10 Best Playhouses for Indoor and Outdoor

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There are many fantastic toys out there for kids. However, few rival a playhouse and all the fun and imaginative play it can offer children!

Each playhouse has unique features, too – be it a ball pit, a miniature kitchen, or a ball hoop. So, you’re sure to find an option to excite your kids no matter their age or interests.

From hide-outs to tents, cubby-houses, and more, let’s take a look at the best playhouses for indoors and outdoors! 

The best part? Each of these is a top-rated choice according to kids and mums alike!

At A Glance: Our Top Ten Best Playhouse Picks for 2021 :

• The Original AirFort – Build A Fort in 30 Seconds
• Smoby Nature II Children’s House with Kitchen and Accessories
• Bankers Box at Play Pop-Up Cardboard Arts & Crafts Playhouse
• Pop-Up Play Tent with Ball Pit, Play Tent, and Tunnels
• PicassoTiles Inflatable Bouncing Castle
• CO-Z Teepee Play Tent
• Love Tree Large Kids Teepee Tent
• Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Wooden Swing Set
• Orian Princess Castle Playhouse Tent for Girls with LED Star Lights
• Big Fire Truck Tent Spacious Playhouse for Kids

What is the Best Playhouse?

In this post, I’ve listed our ten picks of the tops playhouses for kids. However, you may ask, “what makes for the perfect playhouse?”

Well, the best playhouses for kids are ones that are safe and age-appropriate, first of all. After all, even a fun playhouse isn’t as enjoyable if it’s too small or leads to a nasty injury!

Secondly, the playhouse should center around your kid’s unique interests! Yes, there are a wide variety of playhouses on the market to suit all tastes, from princess to fireman!

Lastly, the playhouse should be suitable and fit into your space, be it small or big indoors, or outdoors. Luckily, there are designs that fit in with all sorts of spaces and budgets, too!

1. The Original AirFort – Build A Fort in 30 Seconds

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Features

• An inflatable air fort
• Available in various colors, patterns, and designs
• A mesh fan divider
• 77″ wide x 5″ high
• Suitable for kids 3 years and up

Things We Love!

This fun little AirFort is definitely one of the best playhouses because it’s so easy to set up. In fact, you don’t have to do much more than attach it to a box fan and let the fan do the work!

I love that it also comes in so many fun designs. Apart from a starry night, there’s also a barn, a tiki hut, camo patterns, a UFO ship, and more!

The AirFort can also fit more than one little one, so there’s plenty of room for friends and siblings! I imagine the interior may be quite cool on hot days, too, thanks to the box fan.

Naturally, fresh air is also not a problem inside as the fan ventilates the fort. The set comes with everything you need to get going, including tabs to attach it, as well.

Pros:

• Other AirFort designs include a barn, a camo fort, and even a UFO spaceship!
• It inflates in 30 seconds.
• No building is required!
• It deflates and packs away quickly.
• It’s perfect for small spaces.
• It fits on most standard box fans.
• The set comes with tabs to connect it to a standard box fan.
• The fan cools and ventilates the fort.
• It’s suitable for use indoors or outdoors.

Cons:

• A box fan isn’t included with the set.
• It has no windows or doors as these would allow the air to escape.
• The fan may be a little noisy.

Overall Thoughts

This AirFort is a unique alternative to your standard playhouse, and it’s definitely more stable than a pillow fort! Yes, I think kids will feel as if they’re in their own little world playing in it.

It’s not too pricey, either, coming in at a fraction of your standard wood or plastic playhouse. However, I think the best part about it is that setting it up and packing it away is a breeze!

2. Canadian Playhouse Factory Little Alexandra Cottage

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Features

• An adorable wooden cubby-house
• 54″ Dutch door
• 3 windows with shutters
• 2 flower boxes
• Cedarwood front porch and railings
• 8ft high x 6ft wide x 5.5ft wide
• Suitable for kids 2 years and up

Things We Love!

One of the best playhouses for kids is a classic wood cubby-house, of course. This cute little playhouse ticks all the boxes and even has its own mini porch!

