Every child wants a place that is theirs: a little house to disappear into, invite a friend over to, or read in with the door closed. An indoor playhouse gives them that without a backyard. But indoor playhouses come in very different forms, from a wooden cottage to a tent that slips over a climber, and the right one depends on what you need it to do. Start with your biggest challenge below.
"We Don't Have Much Space"
The fix: a compact wooden playhouse, or a tent cover on a climber you already own.
The Evergreen is one of our smallest wooden playhouses, about 35 by 30 inches and 40 inches tall, for ages 1 to 6. It fits in a bedroom corner and doubles as an art station, with two built-in chalkboards and a reversible easel.
If you already have an Avenlur climber, a tent cover turns it into a playhouse without using another inch of floor. We make covers for the Hazel and Olive Pikler triangles, the Magnolia, the Large Chestnut, the Alpine and the Walnut. The Alpine's cover is machine washable cotton canvas.
"I Want It to Be More Than a Toy"
The fix: a playhouse with a built-in desk.
The Flair Playhouse and Sensory Desk combines a playhouse with an adjustable desk and chair, a chalkboard and an abacus, so it works for drawing, early writing and quiet work as well as pretend play. It is made from marine-grade plywood with a non-toxic finish, measures about 47 by 37 inches and 49 inches tall, and suits ages 1 to 6. For more on choosing a child's desk, see our guide to kids desks and activity tables.
"My Child Needs a Quiet Corner"
The fix: a learning tent.
Some children need a calm, enclosed spot to read, rest or reset after a busy day. The Ash Tent and Desk Set places a height-adjustable desk and chair under a tent frame, in about 34 by 28.5 inches of floor space, for ages 1 and up. Add a cushion and a basket of books, and it becomes a reading nook.
"My Child Would Rather Climb Than Sit"
The fix: a playhouse with climbing built in.
For active children, a playhouse that doubles as a climber gets used far more. The Oak Learning Tent and Climber combines a tent entrance with a rock wall, a chalkboard panel, storage pockets and a stool, for ages 2 to 8. The Hickory Roller Slide and Playhouse Climber has a roller ramp to climb and slide on, with a cozy hideaway underneath, in wood or foam versions.
"I Want One Big, Classic Playhouse"
The fix: a full-size wooden playhouse.
The Casa Modern Playhouse is a classic house shape in white with a black roof and trim, about 45 by 43 inches and 58 inches tall, with a door about 39 inches tall. Its interior is large enough for several children to play together, and its weather-resistant finish suits a playroom or a covered porch.
Indoor Playhouses at a Glance
| Playhouse | Best for | Ages | Footprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen | Small rooms and young artists | 1 to 6 | About 35 x 30 in |
| Ash | Quiet corners and reading | 1 and up | About 34 x 28.5 in |
| Flair | Play plus a real desk | 1 to 6 | About 47 x 37 in |
| Oak | Climbing plus pretend play | 2 to 8 | About 51 in wide |
| Casa | A full-size classic playhouse | See product page | About 45 x 43 in |
| Tent covers | Turning a climber into a fort | As per the climber | No extra floor space |
What to Put Inside an Indoor Playhouse
A playhouse comes alive with a few simple things, chosen by how your child plays: a cushion and a basket of board books for a reading nook; a toy kitchen set or play food for a café or shop; paper, chalk and crayons for an art studio; a small rug and a blanket for a cozy den. Rotate the contents every few weeks, and the same playhouse becomes a new place to play. For seasonal ideas, see our playhouse decorating guide.
Setting Up an Indoor Playhouse Safely
Keep it away from corded window blinds and curtains. Window covering cords are a strangulation hazard for young children, so place the playhouse where children cannot reach them.
Set it on a flat, stable floor, and keep it clear of furniture a child could climb onto from the roof.
No climbing on the roof unless the product is designed for it.
For children under 3, keep small pretend-play pieces, which are choking hazards, out of the playhouse.
Use battery-powered LED lights if you add lighting, and keep any cords out of reach.
Check the hardware from time to time, and follow each product's age range and weight limit.
Your Indoor Playhouse Questions, Answered
What age is an indoor playhouse for?
Many indoor playhouses suit children from around 1 year, once they can walk in and out on their own, and children often keep using them until 6 to 8. Check the age range on each playhouse.
Are indoor playhouses worth it?
For most families, yes. A playhouse gives children a space of their own for pretend play, reading and quiet time, and designs with desks, chalkboards or climbing features stay useful for years.
How big should an indoor playhouse be?
Big enough for your child to sit and move inside comfortably, but sized to leave clear floor around it. Compact playhouses take about 35 by 30 inches; full-size playhouses need closer to 45 inches square.
Is a wooden playhouse better than a fabric play tent?
A wooden playhouse is sturdier, lasts longer and often adds features like desks and chalkboards. A fabric tent is lighter and packs away. A tent cover on a wooden climber gives you both.
What is the best indoor playhouse for toddlers?
One with a low, wide doorway, smooth edges and a stated age range starting at 1 year, sized to fit your room. The Evergreen and the Flair are both designed from age 1.
Explore all our indoor playhouses and pretend play.