9 Best Kids Outdoor Playhouses For Fresh-Air Fun and Imagination

Consistently rated one of the best kids’ outdoor playhouses across the web, there’s a lot to love about this charming cottage from Backyard Discovery. Geared towards kids aged 2 and up, this durable, darling playhouse is made from real cedar, so it’ll blend into the natural surroundings of your backyard beautifully. Even better, it comes with everything your child could want in a home-away-from-home, including a “stove” (and faucet!), easy-open Dutch door, exterior planters, and even a working doorbell.

With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, you can also be sure this playhouse will be a big hit with parents, too, especially considering its durability and easy assembly. “The quality of the materials is truly 5-star—it looks and feels like something a master carpenter might build by hand for his kids, not like a cheap plastic toy from the mall,” says one reviewer. “The written directions for assembly are among the best I have ever seen, and I have assembled a lot of toys and furniture over 40 years of ‘adulting,’” they add. “The assembly manual had clear diagrams, easy-to-follow steps, excellent labeling, and a description of parts. It was honestly a pleasure to be able to march through all the steps without agonizing over trying to interpret vague drawings.”

If you’re looking for outdoor playhouses that will keep slightly older kids engaged, you’ve found it in Backyard Discovery’s Scenic Heights model. As the name implies, it levels up the fun with a double-decker of play space, including a shaded plot of grass at the base, as well as stairs and a ladder leading up to an enclosed playhouse with a wrap-around porch. Inside, kiddos will find everything from a mock kitchen to a bench with storage, all meant to capture the imagination. Because there are stairs and considerable height on this model, you’ll want to make sure any young children, especially toddlers, do not use this playhouse unsupervised.

Like the other Backyard Discovery model that made our list, this playhouse boasts quality construction, with 100% cedar materials for exceptional strength and decay resistance, as well as an industry-best 5-year warranty. The structure may look impressively complex, but many reviewers call it a cinch to assemble—and the magical end result is more than worth the effort. “When I first opened the boxes and saw all the pieces and hardware, I thought it was going to be a nightmare to put together,” says one buyer. “It was just the opposite—every step is carefully laid out with pictures and diagrams of each piece, where it goes, the hardware, and tools needed. It took me about a day and a half to put it together; the finished product looks great and was a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee break with my grandson.”

For outdoor playhouses that’ll harken back to your own childhood, look no further than this sweet set from Step2. Geared toward kids aged 2 and up, this durable playhouse features double-walled plastic construction that will hold up year after year without fading or cracking. It features an open-air design with plenty of open “windows,” making it a great option for hotter climates where traditional playhouses might be too stuffy. There’s also plenty inside to engage your little one in open-ended play, such as a faux fireplace, storage shelves for toys and books, refillable window boxes, and more.

This nostalgia-packed model is a big hit with kids and caregivers alike, who call the design sturdy, sweet, and thoughtful. “I love how open it is,” says one reviewer. “I can see my children playing in it from any angle, and we’ve had as many as five children inside at once.” Adds another, “The height of this playhouse is taller than many other similarly priced houses, which will allow for older children to play, and my niece to grow with it. It seems to be comfortable and able to fit many children in the neighborhood between the larger footprint and the benches on the outside.”

With a breezy, open floor plan and durable plastic body, this pint-sized playhouse is sure to thrill the toddler in your life. It’s a bit smaller than some of the other models on our list, and geared towards children as young as 18 months as a result. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had inside, thanks to interactive play features like a fireplace, sink, flower boxes, and a working doorbell. Bonus: Because it’s made of plastic, it can simply be hosed off for any messes, which every toddler parent knows is inevitable.

Nearly 1,000 reviewers sing the praises of this playset on Amazon, which gets plenty of love for its colorful aesthetic and sturdy design. While assembly can get a bit cramped (you’ll have to attach some of the screws from the inside, which is a bit snug for an adult), buyers say the charm and versatility of the design far outweigh any negatives. “My niece absolutely adores the house,” says one reviewer. “I’m guessing she will get years of enjoyment out of it, and it’s sturdy enough that it will probably get passed on to another kid when she outgrows it.”

Watch out, Dad—there’s a new grill master on the block! This clever playhouse will let your little one throw their own BBQs for the under-5 set, thanks to a surprisingly spacious kitchen floor plan that incorporates an oven, refrigerator, sink, microwave, and grill. Like many Step2 products, imagination is at the forefront of the design, with a grill and stovetop that light up and make real cooking sounds, as well as a countertop that’s the perfect height for serving up an extra slice of mud pie.

It’s no surprise that over 1,200 reviewers give this kitchen an impressive 5 stars on Amazon, especially when you consider the fact that it comes with a whopping 103 food-related accessories, including pots and pans, cooking utensils, and faux food. “The assembly was straightforward, and once set up, it unveiled an array of intricate details that mimic a real kitchen, from the ‘stainless steel’ refrigerator to the stove, sink, and even the included electronic grill,” says one happy customer. “The numerous storage cabinets and bins help keep things organized, and the wide counters provide ample space for pretend play. The accessory set is comprehensive, with pots, pans, and play food that enrich the whole experience.”

If your main goal in getting your kids a playhouse is to ensure they have a shady, cool spot to play during the dog days of summer, this pint-sized patio is for you. The under-$200 model is perfect for parents on a budget and still boasts many of the same engaging features of pricier designs, including a play kitchen and numerous accessories. Even better, the wide footprint will allow you to welcome the whole neighborhood, while the canopy will keep little ones from too much sun exposure.

Buyers love the versatility of this playhouse, which offers something for every type of kid (whether they’re into pretend play or tactile engagement), like the sand-based sensory table. The open design is also suitable for children in wheelchairs, who can roll right up to the structure without issue. “This is absolutely perfect for my daughter in her wheelchair—she loves it,” says one reviewer, while another calls attention to the play set’s appeal to different age groups. “It works well for a wide range of ages, so great if you have multiple kids! My one-year-old and three-year-old play SO nicely in this together, and their older cousins (4, 6, and 8) played in it this weekend and enjoyed it too!”

Almost every family out there has an affinity for the Little Tikes brand—and for good reason! A trusted name in play for decades, Little Tikes is known for its thoughtful designs and durability, all of which this charming Cape-style playhouse embodies perfectly. Aimed at children ages 2 and up, this classic playhouse boasts quintessential New England charm, including bright red accents and a Dutch door. While the inside is void of many extras, like a play kitchen, it still touts plenty of room for little ones to create whatever kind of world they’re looking to reside in that day, whether it’s a school house, doctor’s office, or dance studio.

Reviewers love the modest price tag on this playhouse, which will run you less than $150. The colors are vibrant and steadfast, and the plastic design can hold its own against elements such as rain, wind, and even Northern winters. “We recently purchased the Little Tikes Cape Cottage House for our two kids, and it has quickly become the highlight of our backyard,” says one reviewer. “Putting it together was straightforward, taking about an hour with minimal tools required. The instructions were clear, and all the pieces fit together perfectly.”