Little Tikes Outdoor Playcastle

What child hasn’t dreamed of a time long ago where the lords and ladies of medieval time ruled the land by sword and valor? Bringing color to the imagination is Little tikes “classic outdoor castle” ready to defend the princess in distress. I love this play castle because it is great for boys as well as girls and is simple and safe.

The castle is not as big as it looks in the pictures in my opinion but I think that what appeals to the kids and it works for them. It is 58” x 50” and 51” high. It has nice stone design all over with the classic tower complete with a sturdy platform perfect for holding that princess until her knight rescues her. It has a small slide as well as a door in one of the walls. In weights 123 lbs and assembly is required to construct it.

The flaw that I see in this play castle is the size seems to be too small for more than a couple of children playing on it. That could be a plus if you wanted to instead assemble it indoor rather than outside since it would take up less room. It also was a bit tough to put together but if you lubricate some of the part before you snap then together it goes much easier. I guess the slide is a little small too. The pros are it is very sturdy, very solid construction looks like it will last a long time. I could see this being pasted down a generation. As usual Little Tykes did good job of making it safe, no sharp corners or small pieces to choke on.

Price

This kids outdoor playhouse ranges from $350 to over $500 which goes to show you that you must shop around since that is quite a bit of a difference for this item. Some may say the price is a little too expensive for this item but if you can get several years of fun out of it and it still should be in great shape to pass it on to a friend or another family member when your kids outgrow it. Long live the queen and her Castle!

Be the neighbor that all the kids want to come over and play because you have the coolest stuff around. I really like the Naturally playful Cottage Combo from Step2 which comes with a swingset, a cottage playhouse and sandbox. You get a complete matching play-set with one swipe of the credit card. Step2 does a very nice job with this product and believe it is one of their best sellers.

Step 2 Cottage Combo Setup

The Swingset has 2 swings, a slide and small little playhouse on one side complete with a little door. The slide is a good length at 5.5’ long and the steps to the slide are wide. The cottage playhouse is 64” high x 55” wide and 50” deep and has a very nice design with “thatched” roof, cute windows with shutters, and charming door. Inside there is even a kitchen and table complete everything to cook your favorite imaginary meal. I especially like the working doorbell and phone! A matching sandbox complete with cover completes the combo. I have to give this combo set a lot of positive remarks.

First, it is very durable and should last a long time. I plan on passing on to my nieces and nephews. I think it has a very attractive design and the kids actually play with it which means a lot. I also believe this product is very safe for the kids. As far as cons I do see many. The table in the playhouse is a little flimsy and some of pieces may need better water drainage but otherwise is very well built.

Price

The complete combo runs about $1000 (with free shipping) from Step2 but shopping around you may be able to get it cheaper. I have seen some comments that it is a little more expensive than mixing and matching other sets but overall I think you are getting a good quality product for the money. I know at one point they were on back order so it seems they are selling a lot of these and I can believe why.

We purchased this playset a few years ago and are very pleased with it.  It is made by “Little Tikes” and I can’t tell you how many toys we have from them and I have no complaints on their products.  They always seem to make a durable product that is fun for our kids.  The Little Tikes Endless Adventure Playhouse is no exception, overall I like this product.  Without question Little Tikes has become one of the premier kids outdoor playhouse companies on the market today.

Features

This playhouse has all the basic equipment that you would find in a swingset and more.  It has a  nice wavy 4 ft slide, 2 durable swings with safety wrapped chains, a swing glider, rope ladder for climbing up to the slide and a sandbox.  It is made out of tough

plastic that Little tykes is known for.  It weighs a little over 350 lbs.  It is also has a roof over its 4 ft high platform making a nice little fort which my daughter loves.  It does come with a cover for the sandbox which is a must.  Now if I can just get the kids to actually cover it up when done playing with it!

Pros

The pros of this playcenter are: its made of tough plastic (no maintenance),   it has nice features, its easy to assemble (only took us one person but two would make it a bit easier), seems very safe.  Cons:  the wood on the rope ladder is wearing out (no protective coating on it), flimsy in spots (not for heavy/older kids),  sometimes the drainage of water is not the best on it.

These playsets range from the low 700’s to retail of $1200.  I know you buy this Little Tikes Outdoor Playhouse for under $1000 and online for around $720 with free shipping.  It will come with several different boxes and you will need a truck or trailer to bring it home.  I would shop around to get the best deal because I know several stores carry them.  I like having this playground set and knowing that its safe and I don’t have to worry about my kids or the neighbor’s kids when they play on it.

