What to Look for When Purchasing Playhouses

Playhouses can bring years of fun to the lives of your children. They can help foster your kids social development and imaginations all from the safety of your backyard. Use these helpful tips when choosing a playhouse for your family: Where will you put the playhouse? If you decide to have an outdoor playhouse it must be durable enough to withstand the elements. It should be easily accessible and located in a place where you feel completely comfortable letting your children play. Consider the amount of sunlight and shade the playhouse will receive during different seasons and how you want the structure to blend in with the landscape. Select a playhouse size that is appropriate for its use. The playhouse should be big enough to accommodate the number of children wholl be using it, but not so large that it overwhelming. Carefully measure the dimensions of the playhouse against the space where you intend to put it. Check the durability and safety of the playhouses construction. Safe playhouses lack sharp corners, have Plexiglas windows and do not use pressure-treated wood. Check out the interior of the playhouse. Many include shelves, special furniture, hooks, seating and counters to help encourage your childrens imagination and make them feel comfortable with their new space. What would your kids like? Ask them directly for their feedback once youve narrowed down your selection.Here are my favorites!Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse $349.992006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner The perfect playhouse for imaginative and social play! With an around the town theme, this playhouse offers endless interactive role-play activities. Four different themed walls inspire creative and imaginative play.KidKraft Outdoor Cottage Playhouse $299.95Kids discover a brand new world where everything is sized perfectly just for them. With its detailed structure and high-quality construction, this fun hangout would be a great gift for any of the young explorers in your life. Product Features: Made of weather-resistant wood. Door opens and closes, wide windows open and close inside of house and includes a sink and convenient storage space--even a mailbox with a flag!Shop for affordable playhouses at Smarter.com. ... more