It’s made from gorgeous, natural wood. However, I love the realistic details – from the scalloped eaves to the shingles roof tiles, the slatted shutters, and the porch floor planks, it’s so cute!

It’s definitely weather, time, water, and kid-proof, too! In fact, I think that it’s likely it will last longer than the time it takes for kids to grow out of it.

Yes, if you’re a traditional wooden playhouse fan, then this is the ultimate deluxe playhouse option. However, if your budget is a little tight, you can opt for a smaller cedar cubby-house.

Pros:

• It’s made from durable cedarwood.
• It’s perfect for outdoor use.
• It has various realistic details, such as scalloped eaves, a porch, and roof shingles.
• It looks adorable and won’t be an eyesore in your garden.
• You can modify it with paint and decor to make it unique and suit your child’s tastes.
• A weather-proof option.

Cons:

• A pricey playhouse.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is a lovely outdoor playhouse option for kids to engage in imaginative play. Of course, you can also buy fun accessories and furniture to complete it and make it homier, too!

Though definitely not the most affordable option, it’s way more durable than your average tent, fabric, or cardboard playhouse. Plus, it epitomizes a classic playhouse or cubby-house!

3. Bankers Box at Play Pop-Up Cardboard Arts & Crafts Playhouse

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Features

• A cardboard pop-up playhouse
• Coloring-in panels with or without artwork
• Available in gingerbread, unicorn, treats, or blank designs
• Pop-open windows and doors
• 38″ long x 32″ wide x 48″ high
• Suitable for kids around 3 years and up

Things We Love!

Crafty kids can be both a gift and a curse – especially when those crayons stray too close to those freshly painted walls! I love that this color-in cardboard playhouse offers a safe target!

Each house is made up of sturdy corrugated cardboard with soft, rounded sides, making it a safe play option, too. Yes, it’s definitely a two-in-one solution perfect for artistic kids!

They can enjoy coloring-in their unique little play home, then play in it! There are various designs to choose from, too, even a blank option without any designs, pictures, or lines. 

The house’s adorable little details, including the slanted roof and pop-open windows and door, are quite realistic, too. Plus, it’s so easy to move around the house because it’s so lightweight!

Pros:

• Kids can color-in their playhouse as well as play in it!
• It will keep kids away from the house walls!
• An affordable playhouse option.
• Great for tight spaces.
• Made from sturdy and thick corrugated cardboard.
• The playhouse has rounded edges to minimize the chance of bumps and cuts.

Cons:

• Not ideal for use outdoors as it’s made from cardboard.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I think this is one of the best playhouses for those on a tight budget. The fact that it’s basically a giant canvas is an added bonus!

Just give them a box of crayons, pencils, or markers, and you’re all set! If they have their own place, you’ll likely have a little more me-time on your hands, too!

4. Pop-Up Play Tent with Ball Pit, Play Tent, and Tunnels

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Features

• A 6-piece colorful pop-up play tent
• A triangle tent with a bullseye and ball hoop
• Three crawl tunnels
• A square tent
• A hexagonal ball pit with a ball hoop
• A travel bag
• 53″ high x around 14 ft -/+ wide (depending on the configuration)
• Suitable for kids around 1-6 years old

Things We Love!

Are you looking for an affordable and manageable playhouse? If so, there are easy options like this play tent – no, the best playhouses need not be expensive nor finicky! 

Pop-up playhouses like this one are an excellent choice for those with limited funds, DIY skills, space, or patience. Yes, this set is lightweight, easily set up, dismantled, and quite affordable.

It’s also safe for young kids to play in as there are no hard angles or corners for them to bump themselves. The multicolored, unisex pattern suits all genders, too.

However, there are different play tent designs available, including these dotty and pink/purple options. Plus, you can expand your set with other suitable play tents, like this pop-up playhouse!

Pros:

• Its soft corners offer safe playtime for kids.
• It folds down for easy storage.
• It pops up quickly and easily.
• The various parts can be combined differently or expanded with other pop-up play equipment.
• It’s suitable for use indoors and outdoors.

