Choosing the Right Cubby House for Your Child's Age

Children's play needs change dramatically as they grow. A cubby house that delights a toddler might bore a seven-year-old, while features exciting for school-age kids could be dangerous for little ones. Understanding what's appropriate for each age group helps you choose a cubby that provides safe, engaging play now and grows with your family.

Toddlers (1-3 Years)

Toddlers are just beginning their cubby house journey. At this age, children are developing basic motor skills, starting imaginative play, and learning about their environment. Safety is paramount, and simplicity is key.

What Toddlers Need

Toddlers benefit from ground-level cubbies with no elevated platforms or climbing features that could result in dangerous falls. They need easy entry and exit with wide doorways, low thresholds, and stable access. Enclosed spaces provide a sense of security—toddlers often feel more comfortable in clearly defined, cosy spaces. Simple play features like working doors, windows that open and close, and built-in seats are endlessly fascinating to toddlers.

Safety Considerations

At this age, children explore with their mouths, so ensure all materials are non-toxic and there are no small parts that could be choking hazards. Check that doors and windows can't trap small fingers—pinch points are a real risk for little hands. Stable construction is essential as toddlers may lean heavily on structures while developing balance.

Recommended Types

Plastic cubbies are ideal for toddlers—they're lightweight, easy to clean, have no splinter risk, and are designed with smooth edges. Simple cottage-style plastic playhouses from brands like Little Tikes or Step2 hit the sweet spot for this age group. Fabric tents and teepees are also excellent for supervised indoor/outdoor play.

Supervision Requirements

Toddlers require constant, close supervision during cubby play. An adult should be within arm's reach at all times, able to quickly assist if needed. At this age, never leave children unattended in the cubby.

Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

Preschoolers are in the golden age of imaginative play. Their developing language skills fuel elaborate pretend scenarios, and their improving motor skills allow for more physical play. This is when cubbies really come alive as houses, shops, cafés, and secret hideouts.

What Preschoolers Need

Preschoolers thrive with space for imaginative play including room for play furniture, dress-ups, and props. Features that support role play like play kitchens, counters, and serving windows are hugely popular. Appropriate physical challenges such as small steps, low platforms under 60cm, and gentle slides suit their developing abilities. Social play space accommodating two or more children is ideal as social play becomes increasingly important at this age.

Safety Considerations

Preschoolers are more capable but still developing judgment about risk. Any elevated platforms should be low with appropriate guardrails. Fall zones must have impact-absorbing surfaces. Children this age can manage stairs with handrails but shouldn't use ladders unsupervised.

Recommended Types

Both plastic and timber cubbies work well for preschoolers. Look for designs with character features like verandahs, flower boxes, and realistic details that support imaginative play. Some elevated options with very low platforms (under 60cm) and short slides become appropriate for more confident preschoolers.

Supervision Requirements

Preschoolers need active supervision but can have slightly more independence than toddlers. An adult should be nearby and watching, though not necessarily within arm's reach for ground-level play. Closer supervision is required for elevated platforms or physical features.

Early School Age (5-7 Years)

Starting school marks a significant shift in play capabilities and interests. Children in this age group have good physical control, are developing more complex social play, and can follow rules consistently. Cubbies become bases for broader outdoor adventures.

What Early School Age Children Need

Children this age enjoy moderate physical challenges with elevated platforms up to 1.2 metres, slides, and simple climbing features. They want space for group play as their cubby becomes a social hub for friends. They benefit from storage for treasures and toys and features that extend play like sandpits, blackboards, and activity walls.

Safety Considerations

Adequate guardrails on elevated areas become essential, as does proper fall zone surfacing below elevated platforms. Teach and enforce safety rules—children this age can understand and follow guidelines about safe play.

Recommended Types

This age group makes the most of timber cubbies with modest elevation and play features. Designs with verandahs, multiple rooms, and add-on options provide growing room. Plastic cubbies can work but may start to feel babyish to some children.

Supervision Requirements

Children 5-7 can play more independently, particularly with ground-level cubbies or those with modest elevation. Active supervision isn't required for children familiar with the equipment and rules, but periodic check-ins and being within earshot is appropriate. More adventurous features require closer attention.

Middle Childhood (7-10 Years)

Middle childhood brings increasing physical capability, independence, and social sophistication. Children want challenges, privacy, and space for complex group activities. The cubby transforms from a play space into a genuine hideaway.

What Middle Childhood Children Need

This age group seeks significant physical challenges including higher platforms (up to 1.8 metres with appropriate safety measures), climbing walls, rope features, and challenging slides. They value privacy with a space that feels genuinely their own. They need flexibility to configure the space for different activities and durability to withstand more vigorous play and heavier use.

Safety Considerations

While children are more capable, falls from height can cause serious injury regardless of age. Guardrails, safety surfacing, and quality construction are non-negotiable. Children should understand safety rules and the reasons behind them.

Recommended Types

Elevated timber cubby houses, treehouse-style structures, and play centres with multiple features suit this age group well. Look for robust construction that will withstand energetic play. Consider designs with room for future additions as interests develop.

Supervision Requirements

Children 7-10 who are familiar with their cubby and its rules can generally play independently. However, parents should establish clear expectations, periodically check in, and remain available. Higher-risk activities may warrant closer attention depending on the individual child's maturity and judgment.

Pre-Teens (10-12 Years)

Pre-teens might seem too old for "cubby houses," but the right space remains valuable. At this age, it's less about play equipment and more about having a private retreat and social gathering space.

What Pre-Teens Need

Pre-teens want genuine privacy with a space that feels separate from the main house. They need comfortable space for hanging out including room for seating, storage, and activities like reading or crafts. They appreciate a mature aesthetic as childish designs won't appeal, and they need electrical capacity for charging devices, music, and lighting.

Cubby Transitions

Some children age out of cubby play entirely, in which case the structure might be passed to younger siblings, repurposed as a garden shed, or sold. Others transition to using the cubby differently—as a reading nook, art studio, or social space.

If your cubby will serve both young children and pre-teens, consider how it can accommodate different uses. Removable "childish" elements let it grow up with your family.

Recommended Types

For pre-teens, consider larger timber structures with a more grown-up aesthetic. Some families invest in small studio-style buildings that serve as cubby houses when children are young but transition to home offices, guest rooms, or teenager retreats.

Planning for Multiple Ages

Many families need a cubby that works for children of different ages. Some strategies help accommodate this challenge.

Choose Versatile Designs

Look for cubbies with multiple play zones—perhaps a ground-level area suitable for younger children and elevated features for older ones. Modular designs that can be reconfigured as children grow offer flexibility.

Establish Clear Rules

Create age-appropriate rules about which features each child can use. The slide might be for everyone, but the climbing wall only for children over five. Ensure rules are clear, consistent, and enforced.

Supervise Mixed-Age Play

When children of different ages play together, supervision needs to account for the youngest child's capabilities. Older children might need reminders to play appropriately around younger siblings.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase

Cubby houses are significant investments, so consider longevity when purchasing.

Buy for ages up, not down: A cubby suitable for your current three-year-old and your future six-year-old is better value than buying twice.

Choose expandable designs: Some timber cubbies can have features added over time—platforms raised, slides added, climbing walls installed.

Consider resale: Quality timber cubbies retain value well if you choose to sell when your children outgrow them.

Think about secondary uses: A well-built cubby can become storage, a potting shed, or even a chicken coop once play days end.

By matching your cubby choice to your children's developmental stages—while considering future needs—you'll maximise both safety and play value throughout your family's cubby house years.