One of the amazing parts about having kids is seeing how further and broad their minds can stretch. Little ones never fail to surprise us, especially with their make-believe scenarios, yet still managing to keep themselves amused and entertained.
Play tents or teepees are a great way to help boost children’s imaginative play. You’ll give your little one a den, and they’ll pretend to be a shopkeeper, hair stylist or a fruit and veg stall. They can embark on little magical adventures from the comfort of their own home.
Best at a glance:
Best overall children's play tent: Tech Traders ® Pop-up Children Play Tent, £10.99
Best play tent for under £20: Chad Valley Bright Stars Baby Sensory Pop Up Play Tent, £12
Best play tent for design: deAO Police Truck Foldable Play Tent, £23.99
Best play tent for creativity: Coo11 LED Kids Play tent with Decorative Fairy String Lights, £19.99
Best play tent for animation: Peppa Pig Campervan Pop Up Play Tent Playhouse, £24.99
And it’s not just about encouraging role play either, as a play tent can be used as a relaxing spot away from such a busy family life, or just something for you to relax in and enjoy your favourite snacks in with close ones.
Here are the very best children's play tents that'll ignite imagination in a way you didn’t know was possible.
The best children's play tent 2024:
Best play tent for quick assembly
Are you looking for a play tent that your child can turn into their own activity centre? This budget-friendly play tent is everything you and your little one could want and more.Review: "Lovely little pop-up tent for little ones bought for my 1-year-olds birthday and my 4-year-old loves it as well, it's bigger than I thought it would be, and if you're buying balls with it I would get 200+, as I bought 100 and it doesn't even cover the bottom. It comes with a little bag, to pack away when not in use. You can also see through two of the sides, which is useful for having to have eyes in the back of your head with kids"
Pros
- Great kids pop up play tent is easy to set up and even easier to dismantle
- The door curtain can be rolled up to extend play area or rolled down for privacy
Cons
- Only suitable from 9 months - 13 years old
Best sensory play tent
www.argos.co.uk
No introduction needed for Chad Valley, since the early 19th century, they've created toys that inspire and are adored by little ones - this tent is no exception. With a cute front door and side entrance to pop in and out, their creative imaginations will make this tent the perfect place for a fun adventure. Review: "I purchased this tent as I had already got the tunnel for my son, he loved getting the tent. It’s easy to fold up and put out of the way also."
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Folds for storage
Cons
- For ages 2 year and over
Best safari play tent
This fairy string lights, and aquarium themed play tent is great if your child loves nature and animals. With its brightly lit and colourful blue prints and sea world like image, this will have your little one having loads of fun, with enough space for when your kids want to have play-days with friends!
Review: "Very pretty lights and great value for money. Honestly, I am really happy with this purchase.”
Pros
- A beautiful cosmic tent house with aquarium design
- This toy tent encourages you to embark on a water adventure
Cons
- To be used under the direct supervision of an adult
Best breathable play tent
Nee-naw, nee-naw! Encourage your children to have a space of their very own thanks to this police truck tent. Who knows, maybe this will ignite a love for helping others in the future.
Review: "Excellent tent for kids to use their imagination and role play. My children love this and they spend a lot of time playing in it. Great buy really pleased with it."
Pros
- This foldable police truck playhouse tent is a great way to provide your child with a space of their own
- Compact lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for children under the age of 3
Best circus theme play tent
www.ikea.com
If you're after a children's tent that matches your nursery’s fun circus theme, then Ikea has got it spot on with this big top. Review: "I bought this for my 2 year old granddaughter, she absolutely loves it, she calls it a castle and we all had to sit in it with her in turn. It’s great for indoor and outdoor in the summer. Would absolutely recommend."
Pros
- Creates a sheltered spot
- Great for playtime
Cons
- One review said, if used outside it blows about in the wind constantly
Best Peppa Pig play tent
Whether you're going away on holiday or not this year, shouldn't stop your tot from having an adventure from your living room thanks to this pop up Peppa Pig play tent. Shaped like a campervan, kids can pack all their essentials and go to the costa del garden. Review: "For any little Peppa fan this is great! Got it for my youngest daughters 2nd birthday and she spent pretty much all day in it and uses it most days. It is a lot bigger than I expected, which is a bonus!
Pros
- Comes with a roll-up door, peek a boo window and a mesh windscreen
- Features a picnic play mat for added role play
Cons
- Not ideal if your littled one isn't a fan of Peppa Pig
Best dinosaur play tent
Fun to play with, this dinosaur play tents, will help keep your child occupied while they go on their grand adventure! This eye-catchy sculpture design and roar button will make this Jurassic theme tent, a really a memorably one.
Review: "My Grandson loves animals, I mean loves animals. He was delighted with this tent. He is 4 and instantly started his imaginative play. Sounds are realistic and not annoying. At first I thought the tent looked pretty cheap, but the illustrations are just lovely, the tent being thin actually enhances the art work and stops the tent from feeling too enclosed. Added bonus its tall enough for a 4-year-old to stand up inside."
Pros
- Strong fiberglass poles to build this kids play tent
- Great for adventure
Cons
- Adult supervision is required at all times
Best play tent for princesses
Your little one will have their dream come true, where they’ll be able to be a princess and have their own castle. This pink and creative tent will help keep your child fully entertained, making it a cosy and snug place for them to read their favourite book, play and relax with their toys. And guess what, it also comes with an extra Frozen princess crown and magic wand making it extra special.
Review: "Easy to assemble and looks beautiful with the lights on. my niece was over the moon and spends hours on end playing with it. good size for even older children. The wand and tiara was a lovely addition!"
Pros
- The princess tent is designed in the shape of a castle
- Comes with an extra princess crown and magic wand
Cons
- Onw review said the tent isn't sturdy enough to stay in place
Best premium play tent
www.wonderfoldwagon.co.uk
Unleash the spirit of adventure with this large-sized play tent, the Adventure Camper! Inspired by whimsical vintage buses, this kids’ tent is more than a play space – it can also serve as a wagon garage for your WonderFold, accommodating up to a W4 Wagon!
This versatile tent can be used indoors and out and is great for role play, the tent can be a food truck, reading nook, camper, playhouse and much more. Crafted with poly canvas and a sturdy metal frame, the tent is durable and will last for lots of games.
Pros
- Can also be used for storing your child's wagon
- Zippered windows, optional canopy and roll up door offer lots of ways to play
Cons
- Pricier than others on our list
How Mother&Baby selected the best children's play tents:
All of these fun children's play tents have been hand-selected by Mother&Baby shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching kids’ play tents, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs. For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.