Best Two-Story Playhouses for Hours of Pretend Play

Are you looking to create the ultimate play space for your kids? Try adding a two-story playhouse! An indoor or outdoor playhouse provides an excellent backdrop for hours of play. They are perfect for kiddos who love imaginative play or their own special hideout.

We’re here to share all our favorite playhouses and walk you through the benefits, buying considerations, and DIY tips.

In this post:

• Benefits of a Two-Story Playhouse
• Best Two-Story Playhouses
• DIY Two-Story Playhouse Plans
• Buying/ Building Considerations
• FAQs

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Benefits of a Two-Story Playhouse

There’s a lot to love about elevated playhouses for kids!

A two-story playhouse doubles the fun for kids with its expansive play area. The upper story offers a fun high vantage point and serves as a lookout or a captain’s bridge, sparking imaginative play. The lower level can be a cozy hideout, a pretend home, or even a secret clubhouse.

The inclusion of a slide adds an element of excitement, allowing for quick escapes and dynamic play.

Here are some key benefits of a multilevel playhouse:

• Fosters Play

An elevated playhouse fosters imaginative play by offering kids a unique vantage point to explore their world from above, stimulating their sense of adventure and creativity. This is essential since play is how kids learn, grow, and develop!

• Encourages Outdoor Play

Elevated playhouses get kids outside, fostering a love for nature and the outdoors while encouraging physical activity. They can also be a great space for kids to play outdoors in all types of weather, as a playhouse can provide sun, wind, and rain protection.

• Builds Gross Motor Skills

A playhouse encourages physical activity. Kids build their motor skills as they climb up, down, and all over an elevated playhouse.

• Builds Social Skills

A playhouse with multiple levels encourages social interaction and creative storytelling among little playmates. It offers the perfect place for kids to explore pretend play scenarios.

• Looking for another great outdoor toy? Check out my favorite wooden balance bikes!

Best Two-Story Playhouses

Here are several ready-made playhouses that can easily be assembled right out of the box!

Step2 Enchanting Adventures 2-Story Kids Playhouse

Step into a realm of fantasy and fun with the Step2 Enchanting Adventures 2-Story Playhouse & Slide. Every detail is designed for imaginative play. This playhouse’s storybook cottage theme is brought to life with a neutral gray and aqua color palette that easily blends into any backyard setting.

The elevated playhouse features an inviting indoor kitchen complete with an oven, sink, and cooktop on the lower level. A top platform can be accessed by a built-in ladder for more adventurous play. Functional elements like working shutters, a Dutch-style door, and an actual electronic doorbell enrich the playing experience, making kids feel like they are in a home of their own.

The enchantment continues outside with an extra-long 70-inch slide that offers an exhilarating way for kids to “escape” into their backyard adventures. Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, the playhouse ensures that the story can go on no matter the weather or wear.

Although it comes at a premium price and requires adult assembly, the durable construction and thoughtful features make it well worth the investment.

Check prices for Step2 Enchanting Adventures 2-Story Playhouse.

Backyard Discovery Scenic Heights All Cedar Climber

This is one of our favorite backyard playhouses for kids! It is fun, safe, and fits well in smaller backyards.

Read our full description of the Backyard Discovery Climber.

DIY Two-Story Playhouse Plans

Feeling handy or up for a challenge? Build your own backyard playhouse! This allows for lots of customization.

Linea Wooded Projects Multilevel Playhouse

Transform your backyard into a wonderland of fun and adventure with this meticulously crafted DIY playhouse plan. These plans from Linea Wooded Projects will guide you step by step in building a two-story playhouse that stands tall at 11 feet.

The first floor measures 76 inches by 109 inches, offering ample space for various play activities, while the second floor provides a cozy 72 inches by 76 inches retreat. This playhouse is complete with a porch, a slide, a small climbing ramp, a secret room, and an outdoor bench for moments of rest or outdoor storytelling.

You’ll receive comprehensive instructions in a convenient PDF format with the choice of imperial units (and metric available upon request). This includes dimensions, 3D images, and 2D drawings, as well as a complete material and tools list. You’ll have everything you need to build a safe and enchanting play space for your kids.

Check out the building plans for the playhouse.

Wood Arch Design Elevated Playhouse

Create a magical play space for your kids with these digital elevated playhouse plans, complete with a swing and slide. The plans are designed for wood or natural materials, ensuring the finished product is both sturdy and harmonious with outdoor surroundings.

Measuring 8’6″ square and rising to a height of 11’10” with a deck height of 5′, this elevated playhouse promises to be a standout feature in any backyard. We love this elevated playhouse is 5 feet off the ground, making it a great choice for older kids.

