10 Best Backyard Children’s Playhouses
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A backyard playhouse is not just a structure; it’s a magical haven where children’s imaginations can soar. Whether it’s for imaginative play, secret hideouts, or hosting mini tea parties, a well-chosen playhouse can become the centerpiece of outdoor fun. From whimsical cottages to sturdy wooden fortresses, there are playhouses to suit every child’s dream. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the ten best backyard children’s playhouses, each offering unique features to create an enchanting outdoor play area for kids.
Quick Glance
| Playhouse | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard Discovery Sweetwater Wooden Playhouse | Best Overall | Wooden, spacious interior, large windows, doorbell, durable construction |
| Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage | Best Cottage Style | Realistic design, working doorbell, kitchenette, durable plastic construction |
| Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse | Best Budget | Affordable, compact design, realistic details, durable plastic construction |
| KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse | Best Modern Design | Stylish design, large windows, espresso picnic table, chalkboard, durable construction |
| Pacific Play Tents Club House Tent | Best Tent Playhouse | Lightweight, easy setup, colorful design, mesh windows, carry bag included |
| Backyard Discovery Timberlake Cedar Wooden Playhouse | Best Rustic Design | Cedar wood, large door and windows, play kitchen, durable construction |
| Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage | Best Storybook Design | Cottage style, whimsical design, realistic details, durable plastic construction |
| ECR4Kids Buccaneer Boat with Pirate Flag Playhouse | Best Pirate Theme | Boat-shaped, pirate flag, multiple play areas, durable construction |
| KidKraft Garden View Outdoor Playhouse | Best for Garden Themes | Garden-themed, arched window, café table, chalkboard, durable construction |
| Little Tikes Princess Cape Cottage Playhouse | Best for Princess Themes | Pink and purple colors, realistic design, working doorbell, durable plastic construction |
1. Best Overall: Backyard Discovery Sweetwater Wooden Playhouse
- Sunlit Play Space: Wide windows allow plenty of natural light and fresh air while offering visibility for parents
- Industry-Leading Warranty: 5-year warranty for added peace of mind
- Ready for Fun: Includes a play kitchen with toy sink, stove, cookware, utensils, cordless phone, and working doorbell to…
The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater Wooden Playhouse is our top pick for its spacious interior, large windows, and durable wooden construction. It includes a doorbell for added fun and is perfect for imaginative play.
2. Best Cottage Style: Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage
- FUN PLAYTIME: Entertain your little children for hours with pretend sink, fireplace, doorbell, mailbox, and flower boxes…
- SENSORY PLAYSET: Allows toddlers to engage in activities, develop skills, and acquire important abilities by engaging va…
- FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: Offers abundant storage to keep all toys in order, making clean-up a breeze, assembled dimensions 49…
The Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage features a realistic cottage design with a working doorbell and kitchenette. Made from durable plastic, it’s easy to clean and offers a charming play space for children.
3. Best Budget: Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse
- Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
- CAPE COTTAGE DESIGN – The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is a stylish addition to your play room and backyard. It h…
- DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S SKILLS – Multifunctional play house that helps kids develop fine motor skills and cognative abiliti…
The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is affordable and compact, making it ideal for smaller yards. It features realistic details and durable plastic construction, providing a cozy play environment for kids.
4. Best Modern Design: KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse
- BUILT FOR OUTDOORS: Made to withstand the weather, this wooden playhouse is pre-treated with a water-based stain that in…
- HOMEY TOUCHES: Fabric curtains, a mailbox and chalkboard help make this outdoor playhouse feel like a real home.
- COOK & SERVE MEALS: A BBQ grill has a click-and-turn knob and removable lid so kids can cook up food. Serve it to friend…
The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse stands out with its stylish design and functional features. It includes large windows, an espresso picnic table, a chalkboard, and durable construction for years of play.
5. Best Tent Playhouse: Pacific Play Tents Club House Tent
- Durable polester fabric for years of outdoor play
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Rear roll-up window promote air circulation
The Pacific Play Tents Club House Tent offers a lightweight and colorful play space. It’s easy to set up, features mesh windows for ventilation, and comes with a carry bag for portability.
6. Best Rustic Design: Backyard Discovery Timberlake Cedar Wooden Playhouse
- Sunlit Play Space: Wide windows allow plenty of natural light and fresh air while offering visibility for parents
- Industry-Leading Warranty: 5-year warranty for added peace of mind
- Ready for Fun: Includes a play kitchen with toy sink, stove, cookware, utensils, cordless phone, and working doorbell to…
The Backyard Discovery Timberlake Cedar Wooden Playhouse has a charming rustic design with cedar wood construction. It features a large door and windows, a play kitchen, and durable build quality.
7. Best Storybook Design: Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage
- FUN PLAYTIME: Entertain your little children for hours with pretend sink, fireplace, windows, and doorbell, supports rol…
- SENSORY PLAYSET: Allows toddlers to engage in activities, develop skills, and acquire important abilities by engaging va…
- FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: Offers abundant storage to keep all toys in order, making clean-up a breeze, assembled dimensions 64…
The Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage boasts a whimsical storybook design with realistic details. It’s made from durable plastic and offers a magical play space for children to enjoy.
8. Best Pirate Theme: ECR4Kids Buccaneer Boat with Pirate Flag Playhouse
The ECR4Kids Buccaneer Boat with Pirate Flag Playhouse is shaped like a boat and features a pirate flag. It offers multiple play areas and durable construction, perfect for young adventurers.
9. Best for Garden Themes: KidKraft Garden View Outdoor Playhouse
- Plastic scalloped roof in green
- 3 decorative arched windows and two upper windows
- 2 large serving windows with café counters
The KidKraft Garden View Outdoor Playhouse has a charming garden-themed design with an arched window and café table. It includes a chalkboard and durable construction for outdoor play.
10. Best for Princess Themes: Little Tikes Princess Cape Cottage Playhouse
- Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
- The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse – Pink has a beautiful, enchanting style that you and your princess will both lo…
- Features a working door, windows and shutters
The Little Tikes Princess Cape Cottage Playhouse is designed for young royalty with its pink and purple colors and realistic details. It features a working doorbell and durable plastic construction.
Final Words
A backyard playhouse can spark creativity and provide endless hours of fun for children. Whether you prefer a wooden cottage, a modern design, or a themed playhouse, the options listed above offer durable construction and imaginative play features. Consider your space, children’s preferences, and desired theme to choose the perfect playhouse that will create memorable outdoor adventures for your family.
