11 Best-Rated Outdoor Playhouses For Kids: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Creativity stems from imaginative play and critical thinking. Luckily, that is exactly what an outdoor playhouse for kids encourages.

And if you’re looking for the best outdoor playhouse for your kids, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we go through the details of how to find the best playhouse, what to consider before buying, and how to prolong the life of your new equipment. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What To Consider Before Buying An Outdoor Playhouse
How We Decided On The Best Playhouse
A Quick Guide To Outdoor Playhouses For Kids
Best Bang For Your Buck
Best Budget Option
Best Overall Quality
Best For Little Girls
Best Outdoor Playhouse For Older Kids
Outdoor Playhouse For Kids: Extensive Buyer’s Guide
Outdoor Playhouse For Kids FAQs
1. Who Can Use An Outdoor Playhouse?
2. How Long Does It Take To Assemble A Playhouse?
3. How Can I Maintain My New Outdoor Playhouse?
4. Do Any Playhouses Come With A Slide?
A Final Note: Outdoor Playhouse For Kids

What To Consider Before Buying An Outdoor Playhouse

Playhouses sure have changed since we were kids, which means it’s important to consider certain details before purchasing. Here are four factors to pay attention to as you read through our playhouse reviews below:

✔Price

Outdoor playhouses range in price from $150 to well over $1,500 depending on the brand, size, and features. Before you decide on a playhouse for your kids, determine your budget and work from there.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for most budget types.

✔ Set Up Requirements

Unlike other toys, playhouses require assembly. Some outdoor playhouses take an hour to set up while others take a few days. If you’re short on time or dread the thought of setting up yet another toy, consider this when purchasing your playhouse.

✔ Size

Playhouses range in size from 9 square feet to massive structures that will fill your entire backyard.

If you need to limit the size of your playhouse due to space restrictions, check out each products specifications below before buying. This will save you the stress of returning it if it doesn’t fit properly.

✔ Age Range

Another important detail to consider before buying your outdoor playhouse is the age of your kids.

Most playhouses are designed for children ages 2-5, however, there are options for older kids and toddlers, too.

How We Decided On The Best Playhouse

Our goal, other than presenting the best backyard toys and activities for kids, is to make the process of deciding so much easier.

But you may be thinking,”how did you determine which playhouse is the best?”

Great question! Here are the things we consider when rating each product:

? Customer Reviews

Who should know about the product more than those who have bought them and tested them out? We rely heavily on customer reviews from several different sources and perspectives.

We also only consider products that have plenty of customer reviews. Those with none or very few reviews are not included since we want to be sure these products are tried and tested.

? Our Experience

Many of the toys listed in our guides have been tested by us. Having first-hand experience with a toy or equipment is very helpful in deciding which are best for our readers.

? Features And Price

And of course, we focus on overall price and quality. Does it offer everything one needs to set it up and have an enjoyable time? Is it reasonably priced? Will it last long? All of this is considered when ranking each product.

A Quick Guide To Outdoor Playhouses For Kids

We understand that selecting the best and highest quality products can be difficult. Even sorting through the 11 best options we have listed below can be complicated and time-consuming.

So, we’ve decided to make this quick guide to help you locate the best products that check all of the necessary boxes. If you’d like, you can skip the quick guide and jump down to our extensive buyer’s guide by clicking here.

Best Bang For Your Buck

Let’s start with the outdoor playhouse that delivers the best bang for your buck because if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to save money while still receiving a quality product.

The Little Tikes Cape Cottage House is by far the best bang for your buck. Not only is it the most affordable on our list (and on the market), but you’ll be getting a sturdy playhouse that will last for years.

To learn more about the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House, jump down to our review here.

Best Budget Option

As mentioned above, the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House is a high-quality outdoor playhouse for kids that won’t break the bank. It’s the most budget-friendly option that will keep the kids busy for hours on end.

Best Overall Quality

Although the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House is the best budget option and the best bang for your buck, the highest quality option is the Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse.

It comes with so many awesome real-life features that will wow your little ones and have them playing pretend all summer long.

To check out more about the Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse, click here to jump down to our full review.

