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Garden playhouses that have been sitting unused for a while, whether the kids have outgrown them or just fallen into neglect, can still be put to good use with a bit of imagination and some effort.
Pet’s Play Cabin or Shelter
Handing down the playhouse to your pets makes sense—it’s just the right size for them, don’t you think? A Wendy house, for instance, is perfect as a dog’s kennel, while a slightly larger wooden playhouse could allow cats to climb.
Give it a quick refresh, especially if it’s been out of use for a while, to make it more suited to your dog or cat, and so it feels more like theirs. Another thing they’ll love is a sunny spot—perfect for sunbathing. Keeping the windows will help bring in more light, and if you can choose the right spot for the playhouse, even better.
You’ll also want to make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Opening the windows helps, but since pets have a habit of sneaking off, adding screens is a good idea. That way, they stay safe inside while still getting plenty of fresh air.
Check out this guide on ‘Garden Shed Retreat for Pets’ for more tips and ideas.
Mini Grow House for Plants
Playhouses make great little grow houses because they’re enclosed, which helps create the right conditions for plants to thrive. The built-in windows are a bonus, letting in natural light.
If the playhouse is still in good shape and has enough windows, you can pretty much leave it as it is. Otherwise, you might need to make a few tweaks. This could be adding more windows, which is fairly easy if the walls or panels are timber. However, windows alone won’t be enough, so consider installing vents for better airflow.
You might also want to put up some shelves for potted plants or even set up raised beds inside. It all depends on what state the playhouse is in and what you want to grow, so it’s worth having a think before you get started.
Tip: If it’s a tower playhouse, you can make the most of the space underneath by turning it into a shaded area for growing plants. This lower ground area is perfect for vegetables or herbs that thrive in the shade, like leafy greens.
Outdoor Storage
Children’s playhouses may be smaller than a garden shed, but they’re built for the outdoors, so they can handle the weather. Anything you store inside will have decent protection, especially if the building is pressure-treated. It would make the perfect storage for gardening tools, spare plant pots, or even your kid’s bikes. Consider its size, though, as you likely won’t be able to fit bulky items.
Add a strong shed lock for added security, and add some shelves or hooks to free up floor space. This is a smart way to declutter your garden, making good use of an old but still-functional playhouse.
Rehome the Playhouse
If your garden’s getting a bit crowded and you no longer need the playhouse, donating it could be a great option. Not only will it free up space, but it’ll also go to someone who could really make use of it. It could be a family with younger kids or charities, like the Family Holiday Charity, that supports families in need. Knowing it will bring joy to children is really rewarding!
Just make sure the playhouse is still solid, with no major damage or rot, and in good condition before you donate it.
Round-up
Repurpose an old playhouse into a pet’s play cabin or shelter, a mini grow house for plants, or even outdoor storage. You could also think about passing it on to another family, especially if they’re happy to use it as it is or fix it up for their own kids to enjoy.
These are just a few ideas for what you can do with an old playhouse, but the ones on this list will definitely make sure the structure gets put to good use.
Up next on your reading list: How to Reveal a Playhouse as a Gift – 5 Ideas
