6 Best Kids’ Play Tents to Inspire Open-Ended Play
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from The Bump community and extensive market research, we chose Tiny Land Kids Teepee tent as the overall best kids’ play tent. This option stood out for its quality, durability, adorable design and safety.
Kiddos have a lot of toys, but when it comes to staples your child won’t quickly tire of, a top-notch play tent is among the best. Not to be confused with a playhouse (which is typically a solid structure made from plastic or wood), a kids’ play tent is an indoor toy that can pop up and is made from fabric or some combination of fabric and wood or PVC support. They come in all sorts of shapes, colors and themes, meaning there are plenty of options out there for even the most discerning tots. And according to Jana Sarno, BCBA, a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, “play tents offer a range of developmental benefits, from gross motor play to imaginary play to sensory regulation.”
Not sure where to begin when it comes to kids’ play tents? We’ve got you covered. Here, check out our top picks—plus, read on to understand the benefits of children’s play tents and how they can encourage open-ended play.
The Bump conducted extensive research to help you pick out the best kids’ play tent for your family:
- To ensure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with a child behavior analyst and an early childhood educator to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping.
- Where applicable, we also looked for seals of approval from ATSM International.
- We browsed products from an array of trusted toy brands and online retailers. We considered a list of criteria when sourcing products, including value, design, size, durability, versatility and, of course, safety.
- Because every family’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these toddler tents performed for parents across the country.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best kids’ play tent
- Easy to assemble
- Machine washable cover
- Foldable and portable with carry bag
- Mixed opinions on light quality
Children's play tents come in all shapes and sizes, but the Tiny Lands Kids Teepee Tent stands out as the ultimate choice—parents appreciate this option's easy assembly and portability; fold it down and pack it away in the provided carry case for storage in a closet or under a bed. And as a bonus, this tent includes a cardboard campfire and 13-foot string of lights for imaginative camping play, indoors or out. The simple teepee design provides endless options for your child to design their creative retreat that’s all their own—Jennie Monness, early childhood educator and co-founder of Charmspring, loves teepee options, stating that the “teepee style is more of a fort with a playful purpose.”
Made of machine washable, high-quality natural cotton canvas held up with pinewood poles, the teepee tent offers outstanding value at an affordable price point. Two interior slip pockets conveniently store your child’s books, toys, or other accessories to inspire imaginative play. We also love the included windows and the roomy design, which comfortably accommodates multiple children, allowing for group play and shared adventures or a quiet reading nook for little ones.
Dimensions: 47.2" (L) x 47.2" (W) x 59" (H) | Weight: 8.4 lbs. | Materials: Polyester, pinewood, and cotton | Age rating: 3+ years
Best pop-up play tent for kids
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Mesh windows for ventilation and play
- Indoor and outdoor play
- Mixed opinions on build quality
- Balls for ball pit not included
A pole-based tent isn’t for every family—as Bump forum member \=Lee=B says, “Personally I avoided the tents with poles as they will snap if landed on… and young kids will land on the poles.” A pop-up design also lets you branch out a little with the shape—the UTEX 3 in 1 Pop-Up Play Tent includes a tent, tunnel and space for a ball pit, offering a more dynamic play experience than standard children’s play tents. The tunnel allows for crawling and exploration, perfect for active kids who love to climb, crawl and move around. (My two active boys would love this, especially on a rainy, indoor play day!)
The combo of the playhouse and tunnel will keep your kids entertained for long periods and support both imaginative and physical play, especially during colder months or when outdoor play isn’t possible. What’s more, the UTEX 3-in-1 is compact, collapsible and easy to store, which helps address space constraints. Parents can easily fold this colorful play tent and stash it away when not in use, minimizing clutter while providing a dedicated play space for their kids.
Dimensions: 31.5" (L) x 119" (W) x 34" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Materials: Polyester and steel | Age rating: 3+ years
Best convertible kids’ play tent
- Multifunctional
- Comes with floor pillow
- Meets ATSM standards
- Expensive
- Pikler holds maximum of 200 lbs.
Floor space for children's furniture can be limited, so why not combine two toys in one, with a climbing toy that transforms into a cozy play tent hideout? Like most Montessori toys, the Cassarokids Jumbo Foldable Pikler Triangle with Tent Pillow is designed to promote independent play and exploration. The Pikler triangle structure allows children to climb, crawl, and explore in a safe, controlled way, while the included canvas tent cover and plush floor pillow create a personal playspace once climbing time is done.
It can be challenging for parents to find a toy that combines imaginative play and active play in such a unique way. This convertible play tent strikes the perfect balance between physical activity and calm downtime. The brand recommends using the foldable Pikler play tent as a centerpiece in your child’s room, but if you prefer, it conveniently folds up for easy storage when not in use!
Dimensions: 48" (L) x 28" (W) x 40" (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: Birchwood, beechwood, cotton, velvet | Age rating: 1 to 5 years old
Best small kids’ play tent
- Compact design
- Easy assembly
- Versatile, minimalist design
- Meets ATSM safety standards
- No windows
- No ironing, bleach, or dry cleaning
With its sleek aesthetic, The Play Tent by Lalo fits seamlessly into any home without occupying too much physical or visual space, and won’t clash with a room's decor. What's more, the compact design of this toddler tent offers a blank slate for your child’s imagination while commanding a relatively small amount of floor space—at only 25 inches wide, it's the narrowest option on our list. Even better, it can be used as young as 12 months, making it a great option for younger toddlers.