Best For Little Girls

Get your daughter, niece, or granddaughter excited about playing outside with the L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse. This glittered and chic masterpiece is a fantastic option for any backyard or basement.

To read more about the L.O.L Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse, click here to jump down to our full review.

Best Outdoor Playhouse For Older Kids

To sum it up, the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is a great playhouse for older kids. Designed like a traditional treehouse with plenty of fun activities, it will be hard to get the kids to come inside at night.

Read more about the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse by jumping down to our review here.

Outdoor Playhouse For Kids: Extensive Buyer’s Guide

And now, without any more distractions, let’s get into the specific details of these outdoor playhouses for kids. These are the top 11 playhouses on the market in 2021:

1. Little Tikes Cape Cottage House

Outshining the competition is the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House. This highly-rated and stylish outdoor playhouse will be perfect for your kids as they make believe and play in their dream house.

This particular playhouse is simple and will provide hours of play.

And the best part of all? Not only is it the highest quality outdoor playhouse, but it’s the most affordable, too.

Overall Score

9.6/10

This crowd favorite can be used indoors and outdoors. Because of this, its affordability, and its easy assembly, the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House receives a 9.6 out of 10.

Since the playhouse package tends to arrive with missing pieces, we couldn’t give it a full 10 stars.

The Good

Let’s start with the positives first. The Little Tikes Cape Cottage House takes the cake for affordability. Not only that, but it’s versatile, too. Use it indoors or outdoors depending on the weather and the kids can enjoy it year-round.

The biggest problem that most parents have with kids toys is the installation process. With the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House, it’s easy to set up and easy to store. This doesn’t hold true for other outdoor playhouses on our list.

The Bad

❌ Missing Parts Are Common

❌ Not Big Enough For Furniture

Even though the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House ranks as the top outdoor playhouse on our list, that doesn’t mean it is perfect. There are several things you should know about this model before you purchase.

Customers often complain about missing parts and pieces after opening the package. This can be really frustrating, especially when you have to contact the company for replacements.

In addition, this is a pretty small playhouse; based on the price, I’m sure most of you would have guessed that. But due to its small size, it’s difficult to fit furniture or other decorations that bring the house to life.

And finally, Little Tikes includes stickers to jazz up the design. These stickers are extremely sticky and can easily stick to other objects before you even get to put them on the playhouse.

In our opinion, these negative qualities don’t take away from the overall quality of the playhouse. We believe it’s the best outdoor playhouse for kids on the market.

Specs

To breakdown exactly what is included in your purchase of the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House we’ll start with the life-like working doors and windows.

It also has a flag holder (note: the pictured flag is not included), a mail slot, and detailed walls.

The entire house is approximately 35 x 43 x 49 inches and weighs 29 pounds.

Buy Here

Conveniently, the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House is the best playhouse on the market as well as the cheapest option on our list. In other words, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

Check prices on Amazon here: Little Tikes Cape Cottage House

Know Before You Buy

? Little Tikes recommends this house for children ages 2 to 8 years old.

2. Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse

The Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse is an American-made and strongly recommended playhouse for kids.

Whether your kids are busy at the fun drive-thru or they’re cooking up some delicious (pretend) hamburgers on the grill, they’ll never grow bored of this outdoor playhouse.

As the second best playhouse on our list, you can bet that you’ll be satisfied with this toy. Here are more things you should know about this playhouse before purchasing:

Overall Score

9.5/10

The Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse isn’t our top recommendation, but it isn’t far behind.

With plenty of room to entertain many children at once and awesome real-life features like flower pots and a kitchen sink, their playhouse deserves a 9.5 out of 10.

This score could be increased if Step2 made assembly a bit easier for parentso. rif they lowered their prices.

The Good

As the second place finisher on our list, you can guess that the Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse has tons of fantastic features.

We love that this playhouse is big enough to fit many children at once. This is so important if you have many younger children in your family or if your kids invite friends over to play. Without enough room, it would be difficult for kids to engage and play with each other.

We also like that Step2 uses strong material to construct their playhouses. With quality material like the kind they use, you can bet that this playhouse will last for years.

Step2 has made sure to take safety into account when building this house. It is completely kid-friendly, meaning you won’t have to worry about splinters or harmful-toxins.

