How to Provide the Perfect Cubby House for Your Kids
A cubby house is not merely a backyard playhouse—it’s a kingdom of imagination where kids’ fantasies are brought to life. Fairy-tale castles, forbidden clubhouses, or something else again—a cubby house provides kids with a world of their own where they can dream, play, and discover. Just like a Pikler Triangle, which encourages physical growth and imaginative play indoors, a cubby house creates a space where creativity and independence flourish in the backyard.
But with so many various styles, sizes, and materials available nowadays, selecting that ideal cubby house for your children appears to be a Herculean effort. To remove a little headache from the process, we have provided below an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to buying a cubby house that will suit your family lifestyle needs, budget, and needs.
1. Know Your Child’s Needs and Interests
Take a few minutes before you go shopping to reflect on your child’s personality, age, and play style.
- Toddlers (1–3 years) need simple, low-to-the-ground cubbies with wide doorways and open configurations for visibility and security.
- Preschoolers (3–5 years) will likely appreciate cubbies with fantasy themes such as kitchens, castles, or stores.
- Older kids (6 years and older) might appreciate larger constructions with more amenities such as climbing walls, slides, or even separate rooms.
Observation of your child’s toys—like playing family, having a pretend kitchen, or creating forts—can lead you to the most desirable features and themes.
2. Select the Right Size and Placement
Your cubby house should be proportional to the requirements of your child and how large your yard is.
Mark the location where you are to put the cubby house, keeping some space around it for convenience and security. Remember the height of the cubby—especially when putting in equipment such as climbing steps and slides. Provide a nice view from the house so that you can monitor your children easily.
Place it on a level surface, preferably where it is shaded to avoid direct sunlight that would expose children to harm. If your land is small, use mini cubbies or raised ones with play spaces below them to save space.
3. Select a Safe and Durable Material
Cubby houses are most commonly made of wood, plastic, or metal, each having its own advantages: Wooden cubby houses are sturdy, strong, and have a natural ability to assimilate in the outdoors. Rot- and termite resistant wood is ideal. Plastic cubby homes are ideal for babies since they are lightweight and simple to assemble. They are easy to clean and weatherproof. Metal cubbies are not common but extremely durable. Make sure that every edge is smooth and that the material won’t corrode.
No matter what the material, select models that are Australian safety-rated (or yours) and non-toxic paint and robust fittings.
4. Think Design and Function
A cubby house can be as basic or as complex as your budget permits. Basic models can have one room and windows and a door, while the more sophisticated designs feature verandas, slides, chalkboards, or sandpits.
Popular items to include: Verandas or porches for sun and outdoor activity. Climbing walls, swings, or slides for exercise. Sets for the kitchen, mailboxes, or store counters for pretend play. Shutters over windows for ventilation and play. Loft or multi-level spaces for older kids.
Include potential expansion possibilities you’d like in the future, such as a separate room or playground equipment.
5. Consider Customization Opportunities
Some cubby houses also provide the option to personalize the building with paint, signs, or accessories. Involving your child in the naming or decoration of their cubby house makes it a memorable experience.
Ideas for personalization:
- Ask your child to choose the theme or color of the paint.
- Trim out nameplates, curtains, or pot plants.
- Add seasonal decorations to revitalize the play experience with a change over the course of the year.
6. Evaluate Ease of Assembly and Maintenance
When you buy a cubby house from Lifespan Kids, determine if the cubby house is a DIY kit or needs to be installed by professionals. The majority of kits include instructions and hardware, but double-check: Estimated time to assemble and tools required.
If the surface must be prepared in advance (e.g., a concrete pad or leveled grass). What maintenance is required, particularly for wooden cubbies, which will need sealing or repainting over time. Plastic cubbies tend to be less maintenance-intensive, but if properly cared for, wooden cubbies have a longer lifespan.
7. Select a Reasonable Budget
Cubby houses range in price from less than $200 for basic plastic cubbies to over $2,000 for handcrafted wooden playhouses. Set your budget and attempt to select models that offer the best bang for your buck without compromising on safety or quality.
Remember the cost of installation and delivery. And any other extras such as sandpits or accessories. Remember also the upkeep cost later on.
A cubby house is a worthwhile investment in your child’s happiness and development, so pick one which is fun, useful, and within budget.
Purchase The Ideal Cubby House for Your Children
Purchasing the ideal cubby house for your children is not merely a matter of appearance—it’s about creating a secure, interesting, and whimsical place in which your child can play, discover, and thrive.
Within minutes, by focusing on their age, passions, and your property, you can choose a cubby house that becomes part of your family’s backyard culture. Whether pirate ship, fairy house, or simply a humble retreat, the proper cubby house will create hours and hours of sheer fun and adventure.
