When you’re looking for a playhouse, initially, you’re probably just giving them a once-over for aesthetics and accessories, and that is a huge part of the decision-making process. However, you also need to think about where it’s going to be, what weather it will be exposed to (if any), the size, the base, and the cost. We understand that gifts, even bigger gifts like a playhouse, have a budget, and we do consider that. We’ve also considered the houses that have the most customization potential.
"The first thing to do is to find a location in your yard where you plan to put the playset. Not only will this provide the dimensions you need to work within, but it will also make sure that the location can accommodate a playhouse," says Heather Napier, the director of marketing at Backyard Discovery. According to Napier, where you place it is critical, saying, "It is important to assemble on a flat and level area of your yard to ensure safety. It is also a good idea to put the playset in an area of the yard that does not accumulate water or flood."
You'll also need to assess where your playhouse is going. Areas that get a lot of sunlight might need more shade on the actual playhouse, making plastic models the least ideal option for these types of spaces because of how hot they get. If your area is prone to floods (or perhaps snakes), you may need to install a base or foundation for the playhouse in order to make it safe and prevent rot or nest-building.
Backyards can be small or get crowded, but Rob Dulabon, the senior product manager at Step2, says that you need to "create an obstacle-free site to reduce injury by maintaining a minimum distance of 6.5 feet from structures or obstructions."
This is a biggie. If you live in an area that frequently sees weather swings and extreme temperatures, you need something hardwood and study. Plastic is only OK in these circumstances if you're bringing the house into a shed or a garage during said extreme weather. Alternatively, if you live in a humid climate, you might have to take additional care with sealing wood playhouses and cleaning them often to prevent mold growth. Humid-climate dwellers might consider plastic because of how easy it is to clean. Unfortunately, for super dry, super hot climates, the issues are the same with plastic and with wood — they might start to get brittle, but it will take a long time for that to happen.
These two go hand in hand. Most of these playhouses don't have a bottom. Therefore, you may need to add one if you live in a muddy or insect or reptile-prone area — which can be pricey. Needless to say, the bigger the footprint, the more expensive it will be to build a base for the outdoor playhouse. does have a base attached, and it's pretty affordable, so you might consider that model if you are in an area where you need a base but don't have the budget to build one.
Dulabon suggests that "A shock absorbing material should extend a minimum of 6.5 ft. in all directions from the perimeter" of the playset and that "The shock absorbing material should be at least 9 inches in depth and can consist of shredded rubber, sand, pea gravel, or wood mulch."
The playhouses on the market right now really run the gamut as far as prices and options go. There are simple models that are on the more affordable side — think basic structures generally built from hardwood or a polymer. And then, on the other end of the spectrum, there are custom builds that can cost thousands of dollars.
I searched high and low to find a number of highly rated outdoor playhouses from a variety of manufacturers in a range of prices and materials. In many cases, I spoke to the manufacturers directly about their products to learn about their development and design. I also spoke directly to parents who have these playhouses to find out what they love or don't love about them, which made me eliminate some sets from this list. Each playhouse on this list has been chosen because of its durability, the ingenuity of the design, and how children react to them and interact with them. Playhouses that don't get played with aren't useful. I eliminated several choices because their manufacturing standards were too low, their sizes were awkward, or the designs weren't delightful. In each of our choices, there is a balance between utility and cost, with the aim being many years of play for your children, making it a good value.
No matter what your budget is, we've found an outdoor playhouse that will both suit your needs and thrill your kids.
1Best Overall
ProsCons
Lots of assembly requiredIf your kids want a treehouse — but you happen to be lacking the right trees for the job — may we suggest this elevated cedar Echo Heights playhouse from Backyard Discovery? It's ultra deluxe, with a slide, a ladder, a play kitchen, cedar construction, and reinforced joints. This playhouse is also uniquely suited to areas that flood or have snakes. (I am terrified of venomous snakes, so I'll keep mentioning them.)
Yes, this one takes a while to put together, and you need at least three people to get the job done. But this is more than just a playhouse — it's a wonderland.
I built this very playhouse in a friend's backyard, and I can tell you that while it is a beast, it's designed thoughtfully and in a way that makes each piece clear, from the beams to the bolts. It's well-labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow.
