Kids Playhouse Blog

Choosing seating for a kids playhouse should be more than just throwing some chairs its way. Where your kids rest their little bottoms is as important as any other furnishings or toys that are incorporated into the overall playhouse decor. A really cool type of seating that often has versatile utility is a stool. But not just any stool will do.

Automatically, when one mentions a stool, people think of a square with feet. Well, a Square stools can be just…square.  For your child’s favorite play space, go for a more zany, whimsical, and just plain old fun type of stool, or get inspired by one of these unusual stool suggestions:

Turn seating into a game with a set of Puzzle Stools! Puzzle Stools are designed to loosely interlock with each other when placed side-by-side. These stools are fantastic for use by multiple children that can use these toy-like seats to construct a string of stools or for a more interesting version of musical chairs! Some of the styles actually allow for interlocking on multiple sides of the stool, so there is even greater flexibility in the seating arrangement.

Go for a very “natural” stool such as a mushroom or flower! How cute is it for your child to have little mushrooms or daisies popping up all over his or her kids playhouse. There are some super sweet looking, nature inspired stools that can bring the forest inside of your child’s playhouse.

Mushroom or floral inspired stools can be purchased or you could make your own by securing a puffy and colorful cushion to the top of a basic round stool or heavy metal trash can. You could add fabric “petals” to the cushion to create any type of flower that you would like for your child to have.

Your families kids playhouse should be interesting and engaging for your children and their friends. Filling it with your own version of these wild stool designs may give it just the intrigue that you want. The truth is, children don’t always like to take stuff too seriously…especially when they are trying to get to the “bottom” of the fun!!

Technorati Tags: decorating a playhouse, Kids Playhouse, Stools and chairs for kids

Giving a kids playhouse a more comfortable and home-like feel is a goal that many families set for themselves. Creating a very warm atmosphere for your child’s playhouse doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. One great and easy way to add a fun yet classic look to your kids play house is by adding what has become a staple in real homes around the planet…a pretend fireplace.

What can make the hearth area of your wooden playhouse that you turn into a pretend fireplace even better is to design the fireplace so that it can be changed at any time. In essence, you would create an interchangeable fireplace for your child’s play house. Here’s how you can make it happen:

Plan out your hearth. Designate an area of the kids playhouse for the pretend fireplace. Design a hearth that would include fake flames, the look of wood logs, and a darkened background. This hearth can be made using felt that is affixed to the wall for a 3-dimensional appearance and to add texture.   If you want fake flames, hang gold, red and orange foil or tissue paper and get a small, battery-operated fan to make the flames move.

Use a variety of wall ornaments and textures to create 3-4 different fireplace surround themes. Wall decals that are designed to look like stones, bricks, tiles, and wood can be assembled to create the look that you and your child want for your kids playhouse. Your child may want the look of wood one day or a mix of tiles and bricks another day. By providing a number of different style alternatives, your child can try his or her hand at interior design as your child plans and arranges the fireplace parts.

Another option for creating an interchangeable fireplace surround is to use felt shapes that are made to look like masonry items such as river rocks and decorative tiles. In order to use the felt, you will need to create a cloth background that will allow the felt to stick to it. Imagine the possibilities. Add a bit of whimsy by providing your child will a multitude of colors and patterns.

Don’t forget the mantle.  You can use a wooden shelf or scone as the mantle so that your little one can place select valuable to be displayed over the fake fireplace.

Your child’s kids playhouse fireplace could become the focal point of his or her play space. Being able to make the fireplace look exactly like he or she wants will give your child an even greater feeling of pride knowing that he or she has made their playhouse look even more smashing! That is sure to make playing in their kids playhouse feel even more special!

Technorati Tags: decorating a playhouse, Fireplace for a kids playhouse, ideas for children's playhouses, Kids Playhouse

Your child’s kids playhouse can be an awesome place for him or her to spend their time. It is perfectly kid sized and allows for your little one to just relax and be a child when inside. However, during the winter months, playing inside of the playhouse could get a little too cold for your little one if you don’t weatherize that space.
Most people take for granted how important it is to weatherize the kids playhouse because they don’t view it as another “house”, but as just a play structure. In order to provide your child with long term usage, you will need to take the same steps for protecting it from the harsh winter weather that you take in your own home.

Here’s what you can do to keep the kids playhouse in tip top shape through the wintery season:

1.  Put plastic on the interior windows. There are some window films that can meld to the window to act as a barrier for the cold by heating it with a blow dryer. These are great for this type of exterior space.

2.  Fill all holes and gaps with caulk or foam to keep out drafts. This will also help to keep out pests that may be looking for a place to keep warm during the cold weather also.

3.  Provide your child with draft dodgers for use by the doors when he or she is inside of the kids playhouse. This will keep the cold from blowing in underneath the door. You can either buy a draft dodger at a home or discount retailer or make your own. This could be a really cool activity to do with your child.

