Pop up play tents and tunnels are great for young children to play in – kids will love to have their own secret place to play and hide away from the rest of the world! There are so many different styles of toy tent, so choosing the right one can sometimes be difficult. Here, we have made it easy for you, by reviewing 10 of the best kids toy tents for both boys and girls. Some of the tents we have chosen come with tunnels, and some are suitable for outdoor use – there is something for everyone here. After the reviews, you will also find answers to some FAQs parents have about choosing the right tent, and playing safely in it.
10 Best Kids Play Tents for Boys and Girls
In the following section, you will find our reviews of 10 great kids toy tents for boys and girls. There is sure to be something your little one will love here.
1. Pop up Play Tents with Tunnels & Ball Pit 8-in-1
This children’s pop up tent set is great for those who have a lot of space to set it up. It comes with two cube tents, two pyramid tents and four tunnels to connect everything together. There are also plastic stakes included, which means the tents can be set up outdoors if preferred. It is ideal for birthday parties or when friends come to play, as many children can use it together at the same time.
Tunnel toys for toddlers are great because they promote active, healthy habits. Little ones are sure to burn off a lot of energy crawling around this maze! The ball pit balls are not included, but it’s easy to find some for sale on Amazon, where they can be bought in packs of 100. When it’s time to put the tents away, they fold up neatly into the included zipper storage bag, so you don’t have to worry about them taking up a lot of space.
2. Pink Princess Castle Tent by Sure Luxury
Every toddler girl loves playing with indoor tents and pink little girl play tents are especially popular! This princess tent is a great size, so can be enjoyed by little girls for many years before it will be outgrown. There is even space to fill the tent with cushions and blankets to make it more cozy and comfortable for your child to relax in.
The playhouse tent for girls is easy to set up with the included poles, and it also comes with a carry bag for easy storage when needed. It has mesh windows so you can keep an eye on your child when they are playing, and the door can also be tied up for easier access. The tent is water resistant, so it can be set up outdoors if preferred. You can be sure the tent is high quality, as it comes with a 1 year warranty to protect against any defects.
3. Caterpillar Tent Tunnel by Kids Play Tents
This pop up play tent and tunnel is loads of fun for the little toddlers. It is so easy to set up and take down, so kids can start playing with it straight away, and it won’t cause a headache at tidying up time. The caterpillar tunnel is suitable for outdoor use as well as indoor, so it is perfect for year-round fun.
The pop up tunnel tent is over 70 inches long, and is 18 inches in diameter. This means it can be used for many years – it is recommended for children up to the age of 9 years old. The tunnel is made from easy to clean polyester material, and it comes with a pouch for easy storage and carrying.
4. Indoor Pink Tent by IsPerfect
This girls indoor tent is really cute and stunning to look at, especially when they are cozy inside playing with their toys! There are loads of different types of princess tents for toddlers but this is one of my favorite. It comes with star lights, perfect for playing in the evening or on a dull day when it’s a bit dark inside. The curtains around the sides are great for giving parents a full view of the inside of the tent, to make sure kids remain safe when they are playing.
The toddler castle tent has loads of room inside – there is even enough space for an adult to fit inside too. So, it’s perfect for getting cozy and reading a few stories before bedtime. The tent is easy to assemble, so kids won’t have to wait long before they can start playing. The tent is good for outdoor use – perfect for keeping flies away in the summer. Again, this girls toy tent comes with a bag for easy storage when it has to be packed away.
5. Kids Toy Tent with Tunnel
This kids indoor play tent is one of the favorites and has raving reviews from us and many others online shopping for play tents. The baby tent is perfect for little ones who have just started crawling, but it is equally fun for toddlers too. The pop up play tent and tunnel has mesh on the sides so parents can easily keep an eye on their baby, and this also helps provide ventilation.
The baby ball pit has a basketball hoop, which is great for developing coordination and motor skills, and it is also a lot of fun! The balls are not included, so you can choose how many you would like to add. The tent is ideal for babies and younger children, because there are no poles or other dangerous parts which could cause injury.
6. Children’s Teepee Play Tent
This little Indian kids tent is an imaginative teepee that is beautifully designed and has loads of features that makes it particularly special for kids who love playing cowboys and Indians! The tent is a great size to fit indoors, but it is also suitable for use outdoors. It can be set up within 5 minutes, and stands at 100 x 130cm once built. This is the perfect size for two or three children to play together.
The kids outdoor play tent has fastenings to keep the door held open, or it can be closed too. There is a window for kids to pop their heads through, and they will find themselves wearing an Indian headdress as they do so!
7. Jungle Gym Play Tents
This is an amazing pop up play tent and tunnel set that offers loads of fun for kids to run around and play with their friends. The set includes two tunnels, two tents and a ball pit with basketball hoop. The pieces can be arranged in all different layouts, so kids will never get bored of crawling through the course you set up! One of the tent has different sized holes in the sides for practicing throwing a ball through. The basketball hoop is also great for practicing your aim!
The kids outdoor tent set is really easy to set up – all the pieces pop up in seconds and don’t require any assembly. It can be stored away just as easily, as the tents and tunnels fold up and can be put in the included storage bag to keep them clean and safe. Kids will have years of fun with this great set, and it is great for parties or playdates when there are lots of kids playing together thanks to its large size.
8. Viking Castle Playhouse Popup Tent
This Viking indoor pop up tent is perfect for little boys who love boats and pirates. The tent can easily be assembled in as little as five minutes, leaving kids more time to start playing. It’s a good size for two or three children to play inside together, depending on their age and size. The doors can be tied open for younger children, so you can keep a close eye on them.
