What is the appropriate age for a dollhouse?

Most dollhouses on our list are recommended for children 3 years old and up. Some with smaller parts, like the Polly Pocket Pollyville Dollhouse or the LEGO Friends Friendship Treehouse , are recommended for older children. Dr. Huberman Carbone reminds parents that a dollhouse is “an open-ended toy, meaning there are various ways to play with it, and it can grow with the child—it is not tied to one specific age as there are various ways to play over time.”

What is the most popular dollhouse size?

Popularity doesn’t matter as much as what works for your space and your kid. If you have a smaller area, search for a smaller dollhouse. If you have a big open space, a bigger dollhouse could be appropriate. In most cases, the larger the dollhouse, the larger the price tag, so make sure the house fits your budget and needs.

What is the price of a dollhouse?

The price of a dollhouse can range between $20 and more than $250, depending on the size, materials, and features. For example, at $23, the Polly Pocket Pollyville Dollhouse is a cute mini house that is portable and fun for kids who are able to handle the tiny elements. On the other end of the price range, the Pottery Barn Kids Glenview Dollhouse is over $250 and is absolutely stunning, but it doesn’t come with any dolls or furniture. Choose something that fits within your budget and leaves you with enough funds to purchase additional dolls or furniture if needed.

What are the benefits of a dollhouse?

Dollhouses are wonderful toys for both boys and girls to play with. “A dollhouse can foster various types of play: creative or imaginative, symbolic, dramatic. It can improve fine motor skills; language skills, as they use the words they need for objects and to act out interactions; social skills, when playing with others or acting out scenarios; cognitive skills such as categorizing and problem-solving; and visuospatial skills,” says Dr. Huberman Carbone.

The 20 Best Dollhouses for Kids of 2023

The 20 Best Dollhouses for Kids of 2022 — Amazon

Kids may think that dollhouses are just fun toys to play with, but in reality, this classic toy can unlock a world of imaginative play, social-emotional learning, fine motor skill development, and endless memories. There are hundreds of options on the market, but the best dollhouses for kids are durable, provide enough space for multiple kids to play together, include features that spark creativity, and—perhaps more importantly—are easy to assemble.

When shopping for a dollhouse, consider where your child will play with it and where you can store the dollhouse. It’s helpful for kids to have space around the house to play and fun to add other dolls, toys, or vehicles from your kid’s personal collection. If you have room, it can be helpful to put a dollhouse on a platform or table so kids can access the small details, especially if they will be playing with others. Use this guide to find the right dollhouse for your child, budget, and lifestyle.

These are the best dollhouses for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

KidKraft Majestic Mansion at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse at Amazon

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Best Barbie:

Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse with Wheelchair-Accessible Elevator at Amazon

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Best Wooden:

Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Fisher-Price Barbie Little DreamHouse at Amazon

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Best for Preschoolers:

Gabby's Dollhouse Purrfect Dollhouse Playset at Amazon

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Best Interactive:

Disney Encanto Magical Casa Madrigal at Amazon

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Best Bluey:

Bluey Mega Bundle Home at Amazon

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Best Portable:

iPlay, iLearn Dollhouse Backpack at Amazon

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Best LEGO:

LEGO Friends Friendship Treehouse at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Dollhouses for Kids
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Four levels of play
Open-back design
Fits 12-inch dolls
Comes with 34 pieces of furniture
Includes a working elevator

Cons

Weighs over 50 pounds
Assembly required
Dolls not included

At over 4.5 feet tall, the KidKraft Majestic Mansion is guaranteed to provide hours and hours of fun. We love that the oversized dollhouse is big enough for kids to play alone or with a friend or two. The open-back design lets kids easily access the four levels of the house. And the working elevator and garage doors that open and close are fun for realistic play.

While this pick doesn’t come with any dolls, it does include over 30 pieces of furniture and accessories. Because it’s so big, the dollhouse easily fits dolls and figures up to 12 inches tall, which includes Barbie, LOL Dolls, and other popular characters.

With a price tag of over $200, the KidKraft Majestic Mansion is more expensive and bigger than other options, but it is quite sturdy and well-built—and it will certainly last for many years and playdates. Because it weighs 50 pounds, this house is hard to move from room to room, so it’ll need to be set up in a bedroom or playroom. While assembly will require a couple of hours, the end result is totally worth it.