And of course, we must mention the awesome features of this house. From the fireplace to the skylight to the sink, your kids will feel like this is an actual house and they’ll love using it to play pretend.

The Bad

❌ Difficult To Assemble

❌ Doesn’t Fit Together Correctly

❌ Missing Parts Are Common

❌ Package Delivery Is Complicated

A few things that customers have mentioned about the Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse is that it tends to come with parts missing. This seems to be a trend among playhouses, so there might be no way around this one.

You should also know that this outdoor playhouse for kids is very difficult to assemble. The parts do not properly fit together, so completing the setup may take some time and hard work.

For working and busy parents, this can be a pain.

And beware of shipping issues that could arise. The delivery company can be difficult to work with, so keep this in mind when you go to order this model.

Specs

The Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Outdoor Playhouse features a Dutch-style doorway, several windows, and a table attached to the exterior of the house.

Our favorite part of this playhouse is the doorbell (it really works) and the flower boxes (flowers not included). How fun is that?

But to top it off, this playhouse also has a fireplace, a skylight, a sink with a swivel faucet, and shelving for decoration. Try and top that!

For dimensions, it measures 50 x 59 x 58 inches and weighs 88 pounds.

Buy Here

You can expect a quality product when buying a Step2 toy. But with great quality comes higher prices. Expect to pay 3x as much for this Step2 model as you would pay for the Little Tikes Playhouse above.

Check prices on Amazon here: Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? The Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse is perfect for children 6 years of age and younger.

3. Be Mindful | Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse

When I think of outdoor playhouses I think of the wood structures we used to play in as children. If you’re looking for that authentic wood design for your kids, then the Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse is the playhouse for you.

Thanks to its solid wood materials, this is a sturdy playhouse that should last for years.

The Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse ranks in the top three for more than just its wood design. Continue reading our review to find out more about this house.

Overall Score

9.1/10

We love that the Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse is versatile and that the manufacturers offer excellent customer service.

But, due to frequent missing parts in the delivered package, we had to bump the score down to 9.1 out of 10.

The Good

Our first wooden playhouse option has a lot to offer. It can hold up to tough weather and can be used indoors as well. Versatility is key when it comes to investing in children’s toys.

Another important factor is assembly. Unlike other models, this playhouse can be easily assembled although it may take up to an hour. Use the demo video found on Youtube for easy installation and pay attention to the labeled parts; this will tell you which parts to install first, second, third, etc.

Be Mindful also offers its customers excellent customer service. They guarantee satisfaction and will gladly return your money if anything goes wrong.

The Bad

❌ Must Be Put Away During Winter

❌ Missing Parts Are Common

❌ Sometimes Arrives Slightly Damaged

❌ Not The Highest Quality

Before you jump on the Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse, here are some things to consider:

First, you’ll need to put this house away during winter months to preserve it and prolong its lifespan.

You should also know that many customers receive their playhouse with damaged or missing parts. Again, this is pretty common among playhouse models regardless of the brand. But it doesn’t make it any less irritating.

And of course, it’s vital to know that this playhouse isn’t the highest quality equipment on the market. The materials they use tend to lack in sturdiness, so factor this into your decision.

Specs

The Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse is made of wood with a natural coating.

It measures 45 x 43 x 56 inches and weighs 76.8 pounds.

Buy Here

The Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse is not as expensive as the Step2 model above, but it will typically cost more than the Little Tikes Playhouse. With that said, this is one of the cheapest wooden playhouses for kids.

Check prices on Amazon here: Be Mindful Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? This product is designed for children ages 2 to 8 years old, however, eight-year-old children may find it a bit small for them, so take this into consideration.

? It is possible to paint this playhouse to give it a fun look. If you do want to paint it, do this before assembly.

4. Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse

Another high-quality wooden playhouse is the Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse for kids.

Sit back and watch for hours as the kids role play, make new friends, and enjoy playing in nature. They’ll spend the summer outside rather than sitting in front of screens.

The Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse has plenty of positive features, but let’s not forget about the inevitable downfalls either. Here are the things you should know before buying this playhouse for your kids:

Overall Score

9.0/10

Above all, we believe that this playhouse is a quality product that will keep your kids busy.

