The Benefits of a Play House
A Play House is a special place that nurtures children’s imagination, creativity, and independence. The structure’s unique environment also encourages social interaction, which promotes the development of interpersonal skills and builds self-confidence in young kids. These benefits make outdoor playhouses a great gift for kids—and fun for grown-ups, too!
In addition to physical exercise, active play helps release pent-up energy that might otherwise cause kids to misbehave. It also teaches them how to release that energy in appropriate ways so they can focus and learn better.
The best playhouses provide a space where kids can build strong social and problem-solving skills by working together with friends or siblings. These skills can be difficult to develop through watching TV or playing online games alone. Children must negotiate roles, share and trade toys, accommodate one another’s needs and preferences, and resolve conflicts during group play. All of these social skills are critical to children’s future success in school, the workplace, and other environments.
Kids can also practice important cognitive skills by planning and executing imaginative open-ended play. This type of play inspires creative thinking, stimulates memory and procedural thinking, and helps kids develop the executive functions that are crucial to academic performance and career success.
Playhouses provide a space where kids can experiment with role-play, imitating adult behavior, and developing an identity in their own little world. They can also use the space to host tea parties, play with dolls and stuffed animals, and transform their playhouse into a toy kitchen or secret hideaway.
A playhouse can be a unique learning space for older kids, too. Adding shelves and a desk to the structure can enable them to pursue their hobbies, work on homework or projects, or just spend time reading or relaxing in an outdoor setting. This can help them transition to a more independent, self-directed lifestyle as they get ready for college and the workforce.
When designing a playhouse, parents should consider safety as well as aesthetics and functionality. To ensure the best quality and safety, look for a playhouse that has rounded edges, no pinch points, and an open layout. A clear line of sight is also important to allow parents to keep an eye on their kids as they play.
Lastly, an ideal playhouse will be made from durable materials like wood or metal. For example, cedar wood resists rot and decay, and it stays cool to the touch even on hot days. A durable playhouse that can withstand the elements will serve the family for years to come.
In addition to a safe design, look for a playhouse that has certification from an established product safety organization. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are both reputable organizations that create and enforce standards for child-safe products. These organizations also work to educate consumers about product safety. When choosing a playhouse, look for the organizations’ logos to confirm that it meets or exceeds industry safety standards.