18 Best Kids Outdoor Playhouses For 2022 For Endless Fun

As a kid, was there anything more fun than crawling under a blanket fort or inside a playhouse and playing all sorts of games with your friends? I’m pretty sure the answer is no.

That’s why you need a kids outdoor playhouse!

Whether they are wooden or plastic, playhouses never get old. They are so popular because they allow open-ended, imaginative play where kids can pretend they are running their own restaurants or coffee shops.

If you have already had a quick look at some of the playhouse models on Amazon, you probably noticed that they don’t come cheap.

Luckily, I’ve managed to find plenty of fun options that are well within the average family’s budget, such as tents and teepees. There are even plastic models that you might find suitable!

Of course, if budget isn’t an issue, then you can pick from various wooden models that look beautiful and are tons of fun. But be prepared to spend a few hours setting up the mini house, preferably with someone there to help you.

Once your munchkin’s house is all set up, good luck trying to get him out of there!

Without further ado, here is my selection of the best outdoor (and indoor) playhouses for kids.

For all of you busy moms, here’s a quick list of our top picks!

Best Kids Outdoor Playhouse

1. ECR4Kids Jumbo Princess Palace

This bright pink palace is perfect for little princesses and their friends to play in all day long! It’s designed to resemble an actual castle, with window shutters that can open fully and flagpoles on the roof.

The center of the roof has a clock with Roman numerals that adds to the Medieval look and feel.

It’s suitable for kids over the age of 2 and it’s big enough for multiple kids to play comfortably. Assembly is relatively easy, although it’s always a good idea to have an extra pair of hands in case you need some help.

2. Step2 Gather & Grille

This highly-rated kids outdoor playhouse by Step2 is ideal for hours of play during warm spring and summer days!

It includes a neat roof to protect your little one from sunshine or rain while giving the kiddos a sense of being tucked away in their own little world.

There are different activities to help your tot engage in pretend play with friends or siblings which makes this toy ideal for sharing.

First, there is a cute little grill where your little one can pretend to cook lunch for the entire family. It comes with a neat sink where the kids can clean up their dishes after lunch.

Then, there is an area for playing with sand and water which is great for sensory activities. You can fill one of the boxes with either sand or rice, as both are tons of fun for kids to play with.

Finally, the third section of the playhouse has a small bench where the kids can eat their snacks or just play with toys.

What’s more, the Step2 playtime patio includes 5 accessories for an extra dose of fun but I’m sure your kids have plenty of other toys they’ll want to include.

That’s the best part about these playsets – your munchkin can always rediscover it and find new ways of playing with it!

Appearance-wise, this is a plastic playhouse so it doesn’t look as nice as some wooden playhouses but the color scheme looks good and it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your backyard.

Assembly is quick and easy – just follow the directions and you should be good to go. All in all, this Step2 patio offers hours of fun for both younger and older kids. It’s totally worth the investment!

3. Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse

This is another outdoor mini house for kids by Step2 that I guarantee will be a total hit.

It resembles an actual house but it’s still open enough for you to see what’s going on inside and to keep an eye on whether any sibling fights have broken out.

The green Dutch door allows the kids to quickly get in or out while giving them a sense of playing in an actual house of their own.

The floor comes with drain holes, so even when it’s raining or snowing outside, you don’t have to worry about getting the water out as the drain will take care of it.

The inside of the playhouse has numerous little details to make your kids feel right at home, such as a small fireplace, a phone, and a clock on the wall.

There’s also a small kitchen with a play sink for your toddler to unleash their inner chef and cook all sorts of meals.

Guests can ring the working doorbell before entering the house or leave messages in the little red mailbox.

Your kids can open or shut the shutters as they wish which adds another level of imaginative play.

This house is appropriate for kids who are at least 18 months old and the recommended upper age limit is 5 years, so if you have a 2 or 3- year old, they’ll be able to enjoy playing in this house for a good few years.

It has enough room for 2 kids to play inside at the same time.

Like the Step2 model above, this playhouse features an aesthetically pleasing design with a color scheme that looks realistic.

You won’t have any trouble setting it up and it’s durable enough to withstand different weather conditions.

The only downside of this playhouse is that it doesn’t come with a sandbox but you can always add one of your own, so this is not a dealbreaker.

