Our top choice is the Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse. It has the central accessories to enhance any child’s imagination, it’s fitting for small children, and fits the considerations of a great playhouse.
Let’s hop right into our list of best outdoor playhouses, so that you can have a better perspective!
15 Best Outdoor Playhouse Reviews
1. Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse
Once again, our best option by far is the Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse. This playhouse will allow your children to learn how to take care of their own personal space, while still having fun!
With the Tidy II Playhouse, the kids can have a pretend cookout with the molded-in Grill space and counter top area to prep. Don’t worry, they’ll be able to wash the dishes too with the play sink that’s included as well.
It comes with functional Dutch-style doors so that the children may enter and exit as they please. There are also reality-simulated moving shutters so that you can see your children as they enjoy their time playing. They may also answer the phone with the play telephone that is available.
The design is awesome! It has realistic stacked stones with a vintage color scheme; wood finish with a molded-in flower box, and a working doorbell with an electronic chime sound! You’ll find the playhouse, decals, and play phone included in the entire set.
Pros:
- Classic colors and style.
- Includes an electronic doorbell simulator.
- Durable
- Easy to move around.
Cons:
- Electronic doorbell requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Compact size.
- Meant for children up to four or five years old.
2. Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse
The Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse is a child’s home away from home.
This particular type of playhouse is slightly larger than others, measuring at more than four feet tall and three feet across. This gives three to four children the opportunity to have their turn all together!
Features that this playhouse has includes a cedar wood roof and wide-open vista viewing windows. Since there are no shutters, you’ll be able to keep an out for the safety of your children.
They’ll enjoy the half-front door that they can open and use as a post for selling items, or simply resting on.In addition, there is also a play stove, a toy sink, and a play cordless phone included in the overall package.
The fact that it’s made from cedar wood, with a quality finish, the All Cedar Wood Playhouse does wonders against different weather conditions. It also uses high strength brackets to keep the entire playhouse in one functional piece.
Pros:
- Weather resistant material and finish.
- Flower pot holder also included.
- Decent value for money.
- Fairly easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Gaps in the wood may lessen aesthetics.
- May take longer than an hour to setup.
- Reinforcement of wood may be necessary.
3. Backyard Discovery Columbus All Cedar Wood Playhouse
Backyard Discovery does it again with the Columbus All Cedar Wood Playhouse. Another efficient playhouse made out of dependable cedar wood will definitely catch the eyes of your little one.
If you want your children to learn how to “play house” then this could be a great investment for you. The playhouse comes with a half door with realistic turning knobs to give your children an authentic house feel.
There are flower pot shelves around the perimeter of the house; the pots may be made of durable plastic, but feel free to put real plants inside of it! The Columbus All Cedar Playhouse also delivers you a play burner for your children to “cook” magnificent meals on, as well as a toy sink to wash the dishes after their hearty meal.
There are also large window opening surrounding the playhouse, with two smaller windows in the front of the house for a realistic view of who is coming and who is going.
At 46 inches high and 45 inches long, your kids will have a hard time leaving this fine and fun playhouse each time.
Pros:
- 5-year pro rated on wood.
- 1-year warranty for parts.
- Decent value for money.
Cons:
- Set up could be a challenge.
- Size of play house makes it meant for ages two-to-three years old.
4. Little Tikes Princess Cape Cottage Playhouse, Pink
This house is too cute, and I’m pretty sure that your child would absolutely adore it!
The Princess Cape Cottage Playhouse will provide your child(ren) with protection, safety, and the ultimate space to expand their imagination. It’s a lightweight, modernly styled pink playhouse for toddlers and your little princess.
This playhouse is unique because it really does resemble a real adult house, just without the bills and nettling neighbors!
Your children will enjoy the realistic lifestyle of playing pretend in this aesthetically pleasing backyard playhouse.There’s also a flag holder and mail slot!
It comes with two working doors and two windows that include realistic shutters.
