Play tents can be a lot of fun for kids. A tent allows them to use their imagination while having a space of their own to play. Just ask my six-year-old, who has five of them. She absolutely loves them. We rotate her tents out every so often, so she doesn’t get bored. She gets to be her favorite princess, a damsel in distress, or go on an adventure. She’ll spend hours reading to her stuffed animals and baby dolls inside her play tent. It’s adorable.
There are many different types of tents, so it’s best to decide in advance what style you want. For example, if your child is into rocket ships, definitely get them the Playz 5-in-1 Rocket Ship Play Tent. This playhouse has a detailed rocket cockpit design for out-of-this-world astronaut imaginative play. Plus, it comes with games to keep your child entertained for hours.
If your family is into princesses and castles, the Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls is a must-have. This is one of the tents my daughter has. We leave this one up all the time because she loves to read to her favorite stuffed animals inside of it.
Note: In addition to being our reader’s favorites, these tents are heavily discounted this Black Friday.
Below I will show you a few other choices you might want to consider. Some have ball pits, others have tunnels. You can find them with string lights or in the shape of teepees. There are so many options, but you don’t need to stress about finding the right one for your child. That’s why I’m here. I’ve researched, so I can show you the best kids playhouse tents on the market today.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in a Kids Tent?
- Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Kids Tent
- Our Top Picks for the Best Kids Tent of 2024
- #1: Playz 5-in-1 Rocket Ship Play Tent (Best Rocket Ship)
- #2: Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls (Best Princess Castle)
- #3: KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set (Best Value)
- #4: Kids Galaxy Tent & 4 Tunnel Combo (Best Premium)
- #4: USA Toyz Under The Sea Kids Tent (Best Low Cost)
- #6: 3 in 1 Kid Play Tent with Play Tunnel (Best Tent With Ball Pit)
- #7: Playz 5-Piece Kids Pop up Play Tent (Best for Younger Kids)
- #8: Orian Teepee Tent For Kids (Best Teepee Tent)
- How to Make a Tent at Home
- Verdict: Your Best Kids Tent
What Should I Look for in a Kids Tent?
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider before making your play tent purchase. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping at a store like Target or IKEA or on Amazon, you’ll want to factor in these criteria before you buy. I’ve listed them below for easy reference.
Criteria #1: Is it age-appropriate?
Most tents are designed for children of all ages. However, some playhouses come with star lights, door ties, or other parts that may not be suitable for younger children.
Criteria #2: Is the play tent easy to assemble?
Look for a tent that is easy to put together. This is especially important if the tent isn’t going to be a permanent fixture in your child’s playroom.
Criteria #3: What type of material is the tent made of?
These tents are typically made of polyester or cotton canvas or fabric material. Keep this in mind if your child has any allergies. They are usually pretty safe for children with allergies, but you should always look for any adverse reactions.
Criteria #4: Where will the tent be located?
Decide where you’ll put the tent before you make your purchase. Is it going to go inside a bedroom or playroom? Will it be located in a permanent spot or will you take it down when it’s not being used? You’ll also need to consider the size of the tent. The last thing you want is a tent that won’t fit in the designated spot.
Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Kids Tent
I’ve determined the best kids’ tents by looking at several factors. These include my own experience with my daughter’s tents as well as the product reviews. You can tell a lot about a product by what other parents have to say about it. I also compared the prices to the features.
Our Top Picks for the Best Kids Tent of 2024
#1: Playz 5-in-1 Rocket Ship Play Tent (Best Rocket Ship)
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 14.7 x 14.4 x 2.5 inches
Watch as your little boys blast into space with their rocket ship play tent. They’ll have loads of fun playing inside. Their imaginations will have them traveling the universe in no time.
Comes With Games
This playhouse comes with games to keep your child entertained for hours. They’ll have a blast (pun intended) playing with their Space Dart Board, Tic Tac Toe, Circuit Maze, and What’s Your Monster Alien Name?
Decent Size
Like the other tents featured on this list, this tent is a decent size. It can hold up to three children and is tall enough that a four or five-year-old can stand upright inside without bumping their heads.
Excellent Materials
The Playz 5-in-1 Rocket Ship Play Tent has been double stitched, creating unbreakable seams. Also, the tent poles feature thick padded steel frames with reinforced flexible fiberglass poles. This tent is going to be around for years to come.
Warranty
Similar to the KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set, this also comes with a warranty. They offer a six-month extended warranty on all of their products.
Review
Parents say these products are an amazing way for boys to use their imaginations and have fun. Kids love the included games and spend hours enjoying their pretend time in space.
#2: Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls (Best Princess Castle)
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 55 x 55 x 53 inches
The Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls is every little girl’s dream. They’ll feel like a princess spending time playing in this playhouse with their friends or just relaxing with their favorite stuffed animals.
Castle Design
The little girl in your life is going to love this castle-inspired play tent. They will have their own private area for entertaining, reading, and relaxing by themselves.
