These actually enhance your backyard.
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There's nothing more magical to a child than a treehouse. We see great treehouse ideas in movies all the time, so why not turn your little one's fantasy into a dream come true? These days, it seems like kids are always indoors playing video games and watching TV, so building them a treehouse straight out of a storybook is the perfect way to get them outdoors and into the sunshine. Let them embrace their childhood! But the best part is that you, too, can pretend to be a little kid again. Whether you hire a contractor to build a treehouse or the whole family takes it on as a DIY project, you truly can't go wrong. You can even do a mixture of both—hire a professional to do all of the heavy lifting while you and your family paint and decorate your treehouse.
With so many amazing treehouse ideas and designs out there to choose from, the most difficult part might getting the whole family to agree on their favorite one. From rope swings to hideaways, string lights, ziplines, ladders, and more, there are tons of fun options to incorporate into your treehouse. Just imagine how much fun your little ones will have once it's all done—reading and playing outside in their dreamy treehouse. We can't think of anything more wholesome! Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered. Continue below to get a look at 26 treehouse ideas we know you and your kids will love.
This treehouse from Hollander Design looks nice enough to live in full-time. It also comes complete with a curly slide and a simple swing.
Keep things small and simple. This cute treehouse features a pretty pop of minty green paint on the interior. A few striped floor pillows make it a comfy clubhouse.
Who says a treehouse has to be on stilts? On this upstate New York property, designer Anthony Baratta embraced the summer camp atmosphere and created a little log cabin hideout among the trees.
Keep it classic (and scrappy) with a rope swing! You can also add monkey bars if you're feeling ambitious.
This little oasis tucked into the trees and designed by Jill Morris is an ideal guest room or daytime hideout for kids.
An exterior view of this dreamy one-room guesthouse designed by Jill Morris proves that a wraparound porch isn't just for the main house.
Build an elevated gazebo instead of a treehouse. That way, it'll look elevated enough for you to enjoy after your kids outgrow it.
With its faux half-timbering, arched doorway, and brightly colored roof, this treehouse cottage looks like something straight out of a Disney movie, so it's sure to spark their imagination.
If you think nothing can get your kid excited for bedtime, think again. This dreamy kid's room designed by Studio Life/Style proves that you don't need a backyard to have an epic treehouse. This treehouse bed from Pottery Barn Kids makes it easy to build your own.
Hanging string lights overhead will make your treehouse feel even more otherworldly and magical to little ones and grownups alike.
The only thing better than having one treehouse in your backyard is having two treehouses in your backyard that are connected by a suspension bridge. We love the castle-like crenelated walls, arrowslit windows, and flagpole on this one—not to mention that awesome climbing net.
This treehouse in a backyard designed by Emily Henderson takes things up a notch. Instead of going with a basic treehouse design, she made it look like a castle—complete with a drawbridge-like entrance.
Placement is everything. This modern treehouse got the prime real estate overlooking a vineyard. The adjacent swing ensures the supervising adults get to relax and enjoy it too.
This play structure in a backyard by Studio Life/Style isn't a treehouse by definition, but it's just as fun thanks to the adjacent pool and waterslide. Plus, it's on stilts, so it has the same elevated effect you'd get from a classic treehouse.
Don't want to build a treehouse in the actual trees? Mimic the look with a wooden hut on low stilts. This one designed by Commune is an idyllic escape. Its interior features a built-in loveseat, plenty of cushions, and mesmerizing stained glass windows.
They'll feel like they're up in the trees—without you worrying about them falling out of the tree—if you opt for a prefab play structure like this one.
It's not fancy, but a treetop platform like this one gets the job done without you breaking every bone in your body trying to build it.
Get the tutorial at Capturing Joy.
Your kiddos can feel like Tarzan swinging through the trees! They'll love coming down for dinner if it's actually fun to do it.
Learn more at Barbara Butler.
Not sure how to build a treehouse? Choose from a series of guides and plans to make the whole process easier. Here are some great options.
This two-tier treehouse has double the fun potential. Even adults will be tempted to climb that rock wall and see the view from the top.
Get the tutorial at Be A Fun Mum.
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