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Children’s playhouses are designed to suit different age groups, starting with toddlers (ages 2 to 4). At this stage, your little one will probably be busy crawling in and out, playing shop, and inviting their teddies in for a tea party.
With this in mind, single-storey and small models are a safer size for them—less risk of climbing and just the right amount of space for them to play on their own.
Here are your options.
Playhouse for 1 Year Old and Up to Age 4
You can find a range of designs and options for a toddler playhouse on the market. But the best ones have low entryways, round edges, compact sizes, and cute cottage-style elements as a bonus. Best of all, they come with child safety certifications for added reassurance.
Our wooden play house selections below tick all these boxes, and we might have what you’re looking for:
Wendy Houses
A Wendy House, in its own way, has a magical charm reminiscent of the timeless tale of Peter Pan, from which it gets its name. But that’s not the only reason it’s perfect for toddlers—its compact size makes it a great fit for them.
Our models in this category range from a standard 4×4 ft to a slightly larger 6×6 ft option, which is an ideal size for your little ones. They can enjoy playing without having to run around too much, unlike with a bigger space, and they can focus on playing.
Bunny Max Playhouse
Take a look at the BillyOh Bunny Max Playhouse in the 4×4 size, for instance. Inside, you can fit in a mini shelf where you can display or put their colouring and storybooks. A small toy box or two can be tucked in the corner, and there’s still plenty of room to play and perhaps sit with their plushies.
This Wendy House also features a high apex roof (for extra headroom), cottage-style windows (for that charming, fairytale-like look), and an optional picket fence to extend the play area (and for added safety).
It’s the perfect size for this kind of layout and for your toddler(s) to have their own little world.
BillyOh Gingerbread Junior Playhouse
The Gingerbread Junior is a bit bigger than a standard Wendy House but still perfect for toddlers. It has the same traditional cottage-style design as the Bunny Max but comes with a stable door that splits in two and an opening height of 3’1”.
With the bottom half open, they can crawl in and out freely. When it’s closed, they won’t be able to wander off, but the open top half lets them see out—and you can still keep an eye on them. The windows even have window boxes, so they can grow their mini gardens or add flowers planted by mum, dad, or gran.
Inside, you’ve got a bigger blank canvas to work with, ready to be decorated into a space your toddler will love. A mini kitchen or fire station setup would be great, along with a child-friendly shelf cabinet for storage.
There’s even room for a mini ride-on car or a rocking horse. Just be careful not to overcrowd the playhouse with toys and bits. Leave some space to move around and make playtime even better.
BillyOh Lollipop Max Playhouse
The Lollipop Max is comparable to the design and size of the Gingerbread Junior but comes with a single-panel door instead. What makes it an ‘upgrade’ is the option to add a picket fence and extended exterior platform.
The fence creates a boundary, while the platform extends the play space. This gives little ones more room for activities or simply a place to play outside the playhouse but still within its area, if that makes sense. It could be a pretend garden, a front porch, or even a little shop entrance.
Inside, a bigger table can fit for colouring, arts and crafts, or building toys, and enough space remains for them to rule their tiny kingdom. And if you like the split-door design but prefer this model, you can opt for the BillyOh Lollipop Junior Playhouse.
Bigger Children’s Playhouse Options for Toddlers
A larger playhouse could work—it doesn’t just mean more floor space but also extra headroom. So, as toddlers grow, they won’t outgrow the height too quickly and can enjoy their garden retreat for longer.
The playhouses mentioned above come in larger sizes, so have a look if any of them catch your eye. Another great example of a long-term playhouse investment is the BillyOh Annex Log Cabin Playhouse, with a maximum height of 7’10”.
This is a 2-storey unit with a clearance under the bunk of 3’3″ and a top bunk hatch of 1’9”, which toddlers can fit through. The good thing is that parents can fit inside, too, making it easier to keep an eye on them—especially around the bunk area.
Speaking of safety, adding railings on the top bunk can help prevent falls, and placing rugs or foam mats on the main floor can soften any slips. You can also use it as a chance to teach them how to climb the ladder safely (when they’re allowed, of course)!
Why Parents Trust BillyOh Playhouses
All our playhouse units comply with the British Standards (BS) EN71, meaning they’re built with kids in mind. They’re designed to be a safe and fun space for your little one to play, from the materials used to the smooth edges, fire safety, and solid build. You can relax knowing they’re playing in something that’s been tested and certified.
Other safety features included in our playhouses:
Shatterproof glazing
All windows come with durable single SAN glazing as standard. This shatterproof glazing is a safer alternative to glass, which can break easily and leave sharp edges. It’s tough, long-lasting, and ideal for a busy play space while still letting plenty of natural light.
Finger gap around the door
Doors can be a common hazard for small fingers, which is why our playhouses include a built-in gap around the door. This reduces the risk of pinched fingers when opening or closing.
Non-toxic treatment
We know kids love to touch, explore, and sometimes even chew on things—that’s why we use a non-toxic treatment on our playhouses. It protects the wood from the elements without any harsh chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about your little one being exposed to anything unsafe while they play.
Timber-treated units also have a 10-year guarantee against rot, decay, and insect infestation. Safe for them, long-lasting for you!
Ventilation holes
Ventilation holes allow fresh air to circulate inside and prevent stuffiness and condensation. This means a more comfortable space for your child to play in, even on warmer days. Good airflow also helps prevent musty smells and keeps the room feeling fresh for everyday play.
When your child outgrows their BillyOh playhouse, you don’t have to let it go to waste. It can be repurposed into something more suited to teenagers. Check out our guide, ‘Playhouse Ideas for Teenagers,’ for ideas.
