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10 Best Outdoor Playhouses of 2024

Updated
These outdoor playhouses will provide your child with amazing imaginative play opportunities.

If you have an outdoor playhouse, it was probably one of your favorite spots when you were a child. It was a place where you could dream, act, imagine, and cut loose.

There is a delicate balance between overly structuring your child’s play and providing play opportunities with some structure.

The best outdoor playhouses provide children with a safe play opportunity where they can create their own games and play experiences.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Little Tikes Bungalow House
Best Plastic Playhouse
Little Tikes Bungalow House
  • Rebuildable design
  • Easy assembly
  • Taller structure
Product Image of the Backyard Discovery Sweetwater
Best Wooden Playhouse
Backyard Discovery Sweetwater
  • Includes accessories
  • Wood can be painted
  • Secure screws
Product Image of the Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Playhouse
Best Tent Playhouse
Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Playhouse
  • Pole and sleeve design
  • Optional floor
  • Affordable playhouse
Product Image of the Step2 Playhouse
Best Floored Playhouse
Step2 Playhouse
  • Realistic amenities
  • Real working doorbell
  • Built-in floor
Product Image of the Simplay3 Discovery Playhouse
Best for Toddlers
Simplay3 Discovery Playhouse
  • Two-level playhouse
  • Durable material
  • Made in the USA
Product Image of the Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights
Best With Slide
Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights
  • Two-story home
  • Bright & vivid primary colors
  • Comes with slide
Product Image of the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II
Best for Older Kids
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II
  • Has a small porch
  • Includes accessories and great features
  • Accommodates up to six children at a time
Product Image of the L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage
Best for Girls
L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage
  • Comes with light-up disco ball
  • Can be used indoors or out
  • Fun-enhancing features
Product Image of the Little Tikes Cape Cottage
Best for Boys
Little Tikes Cape Cottage
  • Two working doors
  • Brickwork detail
  • Lightweight and simple
Product Image of the KidKraft Modern Wooden Playhouse
Best Unique Playhouse
KidKraft Modern Wooden Playhouse
  • Integrated outdoor grill
  • Comes with a mailbox
  • Includes built-in picnic table


The Best Outdoor Playhouses of 2024

Here is our list of the best outdoor playhouses for kids.

Little Tikes Backyard Bungalow House

Best Plastic Outdoor Playhouse

This novel plastic playhouse from Little Tikes has 25 customizable accessories and a few interactive pieces of accessories.

An adult builds the frame and then either the adult or the kids can affix the other accessories, in a configuration of their choosing.

This design is perfect for outdoor picnic and other outdoor activity for your little one.

Pros

  • The rebuildable design of the playhouse provides additional opportunities for imaginative and active play.
  • The frame can also be easily assembled and unassembled making it easy to store or move the playhouse indoors if you wish.
  • It’s one of the taller outdoor playhouses at 59.5 inches.

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the playhouse were delivered with missing parts.

Product Specs

Height 59.5 inches
Footprint 47.75 x 47.75 inches
Material Plastic
Age Range 2 to 5 years
Accessories Canopy, stove and sink, chalkboard and gardening station

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Assembly
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

This playhouse has been a fantastic addition to our outdoor play area, providing endless fun and imaginative play for my child. The open design helps keep it cooler during the summer months, and the included accessories and shelves add to the overall enjoyment. Assembly was fairly straightforward, even for one person, thanks to the clearly labeled parts. However, I did encounter an issue with one of the canopy straps being sewn in the wrong place, requiring me to fix it myself. Despite this minor hiccup, the playhouse has proven to be durable, surviving various weather conditions on our covered porch.

Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wooden Playhouse

Best Wooden Outdoor Playhouse

This is a well-constructed cedar wood playhouse with large window openings and lots of play-enhancing accessories.

Inside, there is a cute, toy stove-top, sink with knobs that twist, and a toy telephone.

Outside there are two cute plastic plant pot shelves in which you can place real flowers or plants in flower pots.

Pros

  • Lots of accessories that provide added play value.
  • The wood can be painted, but it does come already treated with a child and pet-friendly stain.
  • The screws are designed to resist loosening and have rounded heads so they will not catch on clothes or cause scratches.