With that said, the wood used to make this playhouse can break easily, which is why we have settled on a final score of 9 out of 10.

The Good

This adorable wooden playhouse can bring so much joy to you and your family. It’s made from quality materials that tend to outperform and outlast plastic playhouses.

Assembly takes less than an hour, which is a breeze compared to other more complicated outdoor playhouses; don’t keep the kids waiting for this fun new toy.

Once it’s set up, its weather resistant materials can hold up to storms and harsh winds, or you can bring it inside for kids to play with in your basement or playroom.

And we can’t forget to mention Backyard Discovery’s warranty. If any parts or pieces are missing or have issues, return them for new equipment. Purchasing products from a well-respected company is always so much better than dealing with poor customer service.

The Bad

❌ Wood Is Brittle

❌ Additional Tools Required

❌ No Floor

❌ Hinges Can Break Easily

Despite its numerous positive features, the Backyard Discovery’s Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse has some downfalls to discuss.

We’ve heard from many other customers that drilling and installing the wood panels can actually break the pieces in two. Take extra caution when setting up this playhouse to avoid this.

But that’s not all. Backyard Discovery’s doors and windows can become damaged easily. Keep a watchful eye on the hinges as they seem to be fragile.

We also think it’s important to mention that this outdoor playhouse for kids doesn’t have a floor. To us and to many other parents, this seems a little cheap and doesn’t give it a real “house” feel.

Specs

This all-cedar wood playhouse has a mid-size door and windows. Inside it there is a sink, a stove, and a cordless phone for pretend play.

Run to the nearby craft store to grab some flowers to plant in the flower pot selves as well.

Expect this house to measure 42 x 46 x 55 inches and it will weigh approximately 130 pounds.

Buy Here

You can expect the Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse to cost approximately the same as the wooden playhouse above. It isn’t the cheapest option, but it is still relatively affordable.

Check prices on Amazon here: Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? Additional tools are required for assembly including an Allen wrench.

?It is perfect for children up to 6 years old. It is best used for toddlers.

5. Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse

A popular name in playhouses is Step2, so it’s not surprising that they’ve claimed two of the top spots on our list of best outdoor playhouses for kids. Coming in 5th is the Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse.

Similar to their other top-rated model, this Step2 playhouse has plenty of room to fit many children at once. Encourage them to play together, clean, and share with their siblings or friends inside this fun playhouse.

Above all, this is a great toy for your kids this summer. Below, you’ll find our review, which we strongly suggest reading to make sure this playhouse checks all of the necessary boxes.

Overall Score

8.7/10

Unlike other models, the Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse is easy to set up and can withstand rough weather.

On the other hand, you may need to make a quick trip to the hardware store in order to set this up.

With all things considered, we’ve given this playhouse an 8.7 out of 10.

The Good

To start, you’ll be pleased to know that this strong and durable playhouse is easy to assemble and easy to clean. Low-maintenance toys are very much appreciated by busy parents.

Note: It was built with drain holes in the bottom of the floor so that you can wash it out quickly without making a mess.

Unlike other playhouses, the Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse is spacious enough to accommodate up to 3 children at once.

Forget about bickering over whose turn it is to play in the outdoor playhouse, this model allows all of the kids to play together. And if an argument ensues, you’ll have full visibility of this open concept mini-home.

The Bad

❌ Instructions Are Pictures Only

❌ Additional Tools Necessary

❌ Batteries Not Included

Before jumping over to Amazon to purchase the Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Outdoor House, take note of these common complaints:

For starters, we mentioned before that this is an easy playhouse to assemble. And while that is true, the instructions aren’t a big help. They only contain pictures, which can be confusing to some. Written directions in addition to these pictures would be much better.

Also, as you’re setting up this playhouse, I hope you have an electric drill on hand. If not, you may have a few more errands to run before you can assemble this playhouse.

There are a few parts that will require batteries as well (doorbell). Batteries are not included in your purchase.

Specs

Get this.. the Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse has a wood floor (faux), a kitchenette, a fireplace, a wall clock, seating, and a cordless phone.

I also love when these playhouses have working doorbells because it makes it that much more realistic. Luckily, Step2 agrees.

