Image: MomJunction Design Team
A dollhouse is a great creative outlet for kids. Assembling and modifying their dollhouse lets kids immerse in a world of fantasy and creativity. The best dollhouses for kids allow them to apply their imagination in decking up the dollhouse, build narratives and storylines and hone their craft abilities. The best-selling dollhouses consist of furniture, dolls, special amenities, and detailed rooms. If you are looking to buy one, read through the list of tried-and-tested dollhouses and fun features to consider.
Top Picks
21 Best Dollhouses For Kids
1. Best Plug-And-Play Design: Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse
This Barbie dollhouse structure is three feet tall and four feet wide, has three levels and eight rooms, and offers an all-angle play option. Some of the amenities include an elevator, a new home office, a garage, a pool on the second story, and a slide. It has 70 components; some have handles that allow role-playing, while plug-and-play design enables active play. Learn more about the product in this video.
Pros
- Realistic sounds and actions
- Fully furnished dollhouse
- Working elevator
- Two-in-one functions
- Includes four Barbie dolls
- Modern design
Cons
- Some may find it a bit bulky
- Some parts of the dollhouse may be flimsy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 17,592 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
2. Best Interactive Experience: KidKraft Chelsea Wooden Doll Cottage
The KidKraft Chelsea doll cottage is a two-foot-tall interactive dollhouse for kids with three floors, five rooms, and a balcony. Including 17 furniture pieces, this traditional dollhouse for girls and boys alike has working window shutters, two molded plastic staircases, and detailed artwork on every panel. This review cum testing video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Open and close doors
- Encourages pretend play
- Sturdy and durable wood material
- Fully furnished
- Suitable for group play
Cons
- Some accessories may be less durable
- Does not include dolls
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 10,299 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3. Best Non-Toxic Paints: Hape Family Pets Wooden Dollhouse Animal Set
Including a bunny, a cat, and a puppy, the set comes with the corresponding accessories. Each pet is well made and has its home, food bowl, treat or toy to help it settle into its new home and family. The animal set is painted with non-toxic paints that do not fade and are safe to play with.
Pros
- Made of quality wood
- Durable quality
- Compatible with Hape Family series
- Suitable for pet-loving children
- Bright and colorful set
Cons
- Contains tiny parts
- Some may find them a bit too small
"I can spend hours watching my child pet, feed, and interact with these animals as if they are her real pets. The build seems solid, and each animal's realistic details and accessories are admirable. Overall, they have been ideal for fostering creativity."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 8,060 reviews on Amazon.
4. Best Design: Pidoko Kids Skylar Wooden Dollhouse
Pidoko’s kid-sized dollhouse is a fun playset comprising 20 furniture pieces and five small-sized dolls designed as family members. It also has a pet dog figurine and comes in fun, gender-neutral colors that keep the children intrigued. Measuring 19.3×10.2×23.75 inches, the portable dollhouse for kids is compact and has a wooden design. This toy dollhouse promotes creativity and helps in the early identification of everyday items.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting build
- One-side open play
- Movable stairs
- Enhances cognitive skills
- Child-safe paint
- Stimulates imagination and communication
Cons
- May have uneven drills
- May not be suitable for older children
Quick tip5. Best Modular: Lego Duplo Town Modular Playhouse
The dollhouse with accessories by the trusted brand Lego helps toddlers improve their fine motor, social, and emotional skills. It includes a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, dad, mom, child, pet, teddy bear figures, and various exciting accessories. The main playhouse measures 14-inch-high, 15-inch-wide, and three-inch-deep. Your child can combine this set with other Lego sets. The kit has 129 pieces and is recommended for children over two years of age. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Realistic details
- Convertible to a tower house
- Easy to assemble
- Develops imagination
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Versatile pieces for hours of fun
Cons
- Some may find it a tad small
"Besides being a good home for my little one’s dolls, this set has helped improve her motor skills and creativity. Moreover, its durable pieces and accessories stand up well to hours of enthusiastic play."
6. Best High-Quality: Melissa & Doug Hi-Rise Wooden Dollhouse
Suitable for children from three to six years, Melissa and Doug’s open dollhouse furniture set has three play figures and 15 pieces of furniture. This 1:12 open-sided structure is colorfully designed and has six rooms, an elevator, and a garage. It is composed of durable, high-quality materials that can withstand repeated usage and play. Additionally, it offers plenty of space to add more accessories for long-lasting play time.
Pros
- Made of wooden material
- Hand-operated elevator
- Lift-open garage door
- Gender-neutral colors
- Suitable for group play
- Easy to access
Cons
- Furniture pieces may be slightly wobbly
- May not be easy to assemble
"My kids were instantly interested in this dollhouse due to its gender-neutral design. Its elevator could have been smoother, but the family figurines and durability have been impressive. Also, the set, on the whole, encourages both my children to play together."
