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Think back to the forts you built as a kid—blankets draped over chairs, cushions piled into a secret hideaway. Play tents and tunnels give modern children that same magic, only neater and often safer. They create instant imagination zones where a living room can turn into a pirate ship, a princess castle, or an explorer’s cave. Beyond the fun factor, these products support motor skills, spatial awareness, social play and quiet time. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or carer hunting for something that’s part toy, part furniture, a play tent or tunnel ticks a surprising number of boxes.
Nordic Nest is known for Scandinavian-inspired design with soft colors and durable fabrics, and their range of kids’ tents and tunnels reflects that cozy aesthetic. Whether you like muted clay tones or star prints, these pieces work well in a child’s bedroom or a tasteful family space.
This elegant tunnel in a natural white finish is perfect if you want something understated that blends into modern décor. It’s light, portable and invites crawling and hide-and-seek games. Imagine it as a soft, short passage that encourages babies and toddlers to move and explore without a loud plastic look. Because it’s fabric-forward, it also doubles as storage when not in use—slide it under a bed or into a large basket.
The star-patterned grey tunnel adds a gentle pattern that kids adore while staying neutral for grown-up spaces. Its muted design means you can use it outdoors on dry days or indoors during rainy afternoons. Kids will love zooming through it during play sessions, and you’ll love that the design doesn’t scream “toy” when friends visit.
The OyOy Yummi play tent in clay is a soft, moody shade that’s surprisingly versatile. This tent creates a tiny private world where your child can play quietly, read, or nap. The fabric feels premium and the structure is simple to assemble—like setting up a small, personal cabin. It pairs well with fairy lights or a cushion pile to make a snug reading nook.
Want a playful silhouette with a subtle look? The OyOy Circus Tent brings circus charm without neon colors. Its soft clay tone looks great against wooden floors and neutral rugs, and the peaked roof stirs imagination—kids immediately see a big top, a castle turret, or the roof of a little shop. The compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller homes.
Available in both grey and pink, the Kid’s Concept Star Tent measures roughly 39 by 51 inches (about 3 ft 3 in by 4 ft 3 in), making it a great fit for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s tall enough for little ones to sit upright and play with dolls or books. The star motif adds a playful touch while remaining stylish enough for shared family spaces.
The Bloomingville Fardin teepee brings classic teepee style to a child’s room with a footprint of roughly 43 by 43 inches and a peak near 55 inches (about 3 ft 7 in by 3 ft 7 in by 4 ft 7 in). It’s roomy enough for two small children to share or for one child to set up a full imaginative scene with toys and a blanket. The natural tones make it a versatile staple for gender-neutral nurseries.
This castle curtain is a clever way to turn a doorway into an entrance to a magical room. Measuring roughly 31 by 75 inches (about 2 ft 7 in by 6 ft 3 in), it’s easy to hang across a standard doorway and instantly add drama to play. Kids love the idea of stepping through a castle flap into another world—the curtain also works well as a divider for play cafes or puppet theater setups.
Ebebek carries a variety of family-focused baby and kids’ items with practical, playful options for small spaces. Their selection includes creative tents and tunnels that encourage coloring, crawling and travel-friendly solutions.
Although designed as a travel cot cover, this item doubles as a small, cosy hideaway. With printed plant motifs, it transforms a travel cot into a calm, leafy den for naptime or quiet play. Lightweight and compact, it’s a good pick for on-the-go families who want something that folds away neatly.
The H Grossman Bug Tunnel is a playful, cylindrical tunnel kids can crawl through and hide inside. Tunnels are brilliant for developing gross motor skills as children push, pull and wriggle through them. This model’s name hints at a bug-themed design, which is perfect for nature games and mini adventures in the garden.
These “colour your own” tents are a fantastic screen-free activity. Kids can personalize their tent with markers or fabric pens—turning what might be a plain piece of fabric into a unique masterpiece. With themes like unicorns and dinosaurs, they’re an arty, creative option that doubles as décor once colored. The hands-on design encourages artistic play and gives kids a sense of ownership over their space.
If you’re shopping across the UK, several retailers frequently stock a broad range of play tents and tunnels, from budget pop-ups to premium designer pieces. Checking multiple shops helps you compare styles, sizes and materials so you get precisely what you need.
John Lewis tends to offer higher-end and classic designs that balance style with durability. Their children’s range often includes well-made teepees, canvas tents and themed playhouses that fit a living room and stand up to regular use.
Argos is a great place for budget-friendly pop-up tents and lively themed tunnels. If you need something quick, inexpensive and cheerful for birthday parties or short-term use, Argos usually has a wide selection.
Smyths focuses on toy-oriented tents and often has licensed character tents and tunnels that delight young fans. Expect bold colors and lots of themed options for a child who wants a favorite character’s hideout.
