12 Best Kids’ Play Tents to Inspire Open-Ended Play

First up on our list of the best play tents for kids is this stand-out design from Tiny Land. Its simple design offers a blank canvas for tons of future fun; it could easily be transformed into an indoor camp setup, a cozy home, a dragon’s den or whatever else your kiddo has in mind! The indoor play tent features cute window—plus, it has two interior pockets where stuffed animals, books or other treasured playthings can be stored. It’s even big enough for multiple children to sit in at once, making it a great option for sibling bonding or playdates.

Dimensions: 47.2” (L) x 47.2” (W) x 59” (H) | Weight: 8.4 lbs. | Materials: Polyester, pinewood and cotton | Age rating: 3+ years

Pop-up play tents for kids are perfect for families looking for a structure that can be easily put away when playtime is over. Take this design, for instance. Just unfold it and pop it open; at the end of the day, it can be folded back into a compact shape for simple storage. We love the ice cream truck-theme of this children’s play tent and the too-cute takeout window. Better yet, it’s less than $30—score! Several other options are also available, including a fire truck, a police car and a school bus.

Dimensions: 45” (L) x 28” (W) x 28” (H) | Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Materials: Polyester and steel | Age rating: 2+ years

Creating a boho-inspired nursery or playspace for your little one? Then you can’t go wrong with a mushroom play tent. The whimsical abode features a roll-up door, two windows and, of course, a polka-dot mushroom cap-shaped roof. And if juice gets spilled or sticky fingers mark the walls—don’t fret. This play house tent easily wipes clean with a damp cloth.

Dimensions: 32.5” (L) x 32.5” (W) x 61.5” (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: Cotton and PVC | Age rating: 3+ years

This play tent house is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers alike. The cozy cottage is suitable for indoor and outdoor use for year-round fun. Your little one is sure to have heart eyes for the vibrant exterior artwork, and they’ll love all of the realistic details, like the roll-up front door, the mail slot and the working window shutters. It’s roomy enough for multiple kids to play in at once, nurturing your little one’s blossoming social skills and imagination.

Dimensions: 37.25” (L) x 31” (W) x 46.5” (H) | Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Materials: Polyester, metal and plastic | Age rating: 3 to 5 years old

Searching for a baby play tent for the infant in your life? Look no further than this jungle-themed design from Wonder & Wise. The activity center will grow with your child; first use it as a play mat, then add the cotton cover and hanging toys as they get older for age-appropriate stimulation. Your little one is sure to be fascinated by the adorable animal graphics—plus, it’s made from a durable cotton to last for many playtimes to come.

Dimensions: 35” (L) x 35” (W) x 43” (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: Cotton | Age rating: 6+ months

Some of the most engaging play tents for kids are those that have tunnels. Case in point: This pop-up play tent from UTEX. The set includes two houses (complete with mesh windows, of course) and a long tunnel that can be set up between them. You can count on it to endure many adventures to come, and it can even be turned into a ball pit for more sensory-driven fun. Better yet, the collapsible design makes assembly and storage a piece of cake. This colorful kids’ play tent would make a great gift for a three-year-old!

Dimensions: 31.5” (L) x 119” (W) x 34” (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Materials: Polyester and steel | Age rating: 3+ years

This kids’ play tent is so chic, you may even want one for yourself. The minimalist design is made from sturdy, lightweight canvas, and includes a roll-up door and two windows. Inside, you can set up a comfy chair for your tot, along with a few books, stuffed animals and even a dollhouse. With this blank slate of an indoor play tent, the possibilities are truly endless. To spark your little one’s imagination and nurture learning opportunities, Sarno suggests stocking the tiny abode with play food—how fun!

Dimensions: 49.25” (L) x 38” (W) x 56” (H) | Weight: 9 lbs. | Materials: Cotton, velcro and PVC | Age rating: 3+ years

Next up is a children’s play tent that offers an ideal backdrop for plenty of inventive, make-believe stories to come. Fit for pint-sized royalty, the castle-shaped structure features a drawstring bridge for a doorway and a fabric moat that borders the perimeter, complete with shark fins, of course! Your kiddo will love lowering and raising the entryway, and thinking up magical tales to match their fairytale-like play tent house.

Dimensions: 75.4” (L) x 75.4” (W) | Weight: 18.6 lbs. | Materials: Polyester and metal | Age rating: 3+ years

If you’re on the hunt for an extra-large play tent for kids, this design from Tiny Land has got you covered. The spacious structure is hexagonal for added room, and features dreamy curtains that can be tied to the side. Use it inside or out; it would even work as an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for birthday photos! Better yet, this kids’ play tent is big enough for grown-ups to fit in, so you can easily take part in your little one’s next tea party, house game or any other adventure they have in mind.

Dimensions: 55” (L) x 35” (W) x 56” (H) | Weight: 9 lbs. | Materials: Polyester | Age rating: 2 to 8 years old

Versatile, durable and aesthetically pleasing, canvas play tents check a lot of boxes on our list. We’re fans of this option from LALO which is made from sustainably sourced beechwood and paired with a natural canvas cover. Your little one will love transforming it into a cozy play space—plus, it can be used by tots from their first birthday on. Another highlight: The play tent cover is machine washable so you can pop it in the washing machine when messes (inevitably) occur.

Dimensions: 44.5” (L) x 25” (W) x 40” (H) | Weight: 6 lbs. | Materials: Beechwood and cotton | Age rating: 12+ months

Have a pint-sized space explorer at home? Captivate them with a spaceship-style play tent for kids. This lightweight design folds flat for simple storage, and features a roll-up door and a mesh ventilation window. What’s more, it can be used inside or outside for endless imaginative play opportunities. Sarno recommends pairing this plaything with a toy toolbox to foster pretend play and fine motor skills.

Dimensions: 41.5” (L) x 41.5” (W) x 54” (H) | Weight: 2 lbs. | Materials: N/A | Age rating: 3+ years

Curating a Montessori living space for your kiddo? Then this kids’ play tent will fit right in. This jumbo pikler triangle is given a fun update, thanks to the canvas tent cover and plush floor pillow. Just imagine how cozy your little one will be as they read, make-believe or socialize in this structure. Features we love include the window cutouts, the solid birchwood design and, of course, the climbing elements. The best part? It easily folds so you can put it away when playtime is over.

Dimensions: 48” (L) x 28” (W) x 40” (H) | Weight: N/A | Materials: Birchwood, beechwood, cotton, velvet | Age rating: 1 to 5 years old