Pretend play isn’t just fun for kids—it’s important for their development, too. The best playhouses give kids an opportunity to create their own worlds, and experts praise the benefits they provide. “Playhouses encourage imaginative play via role-playing and storytelling, increased independence and confidence,” says pediatrician Dr. Amiirah Aujnarain. They can even build social skills, “like sharing and taking turns with siblings and friends, and can even help with language development thanks to pretend scenarios.” Ahead, my picks for the best outdoor playhouses, including the , which has a sink and working doorbell and the , an elevated option with a slide.
Why We Named It Best Overall
The Sweetwater Playhouse from Backyard Discovery has enough play elements to spark kids’ curiosity while still leaving space for them to engage in open-ended play. My kids and I have been testing this house, and they’ve been making grass soup in the kitchen and taking orders on the play phone. It’s a wooden house that feels nice and sturdy, and I like that it’s available in a natural wood color or white. My 7-year-old, who is rather tall for her age, is able to stand up inside. The fact that it’s suitable even for kids who are a bit older or taller makes the investment worthwhile.
Who May Not Like It
Assembling this playhouse wasn’t super easy, and the wood split in a couple spots while we were putting it together. If you don’t consider yourself handy, choose an option with an less setup required.
Why We Named It Best Value
I had the Cape Cottage Playhouse for around six years, and only recently did my kids start to outgrow it and gravitate toward a more “grown up” playhouse. Though it has fewer features than our top pick, it’s easier to assemble, and the minimalist design challenges kids to invent their own play scenarios. Because it’s plastic, you don’t have to worry about annual staining or water sealing. It’s an excellent option if just want a playhouse you can set up in the yard once and forget about.
Who May Not Like It
This playhouse isn’t as durable and sturdy as a wooden playhouse. If you’re looking for something that has the potential to last a decade or that will hold up to super rough play, consider a different option.
Why We Named It Best For Toddlers
Toddlers get really excited about toys that feature their favorite characters, and toddlerhood is prime time for Paw Patrol (there’s a , too). This playhouse is toddler-sized at about 3.8 feet tall and has an on-point theme from the show. The working periscope is undoubtedly the standout feature in this house.
Even though this is the ultimate toddler playhouse, don’t forget that toddlers are still toddlers, and supervision is key to a positive play experience. “Playhouses are wonderful tools for growing children,” says Aujnarain. “But it is important to remember that supervision, especially for toddlers, is still needed.”
Who May Not Like It
The theming of this house is pretty obvious—if your child isn’t into Paw Patrol or Mickey Mouse, this isn’t the best playhouse for them. Some grownups may want a playhouse with a more subtle aesthetic for the yard, too.
Why We Named It Best With Slide
The Kidkraft Cozy Escape offers a truly elevated experience with a two-story playhouse that includes a tube slide. It has a classic look, and it provides so many play opportunities in a small footprint. The lower level has a bench and a kitchen with a sink and stovetop. The upper level has a covered deck, flower boxes and access to the slide. There’s both a ladder and a climbing wall—giving kids two ways to move between levels.
Who May Not Like It
Aujnarain recommends purchasing playhouses that are sized appropriately for your child’s age to prevent falls. Keep in mind that because this playhouse is elevated, it’s not the best choice for toddlers—it’s recommended for ages 3 and up.
Because it’s a wooden playhouse, it requires annual maintenance, and the assembly is rather involved. Look at our other top picks if you want a simpler option.
Why We Named It The Best Wooden Playhouse
This wooden playhouse is incredibly quaint and adorable, and it’s a little bit more feature-rich than most other options. It’s also taller than many other playhouses, so older kids can use it comfortably. The wooden fence on one side and bench on the other add a charming touch. The Dutch door allows kids to open just the top to say hello to a friend or take an order. From the play kitchen complete with accessories to the dinner bell, this is a great option for kids who like to play pretend and for families who want something with longevity.
Who May Not Like It
Like other wooden options, this one requires some intense assembly as well as annual maintenance. Additionally, the bench and fence add to the footprint, so if you’re short on space, consider a smaller option.
Why We Named It Best For Big Kids
In my experience, kids often outgrow playhouses because they’re too big for them before they’re finished with them from a play perspective. This extra large structure combines a swing set with an elevated playhouse, and the house portion is larger than most others. As kids get older, they often need more space to get their energy out, another reason we like this option as children grow. It also has a door that fully closes, making the pretend play feel even more real for older kids.
Who May Not Like It
This option is much more than a playhouse—it’s a full swing set, so it’s not for you if you just want a simple playhouse or are short on space.
Why We Named It Best The Plastic Playhouse
This fully plastic playhouse certainly isn’t short on features, and as its name suggests, it looks so charming. Because of its wide dimensions, multiple kids can play together in it comfortably. It has plenty of ways to play, including a pretend kitchen and a working doorbell, plus it has seating and storage. Because it’s plastic, the set requires little to no maintenance, and assembly is pretty simple, too. Another nice but often overlooked feature is the skylight, allowing more light into the house so kids can easily see when they’re inside.
Who May Not Like It
The plastic and cutesy look of the house is more appealing for younger kids. Older kids who still want to use a playhouse gravitate toward ones that look a bit more sophisticated.
Why We Named It Best For Pretend Play
Growing up, one of my friends had an oversized playhouse like this, and it was so fun to have sleepovers inside. This mini general store has a fruit stand, a checkout counter, a skylight and you can personalize the sign with your child’s name. The ultimate playhouse, kids can really create their own world in here. For comfort, you can also customize it with an AC unit and an electrical panel, helping keep kids safe and comfortable inside. Because it’s so big, adults can play inside too without feeling too cramped or uncomfortable.
Who May Not Like It
This is a luxury, high-end playhouse—it’s definitely an investment. If you’re just looking for something little for kids to play with or if you anticipate they might outgrow it soon, check out our other top picks.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor Playhouses
- First-hand experience: We’ve used many of these playhouses and playhouse brands at our homes, including our top pick.
- Reputable brands: We chose playhouses from brands known to make high-quality and durable products.
- Expert insight: We interviewed a pediatrician to learn more about what features to look for in a playhouse, how playhouses can be beneficial for kids and how to support safe play.
- Playhouse variety: We included a variety of types of playhouses at various prices to find picks that work for different needs.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted has tested hundreds of toys to help families make smart buying decisions. We closely follow the toy market by attending industry events and tracking trends and recalls.
- Author Alicia Betz is the baby and kids gear writer. She frequently tests toys and kids products and is also a mom to three.
- Editor Margaret Badore is the senior baby and kids gear editor. She has nearly two decades of experience as a reporter and editor and is also a mom to three.
- Our toy and outdoor play coverage includes the best water tables, the best swing sets, the best kids hoverboards and more.
Our Expert
- is board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist based in Toronto.