Do you remember your childhood den? Whether you rearranged the sofa cushions or enjoyed the wonders of a proper outside playhouse, you’ll remember the joy of make-believe games. But do you know just how important it is for kids to enjoy free-range imaginative play?
Make believe really matters, say researchers at the University of Cambridge: “High-quality pretend play has repeatedly been shown to be very closely associated with the development of cognitive, social and academic abilities.”
Children need playhouses because acting and role play helps them learn to problem-solve and become more adept at handling real life scenarios. In fact, say the experts at Cambridge University, there’s a “clear link between the complexity of socio-dramatic play and improvement in social responsibility.”
Here are six different wooden playhouses to encourage your kids to get outdoors and imaginative…
1. Dahlia Playhouse
Inspire hours of fun role-play with this high quality pent playhouse. With a versatile modern design, this is a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into a safari camp, sheriff's hut, train station or whatever your children fancy!
Ideal for spending time with friends, family or even imaginary pals, the Dahlia playhouse is the perfect way to encourage kids outdoors. Like all the models in the Waltons range, it‘s constructed of robust shiplap wooden cladding and features smooth, rounded timbers. Leave the wood a natural colour or paint it to match your children's favourite theme.
2. Poppy Playhouse
This chalet-style playhouse is a real winner with children from three years and up. Made with quality 12mm tongue and groove cladding, the Poppy playhouse features an apex roof and a generous front overhang which offers excellent protection from the elements.
The cute cottage-style window and door are glazed with shatter-proof styrene and the roof is covered with mineral felt to keep the weather out. Excellent value for money, children love this simple but charming design. And, because it comes unpainted, they’ll enjoy helping to choose the colours and design the decor.
3. Dutch Barn Playhouse
This Dutch Barn playhouse oozes rustic charm and offers the perfect home for budding young farmers. With plenty of windows it’s also light and bright and, thanks to the high country barn-style roof, it has plenty of head-room so kids won’t grow out of the space quite as fast.
Like all our playhouses this 6ft x 6ft model features 10mm gaps around the door to keep young fingers safe. It also includes shatterproof styrene glazed windows, and complies with BS EN71 European Toy Standard to give you peace of mind.
4. Snug Tower Playhouse with slide
Is it a fort or a castle, a home on stilts, or maybe a beach lifeguard tower? The Snug Tower playhouse offers endless opportunities for imaginative fun and games. Children will love climbing the ladder, descending via the slide, and enjoying playing with friends in their own garden room.
Built to last, like all the playhouses in the Waltons range, this example features planed and rounded timbers, shiplap cladding and a hard wearing solid OSB board roof and floor. All our playhouses comply with European Safety Standards and come with a 10 year anti-rot guarantee.
5. Snowdrop Cottage Playhouse
Bring a little fairy-tale charm to your children’s play with the magical Snowdrop Cottage. Featuring styrene-glazed windows for lots of natural light, kids will enjoy growing their own herbs or flowers in the window boxes. This playhouse measures 7ft x 5ft and comes with an internal loft area with steps and safety rail – plenty of accommodation for a large family of dolls, bears and small children!
All Waltons playhouses are supplied unpainted to give you the opportunity to decorate it the way you want. Pre-treated with wood preservative, they’re guaranteed against rot for ten years provided you paint with wood treatment each year.
6. Tower Playhouse with Activity Set
What better way to encourage kids to indulge in a full range of fun, imaginative and active play than with our Poppy tower playhouse and activity set that includes a balcony, slide and swing. Young livewires will love the exceptional opportunities for boisterous play on offer here!
Constructed from a sturdy timber frame and tough shiplap tongue and groove cladding, this playhouse is built to last. With the correct annual maintenance, it will bring your kids endless pleasure for years to come.
Impressed by this selection of wooden children’s playhouses? Check out our full range to find just the thing to set your children’s imaginations free. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, shop our pre-painted playhouses. As well as a factory paint finish, our professional installation team will deliver and put it together for you.
Lead image: Waltons Dahlia Playhouse with Tower & Activity Set
