What to Look for When Buying a Cubby House with a Slide

At Lifespan Kids, we’re big believers in the benefits of a cubby house in a child’s early development. By giving your child their own personal play space, it creates a safe environment for them to explore their own imaginative worlds and build a sense of individual expression. Having extra features like slides and an elevated design creates more opportunities for play and plays a central role in the development of early motor skills.

Here, we’re giving you the rundown on things to consider when selecting your cubby, and how to ensure you’re giving your child the best possible foundation for expressive, active play.

Cubby House with a Slide Checklist

1. Materials: One of the most important choices will be between a wooden cubby house or plastic one. Wooden cubby houses are durable, eco-friendly and blend naturally into the environment, while plastic cubby houses tend to be lighter, low-maintenance and better for indoor play.
2. Size and Space: Make sure to measure your space before making any decisions, especially for cubby houses with slide attachments. These will need extra clearance around the cubby to make the slide safe to use.
3. Features: Look for a cubby house with added features like child-safe windows, doors or built-in benches. Some models come with a play kitchen, chalkboards or climbing walls that can make the play experience more engaging.
4. Colour and Design: Choose a design and colour scheme that complements your backyard. Some cubby houses are vibrant and colourful, while others have natural wood finishes that blend well with garden spaces.
5. Safety: Always ensure that the cubby house meets Australian safety standards. Check for rounded corners, safe fall heights and non-toxic paint or finishes.
6. Age: Consider the age of your child and ensure the cubby house is suitable for their developmental stage. Some are designed for younger children, while others are made for older kids who may enjoy more advanced features.

Sight The Space

As mentioned before, it’s incredibly important to measure the space you have before deciding on your cubby house. This is not just about having enough space for the cubby itself but making sure there is enough clearance around it to ensure you have a safe play environment. This is extra important for slides, as we recommend having up to a metre of space in front of the slide.

If your backyard is limited or you live in an apartment, you may want to explore indoor cubby houses, which provide the same level of fun but in a more compact and weather-protected environment.

For outdoor cubby houses, you should also think about the ground surface (grass, concrete, sand) and whether any obstacles might affect the play experience.

Weather Through the Weather

For hot, sunny regions, look for UV-resistant materials or a cubby with a shaded area to protect your child from sun exposure. Wooden cubby houses often require a protective varnish to prevent sun damage, while plastic cubby houses tend to handle the heat better but may fade over time.

On the other hand, if you live in a rainy or wet climate, it’s crucial to ensure the cubby house is water-resistant. Wooden cubby houses can be sealed to prevent moisture damage, while plastic options generally perform well in wet weather but may accumulate water at the base of the slide.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and weatherproofing, will extend the life of your cubby house and ensure your child’s safety in all weather conditions.

Brace Your Budget

Before committing to a cubby house with a slide, it's essential to have a clear budget in mind. Prices for cubby houses can vary significantly depending on their material, size and features. Wooden cubby houses are typically more expensive due to their durability and craftsmanship, while plastic cubby houses can be more affordable and often come in pre-assembled kits.

Be sure to factor in any additional costs such as delivery, installation or maintenance supplies. Keep an eye out for sales or promotions, especially during holiday seasons. Also, consider long-term savings, as a well-built cubby house with a slide can last for years, providing years of enjoyment for your children.

Aim for a balance between your budget and the quality features you want in your cubby house.

Dedicate some time to Design

Take a moment to zoom out and consider how your cubby house will fit in the space. Think about how it will look alongside other elements in your yard, such as garden features, landscaping or other play areas.

Once you’ve got a cubby house you like and you’re happy with the space, then comes the fun option to give it a DIY makeover. This can make a great family project that allows your child to truly express their creativity in the design of their cubby. You can paint the cubby in your child's favourite colours, add decorative elements or even building additional features like a sandpit or climbing wall to make the playhouse more personal and engaging.

Final Tips

If you have multiple children, ensure the design and size can accommodate them comfortably. Look for features that can be enjoyed by children of different ages, like a slide for younger kids and a play furniture for older children.

Think about how often you’ll be using the cubby house and whether it will need supervision. For instance, if your child is younger, you might want a model with a more enclosed design and smaller slide to ensure their safety.

Finally, if you plan on hosting friends or family gatherings, consider how much traffic the cubby house will need to handle. Durability, accessibility and safety features should all be factors that align with your family’s lifestyle.

Conclusion

We know it can be a lot to consider but taking a few moments to think about the extra details can make a huge difference in your child’s new play space. We’ve got a huge range for you to choose from, which means there’s bound to be an option for every child and every space. If you have any questions about our range or how to choose the best one for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help you out.