Cubby houses have quietly become one of those essential backyard additions for families with kids. Maybe it’s because screens have captivated our children’s minds. Or maybe it’s just the appeal of a small, kid-sized space that belongs entirely to them. Either way, a cubby house has shifted from “nice extra” to something parents actively plan for.

They’re not just about play, either. A good outdoor cubby house invites imagination, encourages movement, and creates a space where kids can make decisions without constant adult input. That’s powerful, even if it just looks like kids pretending to run a café for ants.

This article answers the most common questions families ask about cubby houses before making their decision.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Top 5 Cubby Houses Perfect for Adelaide Backyards

What Age Is Best for a Cubby House?

Most families find the sweet spot starts around age two or three. That’s when kids begin to enjoy role-play and simple independence. They might not “use” the cubby the way you imagined, but they’ll wander in and out, drag toys inside, and claim it as theirs.

That said, older kids don’t automatically outgrow cubbies. With a few tweaks, such as adding a desk, art supplies, or even rules for a made-up club, a cubby can stay relevant well into primary school.

How Long Will Your Kids Enjoy It?

Typically, cubby house play peaks between ages three and eight. That’s when imagination runs wild, and everything can be something else. A cubby is a house one day, a shop the next, and sometimes just a quiet hiding spot.

To extend its lifespan, families often change how they use the space. Cushions replace plastic kitchens. Chalkboards replace toy phones. It doesn’t need to be dramatic. Small shifts help kids see it differently.

Choosing the Right Spot in Your Yard

Placement matters more than most people think. Too far from the house, and it becomes something kids forget about. Too close, and it can feel cramped or feel like constant supervision.

Ideally, place your cubby house in Sydney where you can casually see it from inside, such as a quick peek from kitchen windows, and where it gets some sun without baking all afternoon. Many families choosing cubby house NSW setups also factor in drainage and wind exposure, which sounds boring but matters later.

How to Encourage Cubby Play

Not all kids are the same. Some will dive straight in. Others stand there, unsure what they’re meant to do. That’s normal.

If your child needs encouragement, start by playing with them in the cubby a few times. Not forever. Just enough to break the ice. Adding familiar items, such as books they love or a blanket from inside, also helps the space feel less “new” and more theirs.

Independent Play: Will It Happen?

Usually, yes. But not instantly.

At first, kids often want company. Over time, the outdoor cubby house becomes a place where they feel safe being alone. That’s when independent play starts to appear, often without announcement. You just realise they’ve been quiet for a while.

Group play grows naturally, too. Cubbies seem to create their own rules. Someone’s in charge. Someone’s the visitor. Someone’s not allowed in today, which feels unfair but is somehow essential.

What Kids Actually Do in Their Cubby House

They don’t just sit inside. That’s a common misconception.

Kids move in and out constantly. They collect leaves. They build stories around the cubby. They host imaginary guests. Sometimes they just sit there and do nothing, which is also doing something.

Extending play can be as simple as adding a sandpit nearby or a small table outside. The cubby becomes the base, not the whole experience.

Space & Size: What You Really Need

You don’t need a huge backyard. Smaller cubbies often get more use because they feel cosy and manageable.

Families looking for a cheap wooden cubby house sometimes worry about size, but kids rarely do. They care more about ownership than square metres. Even compact setups can become the most-used part of the yard if they feel intentional.

Must-Have Items to Add Inside

Keep it simple. Seating, even if it’s just cushions, makes a big difference. Low shelves help kids organise their “stuff,” whatever that happens to be this week.

Art supplies, clipboards, or a small chalkboard encourage quieter play. And letting kids choose a few items themselves, within reason, gives them buy-in. Comfort matters more than decoration.

What Happens When Kids Stop Playing in It?

Eventually, cubby play fades. That’s okay.

Some families repurpose the cubby as storage or a reading nook. Others pass it on, sell it, or donate it to another family. A cubby house doesn’t have to be permanent to be worthwhile. Its value is in the years it’s loved, not how long it stays standing.

Conclusion

Cubby houses do not need perfection. They’re about creating space, both physical and imaginative, for kids to explore on their own terms. With a bit of thought and flexibility, they can grow alongside your child and become part of family life in unexpected ways.

Thinking about adding a cubby house to your backyard?

KidzShack offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed cubby houses built for real families and real backyards. Whether you’re after a cheap wooden cubby house or something more adventurous, we can help you choose a cubby that suits your space, budget, and kids’ ages. 

Call us at 0861705064 to get in touch and explore quality designs, practical advice, and delivery options across Australia.