subject: How To Choose The Ideal Outdoor Playhouse [print this page] What better way to keep the kids amused, playing happily and yet in full view and easy reach of the house than giving them a playhouse or tree cottage? Many people will have happy memories of their own childhood, playing with friends in an outdoor playhouse that could be anything from a fairytale cottage to a giant's den. And for children today, the timeless appeal of outdoor playhouses is still the same as it was to previous generations. So it's hardly surprising that many householders with growing families will choose playhouses or tree cottages that give children a way to use their naturally creative imaginations in situations that develop their social skills amongst friends and schoolmates in a spirit of fun and safety.
So how do you go about choosing the play house or tree cottage that's right for your own family needs from amongst the very many choices that are available online and at your local retailer? Obviously every individual will have their own budget in mind but it's worth trying to find play houses or tree cottages that give the best value for money over the longer term rather than simply choosing something because it is the lowest price. Remember that children have short attention spans and rapidly lose interest in outdoor playhouses that offer no long term opportunity for them to exercise their fertile imaginations. So you will often find that a simple yet attractive outdoor playhouse is a better buy than a cheap flashy one.
Of course the safety of outdoor playhouses is important for young families, especially with tree cottages which by their very nature are designed to be fixed in a tree or at a higher level than a playhouse that simply sits on the lawn. Children love to climb and swing and if there is a tree cottage in the garden they are sure to make a bee-line for it, so there are two main aspects to consider in terms of safety for playhouses; strong construction and adequate railings to protect against falls; quality design and construction that will not rapidly break down and create sharp edges or splinters. It's also important to choose outdoor playhouses that do not incorporate features where little fingers can become trapped.
When thinking about quality and price, remember you only get what you pay for when it comes to outdoor play houses, tree cottages and play houses. With this in mind, remember it is better to spend your money on quality design, good materials and robust construction rather than on a tree cottage or play house that is superficially bright yet has no lasting qualities. We all know how children quickly tire of some toys yet remain attached to others for years, well the same is true of outdoor playhouses and it's a fair bet that an outdoor playhouse that gives them plenty of scope for creative play and energetic activities will remain far longer in their affections so it's better to buy outdoor playhouses that are better made in the first place.
