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Setting up a garden playhouse is just the beginning; coming up with fun games to play inside is the next step. Luckily for you, this list of playhouse game ideas has you covered! Find your favourite below and see which ones will keep your kids entertained.
Kids Take the Lead
While this activity isn’t about competitive guessing, it allows your child to decorate their Wendy House as they want it. This experience can be an exciting and educational experience for both of you. For one, it encourages decision-making and creativity. Having such an opportunity also makes your little one feel you trust and respect their opinion. For you, you get a chance to learn about your child’s inner world and bond with them.
Consider DIYing for the decors to make them more fun, such as creating a personalised sign. Prepare wood, paint colour of their choice, and brushes for them to make signs with their names to hang on the playhouse door. You might also consider adding extra features to their playhouse, like a plastic slide, if they fancy.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Don’t fear rainy days; keep the whole family entertained with fun activities up your sleeve. A treasure hunt is especially perfect for a two storey playhouse, which offers plenty of space to challenge your kids as they search for toys, treats, and small prizes.
Start the game by giving the kids the first clue or a map that leads them to the first location. If several kids join, encourage them to team up to solve the clues. Once the treasure is found, celebrate their success by giving them a reward. You might also consider having a small ceremony with snacks in the garden (if the weather allows) to wrap up the hunt.
Dance Contest
Get your children moving and grooving with a dance contest; they can complete it in groups or pairs. Make it a bit competitive to encourage everyone to give their best effort! Curate a playlist with their favourite songs and upbeat tunes to keep the energy high.
Dancing not only gets kids moving but also helps them improve their concentration and follow directions better. Plus, it’s a great way for the whole family to have fun together!
Check out these ‘35 Best Dance Songs to Get Your Kids Moving’ for ideas.
Card Memory Game
This game relies on the players’ ability to remember where they’ve seen each card. The playhouse’s interactive space helps kids focus on finding pairs of matching cards.
This is how it works: Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs. If the cards match, the player keeps them; if not, the cards are turned face down again, and the next player takes their turn.
Tip: Arrange a flat surface where the kids can comfortably sit and play. Make sure there’s enough space for the cards to be spread out.
Role Playing in Mini Theatre
Role-play is one of our favourite kids’ outdoor game ideas that can also be played inside a playhouse. This creative activity enables children to use their imagination to act out different roles and stories. And nothing’s better than having a playhouse that can serve as their theatre for their imaginative play!
Here are a few common role-playing scenarios to inspire play:
- Pretending to be a superhero – and the wooden playhouse is their base!
- Going shopping and “paying” for items
- A doctor consulting in her office or a nurse seeing a patient
- Cooking and baking in their mini kitchen setup or running a restaurant
- Pretending to be a builder with paintbrushes, hammers, blueprints, a hard hat, etc.
You can purchase role-play outfits online, but you can also get creative with DIY options. A white sheet will work well as a superhero cape, and a cardboard box can be turned into many things!
Red Light, Green Light
This classic outdoor game can be played indoors with some modifications. Instead of playing with a large group, it’s best to limit the game to two or three kids to avoid overcrowding the playhouse. Also, remind the participants that no running is allowed. Nevertheless, it remains fun and beneficial to play, as kids can practise their listening, observation, and agility skills.
Here’s how it works: When you say “Green Light,” the kids walk, and when “Red Light” is called, they must stop. You can also include some variations, such as Yellow light for slow motion, skipping and tip-toeing, to make it more challenging. If a player is moving during ‘Red light’, they must go back to the starting line. The first person to finish round one can be the leader for round two or be declared the winner.
So, which of these playhouse game ideas is your child most excited to try? If you haven’t found the right play area, don’t miss our selection of playhouses with slides!
Up next on your reading list: 5 Best Kid’s Playhouse Decorating Ideas
