Playhouse

The imagination of a child can turn a cardboard box or a group of trees into a magical place for adventure. But if you want to give your little one something extra-special, consider a playhouse. Every kid will love having a space he can really call his own.

Types of playhouses When you're ready to shop for a playhouse, consider how much you want to spend, the size of the space, and what type of play your child enjoys. With these factors in mind you're sure to find just the right playhouse.

Some of the types of playhouses available include:

• Fairy tale castle playhouses- Your son or daughter might just be a white knight or a pretty princess in their own world.
• Log cabin playhouses- Little ones can act out their dreams of frontier life or the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder in their very own log cabin playhouse.
• Custom built playhouses- Create anything from the house of your child's dreams to a replica of your very own home with a custom playhouse.

Factors to consider
Playhouses come in a wide variety of options and price ranges. If you've decided to purchase a playhouse for your child, there are a few important factors to consider.

• Materials- From sturdy plastic for the younger generation, to wood and cement for the older kids, make sure the material of the playhouse is weather-resistant and safe for the age of the child.
• Size- If you're planning on putting a playhouse in the backyard, factor in room for other things like lawn furniture or clotheslines. Keep in mind that a playhouse that fits in a corner of the yard is more likely to get used than one that takes up all the playing space.
• Permanence- If you don't have much space, consider a temporary playhouse. When winter hits or the backyard is needed for a party, just move the playhouse and put it up again later.

The legacy of childhood
We all remember the cardboard boxes, makeshift tree houses, and blanket forts of our own childhoods. Give your children something truly special with a playhouse just for them. It's sure to become one of their favorite places to be.