Outdoor playhouses are a great way for kids to get creative, use their imagination, and enjoy some fresh air. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but they also encourage children to develop important social and physical skills.
Whether you’re looking for a wooden structure, a plastic option, or something in between, there are plenty of outdoor playhouses on the market to choose from. In this blog post, I’ll be taking a look at some of the best outdoor playhouses for kids, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and more to help you make an informed decision.
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Factors to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Playhouse for Kids
Here are some important factors to consider when buying an outdoor playhouse for kids:
Size: Consider the size of the playhouse in relation to the size of your backyard and the number of children who will be using it.
Safety: Look for a playhouse made from safe, non-toxic materials with no sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Durability: Choose a playhouse made from weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements.
Age-appropriateness: Make sure the playhouse is appropriate for the age of the children who will be using it.
Features: Consider additional features such as slides, swings, and climbing walls.
Price: Outdoor playhouses vary widely in price, so make sure to set a budget and stick to it.
Brand reputation: Look for a brand with a good reputation for quality and safety.
Ease of assembly: Consider how easy it is to assemble and disassemble the playhouse and if you need to hire a professional or do it yourself.
Accessibility: Consider if children with disabilities or special needs can easily access the playhouse.
Warranty: Look for a playhouse that comes with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with it.
Best Outdoor Playhouses for Kids
Read on for a detailed look at some of the best outdoor playhouses available.
Little Tikes Backyard Bungalow House
The Little Tikes Backyard Bungalow House is a plastic playhouse for children. It features a realistic design with a working door, shutters, and a mailbox.
- MULTI-KID PLAYHOUSE. An outdoor playhouse and roleplay toy multiple kids can play in at once
- WORKING DOOR & MAILBOX. Working door with mailbox slot that opens and closes
- 3 ROLEPLAY STATIONS. Three roleplay stations: kitchenette with pretend stove and sink, lemonade stand with real chalkboard, and gardening station with pretend flowers
- CANOPY OPENS & CLOSES. Adjustable fabric canopy that opens and closes
- LOTS OF ACCESSORIES. 25+ accessories included for hours of play
The playhouse is designed for outdoor use and is constructed of durable, weather-resistant plastic. It is designed for children aged 2-7 and can accommodate multiple children at once. It requires some assembly.
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Size: Large
- Dimensions: 46 x 19.75 x 15.63 inches
- Canopy opens and closes
- 25+ accessories included
- 3 roleplay stations
Pros
- The rebuildable design allows for multiple configurations.
- The frame is easy to assemble and unassemble, making it easier to store.
- The realistic design encourages imaginative play.
- It is large enough to accommodate multiple children at once.
Cons
- Some parents complain that the playhouse was delivered with some missing parts
Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wooden Playhouse
The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wooden Playhouse is a classic-style playhouse. This is perfect for families who prefer a more traditional look and feel. The playhouse is made from all-natural cedar, making it durable and weather resistant.
- COZY COTTAGE: Showcasing a country half front door, country style details in the design of the playhouse. The Sweetwater includes custom style flower pots on each side of the front door, kitchen with pots, pans, sink, phone, and a working doorbell.
- LONG LASTING, WITHSTANDS IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS: Why Cedar? Cedar thrives in damp climates, enabling it to withstand many conditions. Our durable cedar wood is rot resistant from the elements.
- THE BEST PLAYHOUSE: Rated by This Old House as the best playhouse on the market. Sweetwater encourages exercise and creativity. Our playhouse is the best gift to give your young children learning to interact, explore and pretend play.
- INDOOR OR OUTDOOR: The Sweetwater playhouse is sturdy and small enough to fit in any size outdoor or indoor area. So when the weather changes, you can keep your child entertained and bring the playhouse indoors.
- SAFETY FEATURES: The Sweetwater playhouse provides hours of fun for your little one. The Sweetwater playhouse is made with quality, safe materials. The cedar is pre-cut and built safely, windows are made without any glass, indoor tools are plastic.
