Did you know that the Oxford English Dictionary definition for play is “things that people, especially children, do for pleasure rather than as work?” No? Us neither. Of course, the dictionary wouldn’t be able to determine what this means to your family. But that’s the point. You get to define and teach your little one what play is.
Related: Lydia Bright shares genius Amazon mum gadget and it's only £24
Imaginative play benefits cover a whole host of development skills like problem-solving, social and language skills – just to name a few. If you’ve exhausted the likes of cot mobiles to keep your toddler entertained, then we’ve found a creative way that’ll give your child space of their own, as well as being somewhere to use their toys and games. Here are 7 of the very best kids’ play tents under £20 that will ignite imagination you didn’t know was possible.
Round up of the best kids' play tents:
Only stopping by for a quick visit? Here are quick links to our favourite children's play tents so that you can start shopping straight away.
Where to buy kids' play tents:
Are you looking for retailers that offer incredible play tents for your little boy or girl? Here are some of the best places to buy a children's tent. PS don't forget to keep reading to find out more about what our shopping experts have selected for you.
How What's The Best selected the best kids' play tents:
All of these fun children's play tents have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching kid's play tents, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.
The best kids' play tents
1 of 7Tech Traders ® Pop-up Children Play Tent
Ball pit in the makingAre you looking for a play tent that your child can turn into their own activity centre? This budget-friendly play tent is everything you and your little one could want and more. Specifications:Size: 90 x 90 x 100cmMaterial: 100% polyester cloth with steel wire frame and fibreglass poles
£10.99
2 of 7GIM Kids Pop-up Play Tent
Car pop-up toy for toddlersLittle ones love to copy their parents, right? It's how they learn new things (even some naughty words we don't want them too). With this fun kid's pop up play car, they can drive just like mum or dad. Specifications:Size: 40 x 40 x 3cmMaterial: Polyester
3 of 7BelleStyle Kids Play Tent
A play tent fit for a princessWhether this beautiful children's tent is for the garden, playroom, lounge or even the nursery, your kids will have hours of fun with it. Plus, we love that it's easy to clean, so it doesn't matter if food, art and craft supplies or anything else spills on it. Specifications:Size: 37 x 37 x 8.8cmMaterial: Nylon
4 of 7Chad Valley Red Pop-up Play Tent
Colourful little play tentNo introduction needed for Chad Valley, since the early 19th century, they've created toys that inspire and are adored by little ones - this tent is no exception. Specifications:Size: 80 x 70 x100cmMaterial: N/A
5 of 7deAO Red CastlePlay Tent
For little Kings and Queens of the castleAre you looking for a tent that can be your baby's fort? This foldable play tent comes complete with a tower. How magical. Specifications:Size: 40 x 27.2 x 4cmMaterial: Polyester and plastic
6 of 7deAO Police Truck Foldable Play Tent
Foldable police truckNee-naw, nee-naw! Encourage your children to have a space of their very own thanks to this police truck tent. Who knows, maybe this might ignite a love for helping others in the future. Specifications:Size: 112 x 70 x 70cmMaterial: Polyester and plastic
£22.99
- Rrp: £23.99
7 of 7CIRKUSTÄLT Children's tent
Study and fun kid's tentIf you're after a children's tent that matches your nursery's fun circus theme, then Ikea has got it spot on with this big top.Specifications:Size: 120 x 100 cmMaterial: 100% polyester and polyurethane
The verdict: the best kids' play tents
Drum roll, please! After careful consideration, making it to the top spot of the best kids' play tent is Tech Traders ® Pop-up Children's Play Tent. Not only do the hundreds of good reviews set this kid's pop-up tent apart from the rest, but it also boasts incredible features like having plenty of space for your child to move around in and the ability to assemble the tent effortlessly.
Although not quite making it to our top spot, all of these children's tents are worthy contenders. Here are why the rest of these kids' play tents made it on to our best list.
Best play tent for boys: GIM Kids Pop Up Play Tent
Best play tent for girls: BelleStyle Kids Play Tent
Best budget kids' play tent: Chad Valley Red Pop Up Play Tent
Best quick assemble play tent: deAO Red CastlePlay Tent
Best large kids' play tent: deAO Police Truck Foldable Play Tent
Best value kids' play tent: CIRKUSTÄLT Children's tent
Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Lily and the rest of the What’s The Best team.