The best children’s wendy houses and playhouses for imaginative play


by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

Just like with the best trampolines, little ones are drawn to wendy houses like moths to a flame and if you fancy adding one to your garden, we don't blame you.

A wendy house is a British term for a small playhouse for kids, which is large enough for one or more children to enter and play in. They vary in size and material, with some being a simple structure while others offer various features such as a slide, steps, and a built-in kitchen.

The best children's wendy houses and playhouses at a glance:

  • Best for aspiring chefs: Smoby - Chef House, £341.81

  • Best for imagination: Little Tikes Cape Cottage, £119.99

  • Best for nature: Deluxe Playhouse with Table and Chairs, £159.99

  • Best for tree-top fans: Smoby Kids Playhouse on Stilts with Slide, £434.99

As well as encouraging outdoor play and the chance for their very own personal retreat, playhouses offer your child the opportunity for their imaginations and creativity to run wild. One day their wendy house will be a popular restaurant to serve customers, while the next it'll transform into a kingdom where they are king or queen. Quite simply, the possibilities are endless.

Things to think about

Space: How much room do you have in your garden for the wendy house? Be sure to triple check the dimensions.

Material: Playhouses that can be used outdoors are typically made of plastic or wooden. Many kids favour plastic options but wooden will last longer and are more eco-friendly.

How many kids?: If you've got more than one child or your little one has lots of friends who like to come play, you'll need a spacious playhouse where 2-3 children have room to play.

Features: If your tot loves whizzing down the slide at the park, this could be a worthy feature that you look for with your playhouse.

Accessories: While some wendy houses (typically plastic ones) come with lots of accessories such as play kitchenware, others don't, meaning you may have to fork out more money for these.

The best children's wendy houses and playhouses to buy

If you're looking to purchase a wendy house for your youngster, here are our favourites available to buy today.

Best for aspiring chefs

Smoby - Chef House
Price: £627.83

Whether they play chef or customer, your child is bound to have lots of fun with this Chef Playhouse. There is everything needed to prepare and cook sweet and savory 'foods', including drinks, cutlery, utensils, salt and pepper shaker, pan for pancakes, ketchup and mustard. We love the two removable slates so your child can write the menu and note the Chef House's opening hours. The hut is made up of a gate, and two windows with four swing shutters.

Review: "This was bought for our 3 year old grandson. He absolutely loves it. It is very well made, very solid. He loves all the additions you get with this. The door, the different windows, you can write your menu, charge for the food with the till and card reader. It totally captured his imagination to play."

Pros

  • Discover the amazing world of Smoby with the Chef House
  • Smoby playhouse toy for outdoor and indoor use
  • Includes: sweet and savoury foods, drinks, cutlery, cooking utensils, credit card and tickets, a salt and a pepper shaker, a frying pan to flip the pancakes, ketchup and mustard sauces
  • Have fun with friends and family and cook with Smoby

Cons

  • Not ideal if your little one does not like pretend cooking
<p><strong>Suitable from</strong></p><p>2+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions</strong></p><span style="font-size: revert; font-family: inherit;"> 120 x 50 x 92 cm</span>
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>Yes

Best for imagination

Little Tikes Cape Cottage
Price: £139.99
Alternative retailers
Target$139.99View offer
Walmart$16.00View offer

With working doors, windows, and shutters, kids will love the fun role-play elements of this Little Tikes wendy house such as the working mail slot and flag holder that will spark their imaginations. Easy to assemble and take apart with minimal assembly and tools, the lightweight design means it's easy to move, transport, or store.

Review: "Ordered and arrived promptly, well packaged. I am not normally the one to put these types of things together but it was very straight forward with good instructions. Managed on my own, it was a little fiddly to click pieces into place but easy enough. Good size and quality. Some other reviews said that the plastic was a little flimsy, I think it is sturdy enough and great value for money. My daughter is 91cm in height at 2 and there is plenty of growing room with this toy. She was delighted with it and I think it will keep her entertained for hours!"

Pros

  • Cute and modern
  • Features two working doors, windows, and shutters
  • Lightweight design makes this playhouse easy to move

Cons

  • Lightweight design makes this playhouse easy to move, 
<p><strong>Suitable from:</strong> </p><p>2+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong> ‎</p><p>108.59 x 88.9 x 124.46 cm</p>
<p><strong>Material:</strong> </p><p>Plastic</p>
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>Yes

Best for nature

With enough space for two to three children to play, this playhouse includes a table and two benches that can be placed both inside or outside of the playhouse. In one of the inner walls there are small interactive games elements to encourage children to explore and play. Inside the Deluxe Playhouse with cosy table and chairs, your little one will be able to play with the colourful activity wall, turning gears and sliding the tab to show fun images. There’s even a shelf for toys, games and accessories. 

Review: "After a lot of looking around for a playhouse for my little grandaughter, I saw this one on Amazon and she gets so much enjoyment from it. The table and bench are great as she also plays shop from them. The inside is very spacious and I can use it to store her toys when she goes home, it ticks all the boxes."