4. Little Tikes Picnic On The Patio

Designed to look like a cottage in the middle of the woods, the Picnic on the Patio model comes with a table and two chairs where your kids can sit down and enjoy a snack.

Inside, there is a toy kitchen where your little one can cook all sorts of gourmet meals.

Food accessories and kitchenware are included! Kids also love the doorbell that makes the mini cottage seem like an actual house.

This model is appropriate for kids ages 18 months to 4 years and it’s very durable, so it will hold up well to all kinds of weather.

5. Little Tikes Cape Cottage Princess

The Little Tikes princess playhouse is a perfect gift for your little girl, especially if she loves pink! It comes with two white Dutch half doors and matching windows for a realistic experience.

Next to the front door, there is a mail slot in case your little princess needs to receive any special messages.

Since this is an indoor-outdoor model, you can place it indoors during the colder months (if you have enough room) and move it to your backyard when the weather is warm enough.

Because the Cape Cottage doesn’t have a floor, you don’t have to worry about draining it after it rains.

And, while it’s rather affordable, it doesn’t come with a lot of accessories or extra features, especially when you compare it to the Step2 models above.

However, I’m sure your kids will find a way to turn this little playhouse into their dream home with the toys they already have – kids are always creative and will come up with new ways of playing with it.

When it comes to the assembly, it’s pretty straightforward.

The Cape Cottage is suitable for kids ages 2 and older.

6. Little Tikes Backyard Bungalow

The Backyard Bungalow is a gender-neutral model, so it’s perfect if you have both girls and boys or would just like to avoid having a bright pink toy in your backyard.

The bungalow is baby blue with beige details and a Dutch half door. You’ll also find numerous accessories to make playtime fun.

There is no floor either, and you can place it both indoors and outdoors.

Like the Princess Cape Cottage above, this model is also suitable for kids ages 2 and older.

7. Pacific Play Tents Kids Club House

If you’re not willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a toy that your kids will grow out of sooner or later, then this tent is the perfect alternative.

It might not look as pretty as some of the wooden houses but your kids will probably love it all the same!

The Pacific Play tent can accommodate up to three kids at a time and includes fun designs.

Your kids can have fun decorating the inside of the tent with different toys, blankets, and furniture.

It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, although I wouldn’t leave it outside all the time, especially during the colder months.

To ensure that the air is flowing freely, there are mesh panels for ventilation.

What’s more, this tent is so easy to assemble! The color-coded poles easily snap into place and save you time wondering which pole goes where.

Lastly, the tent comes with a free travel bag so you can take it along on family trips.

8. Honey Joy Kids Playhouse

The Honey Joy playhouse just looks like so much fun! The combination of bright colors looks great and your kids will want to live in it. Since it doesn’t come with a floor, you can put it indoors or outdoors.

One of the biggest upsides when it comes to this model is that it’s super easy to assemble and disassemble.

It’s a favorite among grandparents because you can fold it up when it’s not in use, so it doesn’t take up too much space. Plus, it’s not too heavy.

The house comes with a blue Dutch half door and windows so you can keep an eye on your little ones as they play.

What’s more, this means the inside of the playhouse won’t be too dark for your kids to play in.

While older children will probably find this house a bit too small, toddlers around 2 or 3 years of age will definitely enjoy it.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a play kitchen or other fun accessories but it still allows for hours of open-ended play, and your kids can fill the house up with toys and other gadgets.

Plus, if you’re on a tighter family budget, this is a pretty affordable option to consider.

9. KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse

If you have a little princess at home who is just obsessed with Frozen, then this is a fantastic gift that she’ll absolutely adore!

You can tell that this is not a flimsy little playhouse but is really high quality and there’s a lot of attention to detail in the design.

The roof is made to look like one of an actual castle, and the spires add a realistic touch to the overall look.

The front door and the inside of the playhouse are decorated with fun graphics to make your princess feel like she’s in a real castle.

The bottom of the house is floor-less, making it appropriate for both indoor and outdoor playtime.

In addition, there are two chalkboard panels your little girl can doodle on to personalize her castle.

But my favorite part about this play castle is the two window planters where you can place real flower pots!

As for the assembly, this castle will take a bit more time than the models above but it’s well worth the effort!

When it comes to durability, this is a very sturdy model that will last in the years to come.

I also recommend this model if you’re looking for a playhouse that your kids won’t grow out of quickly.

