Kids Play Tents

The current range includes play tents, teepees and castle playhouses for children aged 3 and up, although the recommended age varies by product. There are fabric hideaways, a wigwam-style tipi, princess and castle playhouses, and 3 in 1 sets with a crawl tunnel and ball pit. Some are intended mainly for the playroom, while others are also listed for outdoor use. Check the age recommendation and setup instructions on the individual product page before ordering. 

Play tents, castles and playhouses

The range breaks into three main styles. Classic fabric play tents give your child a simple hideaway that folds down small. Castle playhouses add features like string lights, a floor mat, a window and a flag, so they double as a reading nook. Princess indoor playhouses lean into pretend play with softer pink fabric and taller peaked roofs. If you want something bigger for the backyard, our timber cubby playhouses are the next step up.

Teepees and tipis, and how they differ from a pop-up

A kids teepee, also written as tipi, uses crossed poles to hold the fabric in its familiar cone shape. The large wigwam-style tent currently listed uses PP plastic poles and cloth, so do not assume every model has a timber frame. These tents are usually left assembled as part of the room, although the current wigwam can also be folded away.

Pop-up children's tents use flexible supports that open quickly and fold down again for storage. They make more sense when the play area has to turn back into a lounge room at the end of the day.

Pop-up or frame, which one suits your space

If the tent will be packed away regularly, start with a pop-up. It opens quickly and folds flat, which is useful in a shared lounge room or at a grandparent’s house.

A framed castle or tipi needs more assembly but feels more like a permanent part of the room. It works well in a bedroom or playroom where you can leave it standing. Measure the corner first, including enough space for the entrance, rather than relying on the product photo.

Sizes and the floor space you'll need

Sizes are given in centimetres so you can measure before you buy.

Give the entrance some breathing room when you measure. Around 20 to 30 cm is useful if the layout allows it, but the amount you need depends on where the door sits and how your child enters the tent. A model that technically fits the floor can still feel cramped if it is wedged between furniture. 

Tents with floor mats

Some castle and princess playhouses include a mat, which is useful on tiles, floorboards or thin carpet. One Keezi castle lists a thick washable mat, while another includes an anti-slip mat. Care instructions vary, so check the individual product page and label before washing anything. 

Tents with lights

Several castle tents include decorative string or star lights. The current Keezi models use AA batteries, which are not included. Switch the lights off after play and remove the batteries before putting the tent into long-term storage. 

Tents with tunnels

Crawl tunnels are a hit with toddlers who love to disappear and pop back out. The 3 in 1 kids playhouse in the range combines a tent, a crawl tunnel, a basketball hoop and a ball pit in one set. That's the only product here that includes a ball pit, so if a tunnel or ball pit is the main draw, that's the one to look at.

Indoor or outdoor use

Most fabric play tents are built for indoor use first. They handle short stints outside on dry grass on a still day, which is fine for a birthday party or an afternoon in the yard. They aren't weatherproof and shouldn't be left out overnight or in the rain. If you want something that lives outside year-round, look at our outdoor play equipment instead.

Themes and characters in stock

Current themes include princess castles in pink, a rocket-themed 3 in 1 in royal blue, an ice cream bakery pop-up and a green clubhouse. Pick the theme your child already talks about in pretend play, not the one that matches the room.

Setting up a play corner in a small space

Clear a corner and tuck the tent against a wall so it borrows the wall's footprint. Add a small rug or a couple of cushions underneath for comfort on hard floors. A low kids table and chairs alongside gives your child somewhere to bring books, drawing or a snack.

Cleaning and packing away

Spot clean fabric with warm water and mild soap, and check the care label before machine washing any covers. Fold pop-ups back into the carry bag using the twist-and-flatten technique shown on the packaging. Wipe timber poles dry before storage so they don't mark the fabric.

Frequently asked questions

What age is a kids play tent suitable for?

Most play tents in this range suit children roughly 1 to 6. Under 1s can enjoy a tent under supervision as a soft nook. Use the Shop by Age filter to narrow the range, or check our toys for infants and toddlers if you're shopping for a younger child.

Are pop-up play tents easier than frame tents?

Pop-ups are quicker to set up and pack away, opening in seconds and folding into a flat carry bag. Frame tents and timber tipis take a few minutes to assemble but feel sturdier and stay up. Pick a pop-up for shared spaces, a frame tent for a permanent play corner.

How big is a typical kids play tent?

Most sit between 100 and 150 cm across the base and 120 to 135 cm tall. That's enough for one or two young children to sit or kneel inside comfortably. Check the centimetre measurements on each product page before you buy so it fits the corner you have in mind.

Can you use a play tent outside?

Yes, for short stints on dry grass in still weather. Fabric play tents aren't weatherproof, so don't leave them out overnight or in rain and wind. For a tent that lives outdoors, look at cubby houses or purpose-built outdoor gear instead.

Do kids play tents come with a floor mat?

Some do, particularly the castle and princess playhouse styles. A mat makes a real difference on floorboards or tiles. If a mat isn't included, a small rug or a folded quilt works well underneath.

Are the string lights on castle tents safe?

The string and star lights fitted to castle tents are low-voltage and battery-powered. Turn them off when your child isn't in the tent and remove the batteries if you're packing the tent away for a while.

How do you wash a kids play tent?

Spot clean the fabric with warm water and mild soap for everyday marks. Some covers and mats are machine washable, so check the care label first. Let everything dry fully before folding or packing away, or you'll end up with mildew.

Which play tent suits a small lounge room?

Look for a design that folds flat if the lounge room needs to be cleared after play. A framed castle may still work if there is a corner where it can stay assembled. Check the full footprint and the position of the entrance before deciding.