Best Play Tents
Updated January 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Pacific Play Tents Super Duper 4-Kid Play Tent
Pacific Play Tents
Super Duper 4-Kid Play Tent
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Bottom Line

This durable play tent is made with two ports for tunnels and is suitable for outdoor or indoor use.

Pros

Bright colors. Stronger construction than many play tents. Hook-and-loop tape closures. Mesh top. Lots of space inside for several kids or even an adult. Easy to put together. Very lightweight. Well-made.

Cons

Pay close attention to the sizing. This tent is larger than many play tents and may not fit in your space.

Best Bang for the Buck
Playz 6-Piece Princess Castle Play Tent with Crawl Tunnel
Playz
6-Piece Princess Castle Play Tent with Crawl Tunnel
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Bottom Line

The active little princess in your life will get a costume and fairy wings with this tent and crawl tunnel combo.

Pros

A lot of bang for your buck. A fairy princess tutu and tiara with wings come along with the play tent. Exterior garden scene on tent. Easy to spot clean. Tunnel can detach for separate play space. Quick to assemble. Metal wires protected by plastic to prevent poking or injury.

Cons

Pictured balls do not come with this combo set.

AirFort Inflatable Fun Kids' AirFort
AirFort
Inflatable Fun Kids' AirFort
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Bottom Line

A unique and large fort that blows up with a fan for indoor tent fun.

Pros

Folds up very small for storage. No need to use poles. Includes a mesh divider to keep kids from getting near the fan and to keep the interior of the fort from becoming windy. Inflates with a box fan. Packs small but inflates to a large size. Easy to set up or take down. Durable. Roomy. Fun.

Cons

Fan has to stay on in order to keep the fort inflated.

USA Toyz Rocket Ship Kids' Tent
USA Toyz
Rocket Ship Kids' Tent
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Bottom Line

A good choice if you are looking for something a little sturdier than a regular pop-up tent that still does not take up a lot of space.

Pros

Rocket ship dreams come to life. Comes with a flashlight projector that shines space images. Easy to put up. Diameter is 41 inches. Includes a storage bag. A decent amount of play space but still fits easily in the corner of a room. Also comes in a princess castle style.

Cons

The frame on the bottom of this tent can tear out with rough play.

Kiddey Kids' Play Tent & Playhouse
Kiddey
Kids' Play Tent & Playhouse
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Bottom Line

A roomy tent with multiple entrances, bright colors, and indoor/outdoor versatility.

Pros

Flexible, sturdy poles make it easy to set this reliable tent up inside or out. Comes with carrying bag for vacation use, too. Water resistant. Holds up to four young kids comfortably. Primary colors appeal to boys and girls.

Cons

Complaints are rare, but a few buyers say they received the product in a damaged package.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
Considered
69
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
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One of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your child’s room into a fantasy playland is by adding a play tent. Often shaped like little castles or mini versions of the tents you’d use to go camping, these usually require very little to no assembly. You can easily find a play tent to coordinate with your child’s bedroom colors, and might even find one adorned with their favorite characters, animals, shapes, or themes. Some come with fun extras to encourage their imagination and role play, like a fairy wand for a castle tent or a mini projector to create a light show inside. Play tents cost between $25 and $40.

Our Top Picks
Pacific Play Tents
Best of the Best
Pacific Play Tents
Super Duper 4-Kid Play Tent
Bottom Line
This durable play tent is made with two ports for tunnels and is suitable for outdoor or indoor use.
Shop Now
Playz
Best Bang for the Buck
Playz
6-Piece Princess Castle Play Tent with Crawl Tunnel
Bottom Line
The active little princess in your life will get a costume and fairy wings with this tent and crawl tunnel combo.
Shop Now
AirFort
Top Pick
AirFort
Inflatable Fun Kids' AirFort
Bottom Line
A unique and large fort that blows up with a fan for indoor tent fun.
Shop Now
USA Toyz
Top Pick
USA Toyz
Rocket Ship Kids' Tent
Bottom Line
A good choice if you are looking for something a little sturdier than a regular pop-up tent that still does not take up a lot of space.
Shop Now
Kiddey
Top Pick
Kiddey
Kids' Play Tent & Playhouse
Bottom Line
A roomy tent with multiple entrances, bright colors, and indoor/outdoor versatility.
Shop Now