Top 8 Playhouses for children

When kids outgrow their cribs, many parents opt to transition them into a toddler bed. A toddler bed is a bed specifically designed for children between the ages of one and three, and it offers a little more versatility than a crib, including fewer slats and less space between slats. Some toddlers won’t stay in a crib beyond the age of two, or they will outgrow it after just a few months, while others will transition out of a crib at around the age of three.

Playhouses are another great option for transitioning toddlers from a crib or toddler bed. Playhouses are a fun alternative to a standard bed, and they offer more space for kids to play, as well as an opportunity for parents to hide items or valuables (like jewelry) that kids might be curious about. Playhouses typically feature a few built-in beds, plus space to play, like a slide, a storage area, or even a kitchen.

After testing countless playhouses, our lab experts recommend these top 8 playhouses for kids in 2022, based on safety, durability, and versatility.

Children’s Star Teepee

When you place this teepee in a room, it immediately becomes a focal point for kids, who will want to crawl through it and pretend they’re sleeping under the stars. The teepee has a simple, classic design, and the fabric is thin enough that it won’t catch fire, so it’s safe around kids. It also has a convenient window on the back and side pockets for toys and other items. We recommend putting a blanket or sleeping pad under the teepee to keep it from dragging on the floor. The teepee also works fine as a bed, so you have options on how you want to use it.

Beach Hut and Seaside Children’s Playhouse

With typical beach hut design, this bright and colourful playhouse is a welcome addition to any garden or outdoor space. The wooden construction will last for many years, and it comes with its own sturdy groundsheet, so you can be sure your little ones will be kept warm and dry. There’s also a large play area, complete with a soft foam mat, so your children can play indoors or outdoors, whatever the weather. Two sets of stairs and a window with shutters allow easy access to the playhouse, and there’s plenty of space for dolls and toys. The frame and floor are constructed from sustainable and renewable wood, and the unit can be folded up and stored away when not in use. There are some assembly required, but it’s straightforward and quick. The floor mat is machine washable at 30 degrees, so you can keep it clean, and the large play mat is produced by a top children’s clothing brand, Wriggle, so is durable and machine washable.

Gingerbread Cottage & Sweet Shop 2 in 1 Play House

Sweet dreams await your little one with the Gingerbread Cottage and Sweet Shop Playhouse from Gingerbread Cottage. This children’s playhouse features a sweet shop with wooden shelves and a sweet shop window, a cooking area complete with a stove, oven, sink, and wooden table and chairs, a bunk bed with a wooden ladder, and a lilac and purple themed interior. The playhouse is complete with a storage bag for easy transporting and an easy to follow, step by step, illustrated instruction manual.

Princess Castle and Unicorns Children’s Playhouse

This Princess Castle and Unicorn Children’s Playhouse is a gorgeous play house. The castle looks the part, and lights up with LEDs inside, plus it’s sure to make your child feel as if she’s a princess. The Unicorns, however, are the real stars of the show here. Living in a dunghill is rubbish, and it’s lucky for Princess that her friend the Unicorns come to the rescue. It’s rare that a toy can strike such a cord with a child, but this one definitely can. It’s big enough to fit three children inside, and when it’s raining outside there’s even a waterproof floor mat. Whether you want one for your little girl, or hope to buy it as a gift, you can’t go wrong with this delightful play house.

Rose Cottage & Tea House 2 in 1 Play House

The Rose Cottage & Tea House Playhouse is so beautifully made, that I found it difficult to tear my 19-month-old daughter away from it. The playhouse is shaped like a white, pink, and blue, tea-house, with roses on the top. It’s a nice size for a small garden, or a large one. It was easy to put together, and took only 15 minutes. My daughter loves going into the playhouse and exploring, and will stay in there for hours at a time. She loves the fact that she can pick and choose her very own tea cup, and pours her own tea.

Outer Space And Rocket Playhouse

The Outer Space and Rocket Playhouse is a delightful play house. Our four year old son loves playing with it. This play house includes eight pieces of furniture: a sofa, two armchairs, a desk and chair, two beds, two beds, a kitchen and a spaceship. The furniture is light weight and easy to move around which is a huge plus when your child gets older. The Outer Space and Rocket Playhouse requires assembly which is very simple however our daughter who is five and a half found it a little challenging to assemble herself but she enjoyed doing it. The Outer Space and Rocket Playhouse is suitable for ages 3 and up.

Children’s Wigwam

This wigwam was an ideal gift for my 6 year old niece. It looks and feels like a proper wigwam and is big enough for her to enjoy. It was delivered promptly and was well packaged. The only thing I would say is that some of the stitching is a bit loose, perhaps due to being manufactured in China and not the UK where the product should be produced.