Our New Backyard Playhouse
We finally gave in to the blogger trend: the kids now have their very own playhouse. It was a gift from my mom for their shared spring birthday — our seven-year-old and three-year-old agreed on exactly one thing: they wanted a small outdoor house to call their own. The request even came with the rule “no grown-ups allowed,” so we set out to find something sturdy, affordable, and kid-friendly.
We found a simple cedar playhouse that fit the budget and included charming details like flower pot holders. Once my mom approved, we were told it would arrive in a week and that assembly was required. The package showed up on time, and the instructions warned that putting it together would take a bit of time.
Assembly ended up being straightforward but did take a couple of hours. The instructions include a cartoon “adult helper” figure that made us chuckle — he looks over-prepared with a saw — but the real reason it wasn’t complicated is that every piece was pre-cut, pre-drilled, and clearly labeled. My best tip: unpack everything and lay it out so you can read the labels easily. Digging through the box for part L2 slows things down more than you’d expect.
When complete, the structure feels solid. The roof slats interlock and attach firmly, and the whole frame has a reassuring, well-built quality. Inside, there’s a small play kitchen with faux burners, knobs, and a sink — the kids have big imaginations and use it for everything from tea parties to elaborate squirrel-washing scenarios.
At first we set the house on the deck (you can still see some spring pollen in the photos), but the kids quickly asked us to move it down to the grass so they could be farther from adult supervision. Who can blame them? No grown-ups allowed, remember.
To protect the base from sitting directly on the ground, we placed a few inexpensive pavers underneath. They’re cheap, easy to source, and create a simple, level foundation so the floor doesn’t absorb moisture from the lawn. The kids appreciate the small, defined space to sit and play — our daughter loves settling in there and staging elaborate make-believe scenes.
The flower holders are a cute feature, though the playhouse doesn’t include pots. I used a faux arrangement I already had, but planting seeds with the kids would be a fun project — if the deer don’t get to them first. Lavender might be a resilient choice for this spot.
Before the playhouse arrived, I wondered whether both kids would use it at the same time or if one would dominate. They end up sharing it a lot, often holding hands and pretending the kitchen knobs and faucet are controls as they “drive through space.” Their games are imaginative and perfectly suited to the compact, cozy interior.
One small but surprisingly meaningful detail is a functioning latch on the door. The kids love closing it behind them and making sure it’s latched — that little act of ownership changes how they treat the space. When something feels like it belongs to them, they take care of it and use it with pride.
This playhouse is simple compared with some elaborate setups you might see — there are examples with doormats, flags, bridges, and window treatments, and many families choose to paint and decorate theirs. We appreciated the natural cedar because it complements our brick house and will weather naturally outdoors. A painted finish can look worn quickly if it’s exposed to sun and trees, so leaving it unstained feels practical and charming.
At the end of the day, whether you buy a basic playhouse or invest in a custom makeover, kids will love having a small space that’s their own. Ours uses it to escape adults, make up games, and plan imaginary voyages. It’s a tiny log cabin in the yard where childhood play takes center stage.
Other kid-related projects we’ve shared include DIY builds and creative play ideas, from dollhouses to repurposed cabinets turned into play kitchens.
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