The indoor kids tent is made from high quality materials which will last for many years. Kids will love the decorations on the tent, and it is sure to look great in any little boy’s playroom! There are different flags included so kids can change the flag at the top of the tent depending on the day or their mood.
9. Kids Tent & Playhouse – Indoor & Outdoor Use
This kids outdoor play tent is a large size and has multiple entrance doors, making it ideal for more than one child to play at once. It is easy to set up, with flexible tent poles and ground stakes to keep it securely in place when used outdoors. Like most toy tents, it comes with a carrying bag for easy storage and transport.
The tent is great for using as a baby play tent in the garden or at the beach, to keep little ones out of the sun. The tent has a breathable mesh top and a waterproof ground sheet, making it perfect for outdoor use. It’s also lightly water resistant so kids can even play outdoors in the rain if they wish! Kids will have years of fun using their imaginations to make this tent their own castle, fort or den – they will never get bored of playing in it!
10. Caterpillar Kids Tunnel and Tent Combo
This pop up tunnel tent is great for babies who have recently learned to crawl. It’s just the right size for them, and you can add a few ball pit balls for extra fun! The tunnel can also be used on it’s own without the tent, which can be great for your little one to practice their new crawling skills! It easily folds up to a nice compact size, so can easily be stored away under the bed or in the closest when not in use.
The boys and girls pop up tent is easily cleaned with a damp sponge and some gentle soap, so there’s no need to worry if your child makes a mess inside it. The tunnel is just under 70 inches long, so it will grow with your child and provide a few years worth of use. This is a great indoor play tent for toddlers on a rainy day, as it is small enough to be set up indoors. However, it is also safe for outdoor use when the weather allows.
FAQ’s
Here, we attempt to answer some questions commonly asked about choosing little kid tents and maintaining them afterwards.
Wondering how to make a kids play tent or how to assemble princess tent?
Making a tent out of old sheets and blankets is a lot of fun! If you are not sure if your child will enjoy a tent, you can try making one like this before buying them a proper tent. Use furniture such as tables and chairs to prop up blankets for your child to hide under.
If you have bought a new tent and are not sure how to assemble it, check online to see if the manufacturer has any instructions. Most often, they are included in the box with the tent pieces. If you are not confident at putting up tents, try an indoor pop up tent, as these only take seconds to put up and don’t require any poles.
Is it safe for me to leave my kid playing in the tent alone?
The answer to this question really depends on the age of the child and what their abilities are. Older kids will be absolutely fine, although babies and toddlers should always be supervised, whether they are playing in a tent or doing something else. Some tents have ties and strings which can be strangulation hazards, so make sure they are out of reach or securely tied up.
What play tents are best for using outside?
There are some kids outdoor play tents which are designed to be suitable for outdoor use, whereas others might not be strong enough to use outdoors. It’s best to look for a tent with a stronger layer on the bottom which won’t get torn easily, and always pitch the tent on grass or on top of a blanket to prevent the base from tearing on hard ground. Tunnels can be a lot of fun to use outside too. As long as care is taken, and the toys aren’t left out overnight or for long periods, it is perfectly safe to use a kids pop up play tent outside.
How can I use a tent to help my child’s development?
Playing in a tent offers many developmental advantages for young children. First and foremost, they are excellent for developing the imagination. Kids can play anything they like in their tent, whether they are cowboys camping out after a hard day herding cattle or princesses having a feast in their castle! They are also great for improving social skills – kids will have to interact with others to talk about what they are playing.
Tent play can also help physical skills, especially if there is a tunnel linked to the tent. Kids can practice crawling, turning and climbing through small spaces. Tents are also great for providing children with a place to have quiet time, to read a book or play quietly and forget about the outside world!
Should I clean my child’s tent?
As with any toy, keeping your child’s tent clean is important. If it is used indoors, it might not get too dirty providing your child doesn’t eat inside it. Thankfully, keeping a tent clean is pretty easy as the material can simply be wiped clean in most cases. It’s important to make sure the tent is clean before packing it away into its carry case, as this will help prevent mold and mildew from developing. Tents which have been used outdoors should have the mud brushed off after it has dried, then clean gently with a damp sponge or cloth and some mild soap if necessary.
How can I replace any broken poles from the tent?
When a pole gets broken, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer to see if this is covered under the warranty. If it is, you will be able to get a new pole sent out free of charge. If not, you can probably find replacement poles easily online, for example at Amazon, or the store where the tent was purchased from.
It is possible to repair tent poles yourself if you have the time and patience to do so. You will have to order a new segment of the pole which is the same diameter as the one which has broken. Simply cut the cord at the end to take off the broken segment, then re-thread on the new segment and tie a new knot at the end of the cord.
How can I get the most out of the toddler tents?
When your toddler gets any new toy, it’s always a good idea to show them how they can use it, so they can start to use their imagination. Give your child ideas of what they can play in the tent, or put toys and pillows inside for them to use. To get a long use out of a toddler pop up tent, it is important to keep it clean and looked after. Always clean it before packing it away, and don’t leave it outside, especially in bad weather.
If there is a tear in the tent, try to repair it straight away before it gets any bigger, either by sewing it or using a patch. If you have space, getting two tents and connecting them with a tunnel will make the tent more fun for your child. Choose a tent which is large enough for them as they grow, so they won’t struggle to sit inside it after a few months!
