Here comes spring, when the weather gets nicer and kids and parents are looking forward to outdoor adventures, vacations, and a lot of time to explore. This year, things will probably still be a little different, and as parents, we have been using our thinking caps to try to offer some excitement and memories while keeping with the physical distancing rules we need for our health right now. With the travel and gathering restrictions, coming up with creative ways to entertain our kids and give them some magic has become a priority. Sometimes we overthink things and don't lean on those tried, tested, and true ideas — like indoor tents.
Using an indoor tent offers kids a little spot for imagination. The space could be used for adventure and play or perhaps as a quieter retreat to rest or read. Many tents can be used indoors or outdoors, and they allow kids to have a space that's just for them. Imagination is adorable to watch as a parent, and it's so good for the kids to engage in this type of play. If there's space in the home, permanently or temporarily, a tent can offer kids hours of fun and give parents a small reprieve, too.
Here are 23 kids tents that will help make playing indoors a little more magical.
A Colorful Doodle Tent
According to the details on this product, this teepee-style tent is ideal for kids aged 3 and up. It has a roll-back flap entrance so it can be left open or closed for more privacy. There's an extra circle cutout so kids can crawl in while the flap is closed and add another layer of adventure fun.
Kids Tent Doodles Pink/Aqua – Pillowfort ($35, Target)
A Castle Fit for Royalty
Many play tents offer another layer of fun for imagination with the shape and design. Like this one that's full-on castle that's fit for royal play. The tent can be used indoors or outdoors and is easy enough to move from one to the other.
Children Play Tent Boys Girls Prince House Indoor Outdoor ($20, Walmart)
Tent With Lights
Made with durable canvas and featuring LED lights, this tent is the perfect size for a bedroom or playroom. The legs of the tent are made of pine, so it will last a good while and it's sturdy enough that parents won't have to worry. The age recommendation is for kids aged 3 and up.
Play Teepee with Carrying Bag ($40, Wayfair)
A Fun Imagination
A tent that is easy to assemble is important for moms who don't want to fiddle with putting it together while a bored child whines at their feet. There are a few easy-to-follow steps to get this set up and the fun part of this tent is it comes with a light for the inside. Between that and the fun colorful patterns, it's an adventure waiting to happen.
B. toys Kids Indoor Tent – B. Teepee Blue ($40, Target)
Fit for a Princess
Between the gorgeous pastel colors and the bright lights, this play tent is an adorable choice for little princesses. The battery-powered LED lights are shaped like stars and there's enough room inside for a friend to join, or a lot of stuffed animals and cozy pillows.
Princess Castle Play Tent for Girls (from $32, Walmart)
Bright Colors Shine
Using only two poles, this tent is super simple to assemble and it will provide hours of fun for the kids to play in. It's slightly larger than a typical play tent, allowing for two or three kids to have fun together. The bright colors complement a kid's room or play area.
Super Duper 4 Kid Play Tent with Carrying Bag ($44, Wayfair)
Pop-Up Castle
A tent that has a design of a castle with lots of space on the inside is what this tent will offer. It's perfect for kids who love all things royal princess and princes and can spend hours using their imagination to come up with fun adventures. It can also be used for quiet alone time to read a book
Fun2Give Pop-it-Up Princess Castle Tent ($16, Target)
Camouflage Play
If the décor for a popup play tent would better fit the style of the home with darker colors, this camouflage tent is fun. It can be used indoors or outdoors and there's a good amount of space for a young child who's looking to have some alone time.
Vokodo Kids Pop Up Tent Folding Camouflage ($25, Walmart)
A Tunnel Entrance
It's a jungle in the home, so why not make it a fun one? This play tent offers an extra level of fun with the crawl-through tunnel to get into the base of the tent. The jungle animal design is adorable for younger kids and this is recommended for kids aged 7 and up.
Jungle Safari Play Tunnel ($50, Wayfair)
A Fun Pop-Up
For parents who have kids on the younger side, there are still some play tents that are safe for them to play in. This is a lightweight tent that pops up easily so it can be taken out and about with the family or be given a forever spot in the kiddo's bedroom.
Babymoov Kid's UV Resistant Portable Pop-Up ($50, Target)
Go All Out
For the kids who want some extra fun and adventure, this pop-up tent has a little bit of everything. There are two crawl tunnels, a space for a ball pit, and another area where they can hide and read or play. It would be amazing for those days where it's too hot or too rainy to play in the yard.