At a height of 35 inches and a length of 43 inches, you’ll be able to fit two children between the ages of two and eight fit comfortably in this great playhouse.
Because of the size, the children inside of it will be able to practice their conversation and social skills to the max! This cottage-style house will allow them to engage in speaking correctly, using their manners, and serving others, just as you thought them!
Pros:
- Eye-catching with a great design.
- Extremely easy to assemble.
- Awesome value for money.
- Very sturdy.
Cons:
- Small sized for more than two children.
- Plastic material may seem flimsy.
5. Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse
Little Tikes is back at it again with the Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse.
The first thing that catches my eye about this playhouse is the full design of it. It comes with four different walls with a three-color scheme that is appealing to both girls and boys.
A wood cabin feel with the essence of a brick house will definitely bring the kids out to have a great time in their new cabin house.
An amazing feature of this playhouse is the sports wall. It comes with a ball for basketball, and one for soccer! This attribute will surely take them away from the tablet and right into the backyard.
Perhaps the Schoolhouse and Firehouse set is a great choice for you because of the installed table and chalkboard. These two features are wonderful for utilizing imagination and cooperation. Oh, let me not forget the Gas Station wall that also features a pretend gas pump!
Not up for a drive? Try using the pretend Grocery Store, and maybe even the Bank wall with a drive-up window. When they say “endless” fun, they truly mean it.
Pros:
- Multi-functional uses for activities and imagination.
- Toddlers seem to love it.
- Sturdy and durable.
Cons:
- Stickers come off when they’re wet.
- Small sized for any children over five years old.
6. Little Tikes Cape Cottage, Tan
The Cape Cottage has a major liking, and has the ability to put a smile on your child’s face, just as you intended.
First, this play cottage has the capacity to be easily moved from one side of the yard to the other. Since this is the case, take advantage of the fact that it can be moved and used both indoors and outdoors; the light weight of the house makes this feature possible.
The cool thing about this cottage is that it truly resembles a real house, which your young will enjoy because they’ll get to be just like you!
There are two outward swinging doors, as well as two workable windows that can have shutter attached to them. There is also a mail slot and flag holder featured on this playhouse for your children to represent their pride in whatever design they would like.
The tan and red material that is made from ABS safety plastic creates a realistic, yet playful space for your children to enjoy, laugh, and learn in everyday that you allow them to!
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver.
- Great option for imaginative role play.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- No internal playhouse furniture included.
- Sturdiness could be better.
- Material may seem flimsy.
7. Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse
Looking for a playhouse with a new aesthetic and design? Then the Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse might be meant for you.
It has a unique design that will get the gears moving on the imagination of any kid that comes in contact with it. It features an open design with a working door to enter into and exit out of, a functional mailbox, and several different play areas for your child(ren) to experiment with.
The kitchenette portrays a play stove, plastic sink, and working clicker knobs. There’s also a work bench station that allows for play tools to be used. The ultimate feature in this package is the sand and water table! They’ll be able to enjoy and enhance their sensory skills by building sand castles, or mud pies!
With this feature, you’ll receive table accessories with cover to protect it from the elements.
With 80 inches in height and 52 inches in width, there is enough space for your two-to-five year old to play at the beach, work at the station, or eat a healthy meal that has been imaginitely prepared by them!
Pros:
- Spacious and open design.
- Great choice for toddlers.
- Pretty sturdy.
- Decent value for cost.
Cons:
- Water table lid may need constant adjustment.
- Assembly may seem challenging,
8. Little Tikes Picnic on the Patio Playhouse
It has an interior spacious design will let your little one walk around and add any additional fixing to their house to make it more cozy and home-like.
The cool part about this playhouse is the picnic table. It stands on the outside of the house, and truly functions as a table. You and your kid(s) will be able to literally set the table, and have a nice pretend meal that your child has prepared for the celebration of their new playhouse!
It has an external cobblestone design with a red, tan, and navy blue color schematic. It includes an internal kitchenette with pretend burners, oven, cupboards, and a fireplace!Allow your child to become a creative chef, and let them serve you not just at the table, but also at the pull-up window for their guest.