Cons

  • Some people have said they feel they are competent DIY-ers and this playhouse still took them up to two hours to assemble.

Product Specs

Height 55.12 inches
Footprint 42.13 x 46.06 inches
Material Wood – cedar
Age Range 2 to 6 years
Accessories Sink, stove-top, telephone, plant pot holders

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm very pleased with this playhouse that I purchased for my granddaughter's 2nd birthday. The assembly process was straightforward, and the Bilt app's 3D instructions were a great help. However, I noticed that the wood needed to be sanded to prevent splinters, and we decided to add a ridge cap to the roof for extra protection. This playhouse is made of cedar, which gives off a lovely smell, and it comes with a cute play kitchen, phone, and other accessories that my granddaughter adores. Despite its compact size, I can comfortably fit inside with my toddler, and we plan to add some personal touches like a chalkboard and curtains.

Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Playhouse

Best Tent Playhouse

This is a fabulous playhouse tent that is printed to resemble a brightly colored candy store.

The door is a two-flap style entryway so smaller children do not have to work out how to unlatch or unzip a door.

A “server’s hatch” enhances the store feel, allowing children inside the playhouse to serve people outside.

Pros

  • The pole and sleeve design make this playhouse exceptionally easy to assemble either indoors or outside, move it between the two, or store when not in use.
  • This playhouse has an optional floor, which is included. This gives the flexibility to use it outside with the floor and then move it inside with the floor removed, saving your home from mud, grass, and other debris.
  • It’s an affordable playhouse option.

Cons

  • Smaller than most of the other playhouses, so there is a limit to how long this will be a viable place for your kids to play.

Product Specs

Height 40.3 inches
Footprint 28 x 36.5 inches
Material 100 percent polyester fabric shell and plastic poles
Age Range Up to 4 years
Accessories Removable floor insert

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

In my experience, this tent is an adorable addition to my children's play area, but it does have a few drawbacks. The assembly process can be frustrating due to the lack of clear instructions, and the tent material feels slightly more plasticky than others I've encountered. My kids absolutely love the little service window, and it has held up well during playtime so far. However, I would caution potential buyers that it might not be the most durable option for rough play or frequent assembly and disassembly.

Step2 Neat & Tidy Playhouse

Best Floored Outdoor Playhouse

The Step2 playhouse provides a basic plastic structure with working windows and a full-height door which allows you to keep the critters out when the playhouse is not in use.

This playhouse features many realistic amenities to encourage imaginative play. For example, it comes with a real working doorbell and mailbox. But what keeps this playhouse an advantageous purchase compared to others is that it has a built-in floor that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Pros

  • Realistic amenities that encourages imaginative play.
  • Real working doorbell.
  • Built-in floor.

Cons

  • Batteries for doorbell not included upon purchase.

Product Specs

Height 46.46 inches
Footprint 45 x 35.04 inches
Material Plastic
Age Range 18 months to 10 years
Accessories Kitchen table, faucet, seat, and grill space

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Assembly
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This playhouse has been a delightful addition to our outdoor play area, providing endless entertainment for my children and their friends. The charming doorbell feature, coupled with the phone on the wall, encourages imaginative play and social interaction. A generous height on the roof ensures that even taller children can enjoy the space comfortably. The only drawback is the flimsy "sink area" attachment, which lacks proper support and can bend under a child's weight. Despite this minor issue, the playhouse has proven to be a safe and enjoyable space for all who enter.

Simplay3 Young Explorers Discovery Playhouse

Best Outdoor Playhouse for Toddlers

This two-level playhouse incorporates a range of activities your child can play upon such as a ramp, a ladder, and a hand holds providing a wealth of additional play opportunities.

The US-made material is waterproof allowing your kids to play even during rainy days. Aside from that, it is weather-resistant that sure will last for years.

Pros

  • Has a variety of activities to facilitate endless fun for kids.
  • Made in USA.
  • Two-level playhouse.

Cons

  • Needs two person to assemble.