Your family’s kids playhouse can be preserved for a lifetime of play. You just need to take the proper steps to keep it safe from the harsh elements that come with winter. Weatherizing today will ensure that your child and his or her friends continue to have a place for fun all year long!

Technorati Tags: Kids Playhouse, Maintaining a kids playhouse, Weatherizing

Spending time in a kids playhouse is made even better when you and your child integrate some fun holiday themes into your play. One of the holiday seasons favorites is gingerbread. Whether it’s a busload of gingerbread men, a gingerbread house, or just the aroma of gingerbread wafting through the air, this spicy treat just has a way of making any space holiday perfect.

Here are a few activities for using these tasty and playful treats in your family’s kids playhouse:

Create life-size gingerbread men out of cardboard. You may be able to get large cardboard boxes from a local supermarket or “big box” retailer. Otherwise, you may need to buy them from a moving company.

Use the boxes to create a gingerbread man figure. If the boxes are not large enough, you may need to piece them together to make the figure.

Use brightly colored duct tape to secure to assemble it and for decoration! Try this, use it as a belt around the center of the figure to connect two boxes for the upper and lower body portions. Use puffy paint to finish decorating.

Set up a table inside of the kids playhouse for decorating real gingerbread cookies and the gingerbread house. Making a gingerbread house is all time kid activity that is sure to keep your child engaged and mesmerized as he or she creates various parts of the gingerbread house with candy, frosting, and other goodies.

Buy some pre-made gingerbread holiday curtains or make some of your own. During the winter months, holiday inspired fabric is everywhere. Grab some and make some no-sew curtains for your family’s kids playhouse.

Your family’s kids playhouse will inspire your child to have visions of gingerbread dancing in his or her head after you transform their play space. Not only will the kids playhouse have a warm holiday feel to it. It will also smell just as yummy as can be!

Technorati Tags: decorating a playhouse, Gingerbread playhouse, Kids Playhouse

White goes with a kids playhouse the same way that a red-nose works for a reindeer. It can make the playhouse stand out and be extra special. This holiday season, you may want to consider sprucing up your family’s kids playhouse to reflect some of the more ethereal or angelic themes of the season.

For those that celebrate Christmas, angels sitting atop a tree are a norm when it comes to interior decor during the holidays. Along with the holiday playhouse look comes a renewed feeling that can help to refocus Christmas from simply gift-giving to recognizing the amazing miracles that happen in our lives everyday.  This is especially true during the holiday season.

Here are a few ways to make your family’s kids playhouse glow as if an angel has ascended on it just for your child and his or her friends:

Outline the kids playhouse with a blend of plain white lights or icicle-inspired lights, and small angel ornaments. The way to meld the look is to hang the angel ornaments repeated after a certain number of lights, for example, 12 lights then an angel, 12 lights then an angel, etc. The hanging angels will almost look like they are floating around the playhouse.

Go over the top, literally, and set an “angel” on the roof of the kids playhouse. You may consider doing some fancy artwork or use of lights to make it look like the angel is hugging the playhouse. You can create “wings” from white fabric netting that can be hung on either side of the playhouse for a truly uplifting effect!

Place angels in the windows and on the door of the kids playhouse. Children will love looking at their angel friends as they enter and play inside.

Animatronic decorations are still popular. You may be able to find some angels that sing or move at a local retailer. Place them right on the patio of the kids playhouse for a real effect.

Your family’s kids playhouse can look as if it has been touched by angel. Try these little design tricks and you are sure to create a look that is gorgeous. A happy and heavenly holiday season could start with making your own little angel’s playhouse extra special!

Technorati Tags: Angel playhouse, decorating a playhouse, Kids Playhouse, kids playhouse ideas

Winter ushers in kids playhouse moments that may be hallmarked by lots of cold, fun, and snow! So, why not let the snow in? Not literally, of course. But, how about giving way for some really cool snowmen in your family’s kids playhouse?

Snowmen have been the cornerstone of the holiday season for hundreds of years. From rounded mounds of snow dressed in clothing and carrot noses to films of talking and dancing snowmen, children have a deep love for these jolly creations.

Here are a few ways that you can turn the fun up to a wild flurry in your family’s kids playhouse as your décor becomes overrun with fun, fat, and fluffy snowmen:

Spray some white, friendly snowmen on the windows of their kids playhouse using canned snow. Finish off the look with window safe markers. Let your child’s imagination rule the roost by having him or her draw a funny scene around the snowmen or wacky clothes on them. They may even decide to make a snowpeople village, complete with snowmamas and snowbabies!

For the winter months, change up the décor of the kids playhouse by adding a snowman motif that would include a border around the wall, snowmen curtains, and lots of plush snowmen scattered around the playhouse.

Make a funky snowman pillow with your little one. Using a white pillow case, pull the inside down about 3 inches and wrap it with a rubber band. Then, stuff it full of cotton stuffing or old sheets. Once it is full, wrap the middle with a length of ribbon to create a “belt” on the snowman. This will also make it look as if it has a midsection. Finish by closing up with the bottom with Velcro that can be stuck on like stickers. Then, draw on any facial features that you want. You could also add embellishments to the front to create the look of clothing.