It features a large window, bay windows, flower boxes, and working doors with a mail slot. This playhouse requires assembly and can accommodate up to 4 children at once.
Key Features
- Material: Natural Cedar
- Size: Large
- Dimensions: 46.06 x 42.13 x 55.12 inches
- Features a large window, bay windows and flower boxes
- Working doors with a mail slot
- It features a toy telephone, a sink with knobs that twist, and a toy stove top
Pros
- It has lots of accessories to keep children occupied.
- The natural cedar construction is durable and weather resistant.
- The traditional design will look great in any backyard.
- It comes with an instruction manual for easy assembly.
Cons
- Assembly may take longer than some other wooden playhouses due to the size and complexity.
- Some parents complain that there are too many parts and pieces that need to be put together.
Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Playhouse
The Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Playhouse is a fun and colourful play tent designed for children. It is shaped like a candy house and features bright and playful colours, making it a great addition to any playroom or backyard.
- Adorable kids tent with a candy store design
- Easy to fold and unfold. No tools required - Assemble the frame, then slide down the fabric
- Includes an optional floor to insert at the bottom. Great when using outdoors
- Size of tent: 37" long x 28" wide x 40.3" high.
- Material: 100% polyester fabric with plastic tubes frame
The tent is durable and lightweight, making it easy to set up and take down. It includes mesh windows for ventilation and a roll-up door for easy access. The tent is designed to provide children with a fun and imaginative space to play, encouraging creativity and imagination. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Key Features
- Material: Polyester Fabric with plastic tubes frame
- Age range (Toddler)
- Dimensions: 36 x 28 x 40 inches
- Mesh windows and doors for ventilation
- Poles for easy assembly
- It comes with a carrying bag for storage and transport
- Removable floor insert
Pros
- The bright, colourful design is sure to keep children entertained.
- It is lightweight and easy to assemble because of the poles and sleeve design.
- The optional floor makes it ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. When using it outside, the floor can be included; when using it indoors, the floor is unnecessary.
- It comes with a carrying bag for easy storage and transport.
Cons
- It is smaller than most play tents, making it suitable for only one or two children at a time.
- The poles and sleeves may not hold up to excessive use over time.
Step2 Neat & Tidy Playhouse
The Step2 Neat & Tidy Playhouse is a great option for families who are looking for an affordable playhouse. It features working windows and a full-height door, allowing you to keep critters out when closed. It also includes a mail slot and an electronic doorbell that plays realistic ringing sounds.
- PLAYHOUSE FOR KIDS: The Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage Homestyle Edition Playhouse is a great indoor or outdoor toy that allows little ones to take care of their own homes just like their adult role models. Assembled dimensions: 49.75” x 53.25” x 33.75”.
- OPEN-CONCEPT DESIGN: This backyard playhouse allows for interaction at every turn, through the windows and Dutch-style doors, with room for multiple kids to play. It has a charming design with realistic stacked stone and a classic color palette.
- INTERACTIVE FEATURES: From working shutters to an electronic doorbell to a pass-through mailbox, this kids’ playhouse has many realistic features to enhance pretend play. Kids can take turns cooking, washing dishes, sitting at the molded-in table, making phone calls & watering flowers.
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY: This toy for toddlers is made with durable, double-walled plastic construction with molded-in colors that won’t chip, fade, crack, or peel so it will last through generations. Plus, it’s low maintenance – just wipe down as needed.
- SKILL-BUILDING FUN: An outdoor clubhouse provides hours of fun, encouraging little ones to develop imagination, creativity, role-playing, self-expression, and social development.
The playhouse is made from durable plastic, making it easy to wipe clean and resistant to weather damage. The Neat & Tidy Playhouse is the perfect size for pretend play and can accommodate up to 4 children at once.
