How To Care For A Kids Playhouse During Winter
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Time to read 6 min
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Tips To Winter-fy A Kids Playhouse
With the winter freeze approaching, our kids’s playtime fun is starting to head inside. While we don’t miss the muddy footprints that come with the outdoors, our outdoor toys sit unused in the colder months.
My kids are in love with their playhouse, and we want it to last for years to come. That's why we've taken some simple steps to take care of our kid's playhouse, as it can extend years of its life. Here are the ways to prep a kids playhouse for winter:
Our Playhouses
A kids playhouse is more than just a toy in our their eyes - they’re a fairy castle, a cute cafe shop, or a pirate hangout. There is something so magical about playhouses that sparks a nostalgic thrill even for us as parents. It’s a personal play space where they can let their imaginations go wild.
Nowadays, there are so many different options when it comes to finding the perfect playhouse for your child. But rest assured, our Playhouse Collection doesn’t disappoint. We have everything from pretty Wendy houses to slide-tastic towers and hideaway teepees.
The best part is that they are fully customisable, so your child can put their stamp on their playhouse. With just a lick of paint and a few accessories, it’s a fun way for your little ones to truly express themselves. The hardest thing will be trying to get them out of their secret dens.
How to Winter-fy Your Playhouse
Preparing your Playhouse for the winter is the best way to continue the outdoor adventures for years to come. Follow these 4 tips to winter-fy your Playhouse:
It's Time To Clean
Before the weather gets a little too cold, it’s time to give your playhouse a good clean. Use a hose and a mild soap to rinse away dust, dirt, and other debris. Take a soft bristle brush to any intricate areas. This helps to prevent stains from appearing in the wood and from rotting or mildew.
Remove Plastic Accessories
Extreme cold or bad weather can cause any external plastic accessories to crack, as the material becomes very brittle. Simply remove all plastic decorations, such as flower pots or ornaments, and store them inside during the winter to avoid any damage. Don't worry - our playhouses are made with a durable wooden material, so the structure itself won’t be affected.
Repair Any Damage
Make sure to give your playhouse a quick inspection to check for any necessary repairs. It's always easier and more comfortable to do this during milder weather. Replace any bolts or other metal components if they've rusted over time. Then fix any significant cracks or splits in the wood that you find with wood filler. If you see any rough patches on the playhouse, simply sand it down to smooth out the surface. Lastly, although rare, playhouses can sometimes develop water damage in certain areas, so check for any rotten wood.
Apply Stain and Sealant
After your check-up and repairs, it’s always recommended to stain and seal your playhouse. The staining process helps to maintain the sleek appearance of your Playhouse, which then needs to be sealed to protect it. This ensures the wood won’t expand or contract with any sudden weather changes. Even better, it prevents splintering and cracks, as well as moisture damage with any snowfall or sleet.
Can You Use Your Playhouse During Winter?
With the shorter days and colder months taking the fun inside, our kids can often get cabin fever, so we wondered, Can the playhouse be used in the winter? With the right precautions, there’s no reason why not.
But you should also start with a sturdy playhouse. Our Playhouse Collection is shout-out-worthy, designed to endure prolonged exposure to low temperatures and the elements. Constructed with solid wood to fortify a strong foundation that is bolted with secure joints to reinforce its structural stability.
But the good news is our playhouses aren’t just restricted to the garden. Many of our customers have brought the outdoor play inside during the colder months. Our Wooden Teepee Playhouse is small enough to fit perfectly in most playrooms, while our Café Shop Playhouse is all set up for tiny shopkeepers to start selling.
Benefits of Using Your Playhouse in Winter
As parents, we can feel a little unsettled sending our kids to play outside in the winter - even if it’s in a sheltered playhouse. But getting your playhouse prepared for winter is worth it, as outdoor play has so many developmental benefits even when it’s a cold outside.
Digital Detox
In this digital age, we’re all looking for ways to get kids away from screens and playing outside. But when the winter creeps in, limiting screen time gets harder and harder to do. With their own custom-built den in the garden, it will be hard to get them to leave - unless they get too cold first.
Physical Health
With all that time spent outside soaking up the fresh air, our kids are given a mid-winter energy boost. The increase in vitamin D levels fosters cardiovascular health, improves mood, and helps build strong muscles and bones.
Sensory Explosion
Our kids are used to playing in the garden when the sun’s shining - but colder environments introduce our kids to new sensory experiences. Especially when there’s snow involved!
Imagination
Playhouses ignite our child's imagination, as it lets them fully express themselves. They can pretend they are a knight defending their castle or a witch casting spells in their secret den. All of this role-playing works wonders for their confidence and creativity.
Winter Playhouse Safety Tips
While we want our kids to enjoy their playhouse all year round, during winter there has to be precautions set in place to ensure the play space is safe.
Read the weather forecast
While we do encourage kids to go in the garden and be active during the winter, sometimes the weather conditions can be a little too extreme for outdoor play. It may sound obvious, but check the weather forecast before you let your kids play outside. Keep an eye out for below-freezing temperatures, significant wind chills, high wind speeds, and any sleet.
Check your Playhouse
Give your playhouse a quick once-over, looking for any signs of damage. Watch out for any splintered wood or damaged components. Then, if necessary, make any easy repairs before they start playing.
Look out for Ice
With cold weather comes ice, which can make the area around the playhouse extra slippery. Pay close attention to any slides, steps, or walkways before your little ones start climbing on them. Don't forget to salt the area, and if it's too icy, move the outdoor playtime to another day.
Clear any Snow
After you’ve decided the playhouse is in tip-top shape, clear any surrounding snow, whether it’s on the roof, pathways, or steps. You need to make sure there’s a clear path for your kids to play on, so grab a shovel. Snow can trap moisture in wooden surfaces, which can eventually lead to cracking or rotting.
Bundle Up
When your kids go out to play in the cold, dressing them in the right clothes and gear is essential! We suggest waterproof coats, boots, and gloves so they can keep playing even when it starts to drizzle. Remember their thermal layers too, but avoid scarves as they could snag or tangle on any of the surfaces.
Keep Watch
As parents, we always watch our kids when they play, but we can't emphasise enough how important it is during the winter months. There could be damage to the playhouse you didn’t notice during your checks or hidden ice surrounding it. Plus, my kids always end up jumping in the snow!
A Playhouse For Life
A kids playhouse is an investment for years of outdoor adventure, a corner where your child's imagination can go wild. It’s nearly impossible to get them out of their secret dens once they’re there - even in the winter!
To ensure that your playhouse can be around as your little ones grow up, it's important to properly winter-fy it to extend its lifespan. With our simple steps, it's easy to care for your playhouse no matter the weather.
