A playhouse is a perfect summer hang out spot for any kid; a place where they can play and feed their imagination from dawn until dusk. A solid playhouse can also provide a base for them to make their own decisions and to learn valuable social skills.
The market is awash with playhouses, so we checked through all of them and found the 13 most highly rated by parents. We filtered out any fake reviews to bring you only playhouses that are genuinely best rated by the parents who have purchased them.
1Intex Ice Cream Stand Inflatable Playhouse - Best Budget Option
Although this playhouse can be used inside, it was designed to be used outside. It has a small section that can be used as an outdoor pool and it holds up to 16 gallons of water.
What we love
- It comes with three ice cream bar floats to play with
- It comes with a repair patch in case of holes
What We Don't Like That Much
- It doesn't come with an air pump to inflate the playhouse
2The Original AirFort - Best Quality Option
This air fort is designed to be easy to set up with no assembly and it can be inflated in less than 30 seconds. It comes with a matching carrying bag and it has four adhesive square fan tabs that make it easy to connect it to any standard box fan.
What we love
- It is perfect for traveling
- It is made of high-quality, breathable polyester fabric
What We Don't Like That Much
- A box fan must be purchased separately
3Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wooden Playhouse - Best Eco-Friendly Option
This playhouse is made of high-quality cedar wood and it is designed to look like a house. It has a half door, which allows kids to look outside of the playhouse. It was designed to be easy to assemble and it includes various accessories on the inside and a flower pot holder on the outside.
What we love
- The pieces are pre-cut, pre-stained, and pre-drilled for easy assembly
- The inside includes a sink, stove, and a working doorbell
What We Don't Like That Much
- It has a flower pot holder beside the front door, but the plant and flower pot are not included
4JOYBEE Kids Tent Pink Princess Castle
This castle playhouse is designed to be easy to set up and take down as needed. It can be placed inside or outside, and it has a large door opening with a mesh sheet to cover it and two big mesh windows that will allow kids to see outside while they are inside.
What we love
- The door has an easy-open-and-close string
- It comes with a money-back replacement guarantee
What We Don't Like That Much
- It should not be left outside in bad weather conditions
5Kiddey Knight's Castle Kids Play Tent
This castle playhouse is made from high-quality fabric material and the windows and doors are covered by a sturdy mesh. The poles are designed to be easy to assemble and it has the traditional look of a stone castle.
What we love
- The mesh windows help to keep fresh air coming in and bugs out of the playhouse
- It comes with a bonus knight's shield and sword to play with
What We Don't Like That Much
- The carrying case can be difficult to store
6Step2 Toddler Corner House Corner Playhouse
This playhouse has various activities to keep the kids’ attention. It has a mailbox and a garden gate to let them let people in or keep them out. It is made from high-quality plastic material, and it includes an accessory set to encourage pretend play.
What we love
- The dutch door is designed to be easy to open
- It accessory set includes 10 pieces
What We Don't Like That Much
- The cabinet doors in the kitchen area do not open
7Rocket Ship Play Tent Playhouse
This playhouse tent is designed to look like a rocket ship, and it is made from high-quality material that makes it excellent for inside or outside use. It displays vibrant colors and illustrations and it is easy to clean up and set up.
What we love
- The tent comes with a durable bag for storage and travel
- It comes with a satisfaction guarantee
What We Don't Like That Much
- It isn't designed to be left outside
8Step2 Happy Home Cottage & Grill Kids Playhouse
This playhouse is designed with a large open concept that makes it easy for parents or adults to keep an eye on kids while they are playing. It has a realistic stone and wood finishing look, and it is made from high-quality material. It was designed with a built-in floor with drain holes to help keep the inside clean.
What we love
- It has a molded-in mailbox and doorbell
- The shutters on the windows open and close
What We Don't Like That Much
- It has a grill section, but the food accessories are not included
9Little Tikes Inflatable Jump 'n Slide Bounce House
This playhouse is designed to be easily set up, and it is made from high-quality material that is puncture-resistant. It is capable of holding up to 250 pounds, and it includes pockets on the side for storing shoes.
What we love
- The bouncy playhouse has three mesh-covered sides for protection
- It comes with four repair patches and a storage bag
What We Don't Like That Much
- The provided blower is loud when being operated
10EocuSun 4 in 1 Pop Up Children Toddler Ball Pit House
This tent provides kids with different activities, and it can be used inside or outside. It is designed from soft-breathable fabric that is durable, and it uses flexible stainless steel holders to help protect the tent from collapsing. The set comes in four sections.
What we love
- The sections can be used together or separately
- It has an easy popup set up
What We Don't Like That Much
- It can be used as a ball playhouse, but the balls are sold separately
11Step2 Wonderball Fun Playhouse
This playhouse is made out of high-quality material, and it is decorated with bright and cheerful colors. It is designed with different activities of play with the included balls, providing hours of fun.
What we love
- The playhouse comes with a set of 20 balls and two pitchers
- The playhouse has a small storage basin on the inside for the balls
What We Don't Like That Much
- Extra balls are sold separately
12 LAVIEVERT Children Playhouse Huge Indian Canvas Teepee
With this playhouse, kids can pretend to be part of an Indian tribe. It is made from high-quality canvas fabric, and it includes easy to assemble instructions. The material is breathable, which allows fresh air to flow into the teepee.
What we love
- It has windows and a door that have covers to hide them
- It comes with an easy to carry canvas bag
What We Don't Like That Much
- It needs to be assembled by adults
13Shenandoah All Cedar Wood Playset
This large playhouse provides kids with an indoor feel of their space and various playground elements, like swings and a slide. It also has a small bench and picnic bar on the side of the house for extra fun.
What we love
- The playhouse is made from high-quality cedar wood
- It has multiple layers for different types of play
What We Don't Like That Much
- The provided ladder can be difficult for smaller children still learning to walk