Key Features
- Material: Durable Plastic
- Size: Medium
- Age range (18 months – 10 years)
- Dimensions: 33.75 x 53.25 x 49.75 inches
- Working windows and door with mail slot
- Doorbell that plays realistic ringing sounds
- Play phone, decals, kitchen table, faucet, seat, grill space, front door and shutters included
Pros
- The plastic construction is durable and easy to clean.
- Children can participate in realistic roleplay and practice their phone manners with the play phone included.
- The working windows, door and mail slot make it perfect for pretend play.
- Built-in floor prevents children from playing on the ground.
Cons
- The batteries for the doorbell are not included at purchase.
- It is made from plastic, so it may not be as durable as other playhouses.
Simplay3 Young Explorers Discovery Playhouse
The Simplay3 Young Explorers Discovery Playhouse is a unique and whimsical playhouse that will inspire children to explore their imaginations. The house is made from durable plastic and includes a ladder and climbing ramp with toddler-friendly hand and foot holds.
- INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLAYHOUSE: This kid's playset climber is great for adventurous toddlers and children, and even fits through a standard door frame for easy transitions inside or out.
- FUN FEATURES: Two-level playhouse has climbing ramp and ladders with toddler friendly foot and hand holds, pretend kitchen for cooking play, drink holders, art board with paper clips and marker tray, two working doors with mail slots, lower level crawling space and rooftop peek portals.
- BUILD A BIGGER BACKYARD PLAYSET: The Discovery Playhouse is part of Simplay3’s Young Explorers Modular Play System. Each play set can be enjoyed by itself or combined with other sets to add to the adventure and build a bigger backyard play set.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Double wall plastic construction has rounded, child-friendly edges, is weather and UV resistant and will stand up to the toughest of play to last for years. Our products are recyclable and can be passed down, too!
- MADE IN THE USA: Our products are designed and manufactured in Ohio!
The playhouse has a pretend kitchen for cooking play, drink holders, an artboard with paper clips and a marker tray, two working doors with mail slots, lower level crawling space and rooftop peek portals. It also includes an activity wall with a calendar and abacus, so your child can practice their math skills.
Key Features
- Material: Durable Plastic
- Size: Extra large
- Age range (18 months – 6 years)
- Dimensions: 29.5 x 57.75 x 58.25 inches
- Working doors with mail slots, ladder and climbing ramp
- Pretend kitchen with drink holders, artboard and marker tray
- Activity wall with calendar and abacus
- Lower-level crawling space and rooftop peek portals
- It comes with a carrying bag for storage and transport
Pros
- The learning opportunities are endless as children can pretend to cook in the kitchen, practice their math skills on the activity wall, and practice their climbing skills with the ladder and ramp.
- The playhouse is made from durable plastic, making it easy to clean and resistant to weather damage.
- It is a two-level playhouse that encourages cooperative play between two or more children.
Cons
- It requires more than one person to assemble.
- With excessive use, the ladder and climbing ramp may not hold up well over time.
Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights Elevated Playhouse
The Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights Elevated Playhouse is perfect for parents who want to give their youngsters a sense of independence. This elevated playhouse is made from cedar wood and features a ladder that leads up to the second level. It also includes working windows, a Dutch door with an adjustable safety latch, shutters and a mailbox.
- Imaginative Play: Play kitchen, powered blender, working bell and working hinged door all included.
- Elevated Play: Raised playhouse to accommodate compact spaces.
- Wave Slide: Equipped with a high-rail 6-foot wave slide.
- Capture Memories: Growth Board included to document children's growth.
- Flat-Step Ladder: Wide, flat step ladder creates an easy access point for children of all abilities.
The playhouse also comes with a Play kitchen, a powered blender, a working bell and a working hinged door. The house also comes with a snack counter and bench, so your kids can have all-day playtime fun.
Key Features
- Material: Cedarwood
- Size: Large
- Age range (36 months – 10 years)
- Dimensions: 122.05 x 74.8 x 90.55 inches
- Elevated two-level playhouse
- Working windows, shutters, Dutch door with adjustable safety latch and mailbox
- Play kitchen and powered blender included
- Snack counter and bench included
- Working hinged door and bell included
Pros
- The cedar wood construction is durable, weather resistant and easy to maintain.
