If you’re thinking about building a playhouse for your child, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve selected a variety of DIY backyard playhouse plans for kids that will give your children a unique space to play for endless hours.
From basic playhouses to more elaborate theme-based playhouses, we’ve got you covered. You are sure to find a design you and your child will love.
A DIY playhouse is an enjoyable outdoor woodworking project; your entire family can participate in building these playhouses. The playhouse plans for kids in this guide give you all the step by step instructions you need to build a playhouse from scratch.
What are you waiting for? Get started creating your child’s dream playhouse today!
Here is list of DIY kids playhouse plans covered in this guide:
- The Train Playhouse Plan
- The Easy Kids Indoor Playhouse Plan
- The Deluxe Playhouse Plan
- The Castle Clubhouse Plan
- The Summer Reading Nook Plan
- The Simple Playhouse Plan
- The Rasberry Lounge Playhouse Plan
- The Log Cabin Playhouse Plan
01. The Train Playhouse Plan
Trains capture the imagination of children and adults alike, from classic books such as The Little Engine That Could to The Little Red Caboose, trains have always been an important part of childhood.
If your child is fascinated by trains, we’ve got the perfect playhouse for you. This affordable train playhouse will bring the thrill and adventure of trains to your backyard.
The interior of this playhouse is 27 ft² and features three entrances and exits. Your kids will be able to climb through the engine area of the train. This playhouse is suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 7.
To build this playhouse, you’ll need the following tools:
- Pencils
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Speed square
- Circular saw
- Drill and impact driver
The lumber list includes:
- Decking
- Framing
- Plywood
- Screws to secure the building material
The foundation is built with concrete blocks, elephant feet, or anchored grounding posts with support beams. These items ensure the foundation is level and doesn’t touch the ground.
The most secure method is to build the playhouse on in-ground posts and beams; alternatively, an island deck can also be used to ensure the playhouse is securely anchored to the ground.
Find the full guide here: Paul’s Playhouses
Essential wood shop accessories you must have to do these types of DIY projects: Woodshop Accessories Every Woodworker Should Have.
02. The Easy Kids Indoor Playhouse Plan
If building a playhouse for your child sounds intimidating, we’ve found an easy to build playhouse that will put your mind at ease. You can build this playhouse in as little as two days.
You’ll use 2x4s, mending plates, tie plates, and angles to build the frame for this playhouse. Elaborate tools aren’t required to make this playhouse; all you’ll need are a saw, drill, hammer, and a brad nailer to complete this project. Construct the roof using plywood or shingles. You’ll need 1¼ inch wood screws to attach the roof to the frame.
Once you’ve completed this easy to build playhouse, you can leave the wood natural, or you can stain or paint it. When all that’s done, add a protective finish to your creation.
Find the full guide here: Jen Woodhouse
03. The Deluxe Playhouse Plan
You can find all the supplies you need to build this playhouse at your local hardware store. This playhouse includes a motion-activated air conditioner, which comes in handy for those living in hot climates. This playhouse is a long term project that could take as long as six months to complete; it all depends on your pace.
Much more than a playhouse, it is a mini-house with a loft and lighting. The only thing missing is indoor plumbing, but you’re free to install that too!
Find the full guide here: Our Faux Farmhouse
04. The Castle Clubhouse Plan
If you have little princes or princesses in your home, this is the perfect playhouse for them. This castle fits in your backyard and will provide your little royals with hours of fun. Building a castle in your yard may seem overwhelming, but this castle inspired playhouse has a relatively simple design.
Pine is used to build the walls of this play house; the posts are made using Douglas fir. Cedar can be used to construct the walls if pine isn’t available. Use cement to ensure the footings. Once the footings are in place, you will begin work on the platform of the castle. The frame is constructed using the same materials used to build a regular house.
Once you’ve finished building the Castle Clubhouse, you’ll stain the wood. This castle can be used as Play Fort as well. The final touch is adding a water-resistant sealant to protect this playhouse from the elements.
Find the full guide here: Style by Emily Henderson
More creative woodworking projects you can do with your kids: DIY Tree House Plans
05. The Summer Reading Nook Plan
This playhouse was designed with your bookworm in mind, a quiet hideaway where your child can spend hours reading. This easy to build playhouse uses a canvas tent for the walls and roof.
