Real teepees were made of animal skin and wood – they’re still used today (often with canvas instead of hide) in meaningful cultural ceremonies. If you choose to bring a play teepee home for your family, make sure you give your little one a little background story, too! Play teepees can foster some serious imaginative play and keep your kids entertained for hours. We won’t judge if you sneak inside for a rest, too!
Teepees have been around for quite some time. The wooden “frames” used to be placed in such a way that there was an opening at the top. This was designed to draw smoke out of the teepee when a fire was lit on the inside. Up to around 40 people could stay warm inside of a teepee, or tipi, and today, Native Americans celebrate this aspect of their sacred cultures in ceremonies across the country.
Somewhere along the line, children developed an affection for teepees, and so did their parents. So now, teepees for tots and kids are a super hot decorative and play item for nurseries, classrooms, and beyond.
Check out our favorites, and get ready for hours and hours of fun play!
1LoveTree India Embroidery Teepee
Best Overall
Reach for this delicately embroidered teepee that offers a gentle meeting spot for your child and her imaginary friends. It doubles as a mini-napping nook — so please don’t disturb. Dreams happen here.
Your little one will fall in love with the embroidered visuals, from safari animals like a giraffe and an elephant, to a sweet window and crescent moon. Your free-spirit child can string the included decorative flags on the outside of the teepee or on the inside, too.
2Dexton Glow-in-the-Dark Teepee
Best Nighttime Teepee
Your kids could sleep under the moon and stars in the backyard under this water-repellent teepee, or they can use the glow-in-the-dark moon-and-stars stickers to bring the night sky inside. Pure magic!
This tent is perfect for a hideout outdoors for after chasing fireflies, or it can be used poolside for kids to protect themselves from catching too many sun rays in one day.
3Trademark Innovations Giant Customizable 6-Foot Teepee
Best Customizable Teepee
Let your kid’s imagination run wild to paint and decorate this blank cotton canvas for a one-of-a-kind design. The roomy interior is big enough for several kids (and adults!) to pile in for fun — and don’t worry, the poles are made of durable pinewood, so it won’t fall down. Movie night, anyone?!
You can choose to keep the teepee its plain white color, which will look striking in any room, or encourage your children to get creative. Use fabric glue and glitter to add some magic, or snag some fabric paints to add a pop of color. It’s literally a blank canvas, and they’ll get a kick out of painting all over the “walls,” even if it’s just on the inside …
4Princess Teepee Fairy Tent
This adorable teepee fairy tent is perfect for the little princess (yes, princess!) who wants a special space to imagine, draw, ponder, and hang out on some fluffy floor pillows. The very top of the teepee features polka-dot fabric, while the sides are a muted gray. The look just wouldn’t be complete without white entryway fabric studded with pompoms, which matches the included floor mat.
It’s the perfect addition to a beautiful bedroom or playroom. Bonus: The fabric is made of 100% pure cotton canvas, and the poles are made of New Zealand pine.
5Steegic Foldable Cotton Canvas Teepee
This navy-and-white-striped teepee is the perfect addition to a modern nursery or kid’s room. We love the clean lines, and your kid will appreciate having a little nook of their very own. Made of 100% cotton canvas and New Zealand pine, this quality teepee will stand sturdy while your nutty kid runs in and out of his little sanctuary.
6B. Sea Teepee Tent
This pick goes up in minutes. (Phew!)The rich jewel tones and fun detailing make this the perfect teepee for playtime. Your kids will leave the tent with even more of an imagination than they went in with. When your kid isn’t home, you can grab a cup of tea and have a groovy time yourself right inside.
7Tiny Hideaways Kids Teepee Tent
The simple, clean lines of this teepee are classic, but the bubblegum stripes feel so modern. For a nursery or playroom, let this pop-of-color piece create a fun focal point for the space.
You’ll treasure the memories made making silly faces at your mini me through the sweet peek-a-boo window. Plus, the window helps the air circulate, so it won’t get stuffy inside!
8Pacific Play Tents Woodland Teepee Tent
Worth the splurge, this tricked-out teepee features wooden poles with built-in fairy lights that emit a soft glow, creating a fun atmosphere and a cozy play space. Full of woodland winter whimsy, your little adventurer will have the time of her life imagining and daydreaming in this zen haven. The snowy scene features trees and forest friends, like an owl and a bear.
9KidKraft Play Teepee Tent
While your kids and their friends are playing and hanging out inside this KidKraft teepee, you can discreetly keep an eye on the action through the mesh windows on each side. Sorry, not sorry!
The chevron print at the base of the teepee is perfect for matching other chevron items in the nursery or kid’s bedroom. Plus, we can’t get enough of the bright aqua top that will stand out in any room.
