How To Choose the Right Outdoor Playhouse for Your Kids Age?

If you have ever walked around a toy store with your kid, you may have noticed their eyes grow wide at the sight of an outdoor playhouse. They may have even darted over to the playhouse to get a closer look.

There is a reason why these wooden playhouses are so popular among kids. Outdoor houses are not just another toy that sits in the backyard. Playhouses are a gateway to their own little escape. It sparks their imagination and gives them a taste of freedom.

The best part? A playhouse is a great investment because your kids can use it for years to come.

However, you want to ensure you are choosing the right outdoor playhouse for your kids age group. Luckily, there are many tips for choosing a playhouse that works for your little one.

The first thing you want to do is determine the right age for a kids playhouse. Choosing an-appropriate playhouse is more than a safety concern. It also allows you to choose a playhouse that appeals to your kid.

Here are a few things to remember when choosing an age-appropriate playhouse.

- Some playhouses are appropriate for ages 3 to 8.
- Other playhouses are designed for ages 3 to 12.
- There are playhouses appropriate for kids as young as 18 months.
- You can find playhouses that work for kids over 12.

When researching a wooden playhouse, it is best to check the recommended age range on the packaging, but contacting the seller or manufacturer allows you to get a more specific answer and ask other questions. This way, you can determine if it is right for your kid.

There are several factors to consider when searching for a kids playhouse. The last thing you want is to select a playhouse that is unsafe, small, or boring for your kid.

Safety

Safety is the first thing you should consider when purchasing a wooden playhouse. You need to ensure it is made of quality materials with sturdy construction, which you can do by reading customer reviews.

Quality materials are more than just durable. A playhouse made of non-toxic materials and water-based paints provides a healthier environment for your kids. These materials also create a nature-friendly environment, allowing your kids to enjoy and care for the world around them.

Take a closer look at the playhouse through pictures or in-person visits. This way, you can check for safety concerns with your own two eyes. For example, a playhouse with a removable ladder is best for a baby who is just learning to walk. You can always add the ladder back to the playhouse later.

Space

The next thing you need to consider is the space available in each playhouse. If the playhouse is for a baby or toddler, you may want to ensure there is enough space to accompany your little one inside.

For older kids, there should be enough space for them to play comfortably. After all, they may want to invite a friend or take a few toys into their playhouse.

Besides, a spacious playhouse allows your kid to continue using it as they grow.

Style

Playhouses come in several styles, so you want to choose a style that fits your kids needs.

A playhouse with furniture is perfect for kids who enjoy pretend-play games or working on crafts in their space. Kids who like to relax outdoors may enjoy a playhouse with a terrace or porch.

Features

You have most likely realized that playhouses offer various features to appeal to kids. The following features can be found in many wooden playhouses.

- Windows
- Curtains
- Doors
- Terrace
- Furniture
- Flower Boxes
- Slide
- Sandbox
- Climbing Wall
- Removable Loft
- Spacious Interior
- Bright Colors

With features like these, it is no wonder kids love outdoor playhouses.

There are several pros of looking into an outdoor playhouse for your kid, and those advantages do not stop with the hours of playtime.

Encourages Them To Play Outside

Nowadays, kids enjoy hours of screen time. A wooden playhouse encourages them to put down their devices and get outside for a few hours.

Sparks Their Creativity and Imagination

With furniture and real-home features, a playhouse is perfect for sparking their creativity and imagination, ranging from arts and crafts to pretend-play games such as "House."

Provides Your Kid With Their Own Space

While your kid has a bedroom and possibly a separate playroom, a playhouse gives them the feeling of their own space right in the backyard.

Teaches Your Little One Responsibility

As your kid learns how to clean and organize their playhouse, they learn a bit about responsibility. You may even notice them keeping their bedroom or playroom just as tidy.

Works As They Grow Older

From spacious interiors to removable lofts, many outdoor playhouses continue to provide hours of enjoyment even as they grow older.

While many playhouses are appropriate for 18-month-olds, you may be looking for a suitable playhouse for kids as young as one-year-old. This way, they have something to enjoy throughout their childhood.

It may be best to look into a kids playhouse that features like doors that open and close, windows or a play kitchen area can encourage creativity, imagination and social interactions.

Kids who are three to four years old may not need you to stay inside the wooden playhouse throughout playtime. This expands the selection of age-appropriate playhouses.

One example is the Playhouse Arctic Nario, which features a bright, spacious interior for your little one's toys. Like many playhouses, this house comes with furniture to provide a comfortable play session.

Additionally, you may be thinking of adding the removable ladder back to the kids playhouse, allowing them to access their loft. Another option is to create a suitable playhouse for your kid with the DIY Playhouse Kit Little Hideaway.

Kids between the ages of 5 and 8 are very active, and this is a period when they make the most of their outdoor time.

Depending on personal preference, you can add the removable ladder back to their playhouse, if you have not added it back already. The loft gives them more space for their belongings.

If your kid is constantly on the go, the Playhouse Natural Wonder features a terrace without railings, allowing them to get right to playing as they exit their playhouse. Of course, the terrace also offers space for their bicycle, scooter, or other outdoor toys.

For more active kids, the Playhouse Princess and Playhouse Prince provide a slide and sandbox. Furthermore, the DIY Playhouse Kit Little Bungalow gives you the option of creating the perfect playhouse for your on-the-go kid.

At 9 to 12 years old, your kid may be looking to spend time in their own space. Sometimes, they want to invite guests. Other times, they just want to work on their hobbies.

The Playhouse Natural Wonder, Blackbird, Grand Farmhouse each provide a more mature feel for your older kid or pre-teen with the bright-tone interior, allowing them to add their own style through knick-knacks, fabrics, and wall decor.

In addition, the loft gives them a place to store their toys or supplies, while the lower level gives them space to read, work on their hobbies or simply relax.

Outdoor playhouses are absolutely appropriate for kids over the age of 12.

Teenagers crave their own space, and sometimes, their bedroom just is not enough. The wooden playhouse that has grown with them, such as the Playhouse Bluebird or Playhouse Arctic Auk, is a great alternative.

The removable loft makes it easier for your teenager to spend time in their wooden house because they have more room to move comfortably. There is even enough space to display their decorative pieces or furnish their space with pieces such as an inflatable stool or a bean bag chair. The small table that once housed their arts and crafts projects is now a side table or coffee table.

Your teenager can use their wooden house as a retreat for reading, homework, phone calls, and hobbies. Then again, they may want to use it as a second living room for entertaining their friends.

The best part is, your teenager has used this playhouse since they were a kid, creating a familiar place to unwind.

As you can see, playhouses can be used by kids of all ages, from your one-year-old to your 17-year-old. You can remove the loft for your baby's safety or teenager's space, while kids between those ages can enjoy a wooden playhouse that grows with them.

If you cannot find a suitable playhouse for your kids, a custom playhouse is a great solution. With customization, you can create a playhouse that works for your kid.

Playhouses have been popular among kids for many years, and the popularity of playhouses only continues to increase as parents look for ways to get their kids outside.

Playhouses provide a change of scenery while sparking their creativity. Additionally, a wooden playhouse is a great way to teach your kid how to maintain their own space.

As your kid hits the preteen and teen stages, their playhouse becomes a place to retreat when they need some space.

When you are ready to shop for an outdoor playhouse for your kid, browse the selection of high-quality playhouses at WholeWoodPlayhouses.

Written by WholeWoodPlayhouses