There’s even a purple tray cover that will cover half of the basin to keep your new outdoor playhouse protected once play time is finished.
Pros:
- Picnic table is fabulous feature.
- Includes kitchenette set of dishes and food.
- Electronic doorbell included.
- Aesthetically pleasing design.
Cons:
- Set up may take over an hour.
- Doorbell require three AAA batteries (not included).
9. Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider
Warning: your first glance at the Adventure Lodge Play Center may leave you in awe!
This is not just a typical playhouse; this play center will have the children engaged for hours on end because of its awesome features.
They’ll take long hauls up the two-story climbing and hiding play space. How will they get up there? With the ladder of course! This durable step ladder and ¾ climbing wall comes with a hanging rope ladder that can be climbed to the upper level.
The upper level consists of steering wheel for pretend driving, and a large six foot slide so that your child may have fun each time they descend back to the first level.The design is built with high-density material for ultimate strength.
There’s also a swing set! Each swing can hold up to 75 pounds, and the double-wall poly construction gets rid of typical problems that swing sets tend to have.
The clubhouse is the feature that helps this item make our list; the kids can have fun in the first story playhouse.
Pros:
- Awesome features included with the set.
- Very durable and sturdy.
- Assembly is fairly easy.
Cons:
- Set up could take several hours.
- Direction may seem confusing.
- Premium price.
10. Step2 Welcome Home Playhouse
Right off the bat, the Welcome Home Playhouse does a wonderful job at creating the image of coming to real-life home for the kids to enjoy.
The design of the playhouse really resembles that of suburban household, with all of the appropriate attributes to match.
It features a Dutch half door that opens outwards for inviting guest inside. There are also two large bay windows for easy in-and-out peering, and a handrail with a welcome mat.
Did you know that this item also has a peaked roof with a sunlight?! It’s a comprehensive playhouse to let your children indulge in. To add more to this simply elegant playhouse, there is an electronic doorbell that delivers a realist chime sound whenever the button is pressed. The interior is detailed with a full kitchen, range, storage cabinets, and an electronic cordless phone!
The Welcome Home Playhouse will give your kids an opportunity to chat with one another, which will enhance their social and interpersonal skills.
With this playhouse, your children will be running their own household in no time!
Pros:
- Classic and elegant aesthetics and design.
- Pretty spacious area for play.
- Large enough for three children comfortably.
Cons:
- Assembly may seem challenging.
- Instructions are based on diagrams.
11. Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse
The All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse is a great choice for your kids when they are in the mood to play pretend barbeque, tailgate, or just have some fun in the backyard.
It’s a pavillion-style outdoor, open-design playhouse that is ideal for social and interactive play. It comes with working doors for easy entrance and exit, as well as a kitchen, and sand and water features.
While the BBQ master is grilling, their friends can play in the sand and water areas to pass the time. Once completed, they can all enjoy this imaginative meal at the snack table! It’s a full perimeter of shelves and countertops that will have your children outside all day.
This kids’ playhouse is designed with realistic stacked stone and an even color palette for a simple and smooth look that will naturally blend with your backyard. The overhead canopy will provide them with shade and protection from the sun.
Included in the package is the playhouse, grill, snack and water table, sand cover, canopy, and 16-piece accessory set.
Pros:
- Inclusive accessories.
- Realistic design.
- Very sturdy.
- Easy Assembly.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have windows.
- Premium price for quality.
12. Step2 Sweetheart Playhouse, Pink and White
Check out this charming little cottage! The Sweetheart Playhouse is designed with elegance and attraction in mind.
This pink and white outdoor playhouse is constructed with fully functional, full-size door and two open-style windows in the front, with an open window and a cool skylight with working shutters.
It comes equipped with an electronic doorbell with realistic chime sound, as well as an electronic phone to invite extra friends over!