The recommended age is 3 to 8 years, so even though it is a bit pricey, it pays off in the long-term.

A small downside is that it doesn’t include any extra accessories or features to encourage different kinds of independent play.

10. Little Tikes L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Playhouse

Perfect for a kids’ New Year party the L.O.L Surprise Winter Disco playhouse comes with fun accessories that set it apart from the other Little Tikes playhouses.

First off, there is the pink inflatable chair that makes for a very comfortable seat. Then, the inside of the house comes with a fun disco ball that lights up and creates a great atmosphere.

It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use but the disco light feature will obviously work best at night.

Other than these two features, the rest of the house is very similar to the other Little Tikes models.

Made from plastic, it’s relatively easy to put together. The minimum recommended age is 2 years.

11. Kids Teepee Tent

Although this kids’ teepee is best used indoors, your kids can take it outside on a sunny day – just make sure that after playtime is over, the teepee makes it back into the house.

Putting this thing together is a walk in the park, and you can easily do it on your own. The teepee cover comes in a cute gender-neutral beige design.

To create their own little world, your kids can close the front door but not to worry – you can still check on them through the side mesh window.

I recommend decorating the inside of the play tent with soft blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows.

12. Step2 Welcome Home

The Step2 Welcome Home mini house will have your kids engrossed in play for hours.

The attention to detail on this model is very noticeable, starting from the bay windows to the play kitchen.

The little kitchen has a sink with a faucet, a stove with two burners, and a storage cabinet below.

Step2 has also gone the extra mile and installed a fully functional doorbell (two AAA batteries are needed) so guests can announce themselves before coming in.

There is a foldable table in the kitchen that makes for a good playing surface when lifted up but if the kids need more room, they can always fold it down.

Appearance-wise, this is a plastic model with a cute gender-neutral color scheme.

The red Dutch door and blue shutters add a fun pop of color to the tan house – this mini house definitely won’t be an eyesore in your backyard.

Although you’ll find that the price is significantly higher compared to other plastic toy houses, the size of the Welcome Home model justifies the price.

It’s appropriate for kids between the ages of 18 months and 8 years, and everyone can play comfortably without bumping their heads.

As for the assembly process, it might take a while, depending on how handy you are and whether someone is helping you.

All in all, this is a huge playhouse that your kids will enjoy for a good couple of years!

13. Allwood Playhouse Discovery

The Allwood playhouses are much larger (and more expensive) models that are suitable for parents who want a permanent playhouse in their backyard that their kids will be able to play in for a very long time – kind of like a treehouse, just without the tree.

Apart from the high price, assembling this house is no piece of cake.

If you’re handy around the house, you might find it to be a nice challenge but if you’ve never assembled anything more complicated than your kid’s high chair, I recommend finding a professional to put it together.

However, if you’d still like to give it a try, there’s an instructions guide you can follow.

When it’s finished, you’ll love how it looks in your backyard as wood is always more aesthetically appealing than plastic.

It measures 38 square feet, so there’s plenty of room for your kiddos to play, read, and decorate this special space any way they’d like.

The plexiglass windows let light in and your kids can chill on the front porch when they get tired of being inside.

The Allwood house is a big kid outdoor playhouse. It’s appropriate for kids over the age of 3.

14. Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse

The cedar playhouse by Backyard Discovery is a fantastic alternative to plastic models. And it doesn’t cost a fortune!

It comes in a lovely gender-neutral design with white windows and shelves for small flower boxes to make the kids clubhouse look like the real deal.

What’s more, this gives your munchkin an opportunity to learn about how to properly care for flowers.

There’s a half door in the front but you’ll be able to easily keep an eye on your kids thanks to the big side openings.

This also lets in plenty of light. Since it doesn’t have a floor, you don’t need to think about draining it when it rains, which is always a bonus.

While many kids outdoor playhouses don’t include any fun accessories to spark their imagination, Backyard Discovery hasn’t forgotten this important feature and has included a play sink with a faucet, stove, and a phone.

But obviously, your kids can customize their little house as they see fit and bring more toys to play with.

Assembly isn’t difficult, especially when compared to the Allwood model above, and I’m sure you’ll put it together in no time!

Although the recommended age range for this playhouse is 2 to 10 years of age, a 10-year-old will probably find it difficult to fit inside.

