The 15 Best Outdoor Playhouses for Toddlers
When it comes to choosing the right toys for your kiddo, you know you want something that’s safe, stimulates their imagination and helps them learn. That might seem like a tall order, but a kids’ outdoor playhouse will check all those boxes and then some! Thanks to the many styles on the market, there are plenty of options that are sure to fit your toddler’s personality and interests. Regardless of which kind you’re looking for, you’ll find an outdoor playhouse that’ll suit your family—and ignite your child’s imagination—below.
In this article:
Overall best outdoor playhouse
Best wooden outdoor playhouse
Best plastic outdoor playhouse
Best outdoor playhouse with slide
Best outdoor castle playhouse
Best modern outdoor playhouse
Best two-story outdoor playhouse
Best DIY outdoor playhouse
Best pink outdoor playhouse
Best outdoor playhouse with a kitchen
Best outdoor crafting playhouse
Best unique outdoor playhouse
Best affordable outdoor playhouse
Best playhouse for younger toddlers
Best indoor toddler playhouse
Not sure where to begin when it comes to buying a toddler playhouse? Keep the following in mind to help narrow down your search and find the perfect fit for your kiddo:
- Age. Different options may be appropriate for younger or older toddlers. That said, be sure to check product age ranges before buying. Looking for a structure that you can count on for years to come? Consider getting one that’s suitable for older children as well.
- Size and sturdiness. Next up, you’ll want to consider the size of the outdoor playhouse you have your eye on. Make sure it will fit the space you’re planning on putting it in, and that it’s sturdy enough for your child to use as they continue to grow.
- Material. Kids’ outdoor playhouses come in a wide range of materials and styles; some are made of wood or plastic, while others feature slides, kitchens and crafting stations. All in all, opt for an outdoor playhouse that you think will align best with your little one’s interests!
From sturdy wooden outdoor playhouses to chic modern options, we’ve curated a list of our favorite products on the market right now. Here, browse our selections to find the perfect match for your preferences and budget.
Overall best outdoor playhouse
First on our list of the best outdoor playhouses for kids is this standout structure from KidKraft. This mini home is full of realistic details such as a working doorbell, chalkboard walls and a play kitchen. Thanks to the large window, your kiddo can serve their delicious creations to visitors or even put on a show—the possibilities are endless! Plus, this wooden outdoor playhouse is made from high-quality materials, so your kiddo can count on it for many playtimes to come.
- Features a large serving window and a bench
- Full of realistic, homey details
- Suitable for toddlers and older kids alike
- Assembly can be challenging
Best wooden outdoor playhouse
If you’re looking for a sturdy structure, consider a wooden outdoor playhouse for kids. We love this one’s large windows, kitchenette and little flower pot holders—it even has a working doorbell! It’s also made of solid cedar wood, so it’s naturally resistant to the great outdoors and includes a wooden countertop for tons of imaginative play.
- Made of durable cedar wood
- Has a kitchenette and a working doorbell
- Straightforward assembly instructions
- Some reviewers say pieces became damaged during assembly
Best plastic outdoor playhouse
Your child will love playing pretend in this sturdy plastic outdoor playhouse. It includes a working doorbell, mailbox and play phone, as well as a mini play kitchen with a faucet and dining area. Your little one will feel like they’re in their own private clubhouse while also learning cognitive thinking, language and motor skills at the same time. You’ll love the open design so you can keep an eye on your toddler while they play—and the fact that it’s water- and weather-resistant for year-round outdoor use is a bonus.
- Interactive features like working shutters and a mailbox
- Simply wipe down when needed
- Some reviewers say it’s smaller than expected
Best outdoor playhouse with slide
On the hunt for a toddler outdoor playhouse with a slide? Look no further than this pick from Step2. Your kiddo will love incorporating the slide into their imaginative play, and welcoming friends into their mini abode via the Dutch-style door. Throughout the structure, you’ll find easy-to-grip handles to keep kiddos safe as they explore the playset. What’s more, this outdoor playhouse even comes with a pull-out storage drawer making toy organization and cleanup a breeze.
- Comes with an extra-long slide
- Has a pull-out storage drawer
- Small kitchenette feature
- Reviewers say it takes longer than expected to set up
Best outdoor castle playhouse
If your little prince or princess can’t get enough of fairy tales, they’ll love this outdoor castle playhouse from KidKraft. With this regal playset as the setting, your child can recreate the magic of their favorite stories. While playing, they can serve up treats out of the large window, draw beloved characters on the chalkboards or even plant seeds in the window boxes.
- Detailed, regal design
- Window boxes can hold real plants
- Chalkboard panels
- Some reviewers say it’s not as sturdy as they anticipated
Best modern outdoor playhouse
On the hunt for a toddler playhouse that isn’t an eyesore? Then check out this stylish modern option. Its simple design will fit in with an array of backyard setups—plus, it’s full of features your kiddo will love. The attached picnic table and pretend grill are perfect for hosting visitors, and the built-in mailbox is sure to encourage even more creative play. Easily personalize this playset by adding a coat of paint to the front door, window frames or any other feature—you could even make it the same colors as your own house!
