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If the kids have outgrown ‘playing,’, the play house hasn’t—teenagers can still make great use of it. There are plenty of ways to turn it into a space they’ll enjoy, and these ideas will help you find a new purpose for it without letting it go to waste, along with a few considerations. Ready?
From Playhouse to Teen Private Retreat
So, your kids are nearly grown and might have to crawl inside now, but that playhouse doesn’t have to be left to gather dust. It can still be a great hangout spot for them, but they’ll need to be ready to let some things go. We’re talking about clearing those bulky toys and replacing them with things that are more suited to their changing interest.
Swap large dolls and stuffed animals or action figures with beanbags or small futons, for instance. Lay a rug and hang some LED string lights to make the space inviting. If you’re working on a big unit like the BillyOh Annex Log Cabin Playhouse, chances are there’s enough room to get creative. A small fridge for snacks or drinks sounds like a good idea, and there’s more space for friends.
Note: Teenagers are usually fine around electricity, so now’s a good time to power up the playhouse. Here’s a quick guide if you’re thinking about doing it: Top 5 Questions to Consider Before Installing Garden Building Electricity
Know the Weight Limits Before You Add Anything
This is especially important if you’re setting up a tower playhouse that has upper floors. The structure might not be built to support heavy furniture or a lot of gear, so it’s worth checking the weight capacity if there’s any.
From there, decide what type of furniture will work. But to be safe on the safe side, stick with lightweight pieces. Beanbags, futons, or floor cushions are not only space-saving but also compact. You could add storage, like shelves or boxes for books, games, and personal stuff. These won’t weigh things down too much (fingers crossed), and they’ll give the playhouse a fresh purpose.
Gaming Room Makeover for the Gamers
You don’t need to go all out but prioritise the tech space. A small TV or monitor works a treat, and adding a gaming console or even a PC will complete the setup. Forget about the desk and traditional gaming chair for this set-up and opt for inflatable chairs instead. Pop them in front of the screen, and with controllers, joysticks, or arcade sticks within easy reach, the game can start at any time!
If you’ve cleared a bit of space, add a small storage unit for the gaming gear to keep things organised. Boxes or baskets work well if space is tight.
Tips: Let your teen decorate their gaming spot however they like. Maybe with posters of their favourite games or some LED strip lights to create that cool gaming atmosphere. Want more tips? Check out this guide: Log & Play: Crafting the Ultimate Log Cabin Games Room
Think of Ventilation
Now that the playhouse is becoming a proper space your teen will spend more time in, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t get stuffy. That’s where the windows come in. Getting into the habit of opening them in the morning or whenever the playhouse is being used is a great way to let fresh air in.
Of course, there’ll be times when it’s not ideal to open them, like when it’s too windy or the weather’s bad. In that case, installing vents in the walls or roof is a smart move. It’s pretty simple to do on a wooden structure, and you could even show your teen how to drill if they’re up for it. A small exhaust fan is another option, especially if the space is being used for painting or crafting—it’ll help clear out fumes.
And if you’re worried about letting bugs in, adding a screen to the door is a handy fix. That way, airflow can still get through without inviting unwanted visitors in.
Reading Nook for the Bookworms
A mini library would be a great upgrade for a room that was once for playing but is now more about learning. Especially if your young adult’s book collection has outgrown its space, or if they’re just starting their reading journey and collecting books. The setup can be as simple as wall shelving for their growing collection, a rug on the floor, and a small sofa or beanbag for them to sit on.
This works well for a two-storey playhouse, like the BillyOh Gingerbread Max Playhouse. The more windows, the better—and this playhouse has four of them, complete with window shutters. If the existing playhouse doesn’t have enough windows, you can compensate with indoor lighting.
Natural sunlight helps keep the reading area bright during the day, and lights make it easier to read in the evening. Just make sure to keep the books away from direct sunlight and other strong lights to avoid damage.
Don’t Forget the Insulation
Most standard playhouses don’t come with insulation already built in. If your current one doesn’t have it, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and put your DIY skills to use. Proper insulation will help regulate the temperature inside so your teens stay comfy, whether it’s hot or chilly outside.
This guide should work for the playhouse too, so have a look if you want more tips: Do You Need An Air Gap For Shed Insulation?
A Workshop for Creative Minds
As they get older, teenagers actively explore new hobbies and interests. And a playhouse might not be as useful as it once was, especially if they’re looking for more than just a place to play. But turning it into a workshop gives them a whole new space to get stuck in, try out new things, and let their creativity run wild. It also gives them a quiet spot away from distractions where they can focus on things that need more attention.
Say goodbye to the mini kitchen setup and welcome a compact workbench for crafting, building, or DIY projects. Maybe even an easel to hold a canvas for painting, and so on. If space is tight, go for furniture that can do more than one thing or tools that don’t take up too much room. A foldable workbench or stackable storage are great options to save space.
Having a space like this to develop practical skills or discover new talents can be valuable in the future, whether they’re aiming for a career in design, engineering, or something more creative.
Switch to a Bigger Summer House or Garden Room
Unfortunately, not all playhouses can be repurposed for teenagers, mainly because of their size. Take a Wendy House, for instance. It’s usually a smaller model and might struggle to fit kids over 10 years of age.
Summer houses come in all sorts of sizes, and 8x6ft is a popular choice if you’re after something that’s not too small but not massive, either. Take the BillyOh Switch Pressure Treated Pent Summerhouse, for instance. It’s a good option for teenagers, with floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of natural light and double doors to keep the air flowing. It also comes pressure-treated as standard, giving it a 15-year guarantee against rot. These features should last long enough for your teenager to keep using, even as they grow older.
Tips: If your old playhouse is still in good shape, why not pass it on to a family member, friend, or neighbour with a little one who’d love it?