Product Specs

Height 58.25 inches
Footprint 29.5 x 57.75 inches
Material Plastic
Age Range 18 months to 6 years
Accessories None

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this playset has been a hit with my little ones, providing endless entertainment and a safe space for them to explore. The structure is well-built, with a sturdy design and smooth edges that give me peace of mind as a parent. While I do feel it's a bit pricey, the quality and ability to expand as my children grow make it a valuable investment in their playtime.

Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights Elevated Playhouse

Best Outdoor Playhouse With a Slide

Most of the playhouses really look like houses. This playhouse looks like a real welcoming house making it enticing for children who want to explore beyond the stars.

Part climbing frame, part playhouse, and part imagination stimulator, your kids’ friends will be inviting themselves over to play with this unique option.

Pros

  • This two-story home with a slide is fun and might be a big hit with imaginative children.
  • Bright, vivid primary colors make this an appealing option.
  • The slide gives this playhouse an additional layer of play value.

Cons

  • Users have mentioned how difficult it may get during the assembly of the unit. Others mentioned it would require two to three persons to assemble it.

Product Specs

Height 91.25 inches
Footprint 450 square feet
Material Cedar
Age Range 36 months to 10 years
Accessories Appliances

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, assembling this playset took a considerable amount of time and patience due to unclear instructions and the need to drill extra holes. Despite these challenges, the end result is a sturdy and enjoyable playhouse suitable for younger children. The compact size allows for a fun hideout experience without needing a tree, and the real wood material adds to its appeal. However, the slide could use improvement as it's not steep enough for a smooth sliding experience.

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II

Best Outdoor Playhouse for Older Kids

The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II stands out because it is taller than most. This makes it an excellent option for families with children in multiple age groups. The additional height gives older children room to play comfortably with their younger siblings.

The upper deck comes with a roof, trimmed windows, a covered upper porch, bay windows, and a sun deck while the lower deck has a snack stand and picnic table as well as a sandbox area. To make it more realistic, it has monkey bars, a swing beam, and a rock wall to facilitate outdoor play. Nothing to worry about its durability as it meets ASTM standards.

Pros

  • This playhouse has a small porch, a bay window, and an integral bench.
  • It has a huge number of accessories and great features.
  • It can accommodate up to six children at a time, and the additional height makes it great if you have a taller child or for play with older siblings.

Cons

  • The bay window is excellent for play, but does mean the inside of the house is open to the elements and to animals.

Product Specs

Height 149.6 inches
Footprint 263.78 x 200.79 inches
Material Wood – cedar
Age Range 36 months to 10 years
Accessories Snack stand and picnic table.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this swing set has been fantastic, and my kids absolutely love it. Assembly took some time and effort, but having everything organized beforehand made the process much smoother. The set offers plenty of activities for both my 3.5-year-old and 2-year-old, and even older children can enjoy it. It's quite sturdy and looks great in our yard. Just be prepared for some sand cleanup from the sandbox area, but overall, this swing set has been a wonderful addition to our backyard.

L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage Playhouse

Best Outdoor Playhouse for Girls

The L.O.L. Surprise! cottage is an award-winning playhouse for kids. Girls might like the decor, lights, and lack of kitchen stuff. Not all girls strive to be a domestic goddess.

Likely to be the headquarters for kids who enjoy lights, music, and dance, this cottage doesn’t have a sink or stovetop in sight.

Unique to this playhouse is the accompanying inflatable chair where your little one can collapse after a hard day’s play!

Pros

  • A light-up disco ball on the inside of the house will provide your dancing divas with a fun and funky accompaniment to their music.
  • It can be used indoors or out and is designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored, making this an extremely versatile playhouse.
  • It has plenty of fun-enhancing features such as a mail slot, house number decals, a flag holder, and shutters.

Cons

  • A lack of floor, a half door, and windows with frames, but no glass or plastic to fill them, leaves the interior of this playhouse open to the elements.

