A cubby house is more than just a play area, it’s a place where kids can imagine, create, and escape into their own little world. Whether nestled in the backyard or set up indoors, a cubby house encourages active play, social skills, and creative thinking. And with the right theme or design, it can become your child’s favourite place to play.
Here are 10 magical kids cubby house ideas that will spark your child’s imagination and bring their backyard dreams to life.
The Fairytale Cottage
Transform a simple cubby into a storybook haven with pastel paint, flower boxes, and whimsical trim. Add curtains, lace bunting, and plush floor cushions inside to give it that enchanted cottage charm.
- Perfect for: Kids who love fairies, tea parties, and make-believe picnics.
- Bonus tip: Hang twinkle lights around the roof for a magical nighttime glow.
The Pirate Ship Cubby
Ahoy, matey! Turn your cubby into a swashbuckling pirate ship complete with a flag, steering wheel, and telescope. Paint it in nautical colours like navy, white, and red.
Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of treasure hunts and ocean voyages.
Bonus tip: Add a plank to “walk” and a hidden treasure chest filled with dress-ups or toys.
The Mini Café or Market Stall
Set up a pretend café, juice bar or mini shop with a serving window, chalkboard menu, and little bench seats. Kids can play chef, barista, or shopkeeper all afternoon.
- Perfect for: Budding entrepreneurs or social little ones who love role-playing.
- Bonus tip: Use wooden crates or shelves for toy produce or coffee cups.
The Jungle Hideout
Create a leafy escape with camouflage netting, potted plants, and a bamboo fence. Add stuffed animals, safari hats, and binoculars to complete the theme.
- Perfect for: Nature lovers and wildlife explorers.
- Bonus tip: Use artificial vines or ivy to decorate the roof and walls for a real jungle vibe.
The Castle Cubby
Build a cubby house with turrets, a drawbridge (or ramp), and battlements for your young kings, queens, knights or dragons. Stone-textured paint or grey walls help set the mood.
- Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and fans of knights, princesses, or medieval tales.
- Bonus tip: Add a flag or family “crest” to personalise the castle.
The Space Station
Give your cubby a galactic makeover with metallic paint, LED lights, and space-themed decals. Inside, you can add control panels made from recycled materials and astronaut helmets.
- Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and curious minds.
- Bonus tip: Use glow-in-the-dark stars inside for a cosmic effect.
The Boho Retreat
Create a calm, creative space with a bohemian-inspired cubby. Use neutral colours, natural timber, macramé décor, and soft floor cushions. This design also doubles beautifully as a reading nook.
- Perfect for: Quiet kids who love crafting, drawing, or relaxing in nature.
- Bonus tip: Add a little book shelf, battery-powered lanterns, and indoor plants.
The Treehouse Lookout
Elevate your cubby (literally) by building a raised platform with a ladder or stairs. Add railings for safety and a telescope for spying on the backyard wildlife.
- Perfect for: Adventurers who want a bird’s-eye view of the world.
- Bonus tip: Add a rope ladder or slide for extra fun and climbing practice.
The Beach Shack
Give your cubby a coastal makeover with whitewashed timber, blue stripes, and surfboard décor. Fill it with beach chairs, seashell crafts, and soft sand if you’re feeling creative.
- Perfect for: Kids who love the beach, sandcastles, and seaside holidays.
- Bonus tip: Include a water play table nearby for extra coastal vibes.
The DIY Art Studio
Convert the cubby into an artistic escape, with chalkboard walls, easels, storage for supplies, and a fold-down table. Let your little artist’s imagination run wild.
- Perfect for: Creative minds who love painting, building, and crafting.
- Bonus tip: Hang their art on a rotating display to showcase their masterpieces.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re working with a pre-built cubby house or designing one from scratch, the possibilities are endless. These magical cubby house ideas not only provide hours of entertainment but also help children develop creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills — all from the comfort of your backyard.
You don’t need a huge budget, either. With a little creativity and some DIY touches, you can create a space that your kids will cherish for years.
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