Play Teepees

What a play teepee is

A play teepee is a cone of fabric over poles that lean together and cross at the top, with a doorway at the front and curtains to tie back or close. It is taller in the middle than a play castle and takes up less floor, which is why it suits a reading corner, a quiet den or a spot by the bed. Most are open at the floor, so a rug or cushions inside make them cosy. The teepees here are play tents for indoors and fine days in the garden.

Canvas, castle and folding teepees

• A canvas teepee in beige, in 1.6m and 1.8m sizes, or white in 1.8m, with front curtains that close fully for private play. The floor mat is not included. See children's indoor tents.
• Large folding castle teepees, 110 by 130cm in thickened cotton and 110 by 123cm in polyester with a cotton-feel lining, both on PVC poles with two windows and a petal-shaped curtain. See children's tents.
• Cloth play teepees, one 110 by 90 by 125cm in pink or blue, and a 120 by 100 by 130cm khaki one. See kids' tents.
• A folding tipi castle in thickened Oxford cloth that the maker says goes up in 3 steps and about 2 to 3 minutes, and a starry sky castle playhouse. See bed tents for tents that go over a bed.

Poles, the doorway and the floor

A teepee stands because its poles lean on each other, so it needs its feet to stay put. On a wooden or tiled floor, set it on a rug so the feet cannot slide out when a child leans on the side. The castle teepees here use PVC poles and upgraded connectors. Both large castle teepees have a flat threshold across the doorway in place of a raised pole, which their maker says reduces the risk of tripping, and that matters with small children going in and out all day.

The canvas teepee has no floor mat, so add your own mat, rug or cushions. The cotton and lined teepees are described as soft, breathable and easy to clean.

Height and where it goes

Check the height against the space: the cloth teepees are 125cm to 130cm high, and the canvas one comes in 1.6m and 1.8m. Keep a teepee away from radiators, heaters and lamps, and leave room round it for the doorway to open.

Questions people ask about play teepees

What age is a play teepee for?

Check each product's own age guidance. The khaki teepee, for example, is described for infants up to children of 14. Supervise young children while they play.

Can a play teepee go outside?

Several are described for indoor and outdoor use, and the canvas one for summer shade in the garden. None gives a waterproof rating, so bring it in before rain.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Children's indoor tents
• Children's tents
• Bed tents
• Play tunnels
• Tipi tents for camping
• All kids' tents
• Guide: Kids' tents and indoor play tents