It measures 35 x 51 x 47 inches and weighs about 40 pounds.

Buy Here

If you want an affordable Step2 playhouse, this is your best bet. Not only is it high-quality, but it’s far less expensive than the Step2 model mentioned above.

Check prices on Amazon here: Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? Step2 states that this playhouse is best for children 5 years old and younger.

? To keep things extra clean, we recommend drilling more holes in the floor so that water and mud can easily flow out.

6. L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse

If you’ve got a little girl in the family, the L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse is the perfect gift for her.

This American-made house is bedazzled to match her style with glittered stickers and of course, bright pink colors. She will go crazy for this playhouse that can be used year-round.

For all of the details about this girly outdoor playhouse for kids, check out the pros, cons, and specifications below:

Overall Score

8.5/10

The L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage receives plenty of praise from customers and why wouldn’t it? It’s easy to set up and simple to store when not in use.

But, because it doesn’t come with a floor or a seating area, this playhouse can seem lacking compared to other models. Due to this, we’ve given it a total score of 8.5 out of 10.

The Good

Apart from its cute design and fun colors, the L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse also excels in other areas.

Assembly, disassembly, and storing this house is quite easy, which will take a load off of your plate.

We also love that the windows work like regular windows do. Life-like features are always a huge plus because it makes playtime much more interactive.

And of course, the versatility of this cute playhouse for girls is always a plus. Use this indoors or outdoors to get the most out of your money.

The Bad

❌ No Floor

❌ Plastic Is Flimsy

❌ Box Can Arrive Damaged

❌ No Seating Or Room For Seating

But with the good comes the bad. Unfortunately the L.O.L Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Playhouse For Kids has some notable flaws that could pose a problem.

Although we think the design is spectacular, there isn’t a floor on this house. Most families prefer a playhouse that has a floor.

It also doesn’t have any seating area. Where will the kids sit or interact inside of this playhouse? We find it essential that playhouses have some form of seating.

And yet again, this product can sometimes arrive damaged due to its size and fragility.

Specs

With working windows, doors, and a mail slot, what else could one want in a kids outdoor playhouse?

Well, along with all of those features, you’ll also receive the flag holder (note: flag not included) and tons of glitter decals.

The L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse is approximately 35 x 43 x 49 inches and weighs 35 pounds.

Buy Here

Surprisingly, this glamorous playhouse is quite affordable in comparison to many other options on our list. If you want to wow your daughter while sticking to a budget, this is the house for you.

Check prices on Amazon here: L.O.L. Surprise! Indoor & Outdoor Cottage Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? This playhouse is designed for children 6 years old and younger.

? Although this playhouse can be used outdoors, it’s best for indoor use.

7. Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse

I remember as a young girl, my dream was always to visit a castle and I can bet your daughter feels the same way. But with the Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse, she can!

Adorned in bright colors and spires that give it a true castle feeling, this playhouse will be an excellent addition to your backyard or basement. So what are you waiting for?

I’m sure you’ll want to know a bit more about this castle playhouse and we’ve done all the research and toy-testing for you. Here’s what you need to know:

Overall Score

8.5/10

The Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse isn’t quite as popular as other models, but they still receive very positive feedback from the customers that have purchased.

Not only is this outdoor house long-lasting, but they provide customer service that you can depend on.

In contrast, this playhouse has a few delicate pieces and equipment. These are known to break during play. With that in mind, the Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse ties with the above model, receiving an 8.5 out of 10.

The Good

This princess palace is fit for a… well, princess! It’s large enough to accommodate multiple princesses and princes at once and it is fully customizable. Add some small seats or furniture to really liven up this castle.

From the start, it’s quite easy to set up and ECR4Kids (the manufacturing company) always supports their customers. Rest assured you’re in good hands when you purchase from this company.

But not to worry, you likely won’t have to contact ECR4Kids’ customer service because this playhouse was built to last. With weather-resistant materials and strong hardware, they thought of everything in order to preserve this playhouse.

The Bad

❌ Can Come Mildly Damaged

❌ Instructions Tend To Be Missing From Package

❌ Window Pieces Can Crack

It feels redundant saying this since nearly every single model on our list is affected by this, but the Jumbo Princess Palace Castle tends to show up slightly damaged due to shipping and handling.

