Guide to Outdoor Play Houses for Children
If you are considering purchasing some garden toys for you children this summer, outdoor play houses are one of the most popular choices for parents and children alike. Unlike many other garden toys that are used only a few times before the novelty wears off, outdoor playhouses can keep children amused and entertained for many months.
Playhouses are suitable for both boys and girls and are a very versatile choice of garden equipment, boys can imagine their wooden playhouse is a fort or a knight's castle and for girls it can be their cottage playhouse or a place to host their tea parties with a few friends. Playhouses are a great choice for children, they can really use their imagination to transform their new house into anything imaginable, so do not be surprised if you find you children playing in a wizards castle one moment only to be invited inside a princesses tower a little later on.
Choosing the Best Playhouse for your Children
Outdoor playhouses are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. The one you choose for your garden depends on how often it is going to be used, the age of the children who will be using it and how long you want it to last.
Wooden Playhouse
If you are looking for a permanent fixture for all year round play then the best choice would be a wooden playhouse. This type of kids play house is one of the most secure, they are a more expensive option but they do offer a structure that will age well and the wood is usually pre-treated to avoid weathering.
Plastic and Fabric Playhouses
If you a looking for a portable or temporary play house for your children, either a plastic or fabric house can be ideal. They are easily erected and stored away when not in use and they are a less expensive option if they are only going to be used occasionally. However you should be aware that these types of play houses are not as sturdy as the wooden structures, they will not last as long and too much rough play can lead to breakages.
Playhouse Safety Guide
Whichever play house you choose you should always ensure that the structure you pick is of good quality and contains no glass or Perspex windows. They should be easy to assemble but should not be easy to unassembled for a child, in other words you should make sure that your child cannot easily disassemble any structural parts of the house.
Garden sheds are not usually a suitable choice for a play house, the windows usually contain glass and the hinges and window fixtures may be dangerous for small fingers. A playhouse that is specifically designed for children has to meet safety standards; they are usually designed to allow air to circulate whereas sheds are not.
You should also take into account the age of the children who will be using the house, younger children do not often need a large double storey structure whereas older children will enjoy having more room to explore and play.
Playhouses are suitable for both boys and girls and are a very versatile choice of garden equipment, boys can imagine their wooden playhouse is a fort or a knight's castle and for girls it can be their cottage playhouse or a place to host their tea parties with a few friends. Playhouses are a great choice for children, they can really use their imagination to transform their new house into anything imaginable, so do not be surprised if you find you children playing in a wizards castle one moment only to be invited inside a princesses tower a little later on.
Choosing the Best Playhouse for your Children
Outdoor playhouses are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. The one you choose for your garden depends on how often it is going to be used, the age of the children who will be using it and how long you want it to last.
Wooden Playhouse
If you are looking for a permanent fixture for all year round play then the best choice would be a wooden playhouse. This type of kids play house is one of the most secure, they are a more expensive option but they do offer a structure that will age well and the wood is usually pre-treated to avoid weathering.
Plastic and Fabric Playhouses
If you a looking for a portable or temporary play house for your children, either a plastic or fabric house can be ideal. They are easily erected and stored away when not in use and they are a less expensive option if they are only going to be used occasionally. However you should be aware that these types of play houses are not as sturdy as the wooden structures, they will not last as long and too much rough play can lead to breakages.
Playhouse Safety Guide
Whichever play house you choose you should always ensure that the structure you pick is of good quality and contains no glass or Perspex windows. They should be easy to assemble but should not be easy to unassembled for a child, in other words you should make sure that your child cannot easily disassemble any structural parts of the house.
Garden sheds are not usually a suitable choice for a play house, the windows usually contain glass and the hinges and window fixtures may be dangerous for small fingers. A playhouse that is specifically designed for children has to meet safety standards; they are usually designed to allow air to circulate whereas sheds are not.
You should also take into account the age of the children who will be using the house, younger children do not often need a large double storey structure whereas older children will enjoy having more room to explore and play.
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