Pretend play is such an important part of childhood. Not only does it help kids learn about the world around them, but it also encourages social and emotional development, allows them to work on their language skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities — all while simply having fun in their backyard or playroom. Playhouses can be their home away from home, a grocery market, a clubhouse, a vet's office, a quiet library for reading, a fort or castle — the possibilities are endless.

Choosing the Best Playhouse

With a market full of fun and clever playhouses, the search might be a little overwhelming. We've narrowed down the selection to the best in every category and collected the information you need to make the right choice for you and your kids.

Size and Age Range: Start with the age range of your kids, including whether you want a playhouse that will grow as your kids get older or if you want to start with a smaller option and upgrade with age. Take measurements of your yard (or playroom, if you're looking for an indoor playhouse) so that you know the max size you can accommodate.

Materials and Assembly: Most playhouses are made of plastic or wood, which are both durable. Plastic is usually less expensive, portable and easier to assemble, typically with the pieces snapping together. Wood playhouses require a few more tools, nuts and bolts to assemble, but have a classic look that's hard to beat. Fabric playhouses aren't as sturdy or long-lasting but make for great indoor or temporary outdoor playhouses.

Safety: Be sure to set the playhouse up according to the manufacturer's instructions, and take into consideration the recommended age range and developmental stage.

Best Overall Playhouse

No need to sacrifice style or function with this charming playhouse. Keep kiddos busy and outside with all the fun activities of this wooden destination, including planter boxes, a kitchen with pots and spatulas, and clocks. A large serving window with a café counter is flanked by chalkboard walls so that kids can play restaurant and house or put on a show. Topped in a shiplap roof, the cedar playhouse is treated with a child-friendly water-based stain.

Best Budget Wooden Playhouse

With fun, realistic details — a sink, stove, cordless phone, working doorbell and flowerpot holders — this wooden playhouse is ready-made for pretend play. Wide windows allow for interactive play, as well as a breeze and natural light.

Best Playhouse for Toddlers

This tiny house is the #1 bestselling kids' playhouse on Amazon because it's easy to assemble, lightweight and can be used indoors or out. Recommended for ages 24 months and up, it's the perfect first playhouse for your tots, allowing them to start their pretend play with two working doors and windows, as well as an adorable mail slot.

Best Open Playhouse

This pavilion-style playhouse is outfitted with a play outdoor kitchen and grill, a sand and water area and a snack table for pretend or real snacks. Designed for kids 2-to-8 years old, the pavilion gives grown-ups complete visibility so you can keep an eye on your kids with ease. The market-style canopy provides much-needed shade that attaches with hook-and-loop closures so that it's easy to take off to wash.

Best Easy-Setup Playhouse

If you're looking for a playhouse that will be ready for fun in mere minutes, add this one to your cart. All you have to do is unfold the hinged panel design, and grab two AAA batteries so that they can have a working doorbell right away. Since it's 100 percent cedar wood construction, you can easily customize the colors. Several reviewers shared how they had repainted the playhouse to better fit their main house's style.

Best Playhouse for Child's Best Friend

We can't forget about our fur pals. This cedar playhouse has an integrated doghouse, letting the kids' favorite pup be a part of their outdoor adventures. Above the entry is a nameplate for them to personalize, and a table and bench on the opposite side are ideal for popsicle breaks. Don't forget the frozen dog treats, too!

Best Treehouse-Inspired Playhouse

Amp up your kiddos' playhouse with this elevated design. Stairs or a ladder lead the way up to the structure, where a play kitchen, cot with green-and-white cushion and toy storage boxes await them. Made from 100 percent cedar, the house is resistant to rot and decay, so your kids will enjoy it for years to come and you can track all those years on the included growth chart. To make the assembly process easier, each piece is cut and stamped with the part number. Note that some pilot-hole drilling may be required.

Best Market Playhouse

Kids who love heading to the farmer's market with you will enjoy having their own stand in the backyard. In addition to a kitchen area, the playhouse has gardening tools, a caddy for toting flowers and veggies, a moveable bench, chalkboards for drawing or writing out grocery lists and a moveable hands clock.

Best Indoor Playhouse

Pop up this camper playhouse to transform your indoors into an on-the-road adventure. Sweetly embroidered details, such as the awning and curtains, add real-life charm to the handmade cotton canvas shell design.

Best Luxury Playhouse

This one comes with a hefty price tag, but this petite Cape Cod is the playhouse of little ones' dreams. (And apparently even big ones. One reviewer uses it as her garden shed!) Made with Amish craftmanship that includes working windows, two dormers, an adult and child Dutch door, a chimney, and an optional loft, the house comes as a panelized kit that's ready to construct.