The 8 Best Children’s Playhouses and Tents of 2021

Best Overall: Step2 Neat and Tidy Cottage II Brown Playhouse

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If you’re looking for an affordable, durable, and fun playhouse that works inside and out, you’ll love the Step2 Charming Cottage. This country cottage measures 50 x 58.8 x 58 inches so it's the perfect size for children up to 6 years old. It features plenty of fun details, like a working electric doorbell, a removable flower box that can be used to plant real (check out the best plants for kids to grow) or fake flowers, and indoor storage shelves for their toys. It also has an outdoor table and bench, so your child can sit down and enjoy a snack after a long day in the kitchen. The large, open design allows for social play and is perfect for houses with multiple children.

Reviewers say the Step 2 Charming Cottage is easy to assemble and a delight for children of all ages. Even older children enjoy the interactive features! The waterproof design helps it stand up to the elements (if placed outside), and it's not too big for indoor playrooms if there's no room outdoors.

Best Budget: IKEA CIRKUSTÄLT Children's tent

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Ikea’s CIRKUSTÄLT playhouse is perfect for pop-up play no matter where you go. This circus-themed polyester tent is incredibly lightweight and easy to move from room to room. The circular interior measures 47 ¼ inches tall and 39 ¼ inches in diameter. It's the perfect hideaway to read a book, take a nap, or pretend to be the star of a circus. Owners say it’s perfect for children 18 months and older—just add a few circus animal friends or toys and you’ll have a party your child will never want to leave. It can be hand-washed and requires minimal assembly.

Best Princess: FoxPrint Princess Castle Play Tent

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Let your child channel their inner princess with this FoxPrint Princess Castle Play Tent. This lightweight pink tent measures 41.5 x 41.5 x 54 inches and it folds down flat into a portable carrying case for fun on-the-go. Made from polyester with sock-corded fiberglass poles to give it shape, this FoxPrint tent can be used inside or out and provides the perfect space for kids to use their imagination and create magical adventures! It even works as a creative reading spot for kids. Youngsters are sure the love hearts and glow-in-the-dark stars that adorn the walls of the tent, but more critical reviewers point out that the stars are somewhat dim and underwhelming.

While it's not the most elaborate tent on our list, customers like that it's affordable, large enough for multiple children, and has a peep-through window for checking in during playtime.

Best Teepee: Turtleplay Indoor Kid’s Play Teepee

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Looking for the perfect accessory for a playroom or bedroom? We love this modern-looking teepee from Turtleplay Products. Made from canvas and Canadian Hemlock wood, this teepee measures 53.74 x 41.33 x 45.47 inches and can accommodate two children. The inside is quite spacious, despite the two-child limit, so there's plenty of room for books, stuffed animals, and more. The size also makes it great for sleepover and playdates. Other notable features include a roll-down window on the side of the teepee, an entrance flap, and a beautiful Chevron pattern that can be wiped clean.

Reviewers say the Turtleplay Teepee is incredibly charming (some owners even suggest adding string lights for added coziness) and can be assembled in one hour or less. While it's meant for indoor use only, children can pretend they're in the great outdoors with a little help from their imagination!

Best Ball Pit: Step2 Wonderball Fun Playhouse

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Want to instantly become the favorite parent (or grandparent) of the house? This Step2 Wonderball Fun Playhouse is sure to do the trick. Children will love this interactive playhouse, which features a ball flipper and maze that will help your child develop motor skills and social play while still having a blast. It measures 33 x 36 x 42 inches and is big enough for multiple toddlers to play at the same time. When it is time to clean up, there's a built-in ball basin to help keep track of the toys so everything is in order for the next play session.

Overall, customers praise this product and give it high marks. Reviewers say it’s not too difficult to put together and provides hours of fun. Even toddlers with a short attention span are entertained by the Wonderball Fun Playhouse! Some customers do note, however, that the balls are fairly flimsy and might need to be replaced.

Best Wooden: Backyard Discovery Columbus All Cedar Wood Playhouse

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The Backyard Discovery Columbus All Cedar Wood Playhouse is the perfect addition to your backyard. With large windows and realistic-looking appliances, this playhouse is a great way to entice children to spend more time outside.

While most wooden structures have the tendency to warp and rot, cedar is naturally more resistant to these conditions, which is why this type of wood is great for outdoor structures. Even though this cedar house is naturally resistant, a chemical-free wood stain gives this playhouse as an added layer of durability. Other notable features include doors and windows that open and close, flower pot holders for gardening, and a plastic sink and stove (the plastic is UV-resistant). 

This playhouse takes a little extra time to put together (most customers estimate about five hours), but it’s definitely worth the effort. Not only does it look great in any backyard, but it provides shade and shelter for endless hours of outdoor play.

Best Bed Tent: Pottery Barn Camden House Bed

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If you want to create a dream bedroom for your child, check out the Tent Fantasy Bed from Pottery Barn Kids. This bed takes forts to the next level and creates a cozy sleep space for kids to read, learn, dream, and play. Made from solid poplar wood and engineered wood, the bed frame fits a full-size mattress and is designed to be used without a box spring. The canopy is 100 percent cotton and has two windows and a tent-style opening that little ones will enjoy using. For an extra special touch, string lights around the canopy for a magical glow that kids are sure to love.

Customers report that while the bed does have to be assembled, it's simple enough to do on your own. Place the mattress on the bed frame (the wood slats are durable and strong), and then attach the canopy to the frame using the ties.