Finding the best kids playhouse for our little ones is an adventure. There are just so many options to feast your eyes on, and the process of picking and setting up the best one can either add a dose of fun to your day or flood you with stress. Nonetheless, if you’re someone who’s quite giddy throwing surprises at kids from time to time, finding the best playhouse for your toddler can be an absolute joy.
Playhouse for Kids
Toddlers have the vitality of a hundred squirrels. Helping them release that pent-up energy at home can be a real drag sometimes. Kids at this stage have more bounce than a rubber ball, like my nephew and my niece. My sister used to keep them occupied with digital gadgets to tame their unbounded energy— until she realized that such an approach could be counterproductive.
Using digital gadgets for hours is known to dull kids’ imagination and creativity, not to mention the health risk ramifications it may pose.
As such, we can’t stress enough how important it is to encourage our little ones to unplug and engage in screen-free activities, away from their digital devices.
A playhouse is one of those traditional toys that can provide an opportunity for them to unplug and recharge. As we know, a playhouse never loses its charm and magic on children. And with extra features in place, it’s like a magnet for kids, too much for a treat to ignore.
Benefits of Playhouse on Children
Getting them a portable playhouse would be ideal; not just to provide them with an outlet to channel that pent energy, but also to afford them the following benefits:
1. Stimulate Cognitive Development
A playhouse promotes cognition and sparks creativity in children while they’re fully engaged in pretend play. Playhouses have features that compel them to jump into role-playing activities that fire-up their imagination and get their creative juices flowing.
2. Cultivate Autonomy and Responsibility
Having a space your child can call his own will motivate him to be reliable and independent. A playhouse is an ideal environment to nurture his sense of autonomy and allow his creativity to thrive and flourish.
Don’t forget to encourage him to take care of his playhouse, allowing him to take charge, and figure things out on his own. By doing so, you can inculcate in him a sense of independence and responsibility– important values your child will carry with him through adulthood.
Note: You may also assist him– but only when it’s necessary. But for the most part, allow him to do things by himself.
3. Improve Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence
A playhouse is the perfect setting to foster meaningful interaction among children, helping them improve their social competence and develop emotional intelligence. A conducive place where they will learn how to engage, empathize, navigate conflicts, and role-play with their playmates.
And with all the benefits a playhouse can offer your child, getting him one only makes perfect sense. However, with so many options on the market, what’s the best kids playhouse to get?
You have got nothing to worry about. We have rounded up a list of the best playhouses for kids, narrowing the selection down for you– so you can sift through them with ease.
Best Kids Playhouse
1. Radio Flyer Play & Fold Away Treehouse
An adorable playhouse that stirs up their imagination, prodding them to see the world through a whole new lens.
The playhouse comes in three types, each uniquely designed according to its specific theme: a modern farmhouse, pirate ship, and princess castle. A conducive setting for imaginative play to take hold and thrive, sending their minds on an adventure where they can role play a character they fancy, such as becoming a princess, a pirate, or a farmer.
Each design has a steering wheel, a telescope, and a ladder–inviting them to explore new worlds while being physically active.
This playhouse is also portable— you can quickly fold it flat for easy storage and it’s lightweight enough to take it anywhere with you with zero hassle. It’s pretty awesome how it can fold down into a neat, compact bundle, making it perfect for travel. It also comes with a carrying strap for simple, on-the-go transport. With its charming design and exciting features in place, your kids can enjoy playing on it everyday at home, in the garden, or while out on vacation. You can definitely take this playhouse with you on a holiday with your kiddos to keep them amused for longer.
2. Shaded Outdoor Playhouse
Throw your kids their own version of a BBQ party in your backyard, turning them into skilled barbecuers in no time at all– roasting pretend meat over pretend grill.
You can surprise them with a blowout bash full of fun and giggles with this Step 2 All Around
Playtime Patio with Canopy Playset –it’s the best kids’ playhouse for your little barbecue aficionados.
This patio playset is just the perfect size, a fantastic hang-out spot for your super active kiddos– without it taking up too much space in the yard. This outdoor playset is on the pricey side. However, moms who bought one consider it worth every penny due to its durable design and impeccable craftsmanship.
The playhouse has a play grilling station and other fun features that will keep your kids amused and excited, such as a play kitchen, sand and water table, an adorable canopy, and a snack station.
Tip: You may want to buy some toy food to take the fun up a notch.
Ages: 2-5 years | Maximum weight capacity: 50 lbs.
3. All Cedar Wooden Playhouse
If you opt for a wooden playhouse, the Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wooden Playhouse is a must-have. It’s one of those thoughtfully designed playhouses that will make your little one as busy as a bee lost in play for hours.
The playhouse is made from 100% cedar wood, giving off that natural, nature-inspired vibe you’re going for. The cedar is also known for its timeless beauty and durability, ensuring your kids will have a playhouse that’s as durable as it is stunning.
As for the exterior, it is decked out with custom-style flower pots, charmingly positioned on each side of the front door, adding that extra pop of charm your little ones will adore. And once you step inside? There’s a kitchen stuffed with cute little pot and pan set with utensils, a sink, a phone, and an adorable working doorbell–kids just love how it sounds!
We also love that the windows are wide enough, letting in a burst of natural light–turning the playhouse into a bright, airy retreat for your tiny tots.
4. AirFort Barn
If a playhouse feels like a bit much to handle, you can opt for a simpler indoor playhouse like the AirFort Barn.The playhouse is easy to set up and quick to tuck away when not in use.
It’s spacious and cozy, a perfect setting for reading, sleepovers, and movie nights. You can throw in some pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys to make it even more snug and inviting. It also has windows that will give your little one a front-row seat, allowing him to stay in the loop on all the action happening inside and outside his barn.
You’ll be delighted that this playhouse tent comes in different styles and themes: the space shuttle, a barn, a castle, or a mushroom house. Choose one that aligns with your kid’s interest to ensure a fun and carefree stay inside his tiny space.
The downside? It doesn’t have lots of features like the other playhouses. You can, however, be a bit more creative by putting some of their toys inside and encouraging them to role-play characters to make their playtime in the tent even more enjoyable.
5. Adventure Camper Playhouse
Step2 Adventure Camper Playhouse is a cuteness overload— kids love playing in it for hours. It’s a perfect-sized playhouse, suitable for our little ones to buzz around the pretend kitchen with their tiny hands grilling, prepping, and serving food as much as they like. With its skylight feature, cute kitchen accessories, a working doorbell, and a pull-out grill, your little camper can’t help but smile from ear to ear.
As for its durability, the materials used have a sturdy, durable feel– made to last for years.
One thing we dislike, though, is the challenging task of setting up the playhouse. However, if you use a power drill or electric screwdriver, it will make the setup a whole lot easier.