Cons:

• You need to buy a set of ball pit balls to fill the ball pit separately.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is an easy and affordable option for parents with a limited budget, space, or time on their hands! Simply pop it out indoors, outdoors, at friend’s houses, or even at the park.

Then, you can easily pack it away when the kids get done playing, too. The fun areas, such as a ball pit, ball hoops, tunnels, and tents, offer plenty of varied play for kids, as well.

As this is a 6-piece set, there are various configurations you can set it up in. As such, expanding it with suitable tunnels, another set, or other play equipment is also not an issue!

5. PicassoTiles Inflatable Bouncing Castle

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Features

• A full-sized jumping castle
• A slide
• A full-sized back entrance
• Two small side-entrances
• A shady play area
• Airy mesh sides
• A 525W heavy-duty blower GFCI plug
• 12ft long x 10ft wide x 7 ft high
• It can fit up to 3 children weighing under 250 lbs collectively
• Suitable for kids 3 years and up

Things We Love!

Apart from your typical playhouses, there are other exciting options out there, as well – such as a fun bouncing castle! 

Yes, these are not only for hire for kids parties; you can also buy one for use at your own home! I imagine most kids would surely be excited by the prospect of having their own bouncy castle.

No, you likely won’t need to cajole the kids to get outside in the sunshine playing on one of these! It can also get used again and again for parties, family get-togethers, and summer days.

In fact, I think it’s a worthy investment, especially for households with multiple kids. If you have a tighter budget, this smaller version is ideal for little backyards and limited budgets, too!

Pros:

• A fun alternative to your classic playhouse.
• It has a side play area with a retractable shade cover.
• The jumping castle has a ball hoop.
• The set comes with four blow-up balls, including a basketball, football, baseball, and soccer ball.
• The mesh sides keep kids safe while also offering maximum visibility and ventilation.
• The set comes with a heavy-duty blower.
• It suits older kids and adults, too.
• An excellent option for setting up outdoors.

Cons:

• A pricey playhouse option.
• It takes a while to inflate.
• You need to set it up each time you want to use it.
• You can’t use it continuously for longer periods of time.
• It’s only suitable for use outdoors or in big indoor spaces.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is one of the best playhouses for big families with an amply-sized backyard. As long as the weight limit is respected, the kids can enjoy playing together on it all day long.

There’s plenty of space for them to bounce, shoot hoops, and relax, too! The added ball hoop and balls offer some unique fun, as does the extra shaded bouncing area.

6. CO-Z Teepee Play Tent

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Features

• A miniature kids teepee
• Made from white, unpainted 100% cotton canvas
• Thick polished pine wood poles
• Windows with flaps
• 73″ wide x 85″ high
• Suitable for kids 1 years and up

Things We Love!

This cute little teepee is so adorable and not an eyesore, either! In fact, it wouldn’t look out of place in any well-decorated home or garden!

The unpainted cotton canvas is both cool and versatile. Kids could even paint their own designs on their tent with suitable permanent kid-safe fabric paints or markers!

This gorgeous teepee is also much larger than many others, and the quality details show. The fabric is 100% cotton, and the thick poles are made of polished pine wood.

You can use it indoors or set it up outdoors under the sun and stars for them! It’s also perfect for kids transitioning from a beloved smaller teepee to a bigger space.

Pros:

• It’s made from thick, airy, natural, and durable 100% cotton canvas.
• It’s taller than your average kid’s teepees.
• The set comes with additional decorative balls and flags.
• The teepee is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
• Kids can dye, decorate, and paint the unpainted teepee fabric.
• The teepee can fit up to three children at once.
• It has a floor canvas, unlike many other kid’s teepees.

Cons:

• The white fabric may stain easily outdoors.
• Younger or inexperienced kids will likely need help to set up and dismantle this tall teepee.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, this teepee comes out on top compared to many other options, in my opinion. It’s definitely a quality, polished choice that will last the years in style!

