How to Choose a Cubby House That Grows With Your Kids

Every great cubby starts with one thing… your kids.

Some children will turn it into a café, a castle or a secret hideout. Others will use it as the launch point for climbing, chasing and whatever backyard game they invent next. It also matters whether they usually play alone, with siblings or with a whole crew of friends.

Age can help, but it does not tell the whole story. The better question is how your child actually plays, because that is  what will help you choose a cubby they will keep coming back to.

How to choose the right cubby house?

Before you fall in love with the cutest cubby on the internet, it helps to check whether it’ll actually fit your backyard, suit your kids and survive more than one very enthusiastic summer.

Your child’s play style

Do they love imaginative play, active challenges or a mix of both? Also consider whether they usually play alone, with siblings or with friends.

Your backyard space

Measure the actual space, not the optimistic version in your head. Consider the cubby footprint, height, access, clearance and whether there will still be room for the dog, the washing and the occasional backyard cricket match.

The cubby house design

Think about ground-level versus elevated, open versus enclosed, and standalone versus part of a larger play system.

The materials used

Timber, plastic and steel all handle weather, wear and sticky fingerprints differently. Think about maintenance, durability and how much attention you’re willing to give it once the novelty of assembly day has worn off.

Cubby house safety

Look for a sturdy structure, safe access, suitable guardrails and enough room around the cubby for active play. It’s also worth checking whether it’s designed to meet recognised Australian Standards.

Long-term play value

Kids change quickly. Today it’s a café, next year it’s a spy headquarters, and after that it may become the launch pad for every game in the backyard. A cubby with room to evolve is more likely to keep earning its place.

Which cubby house will actually suit your family?

The cubby that looks perfect online isn’t always the one that works best once it lands in your backyard.

Think about who will use it, how much room it needs, how much maintenance you are happy to take on and whether it will still suit your family in a few years.

Ground-level cubby houses

Best for: Toddlers, younger children and imaginative play.

Ground-level cubbies are where teddy bear cafés, pirate ships and “no adults allowed” clubs are born. They’re easy for younger children to get in and out of, simple to supervise and don’t need stairs or ladders to create hours of imaginative play.

Elevated cubby houses

Best for: Active kids who love climbing and exploring.

An elevated cubby turns getting there into part of the adventure. The ladder becomes a mountain, the platform becomes a lookout tower and suddenly everyone is “keeping watch” over the backyard.

Timber cubby houses

Best for: Families who love a classic backyard look.

There’s something nostalgic about a timber cubby. It looks right at home under a shady tree and somehow seems to attract handmade signs, painted flower pots and the occasional “Keep Out” notice that absolutely does not apply to Mum.

Plastic cubby houses

Best for: Toddlers and families wanting a simple first cubby.

Lightweight, colourful and easy to clean, plastic cubbies are a great introduction to backyard play. Just keep in mind that children often outgrow them as their games become bigger and their climbing confidence grows.

Steel or frame-mounted cubby houses

Best for: Families looking for long-term value.

Some kids won’t just sit in a cubby. They’ll climb over it, swing past it and turn it into mission control for whatever game they’re playing that afternoon. A steel or frame-mounted cubby is designed for exactly that kind of backyard.

Standalone cubbies

Best for: Families focused on imaginative play.

A standalone cubby creates a dedicated destination in the backyard. It works well on its own, particularly if you already have other play equipment elsewhere.

Cubbies integrated into a larger play system

Best for: Families wanting one backyard that does it all.

By combining a cubby with swings, climbing equipment and monkey bars, an integrated play system offers more variety without filling the backyard with separate structures.

A cubby house reliably safe for big adventures

Kids rarely use a cubby exactly as intended.

That’s why safety starts with the basics. When comparing cubby houses, look for:

• A sturdy, stable structure

• Secure guardrails on elevated areas

• Access points suited to your child’s age and confidence

• No awkward gaps where fingers, heads or clothing could become caught

• Enough clear space around the cubby

• A suitable surface underneath to soften the inevitable slips, trips and overly dramatic dismounts

Where the cubby sits matters too. Choose a spot that gives children room to move while keeping play visible from the house or main outdoor area. Correct installation, regular checks and the occasional tightening of hardware will help keep everything feeling solid after years of climbing, scrambling and secret meetings.

You may also come across Australian Standards such as AS 4685 while comparing cubby houses. In simple terms, these standards help guide areas such as structural integrity, access, guardrails and entrapment risks. Choosing a cubby designed with recognised Australian Standards in mind gives parents extra confidence that safety has been considered before the adventures begin.

Buy for the kid they are… and the kid they are becoming

Children have a remarkable way of outgrowing things almost as soon as they fall in love with them.

The four-year-old serving imaginary cupcakes from their cubby today might soon be using it as the headquarters for obstacle courses, climbing challenges and backyard adventures with friends.

That’s why it’s worth thinking beyond today. Rather than asking, “Will they enjoy this now?”, ask, “Will this still inspire them in two, five or even ten years?”

Look for a cubby that can grow with your family. Modular designs, expandable play systems and accessories that can be added over time mean the backyard can evolve alongside your children, keeping play fresh without needing to replace the entire structure.

Choose a cubby that gives them something to enjoy today, with enough flexibility to stay part of the backyard for years to come.

Just a cubby house or the start of something bigger?

A standalone cubby can be perfect for children who love imaginative play, especially when backyard space is tight, and you want a simple setup.

An integrated play system offers more variety in the same footprint. It can combine cubby play with swings, climbing and other accessories, then change as your children grow.

Meet the Funky Monkey Bars Cubby Treehouse

The Funky Monkey Bars Cubby Treehouse brings imaginative and active play together in one modular system. Families can add swings, climbing features and accessories over time, so the backyard can keep evolving without starting again.

The cubby they’ll remember growing up with

Years from now, your children probably won’t remember every feature you compared or how long you spent measuring the backyard.

They’ll remember the secret passwords, the afternoon snacks eaten inside and the games that somehow carried on until dinner. They’ll remember climbing, creating and making the space entirely their own.

Choose a cubby that gives them room to do more than play. Choose one that becomes part of the stories your family tells later.

If you’re not sure which cubby or play system is right for you, get in touch with the Funky Monkey Bars team. We’re always happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a Cubby Treehouse to my existing Funky Monkey Bars?

Yes. The Cubby Treehouse is designed to integrate with compatible Funky Monkey Bars frames, making it easy to expand your existing setup rather than start from scratch.

Does the Cubby Treehouse come assembled?

No. Like all Funky Monkey Bars equipment, it is supplied with detailed assembly instructions so families can install it at home or arrange professional installation if preferred.

Can I customise my Cubby Treehouse?

Absolutely. The modular Funky Monkey Bars system allows you to add swings, climbing accessories and other play equipment over time, so your backyard can evolve as your family grows.

What is the Cubby Treehouse made from?

The Cubby Treehouse is manufactured in Western Australia using Australian steel and durable finishes designed to withstand Australia’s harsh outdoor conditions.

Can siblings play together?

Yes. The Cubby Treehouse is designed to encourage shared play, whether one child is creating imaginary worlds inside while another climbs, swings or explores the surrounding play equipment.

What happens if my children outgrow the cubby?

The beauty of a modular play system is that the cubby can become just one part of the backyard. As children’s interests change, you can continue adding accessories and play challenges without replacing the entire structure.