Price at time of publication: $216

Dimensions: 52 x 14 x 54 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Amazon

Pros

Portable with sturdy handles
Weighs 5.4 pounds
Plain wood can be painted and customized
Comes with two figures and 11 pieces of furniture

Cons

Small space to play
Two basic figures
Bigger dolls won’t fit

Melissa & Doug is known for making cute and durable toys, and this foldable dollhouse is a great example. We like that the house can completely open, so it’s easy to access both sides of the home. It also has some nice features, like a working front door and a garage door that opens and closes, which add elements of realistic play. The house comes with 11 pieces of furniture and two flexible figures, and when the house closes, there are sturdy handles to tote it around.

Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, it’s light enough that a child can move it from room to room or pack it up to store in a closet or under a bed. The smaller size makes it a challenge to find other dolls that fit, but Calico dolls and Playmobil figures (or similar-sized dolls) fit well in the house.

Made with sturdy, plain wood, the house provides a gender-neutral base for any kiddo. Creative types may also enjoy the opportunity to paint this wooden dollhouse to match their own home or your little one’s favorite color. A wallet-friendly pick, this smaller dollhouse is best for kids between 3 and 6 years old.

Price at time of publication: $60

Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 10 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Amazon

Pros

360-degree design for ultimate play
Realistic sounds and lighting
Ability to customize and move elements
Comes with 75+ accessories
Working elevator

Cons

Assembly required
No dolls included
Three AAA batteries required

Barbie fans rejoice—this may be the best Barbie Dreamhouse yet! At 43 inches tall, there is a lot to love in this house, but we especially like that the open design allows for 360-degree play on all sides of the house. Boasting a pool, a wheelchair-friendly elevator, a party room with a DJ booth, a working hammock, a puppy play space, and much more, this house is ready for fun. Kids will also love that elements like the grassy area, pool, and slide can be moved to different floors and locations.

The plastic house comes with more than 75 accessories, but it doesn’t come with any Barbie dolls, so you’ll need to supply your own Barbie or other 12-inch dolls. The house requires three AAA batteries that power soundscapes, songs, and lights. While we love the open-air design for easy access, it does mean that this house is harder to put away and can never be closed off when playtime is over or when younger siblings are around.

Price at time of publication: $189

Dimensions: 27 x 69 x 43 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis / The Spruce

Pros

36 pieces of furniture and accessories
Moveable parts inside and out
Lightweight
Top handle

Cons

Assembly required
No dolls included

Creative kids will love playing with this engaging wooden dollhouse that features many customization options. For example, kids can swap the roof and garden pieces to show greenery or snow to reflect the weather outdoors. Indoors, all the furniture can get moved around throughout the house. Even the staircases can be placed in a few different spots to change the setup.

This set comes with 36 pieces of furniture and accessories but no dolls. It’s a bit small to fit 12-inch dolls, but other popular figures will fit in the house. One important aspect to keep in mind is that some of the accessories are very small, so they run the risk of getting lost or are a hazard if young siblings are around.

Weighing in at 6 pounds, the all-wooden house is lightweight, and the handle on top makes it easy to move from room to room, although be warned, the staircases may fall upon moving neighborhoods. Caregivers will also appreciate that this dollhouse requires minimal assembly.

Price at time of publication: $129

Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 29 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Fisher-Price

Pros

Made just for toddlers
Two figures and five play pieces included
45+ sounds and phrases

Cons

Three AA batteries required
For younger kids only

Toddlers will go gaga for this Fisher-Price Little People Dreamhouse that is made specifically for little hands. Safe for kids from 18 months and up, toddlers will love the interactive elements of this house, and parents will love the affordable price tag and the minimal assembly required. The house comes with two cute Little People, and there’s space for many more. Along with the figures, the set includes five play pieces, such as chairs and a table.

The open-air design includes a slide, cocoon swing, and moveable elevator that are all sized just right for small hands. Interactive features include four spots on the dollhouse that light up or play more than 45 sounds, songs, and phrases. In addition to engaging fine motor skills and imaginative play, the slide and elevator promote cause-and-effect learning, a beneficial skill for toddlers.

Price at time of publication: $43

Dimensions: 5 x 24 x 16 inches | Recommended age: 18 months and up | Materials: Plastic

Target

Pros

Includes two figures and 13 play pieces
Sounds and phrases from the show
Doors close for easy storage
No assembly required

Cons

Three AAA batteries required
Show tie-ins may not be appealing to kids who don’t watch Gabby’s Dollhouse

Fans of Gabby’s television show will love this ready-to-play dollhouse. They’ll also recognize lots of show tie-ins, like music, sounds, and phrases from the show, including the Gabby’s Dollhouse theme song.