- It offers a sense of independence as your child can climb the ladder and explore their own playhouse.
- The powered blender and kitchen accessories help to foster imaginative play.
- The adjustable safety latch helps keep children safe while playing in the house.
Cons
- It requires two or more people to assemble, making it difficult for single parents.
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Swing Set
The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Swing Set is designed to give your children hours of outdoor playtime. This set includes a clubhouse with a Playhouse Fort, Sandbox, Picnic Table, Slide, Monkey Bars, Swings, and Rock Climber. It also has two belt swings and an acrobat bar, so your kids can hone their physical skills.
- Customer Favorite Outdoor Swing Set: Your kids will have fun playing backyard games on the Skyfort swing set. Nicely equipped with multiple playhouse accessories and features to keep your children entertained for hours.
- Long Lasting, Withstands in Severe Weather: Why Cedar? Cedar thrives in damp climates, enabling it to withstand many conditions. In laboratory testing, our durable cedar wood proved to be rot resistant and highly resistant to natural decay.
- Every Accessory Under the Sun: This backyard swing set and fort is a sturdy structure that stands the test of time, a top of the line clubhouse with wood roof, windows, covered entry way, and bay windows. Sun balcony and crow's nest with telescope.
- Enjoy Quality Time: Whether make believe or for real, enjoy a picnic with your child on the picnic table. The lower deck has a snack stand. Instead of going to the beach, play in the sandbox.
- Swings, Trapeze, Rock Climber: Two belt swings and a trapeze, rock climbing wall and flat step entry ladder. and 10ft. Speedy slide and Monkey Bars
The Skyfort II Swing Set is made from durable cedar wood and includes a climbing ladder, monkey bars and an 8-foot wave slide. It comes with an adjustable canopy to provide shade over the play area and create a fun outdoor space for your children.
Key Features
- Material: Cedarwood
- Size: Large
- Age range: (3 – 10 years)
- Dimensions: 200.79″D x 263.78″W x 149.61″H
- Clubhouse with Playhouse Fort, Sandbox, Picnic Table and Slide
- Two belt swings and an acrobat bar included
- Climbing ladder and monkey bars for physical development
- 8-foot wave slide for fun
- Adjustable canopy for creating a shaded play area
Pros
- The cedar wood construction is durable and long lasting, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- The large play area offers plenty of space for multiple children to play together.
- It encourages physical development with the climbing ladder, monkey bars and acrobat bar.
- The adjustable canopy provides shade to help keep your kids cool in the summer months.
Cons
- This swing set can be difficult to assemble due to its size and complexity.
- It is not suitable for smaller yards as it requires a lot of space.
L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage Playhouse
The L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage Playhouse is the perfect choice for parents looking to keep their children entertained indoors. This playhouse features two stories and has over 70 surprises, including a light-up dance floor and a working zip line.
- The L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Playhouse has a fierce, fashionable style that you and your kids will both love
- Comes with an electronic light-up disco ball that hangs inside the playhouse
- Kids will love the cute L.O.L. Surprise! inflatable chair that matches the look of their playhouse
- Features two working doors, windows and shutters
- Easy to assemble and take apart with minimal hassle and tools (tools not included)
The L.O.L Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage Playhouse is made from sturdy plastic and comes with working windows, shutters, and 2 working doors. It also includes furniture pieces such as a rocking chair, bed, couch and table that your children can use to create their own winter wonderland.
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Size: Large
- Age range (2 – 10 years)
- Dimensions: 41 x 31 x 13 inches
- Two-story playhouse with 70+ surprises included
- Working windows, shutters, doors, and mailbox included
- Light-up dance floor and working zip line included
- Furniture pieces, such as a rocking chair, bed, couch and table, included
Pros
- The light-up disco will give your little ones hours of festive fun indoors.
