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Last updated: 8 May 2024
Top children's garden den ideas
For children, garden dens spark imaginative play and a sense of adventure, occupying them for hours in a space that's just for them. We share some of the best garden den ideas for kids and teenagers and outline how to build your own outdoor den.
There are no limits to style and design when it comes to garden den ideas – especially when they are grown-up-free zones.
Traditional playhouses, stick-built wigwams, hobbit-style dens, or raised treehouses create oodles of fun now and memories for life.
Garden dens spark fun, creativity, and imaginative play. There's something about the privacy, independence, and sense of adventure with dens that keep children entertained for hours.
And for teenagers, a garden den - or garden room - can provide a much-needed sanctuary away from a busy family home.
Here, we share our favourite garden den ideas to inspire your secluded outdoor retreat, for younger children and teenagers, across all budgets.
We also outline how to build a den in the garden, with plenty of practical tips and advice.
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Children's garden den ideas
Outdoor den ideas range from basic, temporary structures to intricate, elevated designs. Whichever option you choose, your child is guaranteed to love the adventure and magic of a garden den.
So, let's get the ball rolling with some inspiration...
Small garden den ideas
Small garden den ideas can be as simple as a couple of chairs, an old bedsheet, and a blanket. Using materials you already have at home, your child will love the opportunity to build their own fortress where they can hide away.
Alternatively, a fabric tepee - or wigwam - is great for indoor and outdoor play. Load it with cushions and a blanket, invite your child's favourite teddies, and allow their imagination to unravel.
Permanent garden den structures
If you're looking to build a more permanent structure, take a look at our pick of the best garden den ideas, below.
1. Playhouses
A playhouse is a great way to create an exciting space for your little ones. Once you've built the basic structure, your kids can let their imaginations run wild and create all manner of fun play environments that can adapt as they grow.
Hang curtains to make it feel like a homely hideaway
Add a play kitchen or cafe for hours of role-play fun
Paint a chalkboard wall for little artists to express themselves
Paint the ceiling to complete your theme - perhaps a starry night with constellations and planets
Add shelving and a beanbag for a cosy reading corner
Include storage for play equipment, outdoor chalks, and children's gardening tools
Add explorer's equipment such as binoculars, a magnifying glass, and a clipboard for budding biologists
Lay an off-cut of carpet or floor tiles for comfort underfoot
Dress it with fairy lights for added whimsical charm
A playhouse doesn't need to be a standout feature in your garden - the best garden dens are slightly hidden among their landscape to create a secret hideaway.
Help your den blend in by using the same material as your garden fence
Grow climbing plants, tall shrubs, or ornamental grasses to screen your garden den from view
For a more organic garden den, why not plant a living willow wigwam, dome, or tunnel?
If you have an existing shed, this can easily be converted into a garden playhouse. Alternatively, call in the professionals. A professionally built playhouse will typically cost in the region of £430 - £1,300.
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2. Wicker tepees
A wicker tepee or hut will provide an authentic, natural den that your kids are sure to love! Not only will it offer a secret hideaway and shade on sunny days, but it will also look impressive in your garden.
Add cushions, blankets, and outdoor lights to create the perfect retreat for your children to relax, explore, and play. Perfect for creating a camping experience in your back garden.
If you're considering building a wicker tepee, it's often better to call in professional help. A wicker tepee will typically cost around £200.
3. Hobbit-style garden dens
Hobbit-style dens, inspired by the rolling green hills of The Shire, are built into the earth so they're partially underground.
They can either be created using an existing structure to create a framework, such as a large dog house or by building a bespoke design
Then add a bespoke cut-out for the front design and build up the earth around the structure once it's in position
For an authentic hobbit-house look, plant grasses in the soil mound. This will also help to hold the soil together
Unless you have DIY experience, call in a skilled carpenter to create a safe and cosy bunker-style hideaway.
4. Treehouses
The classic garden den - a treehouse - will make your little ones the envy of all their friends.
If you're lucky enough to have a suitable tree in your garden, a treehouse will give your children the perfect setup to build an elevated hideaway.
Whether they transform it into a castle, a pirate ship, or a watchtower, there's something special about being up in the peaceful surroundings of the tree canopy.
And with the main structure raised off the ground, you'll have plenty of garden space to make some extra additions to your children's play haven:
Install a mud kitchen or water-play table
Build a sandpit
Invest in a swing set, slide, or climbing frame
If you're considering building a treehouse, you might need planning permission. It's worth calling in the professionals to ensure your treehouse is safe and structurally sound.
As a ballpark, expect to pay around £2,500 for a treehouse, depending on its size and specification.
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Teenage garden den ideas
As well as being great for younger children, garden den ideas can be incredibly useful for teenagers too, creating a private space to hang out with friends.
Again, a garden shed can easily be adapted into a teenage garden den. Alternatively, a garden room makes the perfect space for your teenagers to socialise in now.
And you can also make use of it when they move out of home in the future (check out our tips for how to future-proof your home).
While younger children will enjoy any sort of garden den - the rustic the better - teenagers will likely have more specific requirements.
The internal fit-out will need to be slick and cosy, including lighting, other required utilities, seating, and adequate storage
WiFi connectivity is a must, as is audio/visual equipment setup for movies, gaming, and music
Soundproofing might be on your list too!
Security is crucial - especially if you're storing valuable belongings inside
Related content: Learn more about the cost of a garden room.
How to build a den in the garden
With a selection of outdoor den ideas in your back pocket, let us share our advice for creating the perfect raised platform den in your garden – trust us, your kids will love it.
Step One: Set the budget
Firstly, think about how much you want to spend on your outdoor den. This will determine factors such as the size, style, and features to include in your den.
Step Two: Future-proof your design
When planning your garden den, consider how you can adapt it to ensure it provides an enjoyable and functional outdoor space for years to come.
Step Three: Choose the best spot
Decide on the most suitable spot for your garden den. Try to find a place that's away from other outdoor seating or dining areas, creating a secret and slightly secluded area, just for kids.
Step Four: Design the concept
This is the fun bit! It's time to design the concept for your outdoor den. Use the inspiration above and let your creativity run wild.
Of course, it's essential to ensure that your plans are achievable. Think about the space, budget, and any existing materials or structure you can utilise.
For example, do you have a shed or an area of raised decking you can recycle?
Step Five: Seek expert advice
If you're building a raised garden den or intricate design from scratch, it might be worthwhile arranging a video call with an outdoor building or shed expert.
You can discuss the practicalities of bringing your ideas to life with them.
Step Six: Share the plan with your kids
Run your plans past your children to see what they think – you're building it for them after all!
Step Seven: Consider your skills
Before you start building your den, you need to consider whether you've got the skills, time, and resources to build it properly and safely.
You'll need to create a platform from decking and then assemble a pre-bought shed or build your own – are you confident you can do this, or do you need to call in the experts?
An experienced professional will be able to suggest the best materials and expert ideas. Their advice will help you ensure that your den is good quality, and lasts for years to come.
Most importantly, you want to make sure it's a safe and enjoyable space for your children or teenagers to use.
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