Also, window decals can crack over time and unfortunately, you won’t be able to replace them.

Keep all of this in mind as you make your final decision.

Specs

This plastic princess castle has a large interior with windows, a musical door handle, a pretend clock, and a functioning doorbell. To get the doorbell to work, you’ll need to have your own batteries.

The Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse is 78 x 58 x 99 inches and weighs 145 pounds.

Buy Here

Fit for a princess, this palace playhouse will cost you a pretty penny. As one of the most expensive options on our list and on the market, be sure that this toy completely fits your needs.

Check prices on Amazon here: Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? The Jumbo Princess Palace Playhouse is perfect for preschoolers.

8. KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse

We all know how little girls (and even young boys) obsess over the movie Frozen and their beloved role model, Elsa. Even as an adult, I have to admit that it’s an adorable movie.

So I can only imagine the look on your child’s face when they see the KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse.

This model was specifically designed to look like Elsa and Anna’s castle in Arendelle. Thanks to this clever design, your kids will keep busy for hours and hours.

For all of the details about this special castle playhouse, continue reading about the pros, cons, and specifications below.

Overall Score

8.2/10

The KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse clearly out-performs the competition when it comes to design and aesthetics.

However, there are some obvious flaws worth mentioning, too. While weighing the pros and cons and factoring in customer ratings, we’ve given this playhouse an 8.2 out of 10.

The Good

Regardless if you’re 3 years old or 50 years old, who wouldn’t want an Arendelle castle? Becoming Elsa in real life just became a possibility!

But apart from the obvious fun that this playhouse offers, it is also a high-quality product that is easy to set up and weather-resistant (using water-repellent stain to keep it looking great for years).

It is large enough to accommodate several children at once, making this a toy that will be the talk of the neighborhood.

And you won’t have to worry about the kids getting hurt with this playhouse. KidKraft designed this with plenty of space between doors and windows so that finger pinches are kept to a minimum.

The Bad

❌ Not Recommended For Indoor Use

❌ Assembly Can Be Tricky

❌ Missing Parts Are Common

❌ Walls Are Made of Plastic

Aside from the obvious missing pieces upon delivery, you can also expect a tricky assembly process. So not only will you likely have to run to the hardware store for additional parts, but you’ll also need to set aside enough time to get this set up properly.

We also found it disappointing that the inside of this playhouse is made of plastic. We would much prefer this playhouse to be completely wood for aesthetic purposes and overall quality.

KidKraft has stated that this outdoor playhouse for kids isn’t recommended for indoor use. Unlike other models, this is specifically for backyards.

Specs

This Frozen-inspired castle includes roof spires, double doors, window planters, ice-sculpted windows, a replica of Elsa’s room door, and even chalkboards for drawing.

It is approximately 54 x 50 x 81 inches in total, which is quite a bit larger than other models.

Buy Here

Although the KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse is cheaper than the other princess castle mentioned above, it is still significantly more than most playhouses on the market.

Check prices on Amazon here: KidKraft Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? KidKraft Kids Disney’s Frozen 2 Arendelle Playhouse is great for children ages 8 years old or younger.

? We recommend using weather resistant stain on this playhouse once per year. This will keep your playhouse in tip-top condition year after year.

9. KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Just like Step2, KidKraft is another trusted name in outdoor playhouses and toys for kids. The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse doesn’t quite match up to their Frozen model above, but it will definitely get the job done.

This best-seller has beautiful features to make it look like a real house. Not to mention, it’s going to look adorable in your backyard.

Since this playhouse isn’t at the top of our list, we do recommend reading more about it before buying. Overall, it’s a quality product, but be sure that this is the right model for you.

Overall Score

8.1/10

We love that KidKraft provides excellent customer service and even a warranty to back their products. This proves that they believe in their equipment.

And while those are very important characteristics, it should be noted that this outdoor playhouse for kids can be very time-consuming to set up and you may even need to run to the hardware store in order to finish installation.

Overall, the KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse deserves an 8.1 out of 10.

The Good

The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse For Kids is one of the most aesthetically pleasing playhouses on the market. The way we see it, this product will look good in any backyard.

