Cubby House Magic: The Ultimate Summer Holiday Activities for Toddlers
This one’s for the mums (and nans, and carers!) wondering how on earth they’re going to keep little humans entertained all summer long without resorting to screen marathons. 🫣 Let’s face it, while screens can be lifesavers, nothing beats the kind of connection and creativity that comes from good ol’ imaginative play.
Why a Cubby House is the Unsung Hero of Summer Play
Truthfully, Our TableTent cubbies have saved my sanity more times than I can count. When the heat’s up and the days are long, having a dedicated play space, even if it’s just unde the dining table becomes a lifeline.
Here’s why:
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Instant imagination zone: From space stations to cafés, one cubby = endless pretend play.
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Mess stays (mostly) contained: Let’s be real. Craft, snacks, and chaos? At least it’s not spread across the entire lounge. Don't forget saving your previous linen cupboard too!
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Flexible fun: Whether indoors or shaded outside, a kids play tent adapts to your day.
Imagine a playroom that feels peaceful and purposeful. Where every giggle echoes from a single beloved cubby, not a mountain of plastic. Research tells us that more toys don’t equal more fun. In fact, kids engage longer and more creatively with open-ended toys, like Petite Maison Play’s table tent cubbies, than scripted ones. Instead of pressing buttons, children invent stories, build worlds, and solve pretend dilemmas, all inside their own imaginative space.
A clutter-free environment isn’t just pleasing to the eye. Studies show children play deeper and focus better when they’re surrounded by a few high-quality favourites. The Petite Shop Table Tent is a perfect example: its minimal design helps little minds dive into play without distraction, creating room for peace and wonder.
10 Toddler-Friendly Cubby House Activities for Summer
Need ideas? Here are some summer-approved, toddler-tested cubby activities:
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Indoor picnic party: Lay down a mini rug, add teddies, and serve watermelon slices.
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Storytime nook: Bring in books, cushions, and a torch for cosy reading sessions.
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DIY ice-cream shop: Pom-poms and paper cones = zero-mess make-believe.
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Water painting: Outside cubby? Hand them a brush and a bucket of water. Magic.
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Toddler yoga retreat: YouTube a few gentle moves and enjoy the giggles.
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Sensory bin hideout: Rice, scoops, and bowls in a shallow container = bliss.
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Nature explorers club: Collect leaves and flowers, then ‘study’ them inside.
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Shadow theatre: Use a flashlight and puppets for twilight cubby shows.
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Cubby disco: Glow sticks, music, and dance breaks inside the tent. Need I say more?
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Quiet time zone: When overstimulated, it becomes their safe, calm-down space.
Play That Grows with Them
The beauty of a cubby house? It evolves. One summer it’s a pirate ship. The next, a post office. These little tents of joy grow with your child’s imagination, and no two days look the same.
And while toys come and go, a thoughtfully designed cubby (like our TableTents) holds space for the kind of slow, intentional play that modern families crave. It’s why Sophie keeps one folded in her living room year-round.
Summer, Simplified: Less Stuff, More Love
You don’t need fancy crafts or piles of toys. Give your toddler a kids play tent, a few everyday bits, and watch the magic unfold.
Honestly? Some of my favourite memories are of Rosie setting up ‘shops’ under the table, selling air sandwiches and giggling uncontrollably. It's never about the stuff — it's about the moments.
Need a Cubby Refresh?
If your current setup’s looking a bit loved-to-death (been there!), check out:
All designed with heirloom quality, whimsical charm, and easy storage in mind.
Final Thoughts: Let the Cubby Adventures Begin!
So, here’s to lazy afternoons, giggles under the table, and summer days filled with stories, snacks, and just enough chaos to make it memorable. Your cubby doesn’t have to be fancy, just filled with love.
Now it’s your turn what’s your little one’s favourite cubby game? Tag us @petitemaisonplay for a chance to be featured in our stories and spread the summer fun!
FAQs
Q: What age is best for a cubby house or kids play tent?
A: From toddlers to early primary school kids, cubbies are magic for ages 2–7.
Q: Can I use my cubby house outside during summer?
A: Absolutely! just make sure it's shaded and not left out in direct sunlight too long.
Q: How do I keep cubby play fresh over the holidays?
A: Rotate themes! One day it’s a doctor’s clinic, the next a camping site. Let your child lead.
Q: Do Petite Maison Play tents fit all tables?
A: They fit most rectangle tables (1.6–2.0m long). Need a custom fit? We’ve got you covered.
Q: Are the materials safe for toddlers?
A: 100%! We use heirloom-quality, non-toxic materials designed with curious little hands in mind. A mix of cotton and canvas.
Q: Are they easy to store?
A: Yes! They fold down flat and can be popped into a drawer or linen cupboard when not in use. Practical magic at its best.