We love that the 22-inch house is chock full of fun elements, including two figures (Gabby and Pandy), accessories, delivery packages, and furniture. The four floors and seven rooms are accessed by a working elevator. When playtime is over, the front doors close, making a cute cat-shaped house that is easily stored and looks adorable on a bedroom or playroom shelf.

This is a fun, affordable pick for preschoolers who are fans of the show. Non-fans will still enjoy this dollhouse but may be less excited by the characters and show tie-ins.

Price at time of publication: $59

Dimensions: 22 x 5 x 17 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Lights, sound, and musical features
Interactive and surprise elements
Includes doll and furniture
Fully assembled

Cons

Requires three AA batteries (not included)
Movie tie-ins may not be for everyone

Encanto fans will love this interactive Casa Madrigal dollhouse, which features some pretty exciting magical elements. Just like in the movie, the staircase turns into a slide, the weather changes in the elevator, and lights and music are activated when Mirabel is placed in certain spots throughout the house. The set also includes one Mirabel figure and 15 pieces of furniture spread out over the three floors and seven rooms.

This Casa Madrigal dollhouse comes fully assembled and just requires the placement of well-labeled stickers to decorate and help bring the house to life. At 15 inches tall, the house has plenty of room for more than one kid to play. The only drawback we see is that the movie tie-in may date the house or cause kids to stop playing with it if they are “over” Encanto.

Price at time of publication: $70

Dimensions: 24 x 5 x 15 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Fun for Bluey fans
Built-in handle
Four figures included
14 furniture items included

Cons

Show tie-ins may not be appealing to non-Bluey fans
Fold up storage may be wonky

Bluey fans will be thrilled to bring the show to life in their very own home. This Bluey-themed toy includes a two-level dollhouse, Bluey, Bandit, Mum, and Dad figures, and 14 furniture items. Kids will have lots of fun playing and even reenacting scenes from their favorite cartoon show.

The lightweight, plastic house comes with a built-in handle at the top, so it’s easy to move around. There’s a fold-up panel that serves as an outdoor deck and doubles as a storage compartment. Individual Bluey sets can be added on for more fun, but with the four figures and lots of furniture, it’s definitely not necessary.

Price at time of publication: $60

Dimensions: 11 x 18 x 5 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Folds up into portable backpack
Includes one doll and multiple accessories
Includes stickers

Cons

Lots of small parts
Only one set of stickers

A portable dollhouse is a great option for a kid who lives life on the go, travels a lot, or has to follow siblings to all kinds of after-school activities. This mini dollhouse set opens up into a fun play space. There are multiple rooms, including a classroom, playground, bathroom, and more. It also comes with one doll and tons of accessories, creating many opportunities for imaginative play. When playtime is over, the entire set folds up and turns into a backpack with adjustable straps.

The iPlay iLearn Dollhouse comes with a sheet of numbered stickers that correspond to a piece of furniture. Once the stickers are applied, the furniture detail comes to life. Keep in mind that the stickers are very small, and since there is only one sheet and there are no backups if mistakes are made, it may be best to have an adult apply them. Note also that there are lots of small parts, so it’s best for kiddos who won’t put them in their mouths.

Price at time of publication: $33

Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 11 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Fun for older kids
Intricate details
Access to the LEGO building app
Moveable parts

Cons

House needs to be fully assembled
Fragile once built

LEGO fans will love this challenging 1,114-piece treehouse. Brimming with fun features, the house boasts an office, kitchen, bedroom, working elevator, fun slide, and moveable swing. The set includes five dolls, one bunny, a bike, a beehive, and lots of other extras.

Not your typical dollhouse, this LEGO set needs to be fully assembled and is recommended for kids 8 years old and up. In addition to the traditional instruction manual, a step-by-step guide can be accessed via the LEGO app, which also provides visualizations to help guide master builders. Once built, the house is pretty sturdy but should still be treated with care to prevent pieces from coming undone.

Price at time of publication: $80

Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 3 inches | Recommended age: 8 years old and up | Materials: Plastic LEGO bricks

Walmart

Pros

Very large
Includes 85 surprises
Four stories and 10 rooms
Interactive lights and working elements

Cons

Dolls not included
Weighs 61 pounds
Assembly is more involved

If you’ve got an LOL fan on your gift list, they will absolutely flip for this oversized LOL Surprise Dollhouse. With four stories, spinning rooms, a twisty slide, a carport, a working elevator, a movie theater, a pool that kids can fill with water, a rooftop patio, and more, your LOL fan will be entertained for hours. The house also includes 85 fun surprises to outfit the different rooms.