Product Specs

Height 49 inches
Footprint 35 x 42.75 inches
Material Plastic
Age Range 2 to 10 years
Accessories Disco light, inflatable chair

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Assembly
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with the L.O.L. Surprise! cottage, which has become a favorite playhouse for my kids. They adore the unique features like the light-up disco ball and the accompanying inflatable chair, perfect for relaxing after a day of play. This playhouse is versatile, as it can be used both indoors and outdoors, and is easy to assemble, disassemble, and store. My kids also enjoy the mail slot, house number decals, flag holder, and shutters that enhance their imaginative play. However, I noticed that the lack of a floor, half door, and windows with frames but no glass or plastic leaves the interior exposed to the elements. Despite this, the playhouse has brought endless fun and entertainment to my children and encourages their creativity and active play.

Little Tikes Cape Cottage - Blue

Best Outdoor Playhouse for Boys

A fun and funky pad for the child with discerning taste, this Little Tikes cottage evokes lake country style that will look good in any garden or home.

There are number decals for you to personalize your house, a crucial detail if you want to receive your play mail through the mail slot. To further personalize your cottage, you can use any standard flag pole and hoist a flag of your choosing by your door.

Pros

  • Two working doors.
  • The house is molded to resemble brickwork — a cute detail to differentiate this from other playhouses.
  • Lightweight and simple enough to be assembled and moved by one person.

Cons

  • It does not have any play accessories, or a floor.

Product Specs

Height 49 inches
Footprint 39 x 42.75 inches
Material Plastic
Age Range 2 to 10 years
Accessories None

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Assembly
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this playhouse has been mostly positive, though it does have some minor flaws. My daughter initially enjoyed playing with it, but her interest waned after a few days. The door is a bit flimsy and can be difficult for children to latch closed, and I wish it was made of sturdier plastic. Despite these issues, the playhouse has brought smiles to my children's faces, and it's a decent buy for an affordable playhouse.

KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse with Picnic Table

Best Unique Outdoor Playhouse

If you are looking for a playhouse with some unusual additional features, then the KidKraft wooden playhouse may be what you’re after.

It would be more accurate to describe it as a playhouse with a sturdy picnic table attached. This comes with some preassembled components to save time and almost instantaneous play. It has multifarious features such as an outdoor grill with a removable lid, a mailbox with a flag, and an expresso picnic table with two wooden benches attached on the side.

There is also a wide window opening with fabric curtains so you can play shop, catering van, or any other game that requires a pass-through.

Pros

  • Integrated built-in picnic table, so the kids, or small adults have somewhere to sit during playtime.
  • There’s a mailbox with a red flag.
  • Exemplary aesthetics with spacious area.

Cons

  • May require reconditioning of roof panels after several months.
  • Requires at least two person to fully assemble.

Product Specs

Height 62.25 inches
Footprint 70.9 x 48.9 inches
Material Wooden cedar and plastic
Age Range 36 months to 8 years
Accessories Picnic table and two benches

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Assembly
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

For those looking for a fun space for their child, this playhouse has been a delightful addition to our home. I found the wood quality to be impressive, and although it took me 6 hours to assemble, the process was straightforward. One downside is the smell of pine or wood treatment, which I hope will dissipate over time. I customized this playhouse to make it more weather-resistant, so be prepared to put in some effort if you want it to endure outdoor conditions. Some customers mentioned receiving damaged parts, but I didn't experience this issue. Just be aware that you may need to reinforce the structure for added stability and safety for your child.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Height Footprint Material Age Range
Little Tikes Bungalow House Plastic 59.5″ 47.5 x 47.5″ Plastic 2 to 5 years
Backyard Discovery Sweetwater Wooden 55.12″ 42.13 x 46.06″ Wood – cedar 2 to 6 years
Kiddie Play Tent, Candy Tent 40.3″ 28 x 36.5″ 100% polyester fabric shell & plastic poles Up to 4 years
Step2 Neat & Tidy Floored 46.46″ 45 x 35.04″ Plastic 18 months to 10 years
Simplay3 Discovery Playhouse Toddlers 58.25″ 29.5 x 57.75″ Plastic 18 months to 6 years
Backyard Discovery Beacon Heights Slide 91.25″ 450 sq.ft Cedar 36 months to 10 years
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Older Kids 149.6″ 263.78 x 200.79″ Wood – cedar 36 months to 10 years
L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Cottage Girls 49″ 35 x 42.75″ Plastic 2 to 10 years
Little Tikes Cape Cottage Boys 49″ 39 x 42.75″ Plastic 2 to 10 years
KidKraft Wooden Playhouse Unique 62.25″ 70.9 x 48.9″ Wooden cedar and plastic 36 months to 8 years

Why Kids Need Outdoor Playhouses

Like any other skill, we learn to be adults by observing others and practicing. This is where playhouses come in. In a playhouse, children can practice being “grown-up” without any of the associated dangers or consequences of adult situations.