You’ll need the following to build the summer reading nook:
- Lumber (4x4s, 2x8s, 2x6s, 2x4s, 4x8s)
- Corner braces
- Sheet of lattice
- 90° angle brace
- 2×4 braces
- Box of 1½ inch deck screws
- Box of 3-inch deck screws.
You’ll start by building the base box of the playhouse using the 2x8s. Attach the boards using either a Kreg Jig or deck screws. Once the base box is in place, you’ll use the corner braces to attach 4x4s to the base box.
Be sure the 4x4s are flush with the corners of the base box before continuing. When the posts are in place, use the same corner braces to attach the center joist to the box.
When you’ve completed the steps listed above, you’ll use the remaining material to build the playhouse’s sides and roof. The lattice will be attached to the backside of the playhouse. Finally, you’ll use a canvas tent to cover the playhouse.
Find the full guide here: Vintage Revivals
06. DIY Simple Playhouse Plan for Kids
The designer of this playhouse set out with one goal in mind: simplicity. You’ll need to gather the following to put this playhouse together: exterior plywood, furring strips, and door hinges.
You’ll also want to have these materials on hand: 2-inch screws, 1¼ inch finishing nails, pocket hole screws, primer, paint, paintbrush, primer, wood glue, wood filler, wood conditioner, and sandpaper.
Some of the tools you’ll need include:
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection
- Kreg Jig, drill
- Circular saw
- Brad nailer
- Sander
The DIY simple backyard playhouse plan is divided into seven steps:
- Front porch with a door
- Playhouse deck
- Playhouse back wall
- Playhouse gable end walls
- Playhouse front wall
- Playhouse roof
- Playhouse swing set
You’ll begin constructing this playhouse by framing the wall using the screws and glue. Next, draw the windows and wall onto the plywood and cut out the openings. Use the Kreg Jig to attach the pieces of the door to the door frame. Once the front porch is complete, you’ll start building the playhouse deck.
Find the full guide here: Ana White
Related Article : Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners: Learn to DIY
07. DIY Rasberry Lounge Playhouse Plan
This indoor loft-style playhouse gives your kids a cozy place to sleep and play. Built by combining IKEA products with original materials, this wooden playhouse is sure to be a hit with the kids.
This playhouse is built using an adapted Kura bed from IKEA. You’ll need a miter saw to construct the playhouse’s roof. Once the roof and foundation are in place, you’ll begin work on the stairs and railing so the kids can comfortably get to the loft.
The downstairs play area has a supermarket. You can decorate it with signs, a play cash register, and groceries. You don’t have to stick to the supermarket theme; you can decorate the play area to suit your child’s tastes.
Find the full guide here: IKEA Hackers
08. The Log Cabin Playhouse Plan
Does your child love to go camping? If so, you can build them their very own cabin in your backyard for under $300. It takes about five days to construct this playhouse, which will be your child’s favorite hangout for years to come.
To get started building this playhouse, you’ll need the following material:
- Stockade fence
- Treated timbers
- Treated lumber
- Roll roofing
- Deck screws
- Roofing nails
- Deck stain
- Cedar shims
You’ll also need the following tools:
- Shovel: Spade
- Tamper
- 4’ leveler
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Circular saw
- Drill/Driver
- Chalk line
- Paintbrush
Laying the foundation is the first step. Be sure you lay the foundation at the lowest point in your backyard. You should ensure the ground is level, then stabilize the base. Next, you will cut the panels and fit the floor.
When this step is complete, you’ll move onto the walls and the roof. Then you’ll cut out the windows and door. The final step is to stain everything. Once complete, you will put the playhouse together.
Find the full guide here: Instructables
Final Thoughts on Free DIY Playhouse Plans For Kids
Building your child’s dream playhouse is well within reach with these DIY wood playhouse plans for kids. We’ve provided you with an assortment of projects ranging from simple to elaborate.
Before you start building a playhouse, it’s essential to ensure you have level ground to construct a secure base. Once that’s level, it’s time to gather your tools, buy the supplies, and get started. Don’t forget to add decorations as a finishing touch.
We hope you and your family have a great time putting together one of these DIY woodworking projects.