Lights
This kids’ tent comes with a strand of fairy lights. Your little girl will transport herself into a fairy wonderland with this playhouse.
Fits Multiple Children
Similar to the Pacific Play Tents, this playhouse is also large enough to fit more than one child. She’ll be able to invite her best friends over to play with her stuffed animals and realistic dolls inside her very own personal castle.
Durable
This tent is made with a polyester blend fabric with delicate sewing.
Indoor/Outdoor
This is great for both indoor and outdoor use. The many screens on the tent provide for breathability and help to shield your child from the elements when used outdoors. They also allow you to be able to monitor their playtime. To clean this tent, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Review
Parents agree that this is a cute tent for their little girls. They say it’s made with quality, sturdy materials and is large enough to fit multiple children inside at once. This is one of the tents my daughter has. We usually leave this one up all the time because she loves to read to her favorite stuffed animals inside of it. A must-have for young girls.
#3: KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set (Best Value)
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 11.81 x 11.81 x 3.94 inches
If your children love adventures, this is the tent for them. They can pretend to explore their favorite make-believe places or discover new far-off lands. Watch your children’s imaginations go wild with this playhouse.
Indoor/Outdoor Tent
This tent is perfect for both indoor or outdoor use. It comes with its own drawstring carrying bag for easy travel, making it perfect to take to outdoor events or when traveling away from home.
Pop-Up
This is a pop-up play tent that is easy to put up and take down with little to no effort. As a bonus, older kids can easily do it on their own if they happen to be helping you clean the house.
Develops Skills
Not only does this camping play tent allow for imaginative play, it also helps kids develop their communication, cooperation, creativity, and fine motor skills.
Comes With Accessories
This KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set comes with all the items that any kid will need for their next camping adventure. It includes a hat, binoculars, a gas stove, plates, a compass, a flashlight, and more. These toys are made of thick, eco-safe BPA-free plastic with round edges, so you don’t have to worry about your child getting injured.
Has a Warranty
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month warranty for all kids tent camping sets.
Review
This product has received excellent assessments from parents everywhere. Their children love to play in their camping tent. It’s durable and can hold up to even the most rambunctious little one. The extra toys are just an added benefit.
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 48 x 48 x 42 inches
This tent has a glow-in-the-dark dome design. It also has four tunnel ports that are easy to put together. Your children will love the galaxy stars and space theme of this tent.
Glow in the Dark
Your children will be begging to stay awake with this tent in their room. The glow-in-the-dark space galaxy graphics will stimulate their imaginations and encourages hours of playtime.
Large Size
Pacific Play Tents has plenty of room for more than one child. You won’t have to worry about who’s turn it is to play in the tent ever again. You’re welcome.
Easy Assembly
The dome tent, with its two color-coded, G-3 super poles and coordinating pole sleeves, is easy to assemble and can be put together in just a few minutes. It can be easily folded up for storage.
Tunnels
The tunnels have interior padding around the spring-steel construction, providing extra comfort when your little ones are crawling through. The tunnels can also be folded away with the tent.
Review
These tents get major kudos from parents. Their kids love the “space station” effect of the glow-in-the-dark space graphics in both the tent and the tunnels. It brings out the imagination of kids everywhere. While I haven’t bought this playhouse yet, it’s on my list. My daughter has developed a love of astronomy and the stars, and I think she’ll absolutely love this one.
#4: USA Toyz Under The Sea Kids Tent (Best Low Cost)
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 15.94 x 13.7 x 2.13 inches
Don’t discount this playhouse just because it comes at a lower cost than the other tents on this list. Your little one will love the underwater theme and coziness this tent provides.
Foldable Tent Poles
This playhouse is easy to assemble with foldable tent poles. There’s no need for extra tools. The detailed instructions with illustrations are included in the user manual, so you won’t be stuck trying to figure out what goes where.
Spacious
Comparable to the Pacific Play Tents and the Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls, this tent has enough room for three children to play in at once.
Easy to Monitor
Like the Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls, you’ll be able to easily monitor your children with the tie-back door. The mesh windows provide plenty of breathability for your child.
Quality Materials
This playhouse is also made of quality, water-resistant polyester fabric that’s easy to clean. All it takes is a damp cloth with some mild soap and water and you’re done.
Review
Parents and grandparents agree that this playhouse is a good tent for toddlers and small children. Their little ones are mesmerized by the under-the-water design and get hours of playtime out of it.
#6: 3 in 1 Kid Play Tent with Play Tunnel (Best Tent With Ball Pit)
Recommended age: 3 and up
Size: 16.5 x 13.5 x 2.75 inches
This ocean-themed playhouse features a pop-up fort with a tunnel port that leads to a ball pit. Your child will love crawling through the tunnel and have so much fun playing in the ball pit, they won’t ever want to get out.
Ball Pit
Your kids will have so much fun traveling the tunnels to reach the ball pit for even more excitement.