After over a year of having this installed, this playhouse has seen a blizzard, hurricane-force winds, flooding, and a very determined family of very fat raccoons, and it still looks great.
| Materials | Pros
|---|
| PVC |
| 35 x 43 x 49 inches |
| Mailbox, shutters |
3Best Plastic Playhouse
Pros
Easy to put together
Fun design
Two-stories with a great slideCons
A perfect car ramp Compact, plastic playhouses rarely have two stories, but this one from Step2 does. The cool playhouse looks like it was taken from a fairy tale, with the tudor top and stone bottom. Thankfully, this house is a lot easier to move about.
Parents love that there's multiple play areas, with cool features like windows with shutters and a good-size slide. The muted color palette is one that won't soon fade from sun bleaching, but when it does start to patina, it will only give it more character.
On the top floor, your kids will find a little surprise window made of slats to resemble what you'd find in an attic. Parents get their own surprise in that it's a cinch to put together.
I cannot find fault with this playhouse other than the fact that kids can and do figure out that the end of this slide is the perfect ramp for their cars, and so you then end up with cars all over your yard, which is very bad for your lawnmower.
| Materials | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 x 10 x 16 feet (with slide) |
| Extras | Slide, swinging door |
4For Tempestuous Climate Dwellers
Pros
Great roof
Easy to move around
Great for toddlersCons
Basin can get gunkyMore than one family told me that this is the perfect playhouse to move between the garage and the backyard if you want something hefty and wood, but need to be able to bring it in in the winter. It's really durable, the basin and slides underneath the structure, and the whole thing can be hosed down in about 2 minutes.
It still requires a flat surface outside, but it's so low to the ground, that kids feel secure in it, and parents love that their crawly babies and kids have equal access. The ceiling is pitched perfectly to keep water and snow off of the structure without getting weighed down or damaged.
It has excellent potential for play with the slide and house, complete with a sink, and all the kids' toys they use in the house can be stashed away inside the basin.
| Materials | Wood and plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 70 x 67.99 x 75.98 inches |
| Extras | Toy bin |
5Best Modern Style
Pros
Extremely durable
Great accessoriesCons
Smaller footprintThis playhouse looks like it could be on the next episode of Tiny House Nation ... only instead of featuring a couple of bohemian millennials talking about mortgage freedom, it would be grass-stained 5-year-olds talking about Pokémon.
This model is made of treated hardwood and is a decent size, at over 4 feet square on the base and 6 feet tall. It comes with an attached picnic table, mailbox, and chalkboard, so whether your kids are playing restaurant or disaffected millennials on a home network show, they're ready.
One reviewer noted that “It’s been through 4 seasons now and with it being painted, has held up really well. No warping of the roof (that was not reinforced, only painted) — and everything still in excellent shape.”
| Materials | Wood |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 x 4 feet |
| Extras | Usable picnic table |
6Best Adventure House
Pros
Two levels of play
Canvas canopy
Big '90s vibesCons
Tricky to buildSome kids need a bit more activity for their playhouses. The squiggliest of wiggle butts will love this two-story playhouse from Funphix. It has a climbing wall, a sand or water play trough, canvas shade screen, working door, and lookouts.
The shade screen really gives it that "playhouse" vibe, and yes, it is washable. It's also UPF rated, which in warmer climates is really clutch.
It's very reminiscent of playhouses you'd see in ’90s kids’ movies, and kids now love it just as much as we did. It's a new entry in the outdoor playhouse space, and it's already becoming really popular, especially with families with larger gaps in age between the children because toddlers can stay down and older kids can go up.
The installation of this one isn't the easiest, but parents note that you can have Lowe's do it for you for a price, and that if you can swing it, you should go that route. They also note that the trough is easy to clean, which is saying something, given how gross those things can get. Though, if you're in an area with a lot of mosquito-borne illness, we do suggest you stick with sand as the filler.
| Materials | Wood and plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 x 4 x 8 feet |
| Extras | Climbing wall, sand trough |
7Best Jungle Gym
Pros
Lots of play space
Low to the ground
Two slidesCons
Limited age rangeThis is part playhouse, part jungle gym, but all fun. Designed for smaller kids, this playhouse could be assembled in your yard or in your basement. It's built of sturdy polymer like all of Step2's products and features a slide, a bridge, a tunnel, and two separate playhouse areas.
