The Best Playhouses for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Outside or Inside, These Homes Away From Home Offer Opportunities to Imagine

By Amanda Rock

Updated 12/02/16

When is playing at home more fun than usual? When it is in a playhouse! Kids' playhouses are a great imaginative toy for preschoolers -- whether a child is playing alone or with friends, they offer the opportunity to role play, pretend and practice social skills, all while having a good time. Check out these top playhouses -- good indoors or out.

  • 01 of 06

    Perfect for play indoors or out, the Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage features all your little one needs to set up her own fun play space. Parent-friendly features include a molded-in floor and integrated drain holes to help keep the house clean, along with an open design that allows for viewing from all four sides. Kids will like the Dutch door, electronic phone and doorbell and the mail slot they can pass letters through. Includes a kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats.

    Dimensions are...MORE approximately 46.5" x 51" x 35".

  • 02 of 06

    You like to dine outside on the patio, why wouldn't your little ones? The Picnic on the Patio Playhouse from Little Tikes allows them to do just that, with its attached patio table and benches. Inside they'll find pretend burners, an oven, and fireplace, along with a door that opens and closes and a large window that allows  food to be passed inside and out. A working doorbell and 19-piece accessory set rounds out the fun.

    Approximate dimensions: 58" x 50.5" x 21".

  • 03 of 06

    Another offering from the "small" category, the Step2 Four Seasons Playhouse is great for indoor or outdoor play. Featuring a Dutch door, working doorbell, seats and table and mailbox for great interactive fun and pretend play. Quick, easy assembly.

    Approximate dimensions: 30" x 40" x 43".

  • 04 of 06

    Sometimes, you just don't feel like staying home. And with the Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town, you don't have to. With four different themed walls, kids can play where they like to their heart's content. The gas station features a pump and phone and crawl-through window. The schoolhouse includes a chalkboard, working door with mail slot and alphabet and number space. Stop by the sports wall for a ball and hoop, net for soccer and hockey and targets to toss at. And if he...MORE still has errands to run when the fun is done, he can stop at the grocery store/fast food wall with its drive-through window, ATM, and food shelves.

    Approximate dimensions are 55" x 49" x 58".

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Prefer the rustic look of a wooden cabin in the Alps? The Timberlake Playhouse from Backyard Discovery has an authentic, outdoorsy look with a working door, windows, flowerpot holders, and accessories inside including sink, stove and cordless phone. If your little ones are expecting company, they can serve snacks at the pass-through window. It's made from sturdy cedar. You'll need about an hour to put it together, but it is made in panels for easier assembly.

    Approximate dimensions:...MORE 42" x 40" x 56"

  • 06 of 06

    This top-of-the-line playhouse from Big Backyard offers your little one an outdoor oasis. Features include three windows with shutters, a Dutch door, flower box and a cupola with a working weather vane.

    Approximate dimensions: 92 x 50 x 86 inches

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