Today a young girl’s outdoor playhouse castle can be just that. There was a time when the outdoor playhouse was an old refrigerator box behind the garage or some old boards nailed in the crook of a tree. It took imagination to create a castle and the knights and ladies needed to populate this magic realm.
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.