23 DIY Playhouse Ideas That Will Make Your Kids' Dreams Come True (2024)

Sometimes kids need a little encouragement to put down the iPad, step away from the Xbox, or press pause on the YouTube. But convincing them to go—and stay—outside can get tricky. So why not split the difference? Offer them the chance to get heaps of fresh air and enjoy the perks of having cover overhead with the perfect playhouse. (Think of it as the kid-friendly version of the tiny house craze.) A playhouse is the ideal place to foster creativity and allow imaginations to run wild. Whether you want to start from scratch with lumber from the hardware store or add some paint and accessories to spruce up a ready-made playhouse, we have plenty of ideas—from simple to stunning—to inspire creating the right space for your family. Maybe your little ones want to "play house" in a petite playhouse, serve up hash in a "diner" setting, or simply stretch out in a place all their own—we've got options! One thing: Before you start swinging a hammer, be sure to check your local zoning restrictions and homeowner's association guidelines to see if there are any rules or restrictions regarding the size or location of a backyard playhouse in your neck of the woods.

And while the kids are out of your hair, that could be just the right time to get their rooms nice and organized with desks and storage. Or on second thought, forget them! Set up your very own she-shed right next door to their playhouse. Then take some time to kick back with a cold drink and give yourself a pat on the back for all the screen-free time to come.

Mandy Roberson of Momma Society transformed a store-bought playhouse into a Palm Beach-inspired juice bar. She started with three coats of white paint (Ultra Pure White by Behr) and then added a piece of birch wood for the counter. She hot-glued striped fabric to two shelf brackets to create the awning.

Stylist, author, and TV host Emily Henderson enlisted the help of Lumpkin Custom Furniture to craft this spectacular castle playhouse. Emily added a slide, window box, and custom-made flags made with Sunbrella fabric.

Jenny Steffens Hobick of Everyday Occasions shares the full plans for this darling playhouse on her blog. She and her husband put it together in a weekend for about $600.

This fanciful A-frame playhouse by Elise Larson of A Beautiful Mess has just enough room for a play kitchen. It sits on a 6-foot-by-8-foot platform, which provides plenty of room for playing house. It also pairs perfectly with a mid-century playset. Find the complete DIY building plans on Elsie's blog.

Jennifer Maune of Maune Legacy won a custom-built playhouse from a school auction, and her kids really hit the jackpot. Jennifer started with these plans and added special details like columns on the front porch and fully functioning windows with screens. She had the builders raise the ceiling height to eight feet so the whole family can enjoy the space—no hunching required! Take a peek at Jennifer's decor inside the playhouse here.

Sarah Joy created this inventive indoor playhouse perfect for those days when it's too cold or rainy to play outside. Sarah took an awkward alcove (too small to be a closet) and gave it a fun face-lift, transforming it into a clubhouse for her kids.

Chelsey of Bright & Bold shares all of the details on her fun playhouse at Destination Nursery. Here, she decked it out for a (play)housewarming party!

Sherry and John Petersik of Young House Love agreed to leave this cedar playhouse unpainted to allow it to blend in to their wooded lot and match their brick home. They gave it solid footing by placing it on inexpensive pavers from The Home Depot.

Alli Ward of Made with Happy shares all of the how-to details of this affordable playhouse. (She estimates the cost at $300!) She even included a sitting area for grown-ups. The elevated playhouse also has a stage for impromptu performances. Alli used a shower curtain cut in half for the drapes—so they're both inexpensive and weather-resistant.

This playhouse by Jen Woodhouse of The House of Wood stands out among the rest. She added custom details like transom windows, tongue-and-groove paneling, and playful circle cutouts. Jen built the playhouse for about $250—plus a big helping of elbow grease. She shares the complete plans on her blog.

Robin Gay of All Things Heart and Home and her husband converted a closet into a charming playhouse that her granddaughters have come to adore. Cedar shingles add to the "outdoor" feel, and the quaint front door is painted Rhino by Behr.

Anisa Darnell of Truth & Co. dreamed up this playhouse for her girls, and her husband, dad, and brother put it together for less than $1,000 using materials from The Home Depot. In lieu of paint, Anisa opted to use a white deck stain (Silk Lining by Behr) for the entire structure.