I think it’s also an excellent investment as it will grow with your kids due to its larger size. Sure, there are many smaller and more affordable options, but kids will grow out of these sooner. 

7. Love Tree Large Kids Teepee Tent

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Features

• An extra-large kids tent
• Available in black/cream, beige, and pink/white
• A curtained front entrance
• A zippered back door
• Mesh, cut-out curtains
• Made from 100% cotton canvas
• 39.2″ wide x 59″ long x 59″ high
• Suitable for kids 3-10 years old

Things We Love!

I think this tent is one of the best playhouses for kids because it looks almost exactly like a little house! The structure has windows, as well as two doors – one at the front and one at the back.

I love that it is made from durable and breathable thick 100% cotton canvas, though. So, it will stay cool and shady – and looks quite upmarket in a stylish home or room, too!

It also has ample room for multiple kids to play together or for a crib mattress to get placed. Yes, if you’re looking for a tent for your child to sleep in, this is an ideal choice!

Apart from this, it’s the perfect toy den to store away all their bits and bobs, including soft toys. So, you can reclaim and tidy up a bit of your home space when they move in, too!

Pros:

• The reinforced seams minimize the chance of tears, frays, and rips.
• It’s suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
• You can fit a small cot mattress inside this play tent.

Cons:

• Assembling it can be complicated as you need to push both poles through simultaneously. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get the second pole through.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is a lovely playhouse choice. As it is a lightweight tent, you can easily move it around as needed when you clean or rearrange your home.

Though not the cheapest tent, it’s still way more affordable than your average wood or plastic playhouse. You’re definitely getting your money’s worth as it’s made from quality cotton, too. 

If your budget is a little tight, there are more affordable options, though! These blue and pink play tents are just as cute and have ample room for kids to play in, too.

8. Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Wooden Swing Set

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Features

• An outdoor wooden playset
• A raised playhouse
• A climbing wall ladder
• A chalkboard
• A 6ft slide
• Two swings
• Made from durable, rot-resistant cedarwood
• 123″ long x 107″ wide x 92″ high
• Suitable for kids 3-10 years old

Things We Love!

This cute, little outdoor wooden playset doesn’t just have a playhouse. It also includes swings, a climbing wall ladder, a chalkboard, and a slide!

The raised playhouse is just one small part of this wonderful kids’ playset! As such, this is an excellent outdoor set to choose to get kids active and out in the sunshine.

The raised playhouse has a canvas roof to protect from the elements with mesh sides and safety bars. From it, kids can look out on their dominion (aka your garden)!

I love that the set is made from decay-resistant cedarwood and strong steel joints and brackets, though. So, it will last years, not only one summer!

Pros:

• It’s made from rot, decay, and weather-resistant cedarwood.
• This is an excellent playhouse option to encourage kids outdoors to play.
• This is a perfect long-term outdoor playhouse option.
• The playhouse has mesh sides and bars to deter kids from climbing or falling.
• The set will last for many years.
• It’s affordable compared to many other outdoor wooden playsets.

Cons:

• A pricey option.
• It’s not suitable for indoors or easy to move around once installed.

Overall Thoughts

This is one of the best playhouses for outdoors because it’s so affordable. It has plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, from drawing on the chalkboard, climbing, swinging, and sliding!

Yes, you’re getting excellent value for your money. Of course, it is a bit on the small side – so it will suit young kids and small backyards best.

9. Orian Princess Castle Playhouse Tent for Girls with LED Star Lights

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Features

• A pink princess pavilion tent-style playhouse
• Mesh curtains
• Pastel pink fabric
• Battery-operated LED star lights
• 55″ high x 53″ wide
• Suitable for kids 1 month and up

Things We Love!

Are you looking for a playhouse fit for a little princess? If so, this pastel pink pavilion tent-style playhouse is just the thing!

It features a hexagonal shape with draped mesh curtains and pastel fabric fit for a royal palace! Yes, it’s definitely one of the best playhouses for girls with royal aspirations.