7. Best Customizable: Best Choice Products Deluxe Cottage Dollhouse
Best Choice dollhouse with multiple levels includes over 200 components, including furniture, decor pieces, and two little animal buddies. The cottage plan is customizable with configurable rooms that you can set up horizontally and vertically. A printable instruction booklet is available for helping your child. The flower cart and ceilings have battery-operated LED lights, and the two street lamps need two 1.5v AAA batteries. This dollhouse with an open-back design has six play zones, including a bedroom, rooftop, bathroom, bakery, flower cart, and ice cream shop.
Pros
- Colorful and realistic detailing
- Compatible with toy pieces of other popular brands
- Encourages imagination and creativity
- Affordable price and easy-to-assemble design
- Suitable for group play
Cons
- Includes tiny parts
- May not be easy to place the little pieces in the house
"This dollhouse is a huge hit with my kid and her friends. They sit around it and delve into hour-long imaginative play with all the tiny pieces and characters. Assembling needs a bit of patience, but it is manageable. As a whole, it makes a charming gift."
8. Best Realistic: Our Generation – Awesome Academy School Set
The Our Generation Awesome Academy School Set measures 28.25x13x21.5 in. It is a fully stocked schoolroom playset and comes with a bunch of 18-in doll figurines dressed as academy students. The set has a chalkboard and chalk and glow for writing as in classrooms. This dollhouse with working lights contains 68 play pieces and four school rooms with additional school accessories and runs on four AAA batteries.
Pros
- Features school bell, fire alarm, etc.
- Easy to clean
- Has well-placed working lights
- Durable and long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lights may flicker at times
- Assembly can be a hassle
"I am very impressed with the detailing of this set’s figures and accessories. My daughter was also thrilled to discover that the lights, shades, and fire alarms are not just props but function like the real ones. She now loves weaving imaginary stories around them."
9. Best For Creativity: Ikea Amazing Doll House
The Ikea Amazing Doll House has a sleek and impressive design with minimalist looks. This playset is designed for wall mounting and doubles up as a decorative piece for your child’s room. Weighing 12.5 lb, the doll house is available in one size and is made of solid pine wood with a smooth acrylic painting for the right textures. It provides the appropriate space for your child to store their doll and other play pieces and has sufficient space for easy storage.
Pros
- Promotes creative thinking
- Easy to carry
- Eco-friendly make
- Sturdy, long-lasting build
Cons
- Installation can be a challenge
- Does not come with accessories
10. Best Spacious: Le Toy Van – Gorgeous Cherry Tree Hall Wooden Doll House
The large wooden dollhouse from Le Toy Van is designed as a four-story house and is completely made of wood. One of the perfect dollhouses for children across genders, it serves as a suitable playset for those above three years. The award-winning set is designed as a cherry tree doll house and is made in English style. It comes packed with unique furniture sets that allow for easy exploration.
Pros
- Environment-friendly build
- Non-toxic paint
- Tested for the highest safety standards
- Timeless, hand-painted design
- Promotes imagination and cognition
Cons
- May not be easily portable
- Adult supervision may be required for assembling
"Assembling this dollhouse was easy, and it seems to have a pretty stable wooden construction. My daughters love the charming pastel design and have already started decorating the inside. It is perfect for interactive play, and I love how it encourages their creativity."
11. Best Classic Design:UniHobby DIY Dollhouse Kit
The UniHobby DIY Dollhouse Kit is available as a package playing set and comes with a dustproof cover. It is designed in the 1:24 scale and has a miniature art deco style. It has a size dimension of 9.65×7.68×8.07 inches and can fit on a small stool top. The classic miniature house for kids is primarily made of wood with plastic, cloth, and paper and is well-lit across its frame for easy play. It is an open pack with cute furniture pieces, beds, lamps, pillows, windows, and more.
Pros
- Has a vivid design
- Promotes imagination
- 100% inspected kit
- Suitable for children above 14 years
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners and young children
- Small pieces may be easy to lose
"Assembling this dollhouse was a satisfying summer holiday project for my daughter. While getting all the pieces out of the box can feel challenging, the result–an illuminated miniature dollhouse model makes the hassle worth it."
12. Best For Role Play:Imagination Generation Cozy Family Master Bedroom Accessories
This ten-piece bedroom set is made of natural wood and painted with water-based paint. The set comprises a bedside table, lamp, wardrobe, bed, and vanity dresser. The bed is large enough to hold two dolls, and there is a separate crib for the baby doll. This set is a wholesome dollhouse for imaginative play and role play. It also enhances a child’s creativity and motor skills and introduces them to shapes and colors.
