Playhouse For Older Kids
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A playhouse isn’t just good for little kids — it can also make a huge difference in the mental and physical well-being of older kids. We all agree that many kids spend too little time outdoors in the fresh air away from their screens. These outdoor playhouses for older children are sure to make your backyard more enticing for them and their friends. From simpler styles to ones with lots of bells and whistles, these seven outdoor (and one indoor) playhouses will help your kids develop their social skills, engage in physical activities, and get some much-needed vitamin D. And all while they’ll just think they’re having fun.
Our Picks
Cedar Playhouse for Older Kids
Canadian Playhouse Factory
What we like: Great size for the average backyard
What we don’t like: Window openings don’t have glass or screens
Perfect for: As a clubhouse for up to six 8-10-year-olds
Not so great for: Setting on soft ground unless you pour a foundation
Constructed from cedar and spruce wood, this older kids’ outdoor playhouse is the perfect backyard clubhouse. Its natural and unpainted finish makes it weather resistant. Cedar doesn’t require any chemical preservatives and will not rot. Comes with a covered front porch and pre-shingled cedar roof.
With 48 square feet of play area, this outdoor playhouse is suitable for 8 to 10-year-olds. It has one large open space that could be furnished with some bean bag chairs, a table and chairs for clubhouse meetings or even a couple of mattresses for overnight sleepovers. This outdoor fort can be painted or stained — the only limit is your kids’ imaginations.
Playhouse for Older Kids
What we like: Realistic tree trunk, branches and leaves
What we don’t like: The primary house colors may not suit every backyard style
Perfect for: Backyards that can’t be accessed by a crane or forklift
Not so great for: Fully landscaped gardens
The artificial tree has a hefty steel frame, while the trunk and branches are coated with a “bomb proof” coating (also used to line truck beds or new factory roofs.) All the tree leaves are made from an exterior poly-blend that will last for years outside in the sun or snow. The tree and playhouse are approximately 12’ square and 14’ tall.
Custom built, this Victorian playhouse comes with its own tree and a set of wood stairs to climb. No crane or forklift is needed to install this house in your yard. It comes in multiple pieces that are easily carried by two to four people to just about any location. If the bright house colors are the only thing stopping you from buying this playhouse for older kids, it can be painted as it’s made from kiln-dried wood.
Hanging Playhouse For An Older Child
SereneLife
What we like: Weatherproof/waterproof fabric
What we don’t like: Colors may not suit everyone
Perfect for: A private retreat space
Not so great for: Smaller children who may fall out
Shaped like a flying saucer, this floating play house for an older child has a 40” round seat and can support up to 600 lbs. The detachable tent cover measures 52” high and comes with a roll-up door that can be lowered for perfect privacy. The weather/waterproof fabric lets you keep the playhouse out for the entire summer season.
This playhouse for teenagers does more than just provide a getaway space. It is designed to also support sensory needs through swinging. Swinging has been shown to help calm nerves and anxiety. It is regularly used as part of treatment for depression. Also very therapeutic for those on the Asperbergers/autism spectrum.
Exotic Playhouse for Older Kids
What we like: Comes with a 200’ zipline
What we don’t like: High-ticket price point
Perfect for: Firing up the imagination
Not so great for: Small backyards
You’ll need a lot of space in your backyard for this amazing playhouse for older kids. There are gates and stone side walls, a crashed airplane and an extra-large country cabin. An eight-foot stone pond with a working water wheel and water tower ensures plenty of wet and wild fun.
The setting of this outdoor playhouse for eight to 12-year-olds is that of a Texas ranch. Apparently, an African airplane carrying exotic animals crashed at the ranch (without anyone being injured). But all the animals escaped, even a Tasmanian Devil! The adventure can begin with finding the escaped animals and using the zip line to stay safe.
Tree Playhouse for Older Kids
b4Adventure
What we like: Extremely easy to set up
What we don’t like: Need a mature tree to attach to
Perfect for: Two kids
Not so great for: Trees that are bigger than 24” round
An adjustable safety ladder is included with this ripstop nylon tree playhouse for older kids. The UV-resistant nylon fabric playhouse body on a sturdy steel frame extends up to 33”. A shade canopy can be easily lifted or lowered. Your older kids will feel like they’re in their own world while still close enough to raid the fridge for snacks.
Huge Shipwreck Playhouse for Older Kids
What we like: Lots of opportunities for physical activities
What we don’t like: Lots of work to set up
Perfect for: Homes with large backyards or acreage
Not so great for: Smaller children
This huge pirate ship playhouse comes in two parts. It measures 8’ wide and 18’ long when combined, but the pieces can easily be placed further apart. Included with the shipwreck is a sculpted concrete tree that supports the larger section of the playhouse.
We love how this outdoor playhouse for older kids is set up for maximum physical activities. Your kids (and the neighborhood ones) will race up and down the net and stairs, and climb the rock wall. They’ll shoot water from the cannons and water balloon launchers. Send them out with plenty of water and a packed lunch, and they’ll make memories for a lifetime.
Large Canvas Indoor Playhouse for Older Kids
Razee
What we like: Creating a private space within your home
What we don’t like: Uncovered PVC pipe structure
Perfect for: Adding fairy or market lights throughout
Not so great for: Outdoor use
At 52” by 35” and 60” high, this large tent is perfect for a playhouse for a teenager. It only takes a few minutes to assemble the pipe structure and drape the off-white canvas roof and walls. Two gauze curtains can be tied back or left closed. Fill the floor with a soft mattress pad, and then load on plenty of cushions and throws. The PVC pipes are a perfect support for stringing up fairy lights.
Cottage Playhouse With Skylight for Older Kids
What we like: Four functional windows
What we don’t like: Requires full assembly
Perfect for: Adding electrical and plumbing for year round use
Not so great for: More than a couple of kids
This nine-foot square cottage playhouse has an open plan interior with a small loft area accessed by a wood ladder. It’s made from solid cedar wood and is pitch and resin-free. This lets you choose any stain or paint color to suit your backyard and provides a great space for older kids.