Pros

  • Built-in table and 2 stools
  • Opening door and shutters
  • Activity wall with turning gears and shelf

Cons

  • Wipe clean surfaces
<p><strong>Suitable from:</strong> </p><p>2+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong></p><p>104 x 95 x 118 cm</p>
<p><strong>Material:</strong></p><p>Plastic</p>
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>Yes

Best for aspiring cafe owners

This beautiful natural Fir wood wendy house can be decorated in your child's favourite colours, or just use a transparent preserver to keep the grain visible. It includes large chalkboards to scribble on and counter tops and shelves ready to display delicious food. The simple slot-together design means it'll be ready for imaginative play in no time.

Review: "Bought this for my son's 3rd birthday. He loves it. The wood is beautiful and has an incredible smell. It was easy to assemble and looks great. Only downside is that it doesn't come with a floor, although it does say that this can be purchased separately, but I didn't know that was an option originally. Great value for money, the quality is high and it looks much more expensive. I've had loads of compliments on it. The chalk boards are a great feature too."

Pros

  • Made with thick, smooth fir wood panels
  • Ready to treat and paint in a colour and finish of your (kids’) choice
  • The outdoor Playhouse provides a light and airy space for children to play in

Cons

  • One review said the wood is poor quality, with many of the pieces not lining up
<strong>Suitable from:</strong> 18 months+18 months+
<strong>Dimensions:</strong>137 x 112 x 93 cm
<strong>Material: </strong>Wood
<strong>Water resistant</strong>Yes. Treat with a suitable wood preserver before use
<strong>Requires assembly</strong>Yes

Best for large playdates

Now that is one cute house! The KidKraft Modern Outdoor Playhouse is filled with imaginative and creative features, allowing kids to explore and introducing them to a whole new world without leaving the garden. It features a built-in kitchen and lets kids enhance their pretend cook skills, by making a yummy picnic and serve their friends at the attached picnic table. It also comes with a working mailbox perfect for passing notes, and the chalkboard is a great place to show-off their drawing skills.

Pros

  • Large enough that multiple children can play at once
  • Outdoor seating: picnic table and two benches attached to the side to serve family and friends
  • Fabric curtains allow for independent play and safe hideaway space

Cons

  • No ideal if your little one loves colour
<strong>Material:</strong>Solid wood
<strong>Maximum Occupancy:</strong>5
<strong>Lighting Included:</strong>No
<strong>Assembly Required:</strong>Yes
<strong>Product Care:</strong>Wipe clean only
<strong>Foldable:</strong>No

Best for size

Rebo® Orchard 4FT x 4FT Wooden Playhouse on Deck with 6FT Slide
Price: £441.96

Made to inspire your children, the new range of Rebo Playhouses is great for letting their imagination and creativity go beyond, assisting them and creating a world full of excitement and adventure. Strong supports and 11.5mm tongue and groove timber creates a sturdy and durable kids playhouse that will be a beautiful addition to any garden. It has a raised deck with a balcony at the front of the playhouse, accessed by a wooden ladder on one side and a 4ft slide on the other.

Review: "So pleased with our house for the kids, it’s a lovely size and the quality of the wood is great. Delivery driver (Iain) was really friendly, and overall a great experience."

Pros

  • Sturdy and charming wooden playhouse made of planed and rounded pressure-treated timber
  • Wooden floor and roof
  • Shatterproof perspex acrylic windows

Cons

  • ‎3 years and up
<strong>Product Dimensions</strong>‎167 x 298 x 232 cm
<strong>Manufacturer recommended age</strong>‎3 years and up
<strong>Material Type</strong>Wood and pine

Best for tree-top fans

Smoby Kids Playhouse on Stilts with Slide
Price: £695.55

Placed on a 70cm high platform, children can reach the wendy house using the included ladder. Thanks to the gate and the 3 windows located on the different facades, your little adventurers will have an eye on everything and they can use the 1.5m slide as a fun way down to the ground.

Review: "Amazing! My little one was trying to play on it before it was finished. She found the box fun too. Nice and sturdy and she loves playing peek-a-boo through the window shutters. We drilled some holes in the floor to allow the rain to drain away and the instructions were rubbish but well worth it. Lockdown would have been unbearable without this."

Pros

  • Fun and decorative features
  • Features half door, two windows with louvered shutters, 1 porthole window and 2 sliding shutters
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is ideal for encouraging active and imaginative play
  • Decorated with animals on the walls

Cons

  • 11 left in stock
  • Not suitable for children under 3 years
<p><strong>Suitable from</strong>: </p><p>2 years+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong></p><p>120 x 50 x 101 cm</p>
<p><strong>Material:</strong></p>Plastic
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>Yes

Best for putting on theatre shows

Whether your little one is putting on a theatre show, acting out fairytales or starting their own secret den, this Wooden Cubby House is the perfect wooden toy for bringing their adventure to life. With this playhouse, they will be able to pull open the door and step into a world of fun outdoor sensory play. With its classic wooden design and white-trimmed windows, it makes the Wooden Cubby House look and stand out just like a real home. The wide side windows keep the wooden playhouse interior bright and airy. You can even add your own flowers or decorations to the wooden toy window boxes.This sweet wooden wendy house has white trimmed front windows and an opening door with a window. You can even add your own flowers or decorations to the window boxes for a pretty touch.