Pros
- No sharp edges
- Compatible with most dollhouse sets
- Open-and-close cabinet and drawers
- Made of durable and safe material
Cons
- Some may find the crib hard to move
- May be smaller than you expect
"Incorporating this furniture set into my son’s dollhouse has been a wide decision. He loves using the cabinet to store his doll’s clothes and the bed to make it sleep during nighttime. Its colors have also seamlessly blended with the other pieces of the dollhouse."
13. Best Luxurious Design:Teamson Kids Dreamland Farm House Wooden Pretend Play Dollhouse
The Teamson Kids Dreamland Pretend Play Dollhouse is designed as a farmhouse made of engineered wood. It can accommodate 12-inch dolls and has 14 furniture pieces to play and explore with. Made in white and gray, the pretend play set has an impressive luxurious design. This classic dollhouse also comes with a horse house as a fun and colorful addition. Accessories in the playset include a bed, chairs, table, bathtub, buckets, carrots, feed trough, and shovel.
Pros
- Educational playset promotes imagination
- Has a realistic finish
- Versatile play options
- Two-tier play design
- Meets FSC safety standards
Cons
- May be difficult to install
- Wood pieces may chip off with extended use
"Its pastel colors and ability to facilitate pretend play have made it a charming and educational addition to my little one’s room. The included accessories, though diverse, could have been smoother, but the option to combine the set with existing ones is a bonus."
14. Best Entertaining:Disney Encanto Magical Madrigal House Playset
The Disney Encanto Magical Madrigal House Playset has intriguing, attractive, and bright colors that keep children engaged. It includes 14 accessories and a Mirabel doll to engage and play with. It measures 24x5x15 in and features lights, sound, and music for entertainment. The Madrigal house has three floors, seven rooms, and various accessories for spacious playing and exploration.
Pros
- Disney’s Encanto-inspired music
- Lightweight and durable
- Safe to play
- Promotes imagination
Cons
- May be challenging to install
- Small play pieces may not be suitable for young children
"Its detailed design and interactive features, such as the lights and sounds, have made playtime fun and immersive. While the stickers are slightly misaligned, the doll house’s construction feels sturdy, and the setup is a breeze."
15. Best Versatile :HCFJEH Dollhouse PlayHouse
Strengthen parent-child interaction with this cute, four-story pink dollhouse for children. It is made of ABS material, has smooth edges and burr-free corners, and is safe to play with. The kit includes two lovely, well-articulated dolls and four detachable, functional light bulbs. All four stories of this dollhouse manor are connected with stairs or slides to increase versatility and interaction. Some cool features also include cabinets and flip-up toilets to promote imaginative play.
Pros
- Helps improve hands-on skills and promotes STEM learning
- Enhances communication skills and creativity
- Includes clear, understandable assembly instructions
- Batteries included
Cons
- Fence may not stand firm
- Base may seem flimsy
16. Best Non-Toxic :ArgoHome Dollhouse Playset
Made of non-toxic ABS plastic, all the furniture in this set is carefully arranged in the trailer and comes with easy-to-carry handles so that children and adults can take it with them. The caravan dollhouse is designed to open completely, making it easier to play with. Children can immerse themselves in numerous aspects of virtual daily life with more than 60 toy pieces.
Pros
- Multiple rooms
- Fully furnished
- Includes a koala toy
- Durable material
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not be easy to open and close the van
- Some may find the flooring a bit flimsy
"The multiple accessories, pastel colors, and sturdy build of this caravan-themed playhouse allow my child to indulge in hours of imaginative play. Packing it up post-play is a bit time-consuming but it brings immense happiness to my little one."
17. Best Contemporary Style:Gloria Dollhouse Bathroom & Accessories Playset
Gloria’s elaborate dollhouse bathroom is designed in a sleek contemporary style and made from the finest material. It comes complete with a functional closet, mirror, sink, bathtub, and toilet with a hinged lid. This set encourages pretend play and storytelling. It is made of child-safe materials and is non-toxic.
Pros
- Compatible with most Barbie dollhouses
- Easy to assemble
- Customizable
- Made of durable plastic
- Multipurpose toy
Cons
- Accessories may not stay put without glue
"Integrating the sizeable bathtub, operable cabinet, and realistic toilet into my daughter's dollhouse has enhanced her pretend-play scenarios. While the assembly required some patience, they made the doll house look more lively and fun."
18. Best Child-Safe:Calico Critters Cookin’ Kitchen Set
Including over 20 accessories and furniture, you can use this set to create a kitchen in the Calico Critters home and have endless fun. The kitchen set includes a table with matching chairs, a kitchen cabinet and sink, plates, pans, other utensils, and a stove. This furniture set can fit perfectly in Calico homes, including red roof cottages and red roof country homes. It is suitable for children above three years.