Product TitleKiddzery 4pc Kids Play Tent ($45, Walmart)
Glow in the Dark
Tents bring a lot of magic — especially when paired with imagination — and that's something this sweet tent can offer. The mesh fabric glows in the dark to make it look like the kids are surrounded by fireflies. It comes with a carrying case so it can be brought out and about, but it's also a good size to make it a staple in the living room or the kid's room
Glow in The Dark Firefly Play Tent ($67, Wayfair)
A Full Fort
A fun twist on a typical play tent, this one uses air to blow it up and give loads of space inside. "This unique spin on a play tent comes in an easy-to-carry, compact travel bag and attaches to any classic box fan with the included durable adhesive fan tabs," the description reads.
Air Fort Digital Camo Play Tent ($53, Target)
It's a Magic Bus
For a creative twist, this tent is in the shape of a magical bus that can take the kids' imaginations on a variety of adventures. The doors fold up to allow the kids to see outside the tent, but they can close them for a little extra privacy. There is no assembly required — it simply pops up and folds down, and is recommended for kids aged 3 and up.
Vokodo Kids Pop Up Play Tent School Bus ($35, Walmart)
A Little Cottage
For kiddos who want their tent to resemble a little house, this cottage play tent brings the homely feel. The outside is styled like a quaint little home and there's loads of space inside for the kids to lounge, play, or take a nap.
The Cottage Play Tent ($46, Wayfair)
A Pretend Camper
For families who like to go RVing and are feeling stuck at home this year, this little play tent, shaped and designed to look like a little vintage camper, is an adorable option to take place for the time being. It looks like an old-school camper and has a pretend hitch, too.
Kids Mini Camper Pretend Play House Tent ($260, Target)
The Clubhouse
Another creatively designed tent, this one is like a fun pop-up clubhouse to give the kids their own space. It looks like a typical treehouse but takes no time to assemble and can be taken down when needed. The play balls are not included, but can be grabbed from Walmart, too, for some extra fun.
Kids Play House Toy w / Two Doors One Window ($33, Walmart)
Value Pack of 200 Crush Proof Plastic Play Balls ($25, Walmart)
Hanging Play Tent
For parents who are looking for a tent that's a little more permanent, there's this play tent that can be hung from the ceiling in the kid's bedroom. It adds a level of whimsy to any bedroom and has a padded floor so it's even more comfortable.
Marrakesh Hanging Play Tent ($150, Wayfair)
A Slumber Party Tent Kit
$67
from
Give everyone at the slumber party a private and cozy place to sleep with this collection of matching tents and personalized party favors.
Each kit includes an A-frame tent, a T-shirt personalized with the chosen color and each child's name, a party favor cup with each child's name on it, and a personalized pillowcase. Order one kit for every child at the party.
An Adventurer's Tent
For those heading into the wilderness to discover the origins of the Amazon or running away from home to live off the land, the first order of business should be shelter. And this is the perfect shelter, even if this adventure happens largely in a huge imagination right at home in the family room.
The tie-open doors and windows make the interior cozy and easy to access. The wooden frame makes it easy to set up. And it folds and stores easily.
Transform Any Bed Into a Tent
Turn any bed into a dreamy adventure by attaching this tent to the bed frame. This will eliminate the bedtime pushback and keep all the monsters out. It also works as a stand-alone play tent. Or set it up over a twin-sized mattress on the floor as a transition from a crib to a big-kid bed.
It fits any twin bed by tying to the frame and is made from cotton canvas and a wood-dowel frame that assembles easily. The doors and windows tie open.
An Indoor Playhouse
Skip right over the ugly plastic playhouse and put something in the family room or the kiddo's bedroom that's beautiful and whimsical with this cotton canvas house on a light and durable aluminum frame system.
Leave it up permanently as a place to play or a small dwelling for the kids — or their dolls or stuffed animals.
Turn Any Table Into a Tent
Maybe there's no room for a tent in the house, but that doesn't mean it's an impossible dream. This tablecloth turns any table into a tent. And unlike the sheet the kids have been throwing over the table, this tablecloth has windows and a door.
It's safe to serve dinner right on top, but be warned: There might be an entire imaginary world under there.
This tent is also easy to fold up and put away when it's time to let the grownups play at the table.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