Your family’s kids playhouse can definitely be holly and jolly for the holidays. A little paint, a little creativity, mixed with a little time, and your family’s playhouse should make it “cool” enough for any snowman that your kids want to hang out with! They are sure to have a ball!

Technorati Tags: ideas for children's playhouses, Kids Playhouse, Snowman decorating

Decorating a kids playhouse can be an exciting, enjoyable time for you and your child. It affords you the opportunity to bond while trying to create a play space that will be his or her own little castle. One of the most fun aspects of decorating is selecting furniture. The pieces that you and your child pick will determine the type of look and feel for the playhouse. That’ important. But what’s more important is that whatever furniture that you select is safe!

Here are a few things to look out for when furnishing your kids playhouse, so that you avoid introducing furniture that is cute, but not safe:

1. Antique toys, vintage baby bassinets for doll babies, or any old items that are painted with lead based paint should never be added to a kids playhouse. Lead poisoning is a very real hazard that people often overlook. While it may seem harmless enough, the reality is that the paint can chip off and could potentially be inhaled or ingested by your little one inadvertently.

2. Furniture that has not been properly cleaned should never be introduced into a kids outdoor playhouse. You may find a really nice chair or loveseat that would work wonders to bring together the look of your child’s playhouse. It could be super cheap also! However, before you put it in that kids playhouse, take the extra step and spend the money to have it cleaned and sanitized. Lots of germs can live in fabric and cushions. By not cleaning it you could potentially expose your child to ringworm, animal dander, and other disgusting vermin that live in used furniture.  Used furniture is great for an outdoor playhouse, but only if it’s totally clean and safe!

3. Sharp, pointy tables and objects should never be included in an outdoor playhouse décor.  Opt for tables or free-standing furniture that has rounded edges. Children can be clumsy and they fall often. Your child has a great chance of getting hurt if he or she falls onto the pointed corner of a table, which could not only cause a bump but could possibly pierce the eye or mouth. No parent would want their child to go through that, so it’s best to select furniture that is rounded and, of course, ultra-safe.

A kids playhouse can be absolutely gorgeous when furnished with the right pieces. If you are really concerned about using adult or higher end pieces that has the potential to pose a risk, then select plastic or wooden child sized and age appropriate playhouse furniture. The choice is yours, but the decision to be safe should always be given the highest priority.

Technorati Tags: Kids Playhouse, Parenting tips, Playhouse safety

Many people don’t have the space for an indoor kids playhouse.  But that didn’t stop Gillian, a mother and blogger at Dried Figs and Wooden Spools, who turned a spare closet into a playhouse.  Yep, she was resourceful and creative.

She was able to stencil flowers on the closet wall, with the help of her son…cute, huh?  Also, because closets don’t usually have windows, look at how she created a “window” with curtains for this kids playhouse.

The playhouse is decked out with a play kitchen, a baby cradle and other fun toys.  So now when you tell your kids you don’t have room for an indoor kids playhouse…hmmm…you may have to rethink your answer!

Technorati Tags: Closet playhouse, ideas for children's playhouses, indoor playhouse, Kids Playhouse

In the fall and winter months, one reason a kids playhouse is a great place for children is because it can be an instrumental part in getting them out from in front of the television. However, another reason a kids playhouse is an awesome space for kids is because they can customize it completely for themselves. In customizing their own private space, a child may have a desire to do something cool online or to visit one of their favorite kid educational sites. Unfortunately, they cannot do that if they don’t have access to the family’s network or Wi-Fi.

A child’s playhouse experience can been really wonderful with the integration of wi-fi. Here are some things to keep in mind and to consider when setting up wi-fi in your family’s outdoor playhouse:

1. Always keep safety first and set those parental controls on high! While children should not have unsupervised internet time because of all of the junk out there, it is sometimes hard to keep some things from creeping before their eyes. So, be sure to turn up the controls and block sites that can be a little risqué at times, even if it is a search engine.

2. Provide your little one with a kiddy computer or a netbook that will hold up to being moved around their space. You may want to simply give them access to the internet while you are there, and use the netbook to download the games or videos that they like. Either way, there will most likely be a time when they will want to get online in their kids playhouse.

3. One of the coolest parts of making wi-fi available in your kids outdoor playhouse is that parents that are simply supervising their children as they play can be online and getting things done during the down times. Everyone in the family could benefit from having that access available.

A kids playhouse is a valuable and unique space on which your child can stake his or her claim. Give your children the tools that they will need to make it amazingly special. Wi-fi can be a useful addition for your children’s educational time while in their playhouse, and for you as well.

Technorati Tags: Education, Kids Playhouse, Wi-fi

Here are some great peaks inside multiple kids playhouses.  After you check these pictures out, please let me know what playhouse is your favorite!

Technorati Tags: building kids playhouse, ideas for children's playhouses, Kids Playhouse