The Top Dollhouses That Encourage Creative Play—for Both Parents and Children.

Including dolls, accessories, furniture, and other features for enhanced playtime.

During my childhood, dollhouses were among my most cherished toys. I have fond memories of my Barbie Dreamhouse, equipped with a luxurious bathtub that actually had running water from a reservoir and pump, as well as my Fisher Price Little People house, hotel, and camper van. Decades later, my daughter also enjoyed playing with these toys, and we expanded our collection with some of the finest dollhouses available. Witnessing your child engage with classic toys from your own past is a uniquely heartwarming experience.

As she grew older, my daughter transitioned to the Monster High Haunted High School Playset, where she could immerse herself in a world filled with fabulously stylish high school characters boasting fangs, wings, scales, and more. I couldn’t help but envy the remarkable dolls she played with, far superior to anything I had access to as a child.

Our Top Picks for Dollhouses

While children and even adults may view dollhouses as just toys, these classic playthings offer more than meets the eye. They can foster imaginative play, enhance social-emotional learning, aid in fine motor skill development, and create lasting memories. The ideal dollhouse should be sturdy, spacious enough for multiple children to play simultaneously, incorporate elements that inspire creativity, and be simple to put together – a key consideration for parents. In this selection, we have curated a range of dollhouses that meet these criteria, ensuring both your child and yourself will be delighted.

Dollhouses for Young Children

Elaborate dollhouses with tiny accessories may not be suitable for children under 3 years old due to choking hazards and the risk of pieces getting lost or broken. Bluey’s Family Celebration Playset offers chunky pieces that are safe for small hands and do not pose a choking risk. For toddlers who have outgrown choking hazards but are not yet ready for a full wooden dollhouse, the Calico Critters dollhouse could be a perfect transitional option.

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Does your child have a strong interest in Gabby’s Dollhouse, the well-known Netflix series? Even if your child is not familiar with Gabby and her friends, they can still have fun playing with the elegant three-story Celebration house or the portable dollhouse playset. For little ones who enjoy building, there is also a Lego building set available to enhance their doll play experience by allowing them to construct a home for their dolls.

Barbie Dollhouses

Barbie has been offering kids the chance to play with her in her own house since 1962. The modern Barbie Dreamhouse is a vast and diverse playset with numerous small accessories and even a functional elevator that can accommodate a Barbie in a wheelchair. It provides endless hours of imaginative play for children of all ages. Moreover, Barbie now offers different types of houses, such as a townhouse and a portable Barbieland mini house, for on-the-go entertainment.

Wooden Dollhouses

A wooden dollhouse offers durability and sturdiness, perfect for enduring rough play or being passed down through generations. Wooden dollhouses often come in neutral colors, making them aesthetically pleasing and suitable for any decor style. With options like a three-story wooden mansion or a compact home with various accessories, there is a variety of styles to choose from.

Interactive Dollhouses

The creativity inspired by dollhouses is already enjoyable for your child, but incorporating interactive features can enhance the playtime. The Monster High Haunted High School Playset, a recipient of the Parents Best Toys Award, offers an exciting experience with its swivel staircase, secret passages, and trap doors. For older children, a Lego treehouse-themed dollhouse provides a challenging build that encourages critical thinking skills.

Play Castles

Enhance the doll play experience for your child by incorporating a castle into their room. An expansive Disney Princess castle, equipped with lights and sounds, offers over 25 accessories, ideal for princess enthusiasts. Alternatively, for older children, a Harry Potter-themed dollhouse resembling the Hogwarts castle can serve as a valuable collector’s item.

Portable and Compact Dollhouses

When space is limited, or you need a convenient playhouse for your child to bring along on visits to grandma’s house, small dollhouses can offer just as much enjoyment. Compact, foldable toys provide the experience of a traditional wooden dollhouse while being easy to store. Additionally, a dollhouse backpack offers portability, making it perfect for travel and other outings.

Our Review Process

In determining the top dollhouses for children, we attended toy fairs, examined numerous models, and tried out a few with our own children at home. Various factors were considered in our assessment of the selected dollhouses, including age guidelines, dimensions, construction materials, assembly methods, and cost. Considering that the enjoyment of a dollhouse depends on its capacity to captivate fickle attention spans, we also evaluated the features and accessories available.

Key Considerations for Purchasing a Dollhouse

Who We Are

Cheryl Fenton, a writer based in Boston, has 30 years of experience writing for national magazines, popular websites, and authoring books. Her daughter has enjoyed playing with various toys over the years, from a vintage Little People playhouse to a Barbie Dream House, and eventually the Monster High Haunted High School Playset. Cheryl couldn’t help but feel envious of the new toy options available today that were not around when she was a child.