I love that the set includes a string of pretty star fairy lights that are simply charming, though. Plus, the set is battery-operated – so you don’t need a plug nearby to use it.

Overall, the play tent is quite large, as well. So, there’s plenty of space in it for imaginative play, toys, friends, and even some tea-party furniture or a throne!

Pros:

• A lovely gift for a little princess!
• The set includes a 4.5m string of star lights with 40 LED star lights.
• The battery-operated lights are easy to set up anywhere, plug-free.
• The playhouse is suitable for indoor and outdoor play.

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with the three AA batteries required for the lights.
• The fabric may stain easily.
• It’s not the easiest playhouse to assemble.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is the ultimate playhouse to give young girls. The pretty pink fabric, pavilion tent-style layout, and lovely lights all add to the regal atmosphere.

They’re sure to feel like the princess they are when they play in it. Plus, they can keep all their favorite toys in it, tidying and freeing up room elsewhere in your home.

10. Big Fire Truck Tent Spacious Playhouse for Kids

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Features

• An instant pop-up red fire truck playhouse
• Mesh front, roof, rear, and side windows
• Outdoor anchoring stakes and loops
• Available with or without a step
• A carry-case
• 54″ long x 28″ wide x 36″ high
• Suitable for kids 3 years and up

Things We Love!

Sure, a bright red fire truck is a favorite toy of some boys. But, who knew you could get a little red fire truck playhouse, too?

It just so happens this truck is an effortless-to-set-up pop-up play tent, too! So, it’s easy to pitch, dismantle, and store away after he’s done playing fireman.

This fire truck is quite realistic, as well. It features front, side, roof, and rear mesh windows, as well as a door that can get locked from inside.

As such, it makes an excellent cubby-house for multiple kids to play in at once. Or an excellent tent for kids to sleep in securely and safely.

Pros:

• You can fit a suitably-sized small mattress inside.
• The step version can get used as a ball pit.
• This playhouse is available with or without a step to turn it into a ball pit.
• It pops up instantaneously.
• You can use it indoors or outdoors.
• You can anchor the tent outdoors with the supplied stakes and the tent’s anchor loops.
• The fire truck has a lockable velcro and fabric door.

Cons:

• A standard or mini crib mattress will not fit in this playhouse due to the interior angled mesh supports. The company suggests cutting the mesh if you’d like one to fit.

Overall Thoughts

Undoubtedly, I think this is one of the best playhouses for kids who love fire trucks! Plus, they can set it up indoors, take it outdoors, and then easily pack it away when not in use.

It’s neither very pricey nor challenging to set up, heavy, or difficult to maneuver around. So, you won’t be tearing your hair out wondering where to put it or how to move it around.

Buyer’s Guide to Buying the Best Playhouse

No doubt, there are plenty of playhouses out there on the market, both online and offline. But, how to go about spotting the best playhouses of the bunch?

Follow these playhouse-picking tips to ensure you select the perfect one – and avoid unwanted returns and disappointment, of course!

Types of Best Playhouses

You may be wondering exactly what kinds of playhouses are on offer for purchase? Well, there are various types available for both indoors and outdoors, and even dual-use. 

Some are suited for small spaces, others only for big areas, others are permanent installations, some foldable and packable. Every playhouse has its own unique features, too.

Browse through this list to get a good idea of which type would be best for your home and needs!

Wooden Cubby-Houses

Wooden cubby-houses are a classic choice. These playhouses are usually permanently installed in one place and mainly for use outdoors. 

They also often come in at a steeper price than a play tent or some plastic options. However, they are some of the prettiest and most customizable options, too!

You can paint them, make additions, and otherwise decorate them as you wish. This is something you can’t really do with your standard plastic cubby-house!

Plastic Cubby-Houses

Plastic cubby-houses are a popular choice these days – and that’s no surprise! They’re solid, durable, weather-proof, and movable (unlike many wooden playhouses), too!

Usually, they come in at around the same price or less than wooden options. Some come with a built-in kitchen, countertops, or other realistic features – as well as accessories on occasion. 