In addition to that learning opportunity, a playhouse provides a place for your child to:

  • Enjoy some privacy, which conveys that you trust them to play alone.
  • Experience independent decision-making which helps to build self-confidence.
  • Work through their emotions without worrying about how you will react.
  • Learn how to amuse themselves and become more self-sufficient (1).

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Playhouses

There are numerous factors that go into choosing the top outdoor playhouses, including the age of your child, the climate where you live, and your budget. Let’s take a look at them in detail.

Material

The majority of the best outdoor playhouses are made from wood or plastic, but even within those options you have a wide variety of quality. Some wooden playhouses for kids are made of high quality, treated hardwood that will last for many years, while others may be made of flimsier materials.

Neither wood nor plastic is inherently better than the other. It is more of a question of making sure the playhouse is well made out of high-quality materials.

Child’s Age

The age recommendation on a playhouse will not only indicate whether it is appropriate from a developmental point of view, but it will also take into consideration the size of your child. So, consider your child’s size and not just their age.

Also, ask yourself, “Do I want a playhouse that will be appropriate for a year or two, or do I want something in which my kids can play for many years to come?”

Aesthetic

Does how the playhouse will look in your yard matter to you? Will a brightly colored plastic playhouse clash with your garden? Or perhaps a gingerbread wooden playhouse will look out of place in your chic modern yard?

So, when deciding which of the best outdoor playhouses made our list, we have tried to include something for every style and taste.

Floors

One of the features many parents forget when choosing an outdoor playhouse is whether it has a floor. It can come as a surprise that a large number of outdoor playhouses do not.

A floor is more important if you do not have a safe surface to place your playhouse. If you have a child-safe area of lawn or sand, it is less important.

A floor can also make it easier to keep the inside of the playhouse and anything inside it, clean and dry. This can be especially important if you live in a damp or humid location.

Features

Some outdoor playhouses are basic boxes with a couple of openings as doorways and windows. These playhouses are open to the elements as well as any critters in your area. If you choose an open style outdoor playhouse, check for potentially dangerous debris, animal damage, or animal excrement each day, before your child plays.

Windows will provide more light for your child and a closable door allows little ones to shut out the outside world and indulge in important imaginative play.

Speaking of imaginative play, some playhouses are styled to look like specific buildings or have additional features such as stove tops, chairs, and tables. These can provide important play ideas. Or, you may prefer a blank canvas that allows your child to mix it up a little more and create their own games (2).

You should also thoroughly read any online listing for an outdoor playhouse. While reading through hundreds of products and reviews, it became clear that some images show playhouses with features such as decks and railings, but these were add-on items that had to be bought separately.

Durability

Choose an outdoor playhouse that will stand up to your child’s play and the climate in which you live.

A polyester tent playhouse can be a great option for summer or a warm, dry climate, but it will not stand up to a cold winter outside. Likewise, some plastic playhouses will fade and even become brittle relatively quickly in a hot, dry location.

Ease of Cleaning

Plastic outdoor playhouses are easily cleaned with a quick hose down. So if your little one is a particularly mucky kid, this might be the best choice for you. Wooden playhouses are not as easy to wash down.

Floor Drain

If you choose a playhouse with a floor, it is worth checking to see if it has a drain hole. This is useful for avoiding standing water during the winter as well as for cleaning the playhouse.


The Gift Of Play

When you give your child a playhouse, you’re not just giving them somewhere to play. You are also providing the framework for pretend play that will allow them to pretend to be adults.

Thinking of them as adults may give you a slight panic attack. But don’t worry, after their long day of play, they’ll still be ready for your snuggles and will enjoy being a kid for years to come.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.