8 Best Playhouses for Toddlers & Kids

by Zunaira Ghazal | Last Updated: 04/03/2020

The best memories many of us have of our childhood is that of the playhouse with our dolls, siblings, and best friends. However, this new generation of kids has taken this game to a very literal and fun level. This is because they have actual playhouses – ones that can be set up both indoors and outdoors.

While we had fun making blanket castles, kids these days are more about having the perfect playhouse to live out their most amazing playing fantasies. So, if your kid’s been begging for their very own playhouse and you don’t know where to even begin finding the perfect one, take a look below.

Fantastic Playhouses for Toddlers & Kids

1. Little Tikes Build A House

Teach your kids some building basics with this build-yourself playhouse. It’s colorful, it’s attractive, and it will become your children’s best respite during playtime. It consists of a durable frame and roof. This is the part that has to be set up by the parents. Then comes the best aspect of this playhouse – adding the customizable panels and accessories.

The playhouse comes with 25+ interchangeable tiles that feature different colors, textures and patterns. There’s also a kid-friendly drill and screwdriver kit, which the children can easily use to attach the panels to the frame. It teaches them the basics of construction and lets them experiment with various colors to their heart’s content.

The best part is that this outdoor summer toy for kids can be set up in both indoors and outdoors.

Pros

• Comes with a kid-friendly screwdriver and drill.
• Helps teach the kids basic construction in a fun way.
• Perfect for both outdoor and indoor areas.
• Comes with innovative trap screws so that you’ll never lose them.
• Can be dis-assembled when not in use.

Cons

• The color of the plastic panels can fade when kept in direct sunlight for too long.

2. Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse

Take your kids’ imagination to a whole new level of epic by presenting them with this unique playhouse. With a old stone house design, it comes with a cute letterbox and working doorbell that makes an electronic chime sound.

Mimicking a real house, it comes with a realistic working Dutch-style door, shutters, play phone, and kitchen amenities like a sink and grill. Watch your children’s imagination run away with them as serve up food play our real-world scenarios.

Pros

• Great for both indoor and outdoor use
• Comes with a carry bag with zipper and handles
• Realistic design

Cons

• Batteries for the doorbell are not included

3. Realistic Wooden Playhouse

If money isn’t an issue, then this amazing hand-built playhouse might put that to the test. Made solid wood and measuring 8x6x7 ft, the Arctic Nario playhouse features two doors, three windows (made from safety glass), a loft and outdoor terrace.

Featuring a table, chairs, and ladder up to the loft, this inside has plenty of scope for additional customisation. Built with a modular design, the playhouse is easier to erect than it looks.

Pros

• Incredibly stylish with a realistic look
• Can accommodate three toddlers easily
• Plenty of space for customisation

Cons

• Pricey
• Big and heavy to move

4. Backyard Discovery Cedar Wood Playhouse

This outdoor wooden playhouse for kids is one of the most fun investments that you’ll make for your kids. It’s made out of 100% pure cedarwood and is built to last. It’s sturdy, can withstand the elements, and would make a great place for your kids to come out and play on a warm, sunny day.

Perfect for kids 2 – 5 years old, it has a very authentic appeal that would attract most children. It’s styled like a small cottage shed – complete with a pitched roof and large windows to allow outside interaction.

It also comes equipped with a number of play accessories that include a sink, stove, a cordless phone, and even a working doorbell. There’s a side snack window from where you can surprise the kids with drinks and tasty bites when you feel like they need something to eat.

There’s even a flowerpot holder at the front, which the kids can use as an opportunity to practice their green thumb. If you’re tool savvy, then this playhouse can also be a breeze to assemble.

Pros

• Gorgeous shed playhouse for kids aged 2 – 5 years old.
• Made from 100% cedar wood that is pre-cut, drilled, and stained.
• Comes with a lot of accessories.
• Boasts panelized assembly for easy use.
• You can even paint it after assembly.

Cons

• Outdoor use only.

5. KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Give your children the most holistic experience of playing ‘house’ with this incredible outdoor playhouse for kids. It’s got a really original vibe and comes with a number of great add-on’s such as a tiny picnic table, a mailbox, and an outdoor grill.

