The Play House – A Laugh-Out-Loud Classic
The Play House is one of those rare silent comedies that genuinely stands the test of time. While much of Chaplin, Lloyd or the Keystone Kops output now seems juvenile, coy or silly, this film still makes you laugh out loud.
Children love to use their imaginations while playing, and a playhouse provides the perfect stage for enacting stories, solving problems and acting out feelings that they may not yet have the words to express. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that children engaged in pretend play are better at coping with life’s stresses.
When deciding on an outdoor playhouse for your yard, look for one with safety features that keep kids from falling off or getting trapped and one that can stand up to your climate. For example, if you live in a hot and humid area, consider purchasing a wooden or vinyl playhouse rather than a metal one. Also, look for a playhouse with a low-to-the-ground design to prevent falls or injuries and one that offers easy access doors.
If you have limited space in your backyard, consider an indoor playhouse like Radio Flyer’s treetop tower. This model folds down flat to save closet or garage space and is easily transported in the trunk of a car. The company also offers playhouses in styles including a pirate ship, princess castle and modern farmhouse.
To ensure your playhouse is safe for kids to use, check the manufacturer’s website for certification logos from organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These organizations set safety standards that manufacturers must meet to be certified as compliant. Additionally, check online reviews of the product to find out what other consumers have said about it.
In addition to a sturdy structure, this playhouse comes with plenty of accessories that add to the fun. The kitchen, for instance, comes with a sink, stove and refrigerator and includes food, cooking utensils and pots and pans. It even has a pretend telephone and mailbox.
The interior of the playhouse was designed by the architect to replicate 17th-century English theaters. The curved galleries resemble those in the Globe theatre, while the layout of the musicians’ gallery—with its carved putti and gold-leaf surround—echoes a ceiling at Cullen House in Scotland. The wood used in the building—oak in the paneled gallery and softwoods like scots pine for the roof, floor and stage boards—was inspired by a staircase at Chilham Castle in Kent.
This playhouse is relatively simple to assemble, though it can be a bit overwhelming at first glance. To make the process go more smoothly, lay out all the pieces by code before you begin. We recommend having two people working together so you can work more efficiently. Once the walls are in place, install the roof sheeting and shingles. A strip of aluminum drip edge should be installed at the top of the shingle to help prevent water leaks.