Keep in mind that assembly for this house will take you approximately two hours, according to the manufacturer, and you will need a screwdriver, which is not included. Once built, the dollhouse weighs over 60 pounds and measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide, so it may be hard to move from room to room. Like most LOL toys, there’s a lot of extra packaging in this set, too.

Price at time of publication: $145

Dimensions: 4 x 4 feet | Recommended age: 4 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Micro house folds up
Includes 11 accessories, two characters, and a dog
Opens to four story home

Cons

Extremely small pieces
Hard to play with more than one kid

Fun for travel or for kids who enjoy tiny elements, this Polly Pocket dollhouse packs in lots of features. Right out of the box, the house opens to reveal a four-story home with five rooms. In addition, the set includes two characters, a dog, and 11 accessories. The dollhouse also comes with a sticker sheet with “Polly Stick” technology that allows the doll to stay put wherever the adhesive has been placed.

As expected, this set is very small, and the accessories are tiny, so some of the pieces may get lost if kids aren’t particularly careful. A dedicated storage bag or container can help prevent lost accessories. The small size also makes it hard for more than one kid to play.

Price at time of publication: $23

Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 4 inches | Recommended age: 4 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Modular design
Working lights and sounds
Fully furnished
14 accessories included
Fits dolls up to 12 inches

Cons

Assembly required
Dolls not included

A fun toy that offers lots of options, this wooden dollhouse boasts a very practical modular design. The house requires minimal assembly and the hardest choice you’ll have to make is whether to configure it as a one, two, or three-story house. Don’t worry if you change your mind—the sturdy wood frame is easy to move and is quite durable.

Kids will love that the house comes fully furnished with realistic features like a kitchen island, flushable toilet (thanks to included batteries), sinks, tiles, working doors, and so much more. Fourteen additional accessories, like an iconic Cozy Coupe for the playroom or comfy blankets for the bedroom, add to the details. This house is built for dolls measuring up to 12 inches, but dolls are not included in the set. At 40 pounds and over $200, this dollhouse is a big investment in both size and money, but the versatility and attention to detail make it one of our favorites.

Price at time of publication: $220

Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 44 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Walmart

Pros

Open air 360-degree design
Wheeled base
42 accessories
Moveable stairs

Cons

No dolls included
On the heavy side
Assembly required

Get ready for big-time fun with this open-air design dollhouse. Standing more than 3 feet high, the wooden and plastic mansion rests on a wheeled base, so it’s easy to move the fun around your house (but not too far, as it is 49 pounds!). The KidKraft So Stylish Mansion comes with more than 40 accessories, including beds, tables, chairs, desks, and much more, as well as two sets of staircases that can be clipped on anywhere your kiddo desires.

With a muted color palette and lots of wood elements, the house is attractive enough to leave out in a playroom and is a wonderful gender-neutral toy. Some assembly is required, but the main frame comes pre-built, so it’s not too complicated a project and should only take about 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. Other than the fact that it’s kind of heavy and bulky, the only drawback we could find with this house is that it doesn’t include any dolls. Standard 12-inch dolls will fit, but your kiddo will need to use the ones they already have.

Price at time of publication: $219

Dimensions: 27 x 23 x 43 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood and plastic

Amazon

Pros

Includes 12 pieces of jumbo furniture
Big enough for two kids to play
Fits American Girl dolls
Accommodates American Girl doll furniture

Cons

Over 5 feet tall
Assembly required
Needs to be anchored to the wall

This KidKraft Dollhouse Manor is just as big and luxurious as it sounds. It easily fits multiple American Girl dolls (or other 18-inch dolls) and comes with 12 pieces of beautifully designed furniture. It can also accommodate other American Girl or Our Generation furniture and accessories. Standing at over 5 feet tall, this dollhouse is big enough for two kids to play at once.

Keep in mind that assembly might take you a few hours to complete, as the entire process involves 34 different steps. Because it is so big, this house should be anchored to a wall to prevent it from toppling over. The anchoring hardware is included, but be prepared to have the space for the house against a wall and for holes to be drilled into your wall. Anchoring also means the dollhouse cannot be moved.