- Attached picnic table
- Water-resistant roof and reinforced wooden panels
- Can be easily personalized
- Some reviewers say a few of the wood panels warped over time
Best two-story outdoor playhouse
We’re impressed by this well-crafted kids’ outdoor playhouse with a slide. It’s constructed with durable cedar wood (so it’s built to last) and comes with a ladder and a wave slide that’ll let your tot exit adventures in style. Inside, your kiddo will find a built-in kitchen complete with a stovetop and battery-powered appliances. Thanks to this playset’s many fun details, your child will keep discovering new ways to play as they grow.
- Raised playhouse complete with working hinge door and windows
- High-rail, six-foot wave slide
- High price point
- Some reviewers say the kitchen’s blender stops working over time
Best DIY outdoor playhouse
This DIY outdoor playhouse is perfect for kids who love building. Once you construct the framework, your child can get to work putting the rest together. Thanks to the provided kids’ tools and play screws, your little helper can rearrange the panels to their liking. When they’re happy with their work, they can relax inside and look out the windows or read any letters that have come through their mail slot. And if they change their minds about the design, don’t worry! The playset can easily be modified over and over again, resulting in limitless play possibilities.
- Adjustable panels allow kids to create their dream playhouse
- Comes with three kids’ tools and 64 play screws
- Due to the customizable design, the pieces are less sturdy than those of other playhouses
Best pink outdoor playhouse
Is your tot obsessed with everything pink? Then this pink outdoor playhouse is for you. The charming playset features images of Disney princesses and resembles a cute castle. The mail slots, working doors and functional shutters will all add to your little one’s imaginative play, and there are even little shelves for them to use as well. Plus, the roomy interior is perfect for playtime with multiple kiddos.
- Can be used inside or out
- Quick and easy snap-in assembly
- Sturdy structure
- Suitable for ages 2+
Best outdoor playhouse with a kitchen
This wooden outdoor playhouse for kids is perfect for little ones who love to get creative in the kitchen. Thanks to the playset’s expansive kitchen area, your child will be able to whip up their favorite faux recipes with ease. It even comes with 14 play accessories, such as pretend food and utensils, to help little foodies create their dream menus. When mealtime is over, kiddos will enjoy playing with the mix-and-match spinner blocks or starting up a new game in their mini abode.
- Built-in interactive learning toys
- Expansive kitchen area and play accessories included
- Some reviewers say that it’s difficult to assemble
Best outdoor crafting playhouse
Inspire your tot to get creative in new ways with the help of this outdoor crafting playhouse. The wooden structure’s unique design mimics that of a tool shed and features a garage door that can be cranked up or down. Inside, your kiddo will find a peg board where they can experiment with gravity or hang their tools. There are also plenty of shelves, paint cups, craft trays and even a desk where they can plan out their next big project. In addition to a kid-sized entry door, the playset also has a flap door for pets, so four-legged family members (or stuffed animals!) can join in on the fun.
- Full of creative organizational elements
- Features an entry door, a garage door and a pet flap
- Comes with a wooden bench
- Some reviewers recommend sanding the wood to prevent splinters
Best unique outdoor playhouse
If you’re searching for a unique outdoor playhouse for kids, this camper is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. Designed to inspire an array of make-believe activities, it can be used as a home, a food truck, a restaurant—or anything else your little one has in mind! The open-concept design is full of interactive elements, like a light-up stove top, a working doorbell, a skylight and a built-in kitchen complete with a grill. To encourage creativity, this kids’ outdoor playhouse also comes with a 50-piece accessory set including play food and utensils.
- Features a built-in floor
- Has a kitchenette with interactive elements
- Comes with 50 play accessories
- Some reviewers say it took longer than expected to assemble
Best affordable outdoor playhouse
A top-notch outdoor playhouse for kids doesn’t have to cost a small fortune—just check out this sweet cottage. The playset features a working door and windows, as well as a built-in mail slot where kids can receive letters from family and friends. There’s even a mini flag pole where they can insert a favorite flag, or one they’ve created for their new abode. This too-cute cottage also features a built-in floor and can be used inside or out.
- Features a built-in floor
- Relatively low price point
- Can be used inside or outside
- Suitable for ages 2+
Best playhouse for younger toddlers
This playhouse is the perfect starter home for your little learner; it's full of interactive elements designed to stimulate growing minds. Your tot will love tossing the included balls and watching them bounce through the maze on the wall—they won’t even realize they’re improving their fine motor skills as they do so! When hanging out in this tiny home, they can also experiment with the built-in mailbox, the shape-sorting pieces and other engaging elements.
- Several play elements to keep little ones engaged
- Easy to clean
- Not suitable for children over the age of 4
Best indoor toddler playhouse
This toddler playhouse will add a charming touch to any room in your house. Your tot will love stashing their favorite toys and books here and playing pretend within the four comforting walls. Thanks to the play tent’s large size, sweet little windows and canopy doors, the imaginative play opportunities are endless. On sunny days, you could even bring it outside!
- Made from 100 percent cotton canvas
- Features two windows and a roll-up front doorway
- Can be used inside or in sheltered outdoor areas
- Suitable for ages 3+
- Dry clean only
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