Pop-Up Fort
The pop-up fort is made with the highest quality of the softest polyester fabric and thick steel wiring. It’s a soft fabric with breathable mesh walls and a flexible padded structure that ensures your child will have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Tunnel
The tunnel port is a great way for your little one to build arm and leg strength as well as gross motor skills as they crawl their way through the tunnel to the ball pit area.
Comes With a Carrying Bag
Like the KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set, the 3 in 1 Kid Play Tent with Play Tunnel folds away for easy storage and comes with its own carrying bag, so you can take it with you on the go.
Review
Perfect for children three and up, parents and grandparents say their children love hiding in the fort before taking off through the tunnels to have fun in the ball pit.
#7: Playz 5-Piece Kids Pop up Play Tent (Best for Younger Kids)
Recommended age: 18 months and up
Size: 19.25 x 19.25 x 2.75 inches
Tents, tunnels, and ball pits. What more could a kid ask for? This Playz playset has it all. Whether you set this up in a playroom or a safe space outside, this playset will provide tons of fun.
Suitable for Younger Kids
Unlike the other playhouses on this list, this play tent is designed with the younger child in mind as well as the older kids. Where most are recommended for those three years and up, this has a recommended age of 18 months and up.
Maze
This playhouse is a maze of fun. The interchangeable pieces allow you to customize this playset into dozens of different combinations.
Basketball Hoop
The teepee tent features five mesh net holes and a basketball hoop with a cool ball return funnel. Your kids are going to have fun playing a variety of different games.
Ground Anchors
This tent comes with ground anchors that make it perfect for outdoor use, even on a windy day.
Review
This product has excellent ratings. Parents say this is one of the best playhouses they’ve bought for their kids, calling it a must-have. We also have this playhouse, and my daughter and grandkids love this. The smaller children love crawling through the tunnels, and they have a blast in the ball pit.
#8: Orian Teepee Tent For Kids (Best Teepee Tent)
Recommended age: 12 months and up
Size: 59 x 45 x 45 inches
The Orian Teepee Tent for Kids is the perfect addition to any bedroom or play space, and it’s great for kids of all ages. It’s got a soft feel and has a great design to it.
Teepee Tent
Coming in the shape of a teepee, your little one can enjoy relaxing, reading, or drawing in the privacy of his or her own tent.
LED Star Lights
The LED star string lights that are included along with a dream catcher provide the perfect ambiance and are a great addition to any room decor.
Super Strong Materials
This play teepee is easy to put together and is made of super-strong, tear-resistant fabric. The 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend is non-toxic and safe for your little ones.
Carry Bag
Similar to the 3 in 1 Kid Play Tent with Play Tunnel and the KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set, this playhouse also has a carrying bag, so you can take the teepee with you anywhere.
Review
Parents say this teepee is cute and super fun for their child. It’s made with quality materials and is worth the cost. My daughter also has this teepee design for my granddaughter’s bedroom. She’s only two but already loves to play inside.
How to Make a Tent at Home
If you’d rather make your own tent or teepee at home, all you need are a few supplies.
For a teepee tent, wrap a piece of cloth around the top of three long poles, securing them together. Drape the fabric of your choosing around the outside of the three poles and . . . bam . . . you have a makeshift teepee.
If you’re looking to make a fun tent for your kids, grab some wood and design it into any shape or form that your kids will love, and add fabric. It’s that simple. It doesn’t need to be an intensive project. You can make it into the shape of a castle for your little princess or into a rocket ship for your space adventurer. Add a string of fairy lights or star lights for a dramatic effect your kids will love.
Want to make it even more simple? Find things from around the house. Use chairs instead of poles and drape blankets over them. Add pillows to the inside for a cozy place to hang out. Make stars out of construction paper and hang them with yarn.
Verdict: Your Best Kids Tent
Just in case you skipped to the bottom, I’ve taken the time to list our top playhouse tents here:
If you’re looking for the best value, choose the KAQINU 33 PCS Kids Camping Set.
If you want a premium tent, pick the Pacific Play Tents.
If you’re buying for a girl, choose the Wilwolfer Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls.
If you want to keep it under $20, pick the USA Toyz Under The Sea Kids Tent.
If you’re buying for a boy, choose the Playz 5-in-1 Rocket Ship Play Tent.
If you’re looking for the best tent with a ball pit, pick the 3 in 1 Kid Play Tent with Play Tunnel.
If you’re looking for the best tent with tunnels, choose the Playz 5-Piece Kids Pop up Play Tent.
If you want a teepee tent, choose the Orian Teepee Tent For Kids.
Whether you choose to search for your kid’s tent at stores like Target or IKEA or place an order at an online site such as Amazon, look for a playhouse with fiberglass poles and cotton canvas to ensure it lasts a long time. Look for a tent that is easy to store away, especially if you don’t plan on leaving it out continuously. Find a design your kids can enjoy. Something functional but still relaxing. Remember, a tent is like a little sanctuary they have to call their own.
