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by: David Allan Van, BestReviews Staff
by: David Allan Van, BestReviews Staff
Playhouses provide the structure that opens the door to a child’s imagination. Kids used to build their own playhouses from blankets but always struggled to keep the structure intact. With an assemble-at-home playhouse, kids now get to play in houses that resemble those made for grown-ups.
Playhouses promote unstructured and unsupervised physical and social play. They help put kids in charge of their own lives where they can make their own rules. If you’re looking for a forest-themed storybook cottage with molded 3D stonework and a thatched roof, you might like the Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage. Made for outdoor use, it has a molded-in fireplace and a cuckoo clock with working hands.
Some playhouses are for outdoor use. These are sturdier and are often made of wood or plastic. Others are intended for indoor use only. Indoor playhouses are lighter in weight and less sturdy but are easier to set up and take down. If your playhouse is for outdoor use, it can often be used indoors, too, but not the other way around.
Most playhouses state on the packaging what age group they’re made for. Use this as a general guideline, because the more important measurement is the size of the kids who will be playing in it.
Smaller playhouses are for much younger kids and usually have a limited amount of space for playing without someone bumping into the walls or ceilings.
There are many choices of playhouse themes. Fantasy playhouses are popular among small kids. Older children often prefer playhouses that resemble adult structures, such as storybook cottages, cabins, teepees, forts, castles, and even themed playhouses from companies like Disney.
Playhouses feature at least one of four basic types of materials: wood, plastic, fabric, or cardboard.
Cardboard playhouses usually cost from $20-$40. Most have designs printed on them and a few are blank, so kids can draw on them as they please. Playhouses costing between $50-$100 are usually plastic and often feature themes. Most wood and heavy-gauge plastic playhouses cost between $150-$400, but some can run into the thousands of dollars.
A. The proper cleaners for a playhouse depend on the materials it’s made of, so you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt, use mild household cleaners or disinfectant wipes.
A. Most playhouses are designed to easily assemble and disassemble. Always check first to see how much is involved in putting it together and taking it apart. Generally, the simpler the construction, the easier it will be.
Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage
What you need to know: This feature-packed fairy-tale play cottage is the ideal size for toddlers.
What you’ll love: The molded 3D stonework and thatched roof are true to the forest cottage theme from many children’s stories. This playhouse comes with a kitchenette that has a play stove with clickable knobs, faucet, built-in table and working shutters and door. The battery-operated working electric doorbell and play phone add a modern touch to this fairy-tale playhouse.
What you should consider: Some say the roof doesn’t line up properly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Hippococo Teepee Tent for Kids
What you need to know: This award-winning playhouse is designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
What you’ll love: This teepee is 65 inches tall and constructed of durable, breathable, and nontoxic canvas with double-stitched seams throughout. The pentagon shape is spacious and tall enough to stand up inside. This playhouse has five solid wood beams, a floor mat, a large window, and a door flap that closes with Velcro fasteners. It’s an ideal place for reading, coloring, and dream-catching.
What you should consider: It would be even better if the floor mat had more cushioning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent
What you need to know: This pink 55-by-53 inch fun tent is large enough for four kids to play in together.
What you’ll love: This playhouse is easy to put together and at only 4 pounds, is light enough to move around after assembly. The hexagonal shape of this playhouse makes the structure more stable. The durable polyester fabric is easy to clean. It includes twinkling star-shaped ceiling lights.
What you should consider: The three AA batteries are not included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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