Aside from its presentation, we also love that KidKraft has excellent customer service and they have backed their product with a warranty. This proves that they truly believe in the products they are selling.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from this playhouse’s weather resistant materials, functionality, and versatility. So although it isn’t the top outdoor playhouse for kids, it checks many necessary boxes.

The Bad

❌ Not The Best Quality Materials

❌ Assembly Is Time-Consuming

❌ Additional Tools May Be Required

❌ No Floor

Let’s switch gears here and talk about the not-so-great qualities of the KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse. Even though it is aesthetically pleasing and will look great in anyone’s yard, it isn’t the highest quality. Essentially, you’ll be sacrificing quality for appearance with this model.

It also doesn’t have a floor to complete the look of the house. Again, we think this is important for bringing the house to life.

And let’s not forget about the additional tools and equipment necessary for assembling this outdoor playhouse. Sure, KidKraft includes a wrench with your purchase, but it’s likely that you’ll need extra screws and possibly caulking as well.

Specs

The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse features a front door, an espresso picnic table with benches, a mailbox, a pretend outdoor grill, and a chalk wall for drawing.

It measures 71 x 49 x 62 inches in total.

Buy Here

Let’s face it.. KidKraft might be a well-known brand, but their prices can be quite steep. If this playhouse catches your attention, be sure to check the current prices by clicking the link below.

Check prices on Amazon here: KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is great for children ages 6 years old and younger.

? We recommend bringing this playhouse inside during winter months.

? Setting up this playhouse might be time-consuming, but we recommend taking your time because it is easy to make mistakes

10. Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Now, if you really want to go all out on a kids playhouse, the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse might be just what you’re looking for.

The Backyard Discovery is any child’s dream hide-out. Your kids can climb, slide, and play with friends on this treehouse-like structure.

Although this giant house seems to have it all, check out our recommendations below before purchasing.

Overall Score

7.9/10

We’ve given the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse a 7.9 out of 10 because of it’s high price and lack of customer reviews.

However, we believe it’s important to highlight this playhouse because it is perfect for getting older kids to spend more time outside.

The Good

Backyard Discovery makes the top 11 list of best outdoor playhouses for kids with two separate products. This is an obvious sign that Backyard Discovery produces quality playhouses.

What we didn’t mention in our review of the Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse is that this company provides thorough customer service and a generous warranty.

For this model (The Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse), you’ll receive a full 1-year warranty and an extended 5-year warranty. And if anything goes wrong with this model, you can bet they will be able to help.

And if it isn’t obvious, this playhouse is massive. It can fit several older children and plenty of small children as well.

Because of its size, it will take time to assemble it but Backyard Discovery offers a step-by-step instructional guide that will make setup a heck of a lot easier.

The Bad

❌ Expensive

❌ Assembly Is Complex

❌ Not Ideal For Toddlers

Starting with the elephant in the room.. the price. Clearly this is a big structure, so you can expect a big price tag as well. But, in our opinion, if you can spend the money, this is an awesome playhouse that will last for years.

As mentioned, installing this playhouse will take time. Backyard Discovery recommends gathering multiple people to help you get the job done. Or, you can hire a local handyman to do it for you.

And again, due to its size, this outdoor playhouse is perfect for older kids, but probably not as ideal for curious toddlers.

Note: If you’re looking for a fun play set for your toddler, consider a swing set or get them excited with a toddler sprinkler.

Specs

This playhouse/treehouse is a big one to cover in detail but we’re going to try. Included in your purchase is a rock wall, a wrap-around porch, a slide, a picnic table, and a crow’s nest.

With so many features and activities, the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse will keep the kids occupied all summer.

The wood used to construct this playhouse is 100% cedar with a weather-resistant coating.

It’s dimensions are approximately 145 x 172 x 139 inches, by far the biggest playhouse on our list. It weighs 837 pounds as well.

Buy Here

The Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is a massive hide-out fit for older kids. But, due to its size and complexity, it is obviously going to be the most expensive product on our list.

Check prices on Amazon here: Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse

Know Before You Buy

? The Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is best for children ages 3 to 10 years old.

