Kids Outdoor Playhouses

Playhouses are incredibly exciting for young children, especially if they come with additional features like climbing towers and slides. They can decorate the enclosed interior spaces whichever way they like, creating their own space for independent play.

The outdoor playhouse can become anything they want it to, whether that's a secret hideout, an arts and craft space, or simply a playroom to spend time in with their favourite toys. From teepees to Wendy houses and rockets to castles, the sky is the limit.

Your child's playhouse is more than just a hideaway or playground; it's an important tool to help them develop motor skills and creativity. For multiple small children, a shared playhouse encourages social skills and problem-solving in addition to imaginative group play, resulting in happier and healthier kids.

Children under 5 are recommended to get at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily, and those over 5 should get at least 60 minutes. With features like slides, climbing walls, nets, and firefighter poles, these playhouses help kids meet healthy activity guidelines while enjoying the outdoors.

All Out Play playhouses are suitable for children aged 3 years and up, allowing younger children to enjoy the playhouse from toddlerhood into their early teenage years, making the investment last for many years.

Whether opting for a classic wooden playhouse or a more unusual fort or climbing den, all playhouses are made from sturdy, durable materials for safety and weather resistance. They're built to last, keeping kids active outdoors rather than on screens.

All timber is premium Redwood Pine or Douglas Fir, with roofs made from plywood and hardwood. High-pressure treatment helps prevent fungal decay. Metal fixings are domed or countersunk for safety and are stainless steel to resist rust.

The wood can remain natural or be painted/stained to customise the look. This allows the playhouse to match your garden aesthetics while providing endless creative play for children.

Proper care ensures the playhouse will provide hours of entertainment and formative memories for years. As children grow, the playhouse can evolve with them, for example turning a fairy-tale cottage into a superhero headquarters or pirate ship into a princess castle with a splash of paint.

Most wooden playhouses from Wicken Toys are pre-treated but not painted or stained, giving you freedom to customise. You can leave it natural or decorate it as desired.

Steps to paint your playhouse:

1) Decide between a natural wood stain or a paint colour. Select non-toxic, weather-resistant products.

2) Use water-based exterior paint and matching undercoat. Options include matt, gloss, satin, or semi-gloss finishes.

3) Clean all surfaces thoroughly, sand them smooth, use painter's tape for clean edges, and lay down newspaper to prevent drips.

4) Apply undercoat and allow to dry. Then apply the main paint coat, letting it dry before adding a second coat if necessary.

5) Paint trims, window frames, or doors last. After drying, apply a water-based sealant to protect the finish. Add furnishings like rugs or fairy lights once the sealant is dry.

For repainting, sand surfaces again and reapply sealant before painting.

Maintenance is essential to keep a wooden playhouse in good condition. Initially, ensure no gaps in the structure and that everything is sealed against water. Regularly check bolts, hinges, roofs, and walls for rust, wear, or discoloration.

Smaller playhouses can be stored indoors when not in use. Larger structures can be covered with a tarpaulin during rainy periods but avoid long-term coverage to prevent moisture buildup and rot.

Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals. Treat wood annually with preservative, sealant, or tinted stain to maintain durability and appearance. These treatments prevent shrinking, warping, rot, and fungi.

For installation assistance, Wicken Toys offers delivery and installation services—contact them for a quote.

A stable base is crucial for safety. An unstable base can cause the playhouse to fall over when weight is unevenly distributed. Playhouses should be installed on flat land, never on slopes.

Small playhouses can sit directly on level ground or grass, with preservative-treated wood. Paved patios or decking also work. Larger playhouses benefit from solid bases like heavy-duty wood or concrete slabs. Surrounding ground should be soft and impact-absorbing, such as grass, bark chips, or sand.

Ensure the playhouse is securely attached to its base, located in a dry area with at least 1.8m of clear surrounding space, and visible from the main house for supervision. Avoid placing it near fences, walls, overhanging foliage, or hazards like wires.

Generally, playhouses are domestic structures used temporarily, so most do not require planning permission. However, larger or taller structures may need local council approval.

Planning permission is usually required if the playhouse:

• Covers half the garden (>30m²)
• Is more than 3m tall with a pent roof
• Exceeds 4m with an apex roof
• Is on a platform >30cm high
• Within 2m of a boundary and >2.5m tall
• Within 1m of a boundary and floor area >20m²
• Is situated between the dwelling and a public highway

Check your garden measurements and local authority regulations before installation. Wicken Toys cannot be responsible for planning permission issues if the buyer fails to verify requirements.