Price at time of publication: $176

Dimensions: 70 x 20 x 48 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Amazon

Pros

Multiple house layouts
Over 50 pieces and three critters
Working lights

Cons

Two AAA batteries needed (not included)
Light assembly required

Fans of the sweet world of Calico Critters will enjoy playing with this lovely country home. While a little bit of assembly is required and two AAA batteries are needed (not included), once it’s set up, kids will have lots of fun moving between the different house layouts. With some quick and easy-to-maneuver changes, the house can switch between an expanded wide home, a three-story home, fully open at 180 degrees, or an angled setup at 90 degrees. No matter the layout, there’s lots of fun to be had.

The set comes with 50 pieces of furniture and accessories and three critters. Three working lights add to the fun and are a cute feature for kids to play with. While the house is small, it’s still a great size for younger kids, and with the multiple setups, there’s plenty of room for more than one kid to play at a time.

Price at time of publication: $100

Dimensions: 29 x 5 x 14 inches | Recommended age: Three years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Folds to store
Lots of moveable parts
Includes 30 accessories plus a puppy

Cons

Dolls sold separately

Barbie and her friends will love this modern, move-in ready two-story, open-air house. Parents will love that there is minimal assembly required for this plastic dollhouse and that it folds away neatly when not in use. The Vacation House boasts two floors, six play areas, and lots of moveable features like a cocoon swing, folding bunk bed, moveable wall, and much more.

The open-air design means there’s lots of room for more than one kid to play, which is a developmental benefit. “When sharing a toy like a dollhouse, kids get to practice taking turns, sharing, and working together to develop and explore storylines and social rules,” says Mary McGaughan, Psy.D.

While this dollhouse comes with 30 accessories like a table and chairs, lamp, blankets, and a puppy, it does not include any dolls, so be sure your kiddo has some Barbies or other 12-inch dolls that are ready to move into their vacation home.

Price at time of publication: $105

Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 6 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Pottery Barn

Pros

Stylish and simple dollhouse
Open access back
Narrow size makes it easy to store

Cons

Assembly required
Dolls and furniture sold separately

While on the more expensive side, there’s a lot to like about the Pottery Barn Kids’ Glenview dollhouse besides its realistic and attractive style. The house features a covered front porch that provides an outdoor play space and an open access back perfect for little hands. With five rooms and a spiral staircase, there’s lots of space to play. The rooms are all plain white, and this set doesn’t come with any furniture or dolls, so be prepared to spend more on accessories or stock the house with furniture and dolls you already own. If you like Pottery Barn Kids’ style, they do sell furniture and 4-inch dolls that match the aesthetic of the house.

Price at time of publication: $259

Dimensions: 26 x 12 x 21 inches | Recommended age: 3 years old and up | Materials: Wood

Amazon

Pros

Gender neutral colors
Working lights and sounds
360-degree access

Cons

Requires two AAA batteries
Minimal furniture included

This modern Playmobil house features two floors and an open-back design for easy access to the five spacious rooms. A winding staircase leads to the back patio—the perfect spot to use the BBQ grill that’s included. Working lights and sounds (powered by two AAA batteries, not included) add to the realism. The set comes with two figures, a cute dog, and a host of accessories (but only a few pieces of furniture). Individual room sets are sold separately, so if you want to fully furnish your house, plan on spending additional money for those sets.

While some assembly is required, that’s part of the fun of Playmobil sets. Once assembled, it’s a sturdy house that’s ready for fun. This creative dollhouse is recommended for kiddos 4 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $95

Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 16 inches | Recommended age: 4 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

Amazon

Pros

Tons of details
Lights and sounds
“Magical” activations

Cons

Three AAA batteries required (not included)
Deluxe version only available at Amazon

Alohomora! Harry Potter fans will love opening the door to this Wizarding World replica of the beloved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle measures nearly 2 feet tall, and the unique open-back design is ripe for magic spells and fun. Three classroom playsets and one Moaning Myrtle bathroom are built on circular bases so they can be used separately or fit right into cut-out spots within the castle. Figures of Ron, Harry, and Hermione are accompanied by 22 accessories, so there are plenty of features for multiple kids to play at once.

The castle requires three AAA batteries (not included) that power lights and sound effects throughout Hogwarts. Additionally, there are some surprise features that are activated by magnets embedded in the figures. For example, when a character is on the magnetic pad by the included tree playset, a magical bowtruckle will drop out of the tree. For super fans, add-on sets (sold separately) will only enhance the fun (and, of course, the price tag) of this Hogwarts Castle. This deluxe set is an Amazon exclusive, but a similar basic set can be purchased at Walmart.