The machine-washable canvas cover over sustainably sourced beechwood ensures that it’s as much a stylish piece of furniture as a functional play space. Lalo embodies the perfect balance of clean design, durability, and practicality, providing children with a safe space for creative play while fitting effortlessly into a modern, minimalist home. Its eco-friendly materials, sturdy construction, and simple yet functional design make it the perfect choice for parents who value quality and simplicity in their children’s toys. It's also a great choice for parents who already bought the Lalo play gym—Lalo sells a less expensive conversion kit to turn the activity gym into a full tent!
Dimensions: 44.5" (L) x 25" (W) x 40" (H) | Weight: 6 lbs. | Materials: Beechwood and cotton | Age rating: 12+ months
Best extra-large kids’ play tent
- Very wide and tall
- Easy assembly
- Easy to store
- Great reading area
- Some complaints about missing parts
Searching for a large play tent to house multiple children, some friends and maybe even you? The Tiny Land Large Kids Play Tent is a whopping four and a half feet wide, designed to accommodate multiple kids ages 3 and up. One of the things we love about this play tent option is that despite its larger size, it's designed with easy assembly. The frame seamlessly connects and disconnects, and parents don’t need complicated instructions or tools to prepare it for play.
The tent is lightweight and easy to store, which is a huge benefit for parents with limited storage space or who want to pack it away when not in use. Most larger play tents tend to take up too much room, but not this one. The fun, inviting aesthetic is perfect for creating a cozy, imaginative world where kids can retreat into their own play environment. The neutral colors and simple yet appealing design mean it can blend seamlessly with most homes without looking too out of place in a living room or playroom.
Dimensions: 36" (L) x 53" (W) x 60" (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: PVC frame, polyester cover | Age rating: 3+ years
Most whimsical kids’ play tent
- No assembly required
- Tall enough for kids to stand in
- Some say it’s larger than expected
Unlike traditional play tents, this creative space features a charming mushroom shape that immediately sparks a sense of wonder and fantasy. Its fun patterns, muted colors and playful structure create an enchanting environment, perfect for children who love pretend play. (I don’t know a child that doesn’t!) It's a perfect “escape” where kids can relax, read, and engage in solo play when they need a little downtime.
The spacious design allows multiple children to stand or sit and enjoy playtime together. Many parents and caregivers praise how the adorable mushroom design of the tent sparks their child’s imagination, but it’s no slouch on performance either—the durable frame is constructed of solid PVC piping, ensuring a safe sanctuary for your child.
Dimensions: 32.5" (L) x 32.5" (W) x 61.5" (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: Cotton and PVC | Age rating: 3+ years
According to Sarno, “tents offer a wealth of open-ended play options and can be beneficial in encouraging peer play with others.” To make the most out of these fun structures, Sarno suggests parents incorporate different elements during play time. For example, the interior could be made into a ball pit to prompt gross motor skills and language development.
Another advantage: Play tents for kids can offer a calming space. Monness stresses the importance of offering play tents to children as a retreat from an “overstimulating world.” She explains that “Part of the value of a play tent is to being able to give kids a place to refresh themselves.” Sarno recommends adding lights and a sound machine to create a soothing atmosphere where little ones can retreat to when they need a break.
When it comes to play tent safety precautions, Monness always looks for a structure with, for example “multiple internal rods that click into place,” to ensure stability. Sarno reminds parents that adult supervision is necessary, especially for infants and toddlers. During playtime, ensure that the tent stays upright so that your child receives proper airflow. By keeping a watchful eye on your little one, you’ll reduce the chance of the tent’s parts (like poles, for instance) from becoming hazardous, adds Sarno.
Children’s play tents are mostly all fun and games. However, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind as you shop. Here, find expert-backed advice on what to look for in a kids’ play tent:
- Age rating. The first thing to consider when shopping for a kids’ play tent is age-appropriateness. Sarno advises parents to be aware of a product’s age guidelines before purchasing.
- Versatility. “I like to look for tents that have multiple purposes and can engage children in a variety of ways,” says Sarno. For instance, you could opt for a play tent with a tunnel feature to keep playtime stimulating for your kiddo.
- Unique designs. “Kids may get more use out of their play tent if it is designed in a way that appeals to their interests,” explains Sarno. If your little one is fascinated by space, consider choosing a rocketship-themed play tent—or, if your child loves pretending to be a knight, opt for a castle-shaped structure. There are also plenty of character-inspired designs out there to choose from. Monness especially loves when kids’ play tents have windows. “It’s really nice when there’s that added pretend play component of windows or flaps for doors instead of just curtains,” she says.
- Durability. Last but not least, Sarno recommends that parents choose a children’s play tent that’s sturdy and durable to withstand wear and tear during playtime.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter, a New York storyteller and devoted mother of two little boys, uses her craft to connect with and support other women in motherhood. With over a decade of experience in fashion accessories, Carpenter excels in product development and has a keen passion for innovative, life-enhancing products. Her expertise spans the entire product supply chain, from concept to delivery. Carpenter has contributed articles and personal essays to The Bump, Motherscope, The Kindred Voice and Mantra Wellness.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jana Sarno, BCBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers. She has worked as the vice president of applied behavior analysis at North Shore Pediatric Therapy and as an infant development program administrator at Coyne & Associates Education Corp.
Jennie Monness, is the co-founder of Charmspring and Union Square Play. She has over 15 years of experience as an educator, working with children and equipping parents with effective, proven strategies.
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