The architecture of this house is pretty simple, but it never fails to look cozy and inviting. The openable front door is perfect for kids who’re looking for some respite and the stylish windows allow a casual observer to peek inside for supervision.

This playhouse is made from reinforced wooden panels that can withstand the great outdoors with dignity. You won’t ever complain of warping, weathering, or cracking as the paneling is water-resistant!

Pros

• Sturdily built modern outdoor playhouse for 1 – 4 year old kids.
• Comes with a picnic table, mailbox, and grill.
• Made from reinforced wood panels.

Cons

• Can be quite hard and time-consuming to assemble.
• Cannot be used indoors.

6. Backyard Discovery Victorian Inn Cedar Playhouse

The Adam’s family’s got nothing on this stylish Victorian style playhouse for kids. Featuring detailed architecture and a roomy interior, this playhouse is perfect for kids ranging from 1-5 years in age.

It’s got an overlaid hip roof and comes with a cute little front porch with an openable door. The interior is spacious enough for the kids to want to cozy up in. There’s an in-built kitchen inside that comes with a number of accessories that include a telephone, plastic utensils, a mounted sink, burner, and Velcro vegetables.

The design of this playhouse is very authentic. There are large windows that allow parental supervision when the kids are playing. The outside interactions also ensure a lot of socializing when the kids are playing amongst themselves.

The playhouse is made out of wood and consists of panelized walls that can be easily assembled if you know what you’re doing.

Pros

• Victorian style outdoor playhouse for kids 1 – 5 years old toddlers.
• Made from authentic wood.
• Accessories such as benches, flower pot holders, bay window included.
• Brilliant attention to detail.

Cons

• Can only be used outdoors.
• Can be time-consuming and complicated to assemble.
• Doesn’t have a floor, which can hamper the durability of the walls.

7. Cardboard Coloring Playhouse Cottage

This particular playhouse may be temporary, but it’s the most fun. It’s basically a crafts projects that you can help your kids with. It’s imaginative, impressive, and a great way to nurture your kids’ artistic side. This playhouse for kids is made out of high-strength cardboard.

There are no sharp edges that might cause any paper cuts. It’s all very safe and allows your kids to enjoy their craft project with ease. The cardboard comes in its natural colour with feature outlines allowing your toddlers to color it in themselves. A great craft project that could last some time!

The same company also make similar ones in the shape of a pirate ship, princess carriage, and castle. Suitable for children 3 – 15 years old.

Overall, this is a great temporary playhouse and will make a fun activity piece at birthday parties and other children gatherings. But you can always use it as a family bonding activity as well.

Pros

• Made from high-strength cardboard.
• Super durable.
• Long-lasting if handled with care.
• Folding design ensures easy setting up and closing down.
• Safe and Recyclable.

Cons

• Recommended for indoor use only.

8. Little Tikes Go Green! Playhouse

Teach your kids about gardening, recycling and saving the environment with this cute toddler clubhouse! As well as real-house features, the clubhouse has a roof with space to grow grass on, a small garden with a rain barrel, recycling center, and solar-powered lights.

Made from 10% recycled plastic, the set comes with a simple how-to-use guide written for kids, LED lights, a shovel, rake and watering can. Suitable for kids aged 2 – 5 years old.

Pros

• Teaches kids the importance of saving the environment.
• Comes with additional accessories

So, here’s a list of all the top kids playhouses that you can pick from. They all have reasonable ratings on Amazon and seem to great hits with most children. We’ve provided a large variety of materials, textures, colors, and reliability so that you can choose one that suits all your needs!

If you’re looking for something bigger and adventurous, read our guide to best treehouses for kids.

Article by Zunaira Ghazal

Zunaira is a professional architect and interior designer with a passion for writing. With a great eye for design and an interest in toys & games, she understands what features a toy must have to benefit people of all ages. Having played video games from an early age and designed amazing kid’s bedrooms, she’s well versed in finding great value for money gifts, games, decor and fun, educational toys.