Cubby House Buying Guide 2025

What Age Is a Cubby House Best For?

Toddlers (Ages 2–4)

For the littlest adventurers, go for something low to the ground and easy to navigate — think plastic cubby houses or compact wooden ones. Look for wide doorways, gentle ramps, and no tricky steps. Bonus points if it comes in bright colours or fun shapes!

Big Kids (Ages 5+)

As kids grow, so does their sense of adventure. Bigger timber cubbies with slides, climbing walls, or even elevated platforms start to become serious fun. These setups encourage creative play and get them burning energy while imagining they’re running a café, sailing a ship, or building their own clubhouse empire.

At All Things For Kids, we’ve got a massive range of cubby houses from different brands — from cute little starter cubbies to full-on backyard fortresses. Whatever your kid’s age or imagination level, there’s something to match.

📌 Pro tip: Always double-check the product’s recommended age and weight limit — better safe than a wobbly cubby!

Types of Cubby Houses

Not all cubbies are created equal — some are simple and sweet, others are mini adventure parks. Here’s a breakdown of the different styles you'll find (yes, we stock the lot):

Plastic Cubby Houses

Lightweight, easy to move, and usually bursting with bright colours — plastic cubbies are perfect for toddlers who are just starting to explore. They’re low to the ground and fuss-free, making them ideal for supervised backyard play.

Wooden Cubby Houses

These are the classic go-to for style and sturdiness. Wooden cubbies blend beautifully into the backyard and are built to last. Many come with add-ons like verandas, windows, and even flower boxes. Super cute, super timeless.

Elevated Cubby Houses

Got a little daredevil on your hands? Elevated cubbies bring the adventure, with stairs, climbing walls, and slides that let kids burn energy and play high up in their own mini treehouse-style retreat.

Cubby Houses with Slides, Swings & Monkey Bars

Why stop at four walls when you can add a playground into the mix? Combo cubbies are a parent-favourite — they come with built-in slides, swings, monkey bars and even sandpits. It’s a backyard game-changer that gets kids moving and keeps boredom at bay.

Size & Space: What Will Fit in My Backyard?

Measuring Up

Before you fall in love with that dream cubby house, let’s talk space — because no one wants to be the parent who bought a playground palace that doesn’t fit through the gate.

Start by grabbing a tape measure and checking the area where you plan to place the cubby. Make sure it’s flat, stable, and away from hazards like fences, pools, or low-hanging branches. Measure the width, depth, and don’t forget the height — especially for elevated cubbies.

Allow for Clearance

We always recommend leaving at least 1 to 2 metres of clear space around the cubby house. This gives kids room to run, climb, and swing without smashing into the fence — and it’s a safety win too.

Small Yard? No Worries

If you’ve got a smaller backyard, courtyard, or even a townhouse setup, there are loads of great options. Compact wooden cubbies and plastic cubbies are perfect space-savers, and some models even have multi-functional features like built-in storage or fold-down benches.

At All Things For Kids, we’ve got cubbies for backyards big and small — just filter by size or reach out and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Assembly: DIY or Let Us Take Care of It For You?

Let’s be honest — not everyone gets excited about power tools on the weekend. The good news? Most of our cubby houses come partially assembled, and many families find the setup surprisingly doable. But if DIY isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Yep, in most cases you can. Many of our cubbies arrive with pre-built panels — like walls and roofs — so it’s more like slotting together a giant puzzle than starting from scratch. You’ll need a cordless drill, a couple of hours, and probably a second pair of hands (especially for the bigger or elevated models). Want a better idea of what it takes? Check out our Cubby House Assembly Guide for a handy breakdown.

Want to Skip the Tools Altogether?

Here’s where we’re different. Unlike most retailers, we offer assembly services across Australia. Whether you're in a metro area or way out in the sticks, we can help get your cubby up and ready for play — no sweat, no stress.

What Comes Pre-Built?

Each product varies, but many of our brands pre-assemble key sections (like side walls, roofs, and floors), so you’re not stuck figuring out how to line up 57 timber slats. Just check the product page for specific assembly info, or reach out and we’ll give you the lowdown.

Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Cubby Looking Fresh

Cubby houses are built for fun — and with a little TLC, they’ll stay safe, sturdy, and looking great for years. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:

For Wooden Cubby Houses

• Seal the Deal: We recommend applying a weatherproof sealant or exterior paint to protect the timber from the Aussie sun and surprise rainstorms.
• Touch-Up Time: Keep an eye out for any paint chips or fading, and re-coat as needed to prevent weather damage.
• Winter Wrap-Up: If you’re in a wet or cold area, consider covering your cubby in the off-season or during heavy downpours.

For Plastic Cubby Houses

• Easy Cleaning: Just grab a sponge, bucket of soapy water, and give it a good scrub every so often. Hose it down and let it dry in the sun — too easy.
• Keep it Shady: UV can fade bright colours over time, so if possible, place it in a shaded part of the yard.

General Maintenance

• Check the Hardware: Every few months, tighten bolts, check screws, and look for any signs of wear and tear — especially on moving parts like doors or monkey bars.
• Clear the Ground: Make sure the area around the cubby is free from sharp objects, rocks, or anything that could turn a tumble into a bruise.

A little upkeep goes a long way — and keeps the fun rolling without interruptions.

Cubby House FAQs

Is a cubby house safe for toddlers?

Yes — especially the plastic and low-profile wooden models designed specifically for little ones. Just make sure you choose one suited to their age group and always check the weight limit. Bonus points if you place it on soft ground like grass or rubber mats.

Can I move the cubby later?

You can, depending on the size and design. Plastic cubbies are a breeze to move. Wooden ones? Not so much. While some smaller models can be shifted with a helping hand (or two), larger setups may require a full disassemble-and-rebuild situation.

Do cubby houses come with flooring?

Some do, some don’t. Many wooden cubbies include timber floors, but others are designed to sit straight on grass or a concrete slab. You’ll find the flooring info listed on each product page at All Things For Kids — or just ask us and we’ll sort you out.