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.

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!

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.

Reading nook = great. Reading tent = every kids’ dream. The neutral natural canvas tent fits with any decor, no matter your kiddo’s playroom or bedroom design. Fill it with pillows, a stuffy or two and, of course, a giant pile of books to make for a reading hideaway you’ll have to bribe your kids to leave.

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.

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.

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.