelli. “Of course, this will look different based on the child’s age, developmental level, and interest; remember that the playhouse is a just a tool—it’s the actual play that makes the house special.”
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Ashley Knierim, a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience. From interior design trends to decor and more, she’s covered a variety of home topics and knows what makes a product great. Additional research was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Additionally, a playhouse is a great designated space for play to happen naturally and without screens. It gives them the freedom to play how they choose in a space designed for them. Expert advice was provided by preschool teacher Gina Puccinelli.