Price at time of publication: $100

Dimensions: 24 x 7 x 15 inches | Recommended age: 5 years old and up | Materials: Plastic

How We Selected the Best Dollhouses for Kids

In picking the best dollhouses for kids, we aimed for options that offered a variety of features and styles, worked for different age groups, required minimal or relatively easy assembly, and offered the best value. Throughout the process, we looked for dollhouses that live up to their promises of quality and usability. In addition, we spoke with Sara Huberman Carbone, MD, pediatrician at One Medical, and Mary McGaughan, Psy.D., who gave us recommendations and provided insights into what to look for and how to select the best dollhouses for kids.

What to Look For

Recommended Age

Follow the product’s age recommendations for the right dollhouse for your child. While you should avoid small parts for young kids, don’t shy away from encouraging younger toddlers to play with dollhouses. According to Mary McGaughan, Psy.D., a child and school psychologist, “At a younger age, say 2 or 3, children are more likely to play near each other but not directly with each other.” Although it may not seem like it, these interactions are just as valuable and important to their development. “During this stage, you may think they’re gaining less from imaginative play with others, but don’t be fooled, kids are keeping an eye on each other, observing what they're doing, and learning more than you’d think,” says Dr. McGaughan.

Size

Take note of both the dimension and the weight of the dollhouse prior to purchase, and consider where you will store and expect your kid to play with it. Some may be lightweight, portable, and can move from room to room. Others are large and need to be kept in one place. The Kidkraft 18-inch Dollhouse Manor, for example, is quite large and needs to be secured to a wall. Measure the spot you expect to keep your dollhouse in and make sure there is easy access on all sides and room for more than one child to play safely.

Assembly

Some dollhouses are ready right out of the box, like the Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Dollhouse, but others will require assembly and may involve many different steps and a bit of time, like the Kidkraft 18-inch Dollhouse Manor. Be sure to plan accordingly. If the dollhouse is a gift that should be ready first thing on Christmas Day or is an early-morning birthday surprise, assembly should be done a day or two in advance, depending on how involved it is. One good tip of advice is to always open the box and make sure all the pieces are there as soon as you receive your dollhouse, as you don’t want to find out you’re missing a key component at the last minute.

Materials

The dollhouses we selected are either made of plastic or wood. Each material has advantages (sturdy, easy to clean, modern style, colorful) and disadvantages (heavy, colorful, more fragile). Choose what works best for your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appropriate age for a dollhouse?

Most dollhouses on our list are recommended for children 3 years old and up. Some with smaller parts, like the Polly Pocket Pollyville Dollhouse or the LEGO Friends Friendship Treehouse, are recommended for older children. Dr. Huberman Carbone reminds parents that a dollhouse is “an open-ended toy, meaning there are various ways to play with it, and it can grow with the child—it is not tied to one specific age as there are various ways to play over time.”
What is the most popular dollhouse size?

Popularity doesn’t matter as much as what works for your space and your kid. If you have a smaller area, search for a smaller dollhouse. If you have a big open space, a bigger dollhouse could be appropriate. In most cases, the larger the dollhouse, the larger the price tag, so make sure the house fits your budget and needs.
What is the price of a dollhouse?

The price of a dollhouse can range between $20 and more than $250, depending on the size, materials, and features. For example, at $23, the Polly Pocket Pollyville Dollhouse is a cute mini house that is portable and fun for kids who are able to handle the tiny elements. On the other end of the price range, the Pottery Barn Kids Glenview Dollhouse is over $250 and is absolutely stunning, but it doesn’t come with any dolls or furniture. Choose something that fits within your budget and leaves you with enough funds to purchase additional dolls or furniture if needed.
What are the benefits of a dollhouse?

Dollhouses are wonderful toys for both boys and girls to play with. “A dollhouse can foster various types of play: creative or imaginative, symbolic, dramatic. It can improve fine motor skills; language skills, as they use the words they need for objects and to act out interactions; social skills, when playing with others or acting out scenarios; cognitive skills such as categorizing and problem-solving; and visuospatial skills,” says Dr. Huberman Carbone.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter. Maya grew up with a beautiful (and quite large) dollhouse that she enjoyed playing with and decorating with her two sisters. That same dollhouse is currently packed away in her attic with a bin full of furniture. Writing this article makes her wonder if she’s ready to take it out of storage and is questioning where that dollhouse should go!