In fact, most parents say that it’s suitable for kids up to the age of 4 or 5, depending on their height.

All in all, this is a lovely playhouse that will make for a beautiful addition to your backyard and entertain your little one in the years to come.

15. Little Tikes Build-A-House

While most kids’ outdoor playhouses need to be fully assembled by the parents (or a handy neighbor), the Little Tikes Build-a-House lets your kiddos take part in the construction process!

What you’ll need to do is set up the roof and the mainframe, then hand your munchkin the little drill and let him decide what the rest of the house is going to look like.

Personally, I’m a big fan of this because it develops the kid’s fine motor skills and allows them to get creative.

Plus, you won’t have to listen to hours of: Is the house done yet, mom? And, whenever the kids get bored with the old look, they can change it up.

Although it’s made from plastic, the colors go well together and it looks really cute when it’s finished.

On a rainy day, feel free to move the Build-a-House indoors and when it’s warm again, you can put it back outside.

There is no floor, so you don’t have to drain any water after it rains.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any extra features such as a play kitchen or a sandbox area – which would make it even more fun.

In addition, this is one of the more expensive plastic kids outdoor playhouses and it might not fit every budget.

16. Kiddey Knight’s Castle Kids Play Tent

Your little knights will love this play castle that comes with a shield and sword to help them defeat dragons and any other dangers that come their way!

This is by no means a wooden palace – but trust me, your kids won’t mind. Plus, it’s easy to set up both indoors and outdoors.

The mesh windows on the side ensure good airflow and allow you to peek in while still giving the kids a sense of privacy. They can also roll up or roll down the front door.

When it comes to the price, this is by far one of the most affordable toy houses for kids. Perfect if you’re on a budget!​​​​

17. KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Here’s something a little different – a wooden playhouse by KidKraft that comes with a fully functional picnic table (for the kids, adults will not fit!) where your kids can eat a snack or draw.

On the opposite side of the house, there is a small grill where the kids can pretend to cook delicious foods.

On the inside of the house, they’ll find a small pretend sink with a faucet. With the added chalkboard, they can pretend like they’re running their own BBQ and write down their menu.

There are plenty of windows to let in natural light and the red curtains match the mailbox next to the front door.

It takes a while to put it together but the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. If you’re up for a little DIY project, you can even try repainting it!

All in all, the KidKraft house will be a guaranteed hit with the kids as long as you’re willing to put in some effort when it comes to assembly.

18. Backyard Discovery Victorian Inn All Cedar Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

The Victorian Inn by Backyard Discovery is one of the most beautiful playhouses on the market, with a price that reflects its quality, of course.

The combination of rustic colors makes it stand out from the rest but it’s also super fun and offers numerous ways to play.

For one, it has a very well-equipped pretend kitchen, including a cutting board, a sink, a knife, and velcro play food.

Your little one can also enjoy pretend conversations on the phone while sitting on the bench and enjoying the view.

There are two small windows on either side of the front door with space for planter boxes underneath, so you can make the Victorian Inn look as realistic as possible.

The recommended age for this model is 2 to 10 years of age, and a maximum of 6 kids can play with it at a time, so it’s a great playhouse for sharing.

When it comes to assembly, however, it takes a bit of patience to set it up and you’ll need to make sure that you are careful with all the individual pieces to avoid damaging them accidentally.

If you’re looking for a quick setup, it’s best to avoid wooden models altogether and go with a plastic one.

The Bottom Line

As a kid, I dreamed of a treehouse, a space I could call my own and where no one could intrude. But constructing a treehouse is easier said than done, making a kids outdoor playhouse a great alternative!

If you’re the parent of a rambunctious toddler or a preschooler that desperately wants to be independent, a toy house will give them the space they need to play using their imagination and creativity only, all while getting some fresh air!

One of the most important things to look out for when shopping for a toy house is its size.

Since many of these models cost upwards of a hundred dollars, obviously you want it to be big enough to last at least a few years.

Unless you’re very handy, you should also note the difficulty of assembly – no one wants to spend an entire weekend putting a toy together!

In this regard, plastic kids’ houses are way easier to assemble than wooden ones.

Finally, take into account the kind of features the house comes with – is there a pretend kitchen or other toys to make it more fun?

I hope you were able to find the perfect playhouse for your little boy or girl. I just know they’re going to have a blast with it!

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