There are many types of kids cardboard playhouse plans but if you have a daughter or daughters for that matter, a princess playhouse plan would be a very good idea. For the more posh parents, a luxury playhouse is suggested.

Boys can play with cardboard playhouses as well so if you have sons make kids cardboard playhouse plans inspired by the outdoors. Cardboard houses are the most basic type of playhouses. They are the easiest to build (and dismantle, when the kids grow out of it) but they are also very fragile. Outdoor playhouses can be purchased in any kids' store and you can even buy a plastic one for only $50 if you do not want a cardboard one. If you want a massive structure for a playhouse, you can spend more than the $50 budget to say, maybe thousands so you can have a few rooms, a kitchen and maybe even a garage for your kids' playhouse.

An outdoor playhouse is the best if it has a lot of rooms in it. If you do not want plastic playhouses, you can even get wooden playhouses or inflatable playhouses.

Whatever your kids want for the holidays or maybe for their birthdays, kids cardboard playhouse plans will be something that they will thank you so much for. There is nothing like a playhouse for having fun. As a child, having a playhouse is just pure delight. It is a place where kids can have fun and just "play house". They can even invite their friends to their playhouse if they want to. You have to remember though that the playhouse should be big enough for a lot of children to play in.

If you are a history buff or just love Victorian structures, you can get a Victorian playhouse for your kids as well. If your kids are all boys, a log cabin playhouse will be the best choice. If you want it to be more adventurous, you can purchase a pirate ship playhouse. Do not worry about the plans because there are many designs available both in stores and in online shopping malls.

You can even build the playhouse yourself so that everything is custom made. In fact, you can have your children participate in the construction of their playhouse. It will be a fun thing to do with the kids and you will be giving them one of the best gifts a child can ever have -a playhouse!

Styles of  Kids Outdoor Playgrounds

When it comes to purchasing an outdoor playhouse, the first consideration should be safety. Other important considerations are size and price, and of course, the interest of the child or children for whom it is being purchased. While a princess playhouse might delight a 6-year-old girl, a boy of the same age is more likely to prefer a log cabin playhouse to act out his imaginative play. There are many playhouses on the market targeted toward specific genders but there are also playhouses that will work for either or both equally well.

KidKraft and Little Tikes, among others, create some very nice plastic playhouses for younger children. These are popular in daycares as well. Safe, economical and fun, these are great for toddlers, but are often quickly outgrown, unlike some of the other styles.

An inflatable playhouse is fun, it is safe, it provides year round fun and encourages kids to be active and expend energy bouncing around on it and in it. There are many different types of inflatable playhouses from around $100 clear up to the luxury playhouse options that can be nearly $2000. A luxury inflatable playhouse usually includes slides and tunnels, tents and other obstacles that make it more versatile and fun. For instance, the Ninja Jump Castle 11 inflatable playhouse offers portability in spite of a large size, a great interactive setup and assures that children will have a bouncing good time. It can accommodate up to ten children at a time and is enjoyed by boys and girls alike.

A wooden playhouse is a great choice as it offers unparalleled versatility. There are many different types of wooden playhouses. A Victorian playhouse made of wood is a charming retreat that really allows a child to play house. The kits for a luxury Victorian playhouse can run from around $450 to several thousand dollars for the more elite and complex designs. A simple wooden playhouse can be purchased for under $500 and it will provide many hours of safe and imaginative play for boys and girls. From country cottage playhouses to the popular log cabin playhouse, a wooden playhouse is a great way to get children out in the yard away from the television and video game systems.

Whether a person chooses to purchase a plastic playhouse, a wooden playhouse in one of many different styles available, or an inflatable playhouse, there are numerous options on the market today that offer different features. Purchasing one of these great playhouses for a kids outdoor playground is an investment in the good health and imagination of a growing child.

Obviously, all outdoor playhouses were designed to hold up following exposure to the elements. A number of such playhouses can be described as wooden playhouses. Yet not every wooden playhouse fits comfortably into a garden setting. Not every playhouse made out of wood offers the same benefits as the garden playhouse.

In the past, a princess used to leave the castle and wander through the palace gardens. Thus, a princess deserves a garden. Still, not every princess playhouse comes with a garden. Such a playhouse might not even fit comfortably into a garden setting. Only a playhouse that was meant to be placed in a garden can put a “Daddy’s princess” close to a garden.