The Entertainer offers toy-focused, imaginative play items, while Amazon UK gives the broadest selection—from independent brands to established names—plus heaps of customer reviews that can help you choose. Both are worth checking for competitive prices and variety.
Picking the right tent or tunnel depends on a few key factors: age of the child, available space, how you plan to use it and whether you want something primarily indoor or outdoor. Here’s a quick decision guide to make that process painless.
For babies and toddlers, low, soft tunnels encourage crawling and exploration without too much structure. Preschoolers often prefer tents that allow sitting up and playing with toys inside—look for tents with an interior height of at least 40 to 55 inches so kids can sit comfortably. For reference, many Nordic Nest and Bloomingville tents fall into this friendly mid-size range.
Canvas and cotton blends feel natural and look great, but they can stain more easily than polyester. Polyester and nylon are often used for pop-up and tunnel designs because they dry quickly and resist mildew—handy for outdoor use. Think about cleaning: can the cover be wiped down or machine-washed? That will save you time when sticky snack time strikes.
If you plan to use tents outside, prioritize water-resistant fabrics and sturdy frames that can be staked or weighted down. For indoor-only tents, softer poles and lighter fabrics are fine and usually easier to store. Multi-use models that fold compactly are a great compromise for families who need flexibility.
Play tents are fun, but a little common-sense makes them much safer and longer-lasting. Follow a few simple rules and you’ll avoid most problems.
Always check the care instructions—some canvas tents can be spot-cleaned while other covers are machine-washable. A gentle cycle and mild detergent keeps colors bright. For quick cleans, a damp cloth with a mild soap works wonders on polyester and nylon. Make sure everything is fully dry before folding away to prevent mildew.
Ensure tents and tunnels are stable on the floor—especially taller teepees that might tip if a child pushes on them. Anchor tents with heavy cushions or use tie-downs if you plan to use them outdoors. Ventilation matters too: choose models with windows or mesh panels to keep airflow moving, which is especially important on warm days or in rooms without much circulation.
Watch for ties, cords, or removable decorations that could present a hazard for very young children. For toddlers and babies, choose simple designs without small accessories that can detach. Manufacturers usually list age recommendations—use them as a guideline but pair them with your own judgment about your child’s behavior and development.
Once the tent is up, the real magic begins. Here are a few ideas to spark play that lasts beyond the novelty of a new toy.
Turn the tent into a shop, a spaceship, or a castle. Add scarves, a small box of props and a simple storyline and watch kids create elaborate scenarios. Role-play builds language skills and confidence when kids take the lead on storytelling.
Use a tent as a calming space with soft cushions, low lighting and quiet toys. For children who benefit from sensory breaks, tents offer a contained, low-stimulus environment that helps with regulation and focus.
Tunnels pair brilliantly with active play—set up a mini obstacle course with a tunnel as the central feature. Kids love racing through tunnels, under tables and over safe stepping stones, and it’s an easy way to burn energy indoors on rainy days.
If you’re often on the move, a travel-friendly tent or tunnel is a lifesaver. Look for models that fold flat, come with a carry bag, and assemble in under a minute. Travel cot covers, pop-up tunnels and small pop-up tents are excellent for grandparents’ houses, holiday lets, and garden picnics where you want to bring a familiar play space.
Play tents and tunnels come in a wide price range. If you need something for occasional play or birthday parties, budget pop-ups from retail chains can be great value. If you want a lasting piece of room décor that will be used daily, consider spending a bit more on canvas tents or designer tents with stronger poles and washable covers. Think about resale too—well-made pieces often hold value if kept in good condition.
Play tents and tunnels are more than just toys; they’re mini-worlds where creativity, movement and calm time coexist. Whether you choose a Scandinavian-inspired teepee from Nordic Nest, a creative “colour your own” tent from Ebebek, or a budget pop-up from a UK retailer, there’s a perfect option for every home and every child. Consider your space, the child’s age and how you want to use the tent—indoor story nook, outdoor adventure base, or travel-friendly hideout—and you’ll find a model that sparks joy and stays useful for years. Ready to build another fort, but this time with better fabric and easier cleanup?
| Play Tents & Tunnels | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| H Grossman Bug Tunnel | £ 15,99 | |
| Hauck Travel Cot Cover - Plants | £ 19,99 | |
| One For Fun Colour Your Own Play Tent - Unicorn | £ 22,39 | |
| One For Fun Colour Your Own Play Tent - Dinosaur | £ 27,99 | |
| Oyoy Circus Tent Clay | £ 54,- | |
| Oyoy Yummi Play Tent Clay | £ 71,99 | |
| Bloomingville Fardin Teepee Tent 110x110x140 Cm Nature | £ 111,- |
