The Best Play Houses For Sparking Imaginative Play, Both Indoors & Out

Simple, fun, and inexpensive, this Little Tikes playhouse is highly rated because it’s a terrific value. It features two working doors, windows, and shutters that your kids will love opening and closing, as well as a built-in mail slot and even a little lock on the door. It’s really lightweight, so it can easily be moved around the yard if needed, and the directions are simple and easy to follow.

If you have multiple kids, something a little bigger, like this Step2 option, might be a better choice. There are some really cute features on this one that make it so adorable, like a pretend fireplace with a photo of flames, flower boxes out front to fill with some blooms, a pretend sink in the window, and a small bench on the outside. There’s even a mini skylight on the roof so kids can look up and out whenever they want.

The advantages of a plastic playhouse? They’re lightweight and portable, they’re easy to clean (just spray ’em with a hose), and they’re durable. This Step2 one is a great choice. It’s spacious and open, so a few kids can play at once. The inside features a mini kitchen setup and the outside has a little grill, so two kids can “cook” at once. There’s a built-in floor with drain holes to keep their feet clean, a working doorbell that they’ll love, and a mail slot. Overall, this is functional and very adorable.

This bright pink cape playhouse is so cute for the little princess in your life. A purple roof, pink siding, and white shutters make this bright and fun. There are working windows and doors and a small mail slot as well. This is a pretty straightforward option as far as playhouses go, but that simplicity leaves plenty of room for big imaginations. It can also be used either indoors or outdoors.

For even more excitement, opt for a playhouse with a slide, and this one from Step2 kind of has it all. Inside the house, there’s a pretend sink and cooktop, underneath is a pull-out storage drawer that can be used as a sandbox, there’s a climbing ramp they’ll love, and there’s an extra-long slide that is definitely going to keep them entertained. This is a really cute set that will grow with your kids and offers them so much to do creatively. (Note: It’s currently out of stock but will be available on Wayfair May 9, according to the site.)

This Step2 playhouse is a little more appropriate for young toddlers than bigger kids because it’s on the smaller side and has a short slide. But for little kids, it’s something they can safely use on their own (while you’re standing nearby, of course). With a small playhouse area that mimics a treehouse, a working periscope that will never cease to amaze them, steps to climb, and a slide to whoosh down, this has so much going on that your little tot will love. And as a bonus, it won’t take up a ton of space in your yard!

This KidKraft playhouse is definitely a more elevated version of a playhouse, which just makes it even cuter—it almost looks like an adult setup! There are double doors that open into a large play area, a pretend sink and stovetop, and a chalkboard and clock for playing. There are also two small benches on the outside and the sweetest little overhang roof.

An indoor playhouse is the perfect antidote to a cold, rainy day when kids are forced to hang out in one spot for hours on end. This pink princess tent is spacious (it can hold up to three kids at once), easy to put up, and super lightweight. It’s meant to look like a castle from a fairytale, which only makes it more magical. There are optional star-shaped string lights to add to the fairytale feel, and the sheer curtains can stay closed for a cozier vibe.

Tents make a great indoor playhouse because they’re easy to move around and they usually fold up pretty quickly for storage when you need them out of the way. This one is large (it can fit up to four kids), cozy, and will make your little one feel like they’re inside their own little house. There are windows on the side, otherwise, they can fill this with whatever they want – there’s tons of room for creativity.

Another KidKraft masterpiece, this wooden playhouse would make a memorable surprise for any Frozen fan. It’s made with weather-resistant materials, but it’s so beautiful, you may want to keep it indoors; that is, until the kids start driving you nuts. It features stunning details like a scalloped roof, decorative doors, and window planters, and inside, the walls are decorated with scenery from Anna and Elsa’s castle. For kiddos that just can’t “Let It Go” (sorry, we had to), this house will bring the Disney magic to life. Overall, Wayfair reviewers are very pleased with this purchase.

Sound the alarm! Your hero-in-training will consider this canvas playhouse a basecamp in between extinguishing pretend fires and rescuing stuffed cats from the tree outside. It’s lightweight enough to be re-positioned by your kiddos, but structural poles ensure that it’s sturdy and stays upright. Two door panels can be rolled up or let down, and illustrations along the outside — including a dalmatian, an alarm bell, and (of course) a cat in a tree — will help little ones dream up endless rescue scenarios.

3…2…1… BLAST OFF! If your child’s made-up adventures often take them to outer space, this rocket ship playhouse/tent hybrid is exactly what they need to reach new heights. It has a roll-up door panel that can be tied up or let down and mesh window for peering out onto the landscapes of new planets. This is a great option if you want something that doesn’t take up too much room and can be easily moved or folded down for storage — it can also be taken outside on nice days. Overall, Amazon reviewers say this affordable playhouse is a purchase worth making.

This indoor/outdoor tent looks like an old-school fort. It’s versatile, lightweight, and portable, so it can be used year-round and moved when necessary. Reviewers rave about how easy it is to put together, and it’s supported by sturdy poles. This is such a cute option for any kid who wants their own private space.

This is almost more like a jungle gym than a playhouse, but it’s really a great mixture of both. There’s sheltered space to stay inside and play, steps and a small slide, and lots of spots for kids to crawl through or hide in. A bunch of kids can play on this at once, and it’s a nice versatile option that will definitely get a lot of use.

For something more unique, opt for this wooden KidKraft playhouse, which has a modern vibe. There’s a large barn-style door, cute windows, a grill top, a chalkboard, a mailbox, and cute red curtains on one window. There’s also an attached table with two picnic benches. This is a really aesthetically pleasing option for the parents who don’t want their backyard to be a sea of colorful kid stuff.

This wooden KidKraft option is so adorable: it’s modeled after a typical seaside cottage, and definitely looks like one! The blue scalloped roof gives it a little color, there’s a play kitchen inside that comes with a few accessories, a doorbell that rings, and an adorable striped canopy outside of one window. There’s a lot of attention to detail that both kids and adults will appreciate.

This wooden playhouse is straightforward and great for the little kiddo in your life. There are windows and a working door, flowerpots for decorating, and the sweetest blue and white trim. The open design allows your kids to fill it with whatever they want and get creative with how they play.

This wooden playhouse is packed with cool features: A mini stovetop inside so your tot can cook up some meals, two chalkboards for drawing, open windows, a working door, and flowerpots for decorating. A small bench is attached right outside the “serving” window. Durable, sturdy, and easy to put together, this is a great playhouse for any kid with an imagination.