They generally can’t be painted or modified much as the molded plastic is resistant to being manipulated, though. So, you have to choose the style and color of yours carefully!

Cardboard Playhouses

Cardboard playhouses are a very affordable option for budget-conscious parents. They’re also the best playhouses for tight spaces and moving around or packing away.

Some can be colored-in, too! However, they don’t suit the outdoors, especially rain or damp ground, as the cardboard may get water-damaged and deteriorate.

Pop-Up Playhouses

Pop-up playhouses are a fun and safe option for kids. When kids want to play with them, simply pop the playhouse parts out into their specific shape and go!

They’re so lightweight and soft that bumps and bruises from playing on them are much less likely, too! Aside from these pros, pop-up options are often very affordable.

Inflatable Playhouses

An inflatable playhouse is a unique option. These types of playhouses require airflow to inflate them instead of your elbow grease, so they’re perfect for those frazzled days!

Bouncy castles and air forts are included in this category. These playhouses can’t be set up permanently and shouldn’t get used continuously, though. 

That is unless you’re aiming to set an electricity bill record! No, these types are best used for a day or two then packed away safely.

Outdoor Playsets

Outdoor playsets include any permanent set with swings, monkey bars, slides, and a playhouse, of course. There are few playhouses as fun or versatile as these outdoor sets. 

These make an excellent gift for kids but are usually quite pricey! The more features a set has, such as an enclosed cubby-house and quality wood, the higher its price, too. 

However, a playset is permanent and will last for years. Each offers kids and their friends endless days of entertainment, not just one afternoon’s worth!

Playhouse Tents and Teepees

Playhouse tents and teepees are a lovely option for indoors (and even outdoors) and great fun for kids. They can pack them up, move them around, and fill them with their treasured toys, too!

Apart from this, play tents are generally much more affordable than permanent wooden or plastic cubby-houses. So, they’re an excellent budget-friendly option.

DIY Playhouses

A DIY playhouse is one that you design and build yourself! Handy parents can easily create the kids the playhouse of their dreams at a fraction of the cost this way.

In fact, many parents opt to build their own! However, you will need some DIY skills, raw materials, and the tools to do so. 

If you’re inexperienced with building one, you can even buy plans – such as the backyard fort or playhouse cottage DIY builds!

How to Choose the Best Playhouse

Buying anything online, such as Christmas gifts, baby essentials, or groceries, as well as a playhouse, can be confusing. You don’t know the object’s real size, weight, or dimensions.

And, you can’t really see the finishes, fabric, quality, or finer details. Add to that misleading advertising and deceptive edited images, and it’s a recipe for disaster!

As such, you have to find other ways to ensure you get what you want, or at least know what you’re getting! 

Here are a few purchasing tips to help you select the right playhouse the first time around.

Browse Through Only Top-Rated Options

One of the best things about buying online vs. offline is that you can shop based on the popularity of items! 

Don’t waste your time – consider only the highest-rated options to ensure you end up buying the best.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews won’t only tell you if an item is worth it or not. They will also fill you in on details about the pros and cons of each playhouse.

Select A Playhouse That Fits Your Kids Interests

With so many playhouse options out there, it can be difficult to choose one! However, the best way to shortlist your selection is to prioritize options that fit your child’s specific interests.

Make Sure It’s Age-Appropriate

A playhouse is no fun if it’s not age-appropriate. Furthermore, the set may be dangerous for them to play in! So, always consider the manufacturer’s recommended age before buying.

Choose a Playhouse That Fits Your Budget, Space, and Needs

Having a small yard or only a small amount of cash to spare doesn’t mean a playhouse is out of reach. In fact, there are many playhouse options out there suitable for most spaces or budgets!

Check the Returns Policy and Warranty

Products can come missing items or broken – you may even realize you don’t like it or it’s not suitable. So, be sure to opt for a choice with a good returns policy or warranty that covers you!

Conclusion:

With so many playhouses out there, it can be difficult to settle on one! Hopefully, this post has helped you to narrow down your choices of the best playhouses and maybe even find “the one!”

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