- The sturdy plastic construction makes the playhouse durable and easy to maintain.
- The included furniture pieces help to foster imaginative play.
- It is compact in size, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Cons
- The interior is open to elements because it lacks a floor, half a door, and a window.
- It does not have any outdoor features such as a playground or slide.
Little Tikes Cape Cottage – Blue
The Little Tikes Cape Cottage – Blue is perfect for active playtime. It has a cape cottage design with a sweet victorian feel. Its durable plastic body and real-working windows, shutters, doors and mailbox will delight your little one.
- CAPE COTTAGE DESIGN - The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is a stylish addition to your play room and backyard. It has a sweet victorian feel with blue and white color scheme pefect for both girls and boys.
- DEVELOP YOUR CHILD'S SKILLS - Multifunctional play house that helps kids develop fine motor skills and cognative abilities. It can help child's social and emotional skills, improve language, encourage problem-solving and build other developmental skills.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE - Our indoor playground for toddlers are water-resistant so you and your little one can use it outdoors too. It features a working door, 2 windows with working shutters, a mail slot and flag holder.
- DURABLE AND SAFE - We made sure that your baby is safe as he plays that's why we created this indoor kids playhouse with robust and durable materials. It's cut with precision but with comfortable on every corner.
- EASY ASSEMBLY - No hassle. This kids playhouse is straightforward to put together and assemble. Just follow the instruction, very easy like 1, 2, 3.
The Little Tikes Cape Cottage – Blue comes with a play phone, clock with movable hands and flag holders for displaying flags. It also has an integrated roof that provides shade over the play area. This cottage is easy to fold up and move, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Size: Large
- Age range (2 – 7 years)
- Dimensions: 41 x 31 x 13 inches
- Real working windows, shutters, doors and mailbox
- Play phone, clock with movable hands and flag holders included
- Easy to fold up and move
Pros
- The cape cottage design creates a fun outdoor space for your children.
- It encourages imaginative play with its real-working windows, shutters and doors.
- It is molded to resemble brickwork for a classic look.
- The integrated roof provides shade over the play area.
Cons
- It does not have many play accessories
KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse with Picnic Table
The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse with Picnic Table is a fun and functional playhouse designed for kids. It features a modern, two-story design with a sloping roof and a large front porch.
- Outdoor seating: picnic table and two benches attached to the side to serve family and friends
- Front door latches for realistic and aspirational house play
- Mailbox with flag for receiving notes
- Pretend grill with removable lid to BBQ for the entire neighborhood
- Fabric curtains allow for independent play and safe hideaway space
The playhouse’s interior includes a kitchen area, a seating area, and a pretend stove and sink. The playhouse also includes a built-in picnic table on the front porch, perfect for outdoor meals and snacks. Made of durable, weather-resistant wood, this playhouse is built to withstand the elements and provide hours of fun for kids.
Key Features
- Material: Wood
- Size: Large
- Age range (3 – 10 years)
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 51 x 71 inches
- Outdoor seating, two benches, and a picnic table
- Pretend grill with a removable lid to BBQ for the entire neighbourhood
- Sloped roof and large front porch
- Weather-resistant wood construction
Pros
- The picnic table on the front porch encourages social playtime and outdoor meals.
- It has a modern, two-story design with lots of windows for added fun.
- Made of durable, weather-resistant wood, which makes it strong and sturdy.
- The pretend kitchen area helps to foster imaginative play.
- Preassembled components make it easy to assemble.
Cons
- You will need to recondition the roofs to prevent rotting.
- Assembly requires more than one person for some of the steps.
Final Thoughts
There are many great outdoor playhouses available on the market that can provide hours of fun and entertainment for your kids. When choosing an outdoor playhouse, it is important to consider size, safety, durability, age-appropriateness, features, price, brand reputation, ease of assembly and accessibility. I hope this article has helped you in your search for the perfect playhouse for your kids.