In addition to all of the style that this playhouse brings, it even has a cute heart-shaped flower pot for either real or faux flowers to sit in. A cool feature about this house is the convertible table top that flips over to become an imaginative outside barbeque grill, with knobs that actually click!
There’s also a clock with movable hands to aid in their personal education of recognizing when it’s time to pack up and head back into the big real house.
The inside of the Sweetheart Playhouse is meant for kids under the height of 4 ½ feet tall, so take this statement into full consideration.
Pros:
- Attractive design.
- Amazing features and included accessories.
- Great quality for money.
Cons:
- Instructions may be challenging to understand.
- Assembly may require 2 people for efficiency.
13. Step2 893199 Seaside Villa Playhouse Kids
A classic view of a house for kids, the Seaside Villa Playhouse for kids gives off the true essence of hanging out by the seashore while the waves crash on the rocks.
This outdoor playhouse features a kitchenette playset with a molded-in sink and faucet. There’s also the attribute of the pass-through mailbox that adds even more fun to this pretend adventure.
You kids will enjoy the easy to open Dutch style, half-size door. They’ll definitely use it to exit their house and take a seat on the charming front porch, which features a legitimate porch bench for the kids to relax on!
With 38 inches in height, and 45 inches of space inside, the Seaside Villa Playhouse provides plenty of space with an open-floor concept design that will make it easy to keep an eye on the fun that your children are having.
This playhouse is meant to resemble a real beachside home, and it does a pretty good job at representing it through its calming design and spacious, yet cozy structure.
Pros:
- Provides essential accessories for fun.
- Very durable material.
- Pleasant design for both boys and girls.
Cons:
- May require extra tools for assembly.
- Assembly may take more than an hour.
14. American Plastic Toys My First Playhouse
American Plastic Toys’ My First Playhouse is a standard outdoor playhouse with a natural feel and aesthetic, along with a quality build.
It’s equipped with a mailbox attachment, alongside a fully functional doorbell, which can create a fun and vibrant space for kids to call theirs.
The full shutters can be lifted for your kids to say hello to you from the yard, or they can simply come to you via the half-size door that can be opened at any time. Another cool feature is that because of its size and easy mobility, this playhouse can be used for both indoor and outdoor fun!
Speaking of size, this playhouse stands at 40 ½ inches high, 30 ½ inches long and 43 ½ of open space, which allows for children under 3 ½ feet to enjoy.
More attributes includes its high-ceiling, angle-style roof, and a pair of cool half-length windows in the rear to optimize the actual house look.
My First Playhouse is constructed out of BPA and phthalate-free plastic, which exceeds the US Federal toy safety standards!
Pros:
- Highly rated for safety.
- Simple design for any toddler or child to enjoy.
- Fair price for quality.
Cons:
- Two AAA batteries need for doorbell (not included).
- Could be more durable and sturdy.
- Many pieces are included for installation.
15. KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse with Picnic Table, Mailbox and Outdoor Grill
With one of the most awesome construction blueprints on the list, the Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to design.
It’s made of high-quality wood that has the capacity to shield and protect your little ones from various weather conditions. It stands at a whooping 71 inches, making this playhouse as tall as almost six feet!
That’s pretty tall for a child’s playhouse!
It also has about five feet of space across corners, making this design not only tall, but also spacious enough to have two – to -three kiddos inside of it, comfortably.
Let’s talk features: take not of the Espresso picnic table and the two benches that attached to the sides of it. The front door swings open and close, which makes it functional as well. Let’s not forget the included mailbox with a flag holder to represent your child’s pride!
They’ll enjoy the outdoor grill with a realistic removable lid, as well as the reinforced wooden panels. This feature prevents excessive warping in weathering, due to the fact that it’s water-resistant.
Pros:
- Amazing design and look.
- Adequate build and sturdiness.
- Decent value for cost.
Cons:
- May require quarterly reconditioning.
- May have to enlist a helper for effective assembly.
Things to Consider Before Buy
Size
Playhouses come in various sizes; but majority of them have a certain range that’s meant to allow a child to go in and out of it with ultimate ease.