Pros
- Compatible with most other dollhouse sets
- Realistic pieces
- Sturdy kitchen cabinet
- Ideal for pretend-play
Cons
- Contains tiny parts
- May require adult supervision
19. Best Wear-And Tear-Resistant:Samcami Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Set
Suitable for dolls measuring from three to six inches, the set includes a TV cabinet, sofa, and coffee table made of solid wood, resin, and clay. This set is durable and wear-and tear-resistant. It does not contain harmful cadmium, lead, or chemicals. The size composition of the set is 1:12, making it ideal for all spaces.
Pros
- Open-and-close doors
- Realistic design
- Available in different colors
- Multiple accessories
- Includes a rug
Cons
- Some may find the table less durable
- Some may find the set a bit small
"Adding this living room setup to my daughter's dollhouse has expanded the play opportunities. Its realistic design and vibrant colors make the whole setup look lively. She now loves hosting pretend tea parties and meetings while her dolls sit on the sofas."
20. Best Harmless:CuteExpress Wood Dining Table Chair Model Set
This tried-and-tested five-piece table chair model set is designed to provide children with the ideal household friend. It includes a large and attractive replica table with four chairs and is a wonderful addition to a dollhouse living room.
Pros
- Compatible with 1:12 dollhouse sets
- Suitable for home decoration
- Smooth painted surface
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Some may find them slightly big for miniature dollhouses
"I recently added this wooden furniture to my daughter's dollhouse, and it fit perfectly. I like that it is lightweight and seems pretty durable so far as it has survived regular play. I did notice that the glue was visible in some places, but it still looks nice on her display."
21. Best Attractive :Pwtao DIY Miniature Dollhouse Kit
The DIY dollhouse contains a music box, and once you’re done assembling, you may turn on the music switch to play a Christmas tune. It has a dustproof and transparent plexiglass cover to protect the dollhouse and its ornamental worth. Suitable for children above 12 years, the kit includes a puppy wearing a Christmas hat, a Santa Claus sitting on an elk cart, and a mini bear.
Pros
- Realistic and attractive details
- Made of sturdy wood
- Suitable for Christmas decoration
- Multiple rooms and accessories
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Some lights may be ineffective
"Thanks to the clear instructions, I could put together this toy house quickly. And the satisfaction of seeing my little one's smile after completion was priceless. It brought Christmas magic to our house, and the dust cover has been handy to keep it spik and span."
How To Choose The Right Dollhouse For Kids?
Here are some things to consider before purchasing a dollhouse for your child.
- Age group: Look for age-appropriate toys, so it helps children develop necessary skills and are easy to play with.
- Material: High-quality, safe plastic dollhouses are easy to disinfect and have soft edges that do not harm the child. Wooden dollhouses for children are also a good choice as they are eco-friendly and long-lasting.
- Size: The typical scale for a dollhouse is 1:12, implying that if an object is 12 inches in real life, it is scaled down to one inch. You can choose according to your room and space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age can children play with a dollhouse?
In general, most dollhouses are meant for children between the ages of three and seven years. Some DIY dollhouses are designed for children as old as 12 years.
2. Are dollhouses good for children?
Yes, playing with dollhouses encourages pretend-play, which stimulates children’s imagination. It also helps them make sense of the world around them and improves their social skills.
3. Do children still play with dollhouses?
Dollhouses are miniature replications of real-life settings but in a tangible form. Since online games lack this crucial tactile element, most children are often drawn to dollhouses.
4. Why do children like dollhouses?
Most children are fascinated by dollhouses with realistic and fun details and interactive features as they give them a chance to live out their imagination by imitating the elders around them.
5. At what age should a child stop playing with a dollhouse?
The age at which a child naturally loses interest in a dollhouse varies from one child to another. Some children like to play with a dollhouse even in their preteen years.
6. Do boys play with dollhouses?
Yes, boys play with dollhouses, and these toys are perfect for their pretend-play sessions. In addition, engaging in doll play can help develop empathy in boys.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer and reviewer covering toys and gifts. She has extensively researched user reviews and related online forums to compile this list of the best dollhouses for kids that will delight your child while fitting your budget. From lego sets to deluxe cottages, this list covers all the varieties your child will love. She has also provided pointers on choosing the right one for your child.
Dollhouses with interactive elements promote children’s imagination and creativity and help develop their fine and gross motor skills. These best-selling toys also help instill a sense of sharing and teach them to play in harmony as they engage in group play. However, little children are prone to putting small pieces of toys in their mouths, which is why you should ensure that the dollhouse you get for them is made of BPA-free and safe material and is free of components that could be a choking hazard.
Infographic: Advice On Buying A Dollhouse For Children
A dollhouse is the dream of many children. While it can be expensive, it can surely make your child, especially girls, happy and excited. Look at the infographic below for some key features for safety and usability you should look for when buying a dollhouse for your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
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