The digital package comes with 5 PDF files, providing detailed feet/inch and metric plans, a lumber list, and a cut list, though hardware specifics are not included. These plans are easy to follow, developed with the insights of a kindergarten teacher and a child development specialist, and designed by a competent architect,

The plans include step-by-step instructions, 3D visuals, and 2D drawings, enhanced with color codes for clarity.

Check out the building plans for the Wood Arch Design Playhouse.

Linea Woooded Projects Simple Playhouse

This simple playhouse is perfect for all backyards. It offers two levels for lots of play while maintaining a small footprint.

These comprehensive plans offer a step-by-step blueprint for constructing a wooden outdoor playhouse. The file includes everything you need: dimensions, 3D images, 2D drawings, a material list with quantities, and a tools list, ensuring you can start building a play structure of dreams without delay.

With dimensions of L 48” x W 56” x H 130”, the playhouse plan is detailed yet flexible, allowing for customization. Ideal for those with basic to intermediate building skills, these plans are available in imperial units, with metric plans available upon request, ensuring its accessibility worldwide.

Remember, once payment is confirmed, your plans are ready for instant download, so you can begin building whenever you are ready!

Check out the building plans for this simple playhouse.

Buying/Building Considerations

When buying or building elevated playhouses, consider the following:

• Age of Kids: First, it’s important to consider the age and abilities of your kids. You want to ensure the space is not too small or too advanced for them. Proper sizing can keep kids safe and engaged.
• Safety Standards: Check for playhouses that meet safety standards with features such as secure railings around upper levels, smooth-surfaced materials to prevent splinters, and non-toxic paints or finishes.
• Quality of Materials: Use materials that are resistant to rot, rust, and other weather-related damages. For wooden playhouses, treated lumber that resists decay is ideal.
• Space and Placement: The playhouse should be placed on level ground with sufficient surrounding clearance for safe play. Also, consider the playhouse’s visibility from the house for easy supervision.
• Foundation: A solid foundation is critical for stability, especially for elevated playhouses. This may require concrete footings or anchored supports.
• Maintenance Requirements: Understand the maintenance needs, such as regular inspections, repainting, and checking for wear and tear.
• Local Building Codes and HOA Restrictions: Some regions may require permits for structures above a certain height. Homeowners associations may have additional aesthetic or structural guidelines.
• DIY Skill Assessment: Assess whether you have the necessary skills, tools, and time commitment for a DIY project or if hiring a professional builder is more feasible.
• Budget: Include all costs such as materials, tools, delivery, and additional features like slides or swings. Don’t forget to factor in long-term maintenance costs.
• Design Preferences: Decide on the features you want in a playhouse, such as slides, climbing walls, swings, or particular themes.
• Longevity and Adaptability: Choose a design that will grow with your kids, with the potential to adapt the space for different age groups.

FAQs

1. Are two-story playhouses safe for kids?

Two-story playhouses are designed with safety features like railings, sturdy ladders or stairs, and soft-closing mechanisms to ensure kids can play safely.

Make sure to select a playhouse that is an appropriate height for your child’s age and stage. For example, a low playhouse would be ideal for toddlers, while older kids could be perfectly safe with a higher and more open playhouse.

2. How much space is needed for a two-story playhouse?

You will need enough clearance around the playhouse for safe play, as well as consideration for the height, which could affect sightlines in your backyard. It’s best to leave at least several feet of space on all sides of the playhouse.

Make sure to check the dimensions carefully to ensure your chosen playhouse will fit in your space.

3. What age range are elevated playhouses suitable for?

Generally, they are suitable for kids aged 3-10 years, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider your child.

Some small elevated playhouses can be safe for toddlers depending on their gross motor abilities as long as they are placed on a soft surface to protect against falls.

4. How do I maintain an elevated playhouse?

Regular inspections for structural integrity, cleaning, and wood treatment (if wooden) are necessary to keep the playhouse in good condition.

5. Can I install a two-story playhouse on uneven ground?

It’s best to install playhouses on level ground. You do not want the playhouse to tip over. However, some models come with adjustable bases to accommodate slight unevenness.

6. Do I need a permit to build a playhouse in my backyard?

Some playhouses are pretty large and may require a building permit. This varies by location. It’s always best to check local regulations before installation.

7. Are playhouses weatherproof?

Many are designed to be weather-resistant, but over time, outdoor conditions can affect materials, so choose playhouses made with durable materials and consider additional weatherproofing measures.

Final Thoughts

A two-story playhouse is an excellent investment in a child’s imaginative play, offering a multi-level haven for adventure and creativity. It provides a safe space for kids to explore and play and is a charming aesthetic addition to any backyard.

While it requires careful consideration regarding safety, space, and investment, the outcome is a unique play area that can offer endless hours of play and potentially become a cherished childhood memory for years to come.