The Best Kids’ Tent

Watching your children play all day can be exhausting, and can even make you a little envious. But even with the carefree life they lead, every kid feels the need to get away for some alone time once in awhile. When that time comes, there’s nothing like a good play tent.

In fact, it’s natural and even therapeutic for kids of a certain age to create personal spaces for themselves. If they don’t have a tent readymade at home, they’ll often create one, as any parent with couch cushions knows. These private, cozy areas give them an extra sense of security when things are uncertain. Kids feel in control when they step into a play tent, and it can be fun to see what they do with their own personal kingdom.

If you want to foster that kind of creativity and independence, save your couch cushions and get yourself a tent that your kids can put up whenever they need some “me” time. Of course, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you’re looking for a play tent or a “real” tent. When kids get older, they may actually want a portable camping tent that can stand up to a full night under the stars and elements. That requires a whole other set of considerations, but for this guide we’ll focus on playtime structures that kids can set up for a short romp in their bedroom or backyard.

Size-wise, let the tent fit the kid. Something too big might be unwieldy for a single child to set up by themselves, and they may lose interest if that process takes too long. If you’re buying for multiple kids of a similar age, go for that extra space — they’ll need it. Otherwise, there’s a lot to be said for keeping things cozy.

These days, you can find tents in three basic structures: teepees, domes and canopies. The teepee is a classic design, inspired by the actual tipi dwellings that were used by early Native Americans of the Great Plains. It’s a one-piece tent that consists of a piece of canvas stretched across three or four poles. Setting it up couldn’t be easier: Just separate the poles and you’ve got a tent.

This simple operation makes the teepee ideal for kids without a lot of patience, and it’s relatively easy to stow under a bed or in a closet corner. The poles tend to be thicker and more durable too, especially on the more authentic teepees with wood construction. These type of tents are safe for most ages, though you may want to watch that very small tots don’t get their fingers pinched between the poles. When fully assembled, teepees also tend to be small and cozy, which fits only children to a T.

If you want a little more structure and space, go for a dome tent. The basic construction is fabric stitched or glued onto a framework of fiberglass or plastic. This framework is usually a lot less durable than wooden teepee poles, and in cheaper tents you might have to assemble it yourself. Decent ones, though, will pop into place easily and some can even fold up. That means that your kid can take it on playdates or into whatever room they want.

The shape might not be a dome per se: You can find dome tents that resemble spaceships, jungle huts or superhero headquarters. This gives them a lot of appeal for imaginative kids. They can also be a lot roomier than teepees, so this is the tent of choice if your kid is expecting multiple visitors.

Canopy tents usually have the same basic structure as a dome tent, but the setup is much more open. Think of a four-poster bed with the curtains coming down on each corner. This might not be great for kids who want more privacy, but they’re great if your toddler wants to hold a fancy tea party.

Typically, kids don’t need any decorating tips when it comes to their tent. Set it up, and you can count on your child to stock up the fort with dolls, pillows and whatever toy supplies they need to get them through playtime. But if you do want to make the space a little more special, try a string of lights. This is only recommended for sturdy tents, but when properly done it can make the interior truly magical.