In the book The Secret Garden, one can see how a playhouse in a garden offers more than the most expensive luxury playhouse. In that book, a young girl creates a garden in the yard of an expensive home. A sick boy lies depressed inside of that same home. While his home had many of the same features as a Victorian playhouse, that young man did not feel happy and content. The heroine of the story lifted that ailing boy’s spirits, when she showed him her secret garden.

Now creators of the inflatable playhouse might be able to claim that a child can get a lift from enjoyment of their air filled playhouse. Still, that would not be the sort of lift that the young boy in The Secret Garden received, when he stepped into his female friend’s secret garden. She showed him how to work with seeds and soil and thus create a living wonder.

In fact, that young man experienced the thrill much like that experienced by those who built and lived in the log cabins of America. Those primitive buildings, structures after which today’s log cabin playhouse was modeled, sat next to a family garden. Much of the produce used on the family’s meal table came from that garden.

Nothing quite compares with the fascination that seems to shine forth whenever one watches the creation of life. The emergence of a plant from the soil represents part of the cycle of life. A child witnessing the growth of plants in a garden can feel assured that he or she will grow into an adult. At the same time, that child can learn the importance of caring for any living thing.

That is the reason that every child deserves exposure to the act of gardening. One sure way to encourage a child to do some gardening is to provide that child with access to a garden playhouse.

Due to the lower cost of materials and modern manufacturing methods, a playhouse can be made in almost any configuration and be relatively inexpensive, or cost a small fortune. Some people still prefer the classic wooden playhouse while others prefer a more modern design. Victorian playhouses are designed to replicate old style Victorian houses and can be made of wood or plastic. There are log cabin playhouses and inflatable playhouses are available. You can even have a luxury playhouse custom made to your specifications. We have seen outdoor playhouses so large that they could double as a guest house.

As with most things these days, the construction and use of an outdoor playhouse raises questions of safety and security. A playhouse made of plastic or rigid foam can have round corners and softer surfaces to avoid severe damage to a child who may fall or be pushed into a wall surface. Some luxury playhouses are wired for electricity and have indoor plumbing. Care must be taken to eliminate the possibility of shock to curious junior playhouse owners attempting to copy daddies’ do-it-yourself lifestyle. Often a modern playhouse will have many of the more common playground activities built in. A slide, swing, or climbing ladder can increase the danger level if poorly constructed. When considering an outdoor playhouse for your child you should pay careful attention to the quality of construction. A poorly constructed playhouse will be more dangerous. Built in sandboxes can attract stray animals and be a haven for ticks, fleas, rodents and disease. For younger children, regular supervision may be needed. Security is a concern in areas where crime is more common. An unattended child is in just as much danger in their own back yard as they would be if left alone in a shopping mall. Fortunately, wireless security cameras are reasonably priced and available at most electronics outlets.

An outdoor playhouse can be purchased through many stores. A quick internet search will show dozens of stores offering free shipping and steep discounts. The local shopping center will also have many stores with displays so your child can see what style they like best. Most will have a option for delivery and setup, either free or for minor cost.

The outdoor playhouse is found in all types of neighborhoods from the inner city to the country. While it appears that most children are glued to the TV set or computer these days, there is an age group that still prefers spending time outdoors. For them an outdoor playhouse can be a castle or fort from which they can launch great adventures.

One should first ask themselves how much actual building they would like to do. If you are someone who has access to tools and the knowledge to use them, a sturdy wooden playhouse that requires some assembly may be the best option in terms of durability. These outdoor playhouses will often be sold disassembled, and will require the purchaser to put together the pre-fabricated parts. In most cases, this is not a complicated project, but it may take the better part of an afternoon. For those who would rather avoid assembly, an inflatable playhouse is a great idea. These playhouses are light and relatively sturdy. Just place them on a level surface, inflate them for a few minutes, and they are ready to be used.

An outdoor playhouse may cost anywhere from $100 to more than $25,000. Many of the leading children’s toy manufacturers make high quality models that are priced at the lower end of this range. However, if you are looking for one of the two-story custom made wooden playhouses that are currently on offer, the prices will begin to climb drastically. These playhouses are marketed as mini-mansions and they live up to this billing. Some customers commission playhouses that look like versions of their home in miniature, while others allow their children to meet with the company’s architects to design the home of their dreams. The cost of this luxury playhouse typically includes the cost of installation.

