The Best Play Tents for Kids

FoxPrint Princess Castle Play Tent With Glow In The Dark Stars

A Star is Born

This classic castle tower design offers a starry spectacle once the lights go out.

Best Glow in the Dark

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FoxPrint’s dreamy play tent takes the magic of a make-believe castle one step further with an array of glow-in-the-dark stars. Flags, a roll-down entryway, and little mesh windows combine to create a space that’s ideal for imaginative play or a cozy place to cuddle up and read. It’s large and sturdy enough to turn into an indoor sleep tent yet small enough that it won’t take up much space, and it’s easy to assemble, clean, and pack away when it’s time to clean up.

Pros:

• Fun glow-in-the-dark stars
• Includes sock-corded fiberglass poles for durability and stability
• Enough space for tea parties and castle play for up to three children at a time

Cons:

• Tent does require some assembly
• Not the most weather-resistant for outdoor play

USA Toyz Rocket Ship Play Tent

Next Stop, Mars

Your future astronaut will have loads of fun in this spaceship-themed play tent.

Best for Future Astronauts

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Calling all future astronauts — your ship has arrived. Complete with stars and a space projector torch, this tent from USA Toyz will inspire out-of-this-world pretend play for up to three kiddos at a time. Cozy, dark, and ideal for quiet time, it’s also a great tent to use as a resting place for solo reading or nap time. With mesh windows, a flap doorway, and breathable fabric, this rocket ship tent is just as fun indoors as it is out. When it’s time to put it away, this tent features an easy twist and fold design and comes with a handy carry bag, too.

Pros:

• Water-resistant fabric for outdoor use
• Features foldable tent poles for stability
• Includes a space projector with 24 space-themed images

Cons:

• Best for use in a cool area, as this tent does tend to hold heat
• The projector images are a bit blurry

Fun Little Toys Kids Play Tent

Just Add Sleeping Bags

This complete set gives kiddos everything they need for a pretend camping adventure.

Best Accessories

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One of the best ways to introduce your youngster to the joys of the great outdoors is to engage in some quality play-camping in the great indoors. This adorable pop-up tent from Fun Little Toys comes with all of the camping accessories a little adventurer could want, including a real watch, binoculars, and pretend camp cooking gear — all that’s missing is a sleeping bag. The sturdy design and proper ventilation mean that if your youngster does have a sleeping bag, they could even practice spending the night camped out in the living room after a good nature documentary. A little on the small side, it’s best suited for toddlers to preschoolers.

Pros:

• Includes all of the accessories for fun camping play
• Portable and small, ideal for indoor or outdoor use
• Battery operated lantern and gas stove

Cons:

• We wish the abundant accessories came with a carrying case or backpack
• Not for use as an actual outdoor sleeping tent

Hide N Slide Play Tent with Ball Pit and Tunnels

The Tunnel Zone

Featuring fun tunnels, multiple tents, and a ball pit, this play tent goes above and beyond.

Best Attachments

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This Hide N Slide play tent is a surefire way to turn a playroom into an imaginative wonderland. There are countless ways to set up this tent system that comes complete with play tunnels, a ball pit, multiple tent areas, a basketball hoop, and more. It’s fully customizable, and if you’ve got a small space, you can easily leave out entire sections and only use the tent in its entirety outside or on playdates. The set’s fun, vibrant colors, multiple activities, and ample space give you plenty of ways to keep the kiddos active and engaged.

Pros:

• Super easy to assemble as well as fold for storage
• Ideal for outdoor play
• Lightweight and breathable, yet also durable

Cons:

• Not ideal for small spaces
• Balls for the ball pit are not included

Sunnyglade Large Playhouse Castle Tent

Big and Bright

This gorgeous tent is perfect for kids of any age.

Best Oversize

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This playhouse tent has ample space, whimsy, and pretty decorations galore — enough to keep your youngster happily playing for hours on end, whether by themselves or with friends. After all, its roomy size and open, airy design allow for multiple children at once. With screens around the entire tent, it’s a wonderful addition to outdoor fun, too. It can become an ideal space for a cozy nook, reading space, or quiet time in larger rooms, too. With the magical star lights included, your youngster will want to sleep in it, too — and we can’t blame them.

Pros:

• Includes everything needed for setup, star lights included
• Mesh windows for airy, whimsical feel

Cons:

• The star lights require adult supervision for younger children

Frequently Asked Questions

Are play tents safe?
Play tents are perfectly safe so long as they have ample ventilation. For play tents with tunnels, it’s best if your youngster can crawl well before unaccompanied play, as some tunnels are long enough to make it tricky to retrieve a stuck child. Otherwise, play tents are perfectly safe for children.

Are play tents meant for the outdoors?
Although setting up a play tent outside is definitely fun, they aren’t meant to stay outside. Play tents are typically made of thinner fabric that won’t hold up to hot sun, wind, rain, or other harsh elements. If playing in the outdoors, it’s best to set up in a shadier spot and only leave up for the duration of playtime.