The Best Toddler Playhouses for Outdoor Fun
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from The Bump community and extensive market research, we chose the KidKraft Forestview II Wooden Playhouse as the overall best toddler playhouse. This option stood out because of its sturdy design and realistic details.
When it comes to selecting the best toys for your toddler, safety, creativity and learning are top priorities. Kids’ playhouses meet all these needs and more! The trick is finding the right toddler house for your little one. Whether you’re looking for a classic wooden outdoor playhouse, a budget-friendly toddler playhouse, an indoor playhouse, or something with interactive features, there’s a wide variety of playhouses to match your child’s personality and interests.
To choose the best toddler playhouses:
- We reached out to parents in The Bump community about playhouses they’d used with their children. We also checked what was being said about playhouse in The Bump forums.
- We looked at the most popular options on the market and considered a list of criteria including quality of materials, size, value and, of course, the fun factor.
- To see how these playhouses performed for a variety of families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
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Overall best toddler playhouse
- Realistic looking
- Great for toddlers and big kids
- Challenging assembly
The realistic, homey details of this playhouse can’t be beaten; windows, shutters, a working doorbell and a mailbox are just a few of the features that make KidKraft Forestview II Wooden Playhouse stand out from the pack. The adorable kitchen play area stands out, but the high-quality materials really put this set over the top. Jeremy T., a dad of two, was keen on finding a wooden playhouse from a trustworthy brand that would stand the test of time, and Kidcraft didn’t disappoint: “It's been out for over two years now in the snow and rain and sun, and it's still great!” he told us, adding, “Very sturdy and safe for kids. It's tall enough that I can stand inside it and just barely touch the roof.”
While assembly can be somewhat tedious with multiple screws and an additional set of hands, the final product is worth the patience. And extensive set up isn’t necessarily a bad thing—Jennie Monness, an early childhood educator, says, “I look for it to be a little more complicated to put together because I know it’ll be that much more sturdy.” KidKraft Forestview II has a charming design, can withstand extended outdoor use, and is a fantastic choice for parents seeking a reliable and fun playhouse for their toddlers.
Dimensions: 60.2" (L) x 48.5" (W) x 67.5" (H) | Material: Wood | Age rating: 3 to 10 years
Our community says:
I bought my son a KidKraft playhouse when he was two. He's now four and still plays with it all the time. I think he might enjoy it more now than when we got it. – Jeremy T., dad of two
Best toddler playhouse with a slide
- Extra-long slide
- Pull-out storage drawer
- Durable wood and plastic construction
- Lengthy setup time
- Small kitchenette
As your little one grows, they need opportunities to engage in creative play and physical activity. Many outdoor toys focus on either encouraging imaginative play (think serving windows or kitchenettes) or providing physical play (slides and climbing options). This can leave parents to purchase separate items to cater to their child’s developing needs. We love that Step2 Woodland Adventure Playhouse & Slide has a dual-purpose design that lets toddlers engage in imaginative play while encouraging physical activity with an extra-long slide and a climbing ladder. No time to hit the playground, but your little one needs to expend some energy? The extra-long slide is a bonus to your toddler’s playhouse! Security panels around the top of the slide keep little ones safe from falling.
The Step2 Woodland Adventure is also packed with extra features that make this product even more desirable. We’re fans of the pull-out storage drawer that keeps your toddler’s outside toys tidy and yet easily accessible. This two-in-one playhouse is ideal for parents seeking a space-efficient playhouse that fosters creativity and motor skill development.
Dimensions: 70" (L) x 68" (W) x 76" (H) | Materials: Wood, plastic | Age rating: 3 to 8 years
Best playhouse for younger toddlers
- Perfect for small spaces
- Easy to clean
- Easy assembly
- Not suitable for children over 4
Not only does the Step 2 Toddler Corner have the lowest age rating on our list, it’s also specifically designed for younger toddlers with features that enhance the quality and safety of your little one’s play—low walls and a manageable height ensure accessibility to the fun features, while the Dutch-style gate makes it easier for your child to enter this toddler house and explore.
The Step2 Toddler Corner includes an attached mailbox, a shape sorter and a wall maze ball game, all geared to improve fine motor skills while your little one has fun. Built to last with double-walled plastic in bright, toddler-friendly colors, this sturdy open-concept toddler playhouse will entertain your toddler up to age 4. And with simple instructions and easy assembly, your little one can enjoy age-appropriate playhouse fun in no time.
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 31.5" (W) x 41.8" (H) | Material: Plastic | Age rating: 1 to 4 years
Best budget-friendly toddler playhouse
- Indoor and outdoor play
- Adorable design
- Budget-friendly
- Some parents think plastic is too thin
- Suitable for ages 2+
While toddler playhouses make an excellent gift that encourages creativity and imagination, they can also come with a hefty price tag! Price is a big concern for parents in our forums—user murphyec says, “I was thinking of getting [my son] one for home, but it is a lot of money.” User JSORIANO agrees, saying she wants a play house, but, “can't see myself paying the 300-400 dollars for a new one.” Thankfully the Little Tikes Cape Cottage rings in for under $150, making it a great option for cost-conscious parents.
This budget-friendly option doesn’t sacrifice quality or style—we love the cute Victorian feel, as well as the working door and built-in mail slot where kids can receive letters. This durable plastic playhouse also has working shutters and a flag pole for realistic play, and is rated for up to age 6, so a small investment will last a long time.
Dimensions: 42.8" (L) x 35" (W) x 49" (H) | Material: Plastic | Age rating: 2 to 6 years
Best indoor toddler playhouse
- Customizable
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Aesthetically pleasing in the home
Co-founded by actress Amanda Seyfried and her two childhood friends, Make it Cute offers aesthetically pleasing indoor playhouses made from sustainable materials. Unlike larger, bulkier playhouses that can be hard to assemble or move, this one is made of heavy-duty corrugated cardboard—it’s lightweight with an easy three-piece setup, and no tools or complicated construction is required. It can be easily moved around the house as needed, and folded down for easy storage under a bed or in a closet, making it an ideal choice for families without backyards or patios.
The Modern Farmhouse design is cute and contemporary; neutral colors and minimalist style allow it to blend seamlessly with any decor while providing a playful, inviting space for toddlers. We love that this indoor toddler house is customizable, with decor kits sold separately for added fun. While parents will appreciate the neutral aesthetic for indoor play, toddlers will equally enjoy the realistic quality of this little playhouse. We love how Make It Cute offers a cozy space for imaginative play without taking up too much room.
Dimensions: 36" (L) x 30" (W) x 47" (H) | Material: Corrugated cardboard | Age rating: 2 to 6 years
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!
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:
Jennie Monness is an early childhood educator and the co-founder of Charmspring, a developmental children’s brand, and Union Square Play, a global virtual parenting community and play space in New York City.
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