Review: "It’s great. Relatively easy to put together and sturdy enough for small children. My two year old twins love it. It’s spacious enough for both of them to play together inside too."

Pros

  • Wooden playhouse with a natural finish
  • Opening door with window
  • White trimmed front windows
  • 2 flower boxes

Cons

  • Out of stock for home delivery, only click and collect is available
  • Flowers in the boxes are not included
<p><strong>Suitable from:</strong> 2 years+</p><p>2 years+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong> </p><p>97 x 136 x 152 cm</p>
<p><strong>Material:</strong></p>Wood
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>

Best for Peppa Pig fans

Peppa Pig playhouse
Price: £24.95

www.ebay.co.uk

Ok it's less of a wendy house and more of a play tent but if you've got a Peppa fan, they'll love this pop up play house. It springs up in seconds so there's no impatient waiting around as well as folding away compactly for easy storage. It features a roll-up door and peep through window and has a playground themed built-in playmat included too. And, when play time is over the tents make a great place for quiet drawing or reading time, and can be easily folded away and stored ready for your little one's next amazing adventure.

Pros

  • 100% official merchandise
  • Hours of interactive role play fun and adventure
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Folds compactly for easy storage

Cons

  • Wipe clean only
<p><strong>Suitable from:</strong> </p><p>2 years+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong></p><p>102 x 72 x 72 cm</p>
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>No

Best for teatime

Little Tikes Country Cottage
Price: £329.99

www.very.co.uk

This quaint cottage playhouse is ideal for any pink lover! Made from durable, weatherproof plastic, it has a high roof and door arch, shutters on all windows and also comes with a kitchen unit featuring a sink, stove top with clicking knobs and play phone. This classy designed quaint cottage provides the perfect relaxing getaway for little ones ready for fun and more fun. And guess what? its tall frames allows plenty of room for your growing child, making it a fun and lasting playhouse for years.

Review: "I’m so pleased how quick Very was in delivering this item and my little girl loves it so much. Absolutely perfect for 18 months plus and easy to put together."

Pros

  • Kitchen unit featuring a sink, stovetop with clicking knobs and play phone
  • Shutters on all windows (4 in total)
  • High roof and door arch
  • Spacious interior designwith tall ceiling

Cons

  • Suitable for 18 months+
<p><strong>Suitable from:</strong> </p><p>18 months+</p>
<p><strong>Dimensions:</strong></p><p>127 x 130 x 114 cm</p>
<p><strong>Material:</strong></p><p>Plastic</p>
<p><strong>Water resistant</strong></p>Yes
<p><strong>Requires assembly</strong></p>Yes

FAQ's on Wendy Playhouses and Playhouses

What are Wendy playhouses?

Wendy playhouses are small, often whimsical, outdoor structures designed for children to play in.

What materials are Wendy playhouses made from?

Wendy playhouses can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and sometimes metal. Wooden playhouses are popular for their durability and natural look, while plastic ones are often easier to assemble and maintain.

What age range are Wendy playhouses suitable for?

Most Wendy playhouses are designed for children aged 2 to 10 years old. However, the specific age suitability can vary depending on the size and features of the playhouse.

How much space do I need for a Wendy playhouse?

The space required depends on the size of the playhouse. It's essential to check the dimensions before purchasing and ensure there is enough space for the playhouse and some extra room around it for safety and play.

Are Wendy playhouses weatherproof?

Many Wendy playhouses are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Wooden playhouses typically need to be treated or painted with weather-resistant finishes, while plastic ones are generally more resistant to rain and UV rays.

How do I maintain a Wendy playhouse?

Maintenance depends on the material. Wooden playhouses may require periodic painting or staining to protect against the elements, while plastic playhouses generally need regular cleaning with soap and water.

Are Wendy and playhouses safe for children?

Wendy playhouses are generally designed with child safety in mind. Look for playhouses that meet safety standards and have features like rounded edges, sturdy construction, and non-toxic materials.

Are there eco-friendly Wendy playhouses available?

Yes, some manufacturers offer eco-friendly Wendy playhouses made from sustainable materials and non-toxic finishes. Look for playhouses with eco-friendly certifications or materials to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

What features should I look for in a Wendy playhouse?

Key features to consider include:
Size and dimensions
Material and durability
Ease of assembly
Safety features
Weather resistance
Customizability
Additional features like slides, swings, or porches

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A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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