It's rugged and built for heavy play, so you know your kids can really go to town on this one without breaking it down. This is an outdoor playhouse that you could hand down to other family members, thanks to its durability and lightness. I have been all in and around this and other Step2 playhouses, and this one is my favorite. Small details like the round window and total lack of corners make it a standout.
I will note that the plastic does have a strong plastic smell when you first take it out of its packaging. It might have been that I had it delivered in the summer, and the heat made it more prominent, but everyone noticed it. (It went away quickly)
| Materials | PVC |
|---|---|
| Size | 11.5 x 9.5 feet |
| Extras | 2 slides |
8Easy to Assemble
Pros
Super accessible
Plenty of room for multiple kids
Easy to assemble with lots of accessoriesCons
Areas can get dirty pretty quick
Canvas top isn't great in the snowThere's room for everyone in the All Around Playtime Patio. It's an open-concept 360º play area with the ability to play both inside and outside of the structure. It has a grill, sand area, water play zone, and comes with all the accessories.
Our tester loved that it assembles quickly and disassembles just as fast for storage. The canopy is sturdy and provides plenty of shade. The kids love that there's water, sand, and pretend play areas. Having helped them install this, I agree that it's one of the easier playhouses to put together even with the extensive accessories.
It’s also wheelchair-friendly. One Amazon reviewer said, “Bought for our daughter and her Panthera Micro fits perfectly. She loves it! My husband screwed it to the deck and sawed off the lip into it so it’s easier for her to get in and out of independently. So exciting to find a play place she can actually enjoy!”
| Materials | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 47.5 x 47.5 x 60 inches |
| Extras | 16-piece accessory kit |
9A Great Budget Option
Pros
Simple style
Easy to assembleCons
Pretty bare bonesIf you’re looking for an affordable option that’s easy to put together, this is the one you need. It’s vibrant to look at and made of weatherproof plastic with covered hardware. It’s just under 4 feet square and 4.5 feet tall, making it perfect for a small, young family.
One reviewer said that it is “extremely easy to put together. I did I all alone with my 2-year-old attached to my hip the entire time with excitement!”
It's a simple structure at a fantastic price point. It's one of those toys you'll definitely hand off when your kids get a little older.
| Materials | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.8 x 4 feet |
| Extras | Magnetic door, shutters |
10For Budding Chefs
Pros
Easy to clean
All-weather safe
CompactCons
Tight insidesIt has a grill, people — an adorable attached grill for all the kids in the family to imitate their parents cooking up some burgers. It also has a mailbox, a fireplace, and barn door windows for kids to have fun with, too.
Because this option is made by Step2, you just know that it's going to be extremely durable and high-quality, able to withstand the elements. It does have a base attached, so it's wonderfully protected from weather and critters.
This is similar to the other Step2 house with a grill on this list, but a bit more compact, and with a plastic roof instead of canvas. Like all of the Step2 playhouses, this one can be cleaned easily with soap and a hose.
| Materials | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 3 x 4 feet |
| Extras | Grill, planter box |
11Best for Indoor/Outdoor
Pros
Easy to move
Compact
Lots of pretend play opportunityCons
Limited age range Indoor/outdoor playing at its finest, the Adventure Camper is one of the best newer entrants to this category in years. It feels like a cross between a camper and a food truck, with all the accoutrement of both. It comes with an astonishing 50-piece accessory set to go with its compact kitchen, chef's window, and outdoor grill.
It's made of blown-molded plastic which is almost impossible to damage, so don't worry if it gets stuck in bad weather. However, it's only 60 pounds, so it's fairly easy to move indoors.
I have gifted this camper to several family members, and every one of them have loved it. My 3-year old nephew, especially, who will invite you to his "kimchen" to eat your "burglar." The level of adorable pretend play that this playhouse will provide makes it more than worth the cost.
| Materials | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | 50 x 36 x 63 inches |
| Extras | 50-piece accessory set |
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