On the outside, the height of a playhouse tends to be anywhere between 40 inches and 65 inches tall. The lowest point, or the point at ground-level, can range from 40 inches to 55 inches.
What matters most though is what’s on the inside. The inside of a playhouse, at its widest, is usually between 20 inches and 60 inches, while the inside depth can lie between 25 inches and 45 inches.
Materials
Playhouse are meant to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand one to three children attempting to walk around their playhouse as if it were a real one.
So with that being said, the material that the playhouse is made out of is highly important. Nowadays, playhouses are made out of two main materials: wood and plastic.
The wood-based houses are typically made from sustainable wood, with a safe and environmentally safe finish.
The classic playhouses that we’ve learned to love are still fashionable, and is made out of industrial-style of plastic material that is both safe and dependable for the protection and fun of your children.
Window
It’s important to remember that children between the ages of three and ten are the primary uses of playhouses; therefore the window sizes should represent that.
On average, your new outdoor playhouse windows, or “shed windows” can come in either rectangular, circular, or square shapes. The windows may also come with a Flush Mount flange or J-channel flange for easy up-and-down sliding of the window.
The frame of the window is typically made from a strong industrial metal, like aluminum, for durability. It may even included tempered safety glass!
When it comes to size, you’ll find the typical range to be between 10 inches and 20 inches in height, and 15 inches to 30 inches across.
Accessories
When you’re in a playhouse, what would you want to do? Play dress up? Cook a meal? How about some household chores?
In order for your child to engage in such realistic imagining, you’ll need the proper accessories to fill the house with.
Consider toys that are both fun and functional for your children. If they want to play dress-up, you’ll need costumes, and a coat hanger.
Other playhouse features like plastic home appliances, clothing, food, kitchenware, and toys for them to use outside of the house are imperative to the state of fun that your child will have. Imagination goes a long way, but the right accessories will take it a lot further.
Durability
The strength of your new outdoor playhouse will be a high-point of whether or not your child(ren) will be able to play in it safely.
For quality durability, most playhouse manufactures will use industrial-strength metals that are tightly compacted within its surrounding material.
Or, they’ll use a heavy-gauged cardboard or wood material that has the power to withstand bumps, shoves, trips, and falls, to protect not only your child, but the house itself.
All-in-all, the durability of the playhouse is an impactful consideration for the general safety of your children, lifeline of the playhouse, and value for your money spent.
Safety
Before fun, safety is the number one priority of an outdoor playhouse.
Because of that statement, there are several safety measures to consider when purchasing a new playhouse. For example, are the windows secure? The minute one pops out, it could ruin the house, and possibly one of your child’s body parts.
Check out the floor: is it the ground of grass, or does the house come with soft floor. Are the dimensions of the playhouse big enough for your child(ren) and their friends?
Interior lighting, temperature rate, heck, even having a lock on the door can make a huge difference in the level of safety that the playhouse can provide.
So be sure to check these standards thoroughly.
Design
One of the most fun parts about having an outdoor playhouse is the design of it! They can come in many different styles, and you’ll be able to find one that suits the nature of you and your child’s personal essence.
Speaking of nature, you can choose a house made out of wood, or a house that looks like a log cabin! How about a playhouse that looks like a real house? These are always a favorite for the kids.
A playhouse designed with a playground, or like a pirate ship! Or even one that has the gothic style, or maybe one in a tree shaped like a fort!
The style you choose is certainly up to you and the kids.
Final Thoughts
The playhouses on this round-up list sure did make choosing the right one a fun challenge!
The fact that most of the house are of fitting dimensions for toddler and child sizes, has a great selection of amenities, and is able to constantly please children during playtime makes them all a solid choice.
But if you want balance of quality across the board, check out the Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse. It provides you with a quaint-sized house with the amenities and features that children want, while still earning the best bang for your buck.
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Mike Zhang. Founder of FamilyLifeShare