Play tents can be a first step into gaining independence, says Elanna Yalow, Ph.D., chief academic officer at KinderCare. “It is great for kids to have a special space that they feel is just for them, whether they use it to organize their stuffed animals in their own way or to hold secret office meetings with their friends. It provides a great base for their unstructured play,” she tells Verywell Family. To select the best play tents and forts for kids, we spoke with a pediatrician and an expert in child psychology about the benefits of play tents and pretend play. We also made sure that our top picks are safe, sturdy, and easy to assemble, keeping multiple age ranges in mind. The tent is available in several neutral and pastel shades, so it’ll work well with most color schemes. To assemble, connect the poles as directed and then cover the structure with the tent fabric, which is machine washable in case of spills. Price at time of publication: $100 This budget-friendly tent has a “sunroof” on the top that kids can peek out of to survey their surroundings, and the front windshield features Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, Fred, and Scooby. Price at time of publication: $30 Plus, a music box in the shape of the CoComelon logo is attached to the outside and plays “The Wheels on the Bus” with the push of a button. No tools are required to assemble this play tent—it pops into place right out of the box. Price at time of publication: $35 Your preschooler will get plenty of playtime in this homey tent, which is decorated like a house with a bird bath, a tire swing, and other lovely illustrations on the sides. The mesh fabric on the windows and roof let in plenty of light, so they can use the tent as a private reading nook or play pretend to their heart’s content. Price at time of publication: $65 Large enough for three or four kids, this tent has two doors and windows that roll up or down, allowing for easy entrance and also hiding out. Assembly is simple—just screw the poles together and pull the tent over them. As a bonus for caregivers, the cloth portion of this tent is machine washable, so it’s easy to clean up if your kiddos choose to use it for outdoor play during the warmer months. Price at time of publication: $39 To put it together, just assemble the poles, and the tent pops right up. It also has a roll-up door that kiddos can open and close and two porthole windows to peep through for lots of fun play. The tent should easily fit two kids without squeezing. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $199 Price at time of publication: $33 To assemble, insert the foldable poles into the fabric and secure them with ties. When it’s time to stow it away, the tent twists down to fit into the included carrying tote. Plus, the ship has mesh windows and small rocket ship wings on the sides for an added touch of whimsy. Price at time of publication: $55 Pine wood poles slip into the tent to support the machine-washable fabric, and the flaps on the front open and close. Though it comes with a floor mat, the mat doesn’t connect to the tent itself. Two kids can comfortably fit inside. Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $55 This toy pulls double duty: Kids can use their problem-solving skills to build the fort, then use their imaginations for creative play inside their cabin. Price at time of publication: $99 Price at time of publication: $50 This fort can be inflated in around 30 seconds using a box fan (not included). When it’s inflated, kids simply lift up the edge to crawl under. This fort can easily accommodate four smaller kids and will stand up to heavy use, as there are no poles or posts to break. Price at time of publication: $60 Though it looks just like a camping tent, it’s meant just for play, not outdoor overnights. Price at time of publication: $46 All of our top picks create great environments for encouraging pretend play, which is an essential part of a child’s development and growing up. “Playing house [and pretend play are things] that kids tend to gravitate to as they begin to explore their imagination and mimicking the world and people around them,” says Dr. Diamond.
What to Look for in Play Tents and Forts for Kids
Age Recommendations
When shopping for a play tent or fort for a kid, make sure to check the brand’s recommended age range to ensure the kiddo can play in it safely. For younger kids, you’ll also want to make sure there aren’t any small parts, says Dr. Yalow. “When buying toys, tents, or playhouses for your child, it is important parents follow age guidelines as many toys may have small parts,” since small parts may pose a choking risk to children younger than the designated age range, she explains. You should also stay close by while little ones are playing in a tent, especially if you’re caring for toddlers or younger kids. “Parents should…make sure to readily observe their children in any play structure, to ensure their ongoing safety,” Dr. Yalow tells Verywell Family.
Size
All of the play tents on our list are meant to be used indoors, so it’s necessary to measure the space you plan to put the tent in before you place your order. Be sure to check the dimensions of the product when you’re ready to make your purchase. It’s also worth considering your children’s height. If you have the space, you may opt for a play tent they could grow into, but keep in mind that a tent that’s too big could be intimidating to a smaller child. A fort-building kit like the Crazy Forts! play set or the Hearthsong cardboard fort kit are great options because they can be customized and grow with your child, although younger kids will need your help putting them together.
Assembly
Most play tents and houses will require some assembly by caregivers. When shopping for a play tent, look for an option with clear instructions, intuitive steps, and no unnecessary components. A well-designed tent should be fairly straightforward to assemble. A pop-up tent like the Bluey Pop-N-Fun is pretty easy to assemble, but if you want a tent that builds itself in 30 seconds (with the help of a box fan), the Original Air Fort is the way to go.
Sturdiness
Play tents and playhouses should be well constructed and made from solid materials to ensure kids’ safety. We chose options that are crafted from high-quality materials so caregivers can feel confident that their kid’s play tent is sturdy enough to withstand playtime. It’s also important to note that all of the tents and forts on our list are intended for play—none of these picks should be used for camping or as a shelter.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parent, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. You may also choose to go fully DIY. “Utilize household items to foster pretend play,” Dr. Yalow suggests. “A shipping box can become a sailboat, a cottage, a fairy world, or a race car when paired with a child’s big imagination.” Some pop-up tents come with a round carrying case to store it when folded, or you can stow a flattened tent in a closet or corner. Most play tents have a tab with a hook and loop closure to hold them in place when folded down, since the tension of the poles will try to push them back into shape. (This also makes it easy to pop the tent back into shape next time your kiddo wants to use it.)