? Backard Discovery states that no more than 1,080 pounds should be on this playhouse at once.

11. Smoby Playhouse for Kids

Wrapping up our list is the Smoby Playhouse For Kids. This under-the-radar playhouse features fun colors and unique animal and plant designs.

Use this playhouse for years on end thanks to its sturdy frame and great quality.

Of course, the Smoby Playhouse For Kids is our final choice when it comes to best outdoor playhouses, but it still deserves recognition. Here’s what you need to know:

Overall Score

7.7/10

Due to few customer reviews, we cannot definitively say that this should be your top choice. In addition, there doesn’t seem to be a “wow factor” with this playhouse.

As more customers rate this product, we will be happy to move it up on our list. For now, the Smoby Playhouse For Kids receives a 7.7 out of 10.

The Good

Although the Smoby Playhouse For Kids is at the tail-end of our list, it has several great qualities to acknowledge.

First, it is a very low-maintenance playhouse. It’s easy to set up and easy to clean when the kids inevitably get it dirty.

Smoby also took into consideration that younger children will likely use this playhouse. Because of this, they made the edges rounded so that kids can’t fall and hurt themselves.

And remember, this outdoor playhouse will last for years and will keep your kids occupied for hours on end.

The Bad

❌ Damages From Shipping Might Occur

There isn’t a ton of information out there about the Smoby Outdoor Playhouse For Kids considering it is a newer model and it doesn’t have nearly as many customer reviews as other products.

With this in mind, we couldn’t confidently place it higher on our list.

You should also know that similar to other models, damages may occur while the product is being shipped to you. If this happens, contact customer service for additional help.

Specs

The Smoby Playhouse For Kids is a simple design. It includes a half-door, two windows and adjustable shutters.

As for size, this is one of the smallest outdoor playhouse on the market measuring 38 x 43 x 50 inches.

Buy Here

Even though the Smoby Playhouse For Kids is comparatively affordable, be sure that it checks all of the boxes before purchasing.

Check prices on Amazon here: Smoby Playhouse For Kids

Know Before You Buy

? The Smoby Playhouse For Kids is best for children ages 2 and older.

Outdoor Playhouse For Kids FAQs

So you’ve just read through our extensive guide but you still have a few questions, huh? Well, we’ve got you covered.

Below, you’ll find 5 common frequently asked questions about kids outdoor playhouses:

1. Who Can Use An Outdoor Playhouse?

Most playhouses are designed for children between the ages of 2 to 6. However, there are some made specifically for any age group whether you have toddlers in your house or a couple of preteens.

The best way to determine which playhouse to get for your kids based upon their age is to check the “Know Before You Buy” sections of the products listed above. This will tell you the age range for each playhouse mentioned.

2. How Long Does It Take To Assemble A Playhouse?

The time it takes to assemble a playhouse also heavily depends upon which model you purchase.

Of course, we have models like the Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse that will fill a large space in your yard; this could take a few days to set up.

On the other hand, there are models like the Backyard Discovery Timberlake All Cedar Wood Playhouse that is petite and takes less than an hour to assemble.

If you’re in the mood for a big project, go for the larger playhouse. If you’re short on time, consider a smaller playhouse.

3. How Can I Maintain My New Outdoor Playhouse?

The best way to prolong the life of your outdoor playhouse and keep it clean is to regularly maintain it.

First, we recommend bringing your playhouse inside each winter. If you don’t have room for it inside your home, consider disassembling it and storing it in your garage until the following spring.

In addition, we strongly suggest using a power sprayer to clean it. If your model has a floor, we recommend drilling a few holes in the floor for the water to drain easily.

4. Do Any Playhouses Come With A Slide?

Most playhouses on our list do not come with a slide, however, you can absolutely find some that do.

The Backyard Discovery Eagles Nest Elevated Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is one of the options on our list that does include a slide as well as many other features. You can read more about it by clicking here.

A Final Note: Outdoor Playhouse For Kids

Outdoor playhouses are a fantastic way to encourage pretend play and outdoor discovery. Your kids will love owning their own house, hosting their friends, and practicing their social skills.

Overall, we believe the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House will get the job done on a budget and offers the most value based on the price.