A cubby house can be a big purchase, so you want to know your kids will actually use it. Will there be enough room when their friends come over? Will they still enjoy it in a few years? And how much work will it take to keep it looking good?
There are plenty of options, but choosing one gets easier when you know what matters for your family. This guide covers materials, size, safety, setup, and how a cubby can work with monkey bars or swings as your kids grow.
Start With How Your Kids Like to Play
Think about what your kids already enjoy doing outside. Some love setting up pretend shops, making up stories, or finding a quiet spot with their toys. Others want to climb everything they can reach. A cubby can suit both, but the layout and the equipment around it will make a difference.
A standalone cubby gives kids a place of their own. Connect it to a climbing frame, and it also becomes somewhere to climb up to, take a break, and head off on the next adventure. That variety can be useful when siblings have different ideas about what makes a good afternoon outside.
Growplay's cubby is designed to work with compatible Large and XL frames. You can add one to an existing setup or choose a complete bundle from the cubby house range. If you already have a frame, check that your model is compatible before ordering.
Choose a Material You Can Look After
It's easy to choose a cubby based on how it looks. But once it's in the backyard, the material affects how much maintenance you'll need to do and how well it handles the weather.
Timber has a traditional look and can be painted to suit your backyard. It does need care, though. Depending on the timber and finish, you'll need to stain or seal it periodically and check for splinters, loose joints, and moisture damage.
Plastic is often an affordable choice for younger kids. It's easy to clean and doesn't need painting, but smaller designs can be outgrown quickly. Quality varies too, and some plastics can fade or become brittle after prolonged sun exposure.
Metal is worth considering if you want a sturdy setup with less regular upkeep. Galvanising helps protect steel against rust, while powder coating adds a protective finish. You won't need to re-stain it like timber, although you should still check the coating, fasteners, and other components as recommended by the manufacturer.
Where you put the cubby matters as well. Think about drainage, exposure to wind, and how much afternoon sun it gets. Shade is useful for playtime, and exposed surfaces should be checked for heat before the kids use them on hot days.
Check the Size and Recommended Ages
A small cubby might look just right for your child now, but will there still be room in a few years? Look at the usable space inside, the entrance height, and how comfortably siblings or friends could play together.
Bigger isn't automatically better. The cubby needs to suit your child's age and abilities too. Check the recommended ages, user limits, and how children get in and out. An elevated cubby with a climbing entrance offers a different kind of play from one at ground level.
If you're deciding between a Large and XL setup, measure your backyard first. Then compare the full dimensions and required clearances for each configuration, including any accessories you plan to add.
Think About Safety and Setup Before Delivery
Before you order, work out exactly where the cubby will go. You'll need space for the whole structure and enough clearance around it for children to move and play. If the setup includes swings, allow for their full movement and the clearance specified in the instructions.
The ground underneath matters too. Follow the manufacturer's requirements for the surface, site preparation, and anchoring. A patch of backyard that looks big enough in a photo may still need some work before it's ready.
It's also worth reading the assembly instructions ahead of time. Check which tools you'll need, how many adults are required, and what needs to be done before the kids can use it. Once it's assembled, keep up with the recommended checks for loose hardware, wear, and secure anchors.
Leave Room for Different Ways to Play
Kids' interests change. The cubby that starts as a pretend kitchen might become a clubhouse or the finish line for an obstacle course. A setup with a few different activities gives them more ways to keep using the same space.
If you'd like to expand later, look at what works with the frame before buying. A cubby that connects to backyard monkey bars, swings, and other accessories can give you options without replacing the whole setup.
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with what suits your kids now, check what's compatible, and leave enough space for any additions you have in mind.
Helpful Next Steps
Summary
The right cubby house should suit your backyard and the way your kids like to play. Before buying, check the materials, recommended ages, usable space, and installation requirements. Think about the maintenance you're happy to take on and whether you'd like to add more activities later.
A metal cubby is a good option for families who want a durable structure without the regular staining that timber can need. With the right size and setup, it can give your kids a place to play, climb, and spend time together for years to come.