Even just a few years ago, the options for playhouse style and décor were relatively limited. Most models featured walls in brightly colored plastic or faux window boxes and gardens. Now, one can find a playhouse in many of the popular home styles. Parents who live on wooded properties love the log cabin playhouse design, which is beautiful and well built enough to look more like a guest house than a children’s play house. A Princess playhouse includes not just the house itself, but a front pouch on which your child can entertain all her guests. These little homes will look beautiful in any yard, and you will be reluctant to take them down after your child has outgrown them.

For more information on how to decorate a playhouse, consider looking through the look books of one of the leading playhouse companies online.

You can purchase a country cottage playhouse in a variety of sizes, styles and type of materials used. An inexpensive outdoor playhouse can cost as little as $199.99. Little Tikes company offers an outdoor cottage style playhouse in this price range. The cottage has windows, Dutch door in the front and is made of durable plastic. It comes in a variety of colors.

You may be looking for a princess playhouse for that special little girl. Available from many retailers in several sizes you can spend upwards to $1,999.99 for a solid wood unit with floors, windows and a front porch. Of course any princess cottage will come in different shades of pink! There are also inexpensive fabric princess playhouses that are sturdy enough for outdoor use and indoor use. The fabric is place over metal frames and gives the playhouse that fairy tale look. Check on the internet for prices from a variety of stores.

Inflatable playhouses are a economical way of getting a playhouse. Some are designed for year round use and can withstand most weather conditions. Prices start at $89.95 and have a large door and windows as well. Some inflatable playhouses will also be equipped with the bouncing floor for added fun.

Little Tikes company offers a log cabin playhouse with Dutch doors, shutters, a pretend grill and fireplace for added fun. You can also find actual cedar and wood log cabins that will be more expensive. Babies R Us offers a plastic model for over three hundred dollars and comes with a chimney.

If you are looking for a Victorian playhouse, you can find different designs and styles. Some, made from plastic can vary in price depending on the size. A wooden Victorian playhouse may cost over nine hundred dollars and comes complete with picket fence, steeped roofs, flower boxes and Victorian style design.

Most playhouses require some kind of assembly. The wooden playhouses normally come as kits that require more assembly. The manufacturer provides detailed instructions, which will make the assembly easier. The great thing about the wooden playhouse kits is that you can paint them any color you want, either to match your home, or get creative with your child. You can also build your own wooden playhouse by purchasing designs and plans for as little as $5.95 and purchase your own materials.

If you have an unlimited budget, you can hire a company to custom design and build your outdoor playhouse. These playhouses range in price from $3,500 to over $30,000, depending on the size, materials and accessories. These luxury playhouses can have running water, cable, wireless internet, heating, cooling and of course TV’s. With elegant furnishings and carpeted or hard wood floors, these life size playhouses are amazing.

Whichever type of playhouse you choose; your child will surely spend hours enjoying it. Whether a log cabin or a country cottage playhouse, you will love watching your child and their imagination soar.

This has several benefits, as you can create the playhouse to your own specifications, meaning if you want the house to have more than one room, or to be two stories, there are likely plans for that. In fact, there are custom playhouse plans for all styles of playhouse, from log cabin playhouses to outdoor playhouses, which fit in well in the backyard. If you are not sure which style of playhouse your child would like, there are regular custom playhouse plans, which will allow you to exercise your own creative brain and build in a style you think your child would like.

If you have a little girl and you are looking for the perfect style of playhouse for her, you might want to consider the princess playhouse. Many of these playhouses are built in the style of a castle, so as she plays, she can pretend she is a princess and have the time of her life while having tea with her friends. If the princess playhouse is not her style, there are also Victorian playhouse styles which resemble old-fashioned houses with gables which you might find in New England or the like. It offers a unique look that will look great in your yard and will inspire your child to be creative with their own "home".

Luxury playhouses are also in great demand, as they come with many of the amenities, which you would find in your own house. These are usually equipped with a small bed, a TV, a mini style microwave, and other luxuries, which would have you wondering if your child still lives with you! However, these luxury playhouses are not cheap, so if you are considering one, you should make sure it is within your budget and is in the style your child would like.

Any child would love to have their own space, which is available for themselves and their friends, so if you are still on the fence about purchasing a playhouse, or building your own playhouse using custom playhouse plans, then you should consider how happy your child would be with such a space. Once the playhouse is built, you could find it hard to get your child to come out of the playhouse, especially if it has many of the luxuries, which are outlined here. No matter what style of playhouse you decide to build or purchase for your child, it will likely be the best gift ever.