If you're a parent searching for the best cubby house in Adelaide for your little one, you might be wondering: What’s the best age for a cubby house? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as kids develop at different rates. What’s perfect for a toddler might not interest a seven-year-old.

Understanding how a cubby house supports your child’s growth can help you make the right choice. There is a right fit depending on their age, interests, and level of independence. 

This blog explores the ideal age ranges for different cubby houses, safety considerations, and tips for picking the right one. 

Understanding the Role of Cubby Houses in Child Development

A cubby house isn’t just a cute backyard addition; it’s a launchpad for imagination, independence, and creativity. Whether it’s a plastic cubby house or a wooden mini-mansion, it gives kids their own space to play, explore, and pretend.

Role-playing in a cubby helps children practise social skills, storytelling, and even problem-solving. It can be a pirate ship one day and a bakery the next. For younger kids, it supports sensory development and motor skills. For older ones, it becomes a space for quiet time, reading, or hanging out with friends.

Basically, a kid's cubby is more than just a play area. It’s a stage for whatever their minds can dream up, and it adapts as they grow.

Why Age Matters When Choosing a Cubby House

So, why does age matter? Because different stages of development come with different needs.

For toddlers, safety is the number-one priority. You’ll want a plastic cubby house that's low to the ground, has no sharp edges, and is easy to clean and move. As kids get older, they’re ready for more complex features, such as climbing walls, built-in slides, verandas, and even secret hiding spots.

What you don’t want is to invest in a kid’s cubby that your child will outgrow in six months. Or worse, one that overwhelms or bores them. Choosing with age in mind helps you get more value and more joy out of your purchase.

Age-by-Age Guide to Choosing the Right Cubby House

Toddlers (Ages 1–3)

This is the age where everything goes in the mouth, balance is still developing, and attention spans are short. At this stage, a simple plastic cubby house is usually ideal.

Look for:

• Rounded edges

• Low entry points

• Bright colours to stimulate interest

• Basic features like a door and a window

• Easy assembly and cleaning

You don’t need bells and whistles. A safe, cosy space to crawl in and out of is plenty.

Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Now we’re getting into full-blown pretend play territory. This is often the best age for a cubby house because kids can really engage with the idea of “their own little house”.

At this stage, look for:

• Play kitchens, shop counters or mail slots

• Room for more than one child

• Small slides or climbing steps

• Sturdy but still safe structures (either plastic or timber)

Kids in this range are full of stories and characters. A cubby that supports their make-believe worlds is a hit.

Early School Age (Ages 6–8)

This age group wants something more than just a “cute little house”. They’re ready for more complex and engaging play.

Great features include:

• Multi-room cubbies or split levels

• Climbing walls or monkey bars

• Add-ons like blackboards or outdoor tables

• Space to host friends

Wooden cubbies tend to shine at this stage, and you can start customising them. Think letterboxes, signs, or even solar lights.

Older Kids (Ages 9 and above)

Here’s the thing: most people assume cubby houses are just for littlies. But plenty of older kids still love having a backyard retreat, just in a different way.

For this age, consider:

• A cubby that doubles as a chill-out zone

• Bean bags, bookshelves, and music

• Larger size and more privacy

• A more “grown-up” look (think neutral colours or timber finish)

It becomes less about play and more about personal space. And if you’re handy, you can even build one together as a weekend project.

Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Cubby House

Not sure if your child is ready yet? Here are a few signs to look for:

• They love hide-and-seek or building forts indoors

• They’ve started playing imaginative games (e.g. pretending to cook, drive, shop)

• They ask for their own space or “house”

• They enjoy being outdoors and playing independently

You’ll often find that even very young children start showing interest in cubby-style play, especially if they’ve seen it at daycare or a friend’s house.

Safety Tips for All Ages

No matter how old your child is, safety always comes first. A few quick tips:

• Check the ground: Make sure your cubby is on level, soft ground. Grass, mulch, or rubber matting is best.

• Anchor it: Especially in windy areas, anchoring your cubby is a must.

• Watch for sharp edges or splinters: Ensure there are no sharp edges or splinters if you’re going for timber-built. 

• Regular checks: Every few months, do a quick check for wear and tear, loose screws or wasp nests.

• Set clear boundaries: Teach your kids not to climb on the roof or roughhouse inside the cubby.

And when buying a cubby house in Adelaide, make sure it complies with local council safety regulations, especially if it’s a large structure. Weather compatibility is also essential. 

Conclusion

So, if someone asks you, what’s the best age for a cubby house? The right answer is whenever your child is ready to play, imagine, and explore. That could be anywhere from 1 to 10 years old.

The key is choosing a cubby that matches their development stage. Take your time, consider how your child plays, and think ahead about how long they’ll use it. The perfect cubby house in your backyard can become a cherished childhood memory in the making. 

Be it a brightly coloured plastic cubby house for your toddler, or a timber hideout for your pre-teen, there’s a perfect match out there.