We've been making kids' teepees for over 10 years — and in that time, we've learned exactly what parents look for, what children love, and what makes a teepee last through years of play. Whether you're buying your first teepee or upgrading to something bigger, this guide covers everything you need to know before you choose.
Why Kids Love Teepees
A teepee gives children something every child craves: a space of their own. It's a reading nook, a hideout, a castle, a rocket ship — whatever the imagination decides. Studies in child development consistently show that defined small spaces support creative, focused play and give children a sense of security and independence.
For parents, a well-chosen teepee does double duty: it's a play space and a piece of room decor. The right teepee fits the room, grows with the child, and doesn't end up in the attic after three months.
1. What Size Teepee Do You Need?
Size is the most important decision — and the one most parents get wrong by choosing too small.
Classic Teepee (standard 5-pole)
- Diameter: approx. 100–120 cm (39–47 in)
- Height: approx. 150–165 cm (59–65 in)
- Best for: one child, ages 1–8, smaller rooms
- Fits: one child comfortably sitting or lying down; two children if they're small
This is the most popular size and works beautifully in most children's bedrooms. It fits in a corner without dominating the room. At 165 cm tall, an adult can lean in comfortably to read a bedtime story.
XL Teepee
- Diameter: approx. 150–170 cm (59–67 in)
- Height: approx. 170–180 cm (67–71 in)
- Best for: two children, sleepovers, ages 3+, larger rooms
- Fits: two children lying down; one adult sitting upright
If you have siblings sharing a room or a child who loves hosting friends, the XL is worth every centimetre of extra space. Adults can actually sit inside comfortably — great for bedtime reading or joining in the play. At 170 cm diameter, a parent can step inside without ducking.
XXL / Pavilion Teepee
- Diameter: approx. 120 × 120 cm base (47 × 47 in), open structure
- Height: approx. 145 cm (57 in)
- Best for: parties, photoshoots, festivals, large playrooms
- Fits: multiple children; distinctive open pavilion shape
The pavilion-style playhouse has an open, airy structure that makes it perfect for birthday celebrations, photo backdrops, or a dramatic centrepiece in a large playroom or nursery. It's also popular for wedding and party children's corners.
Quick size guide:
| Child's age | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| 1–3 years | Classic |
| 3–7 years | Classic or XL |
| 7+ years or siblings | XL |
| Parties & photoshoots | XXL / Pavilion |
2. What Material Should a Kids Teepee Be Made From?
This matters more than most parents realise — especially for young children who spend time inside the teepee breathing the air and touching the fabric constantly.
OEKO-TEX Certified Cotton — what we recommend
All MINICAMP teepees are made from 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton canvas. OEKO-TEX is an independent certification that verifies the fabric has been tested and confirmed free from harmful chemicals, dyes, and substances. It's the gold standard for children's textiles.
Why cotton is better than polyester for teepees:
- Breathable — children don't get hot and stuffy inside
- Natural feel — softer against skin
- More durable — holds shape better over years of play
- Eco-friendly — biodegradable, not petroleum-based
- Safe for children with sensitive skin or allergies
What to avoid
Teepees made from unspecified "canvas" or polyester without certification should be approached with caution — especially cheap imported options. Without OEKO-TEX or an equivalent certification, there's no independent verification that the fabric is safe for children.
Wooden poles vs plastic poles
Always choose teepees with natural wooden poles. They're sturdier, don't flex and collapse under a child's weight, and have no plastic off-gassing concerns. All MINICAMP teepees use eco-friendly wood poles that are smooth-sanded and safe for children.
3. Which Teepee Style Is Right for Your Room?
Classic 5-Pole Teepee with Pompoms
The most iconic MINICAMP style — a traditional five-pole teepee decorated with handmade pompoms along the opening. Available in ecru/natural cotton. Timeless, gender-neutral, and fits any room style from boho to Scandinavian minimalist.
Best for: first teepee, neutral nurseries, classic kids' rooms
Boho Teepee with Tassels
Same silhouette as the classic but decorated with handmade cotton tassels instead of pompoms. The tassels give it a slightly more bohemian, textured look. Also available with mixed pompom and tassel trim.
Best for: boho nurseries, rooms with rattan and linen decor
XL Teepee — Extra Large
Our biggest standard teepee, with a 170 cm diameter and 170 cm height. Decorated with pompoms. Large enough for two children to sleep inside side by side, or for an adult to sit comfortably.
Best for: siblings sharing a room, sleepovers, older children
Pavilion-Style Indoor Playhouse
A unique open-structure playhouse with a square base, tulle curtain, and tassel trim. Different from a traditional teepee — it's more open and airy, making it ideal as a decorative focal point in a nursery or playroom. Comes with a wooden frame.
Best for: nurseries, party backdrops, children's corners at events
Canopy
Not a teepee — but worth mentioning for smaller spaces or babies. A canopy hangs above a bed or cot and creates the same cosy enclosed feeling without taking up floor space. Great for newborns and toddlers.
Best for: babies and toddlers, small rooms, above a bed
4. What Age Is a Kids Teepee Suitable For?
MINICAMP teepees are suitable from age 3 and up as a play structure. For younger children (under 3), always supervise play inside and ensure the poles are secured correctly.
Teepees don't have an upper age limit — older children often use them as reading corners, homework spaces, or just a quiet retreat. Many parents tell us their 10 and 12 year olds still use their teepee daily.
The XL size is particularly good for older children because it gives them enough space to sit upright and use it comfortably as a private space rather than just a play tent.
5. How to Style Your Teepee
A teepee looks beautiful on its own, but the right accessories turn it into a proper play space.
Floor cushion or playmat: A soft floor cushion or round playmat inside the teepee gives children a comfortable surface to sit or lie on. Our round playmats are sized specifically to fit inside both classic and XL teepees.
Floor pillow: A large kids floor cushion placed just inside the entrance works perfectly as a seat — children can lean back against it while reading. Our 100 cm diameter pompom floor cushions are the most popular pairing.
String lights: Fairy lights draped through the teepee poles create a magical atmosphere for evening play. Use battery-operated LED lights — they don't overheat and are safe for children.
Macramé garland: A simple cotton macramé garland threaded between the poles adds a boho touch without overwhelming the teepee's own decoration.
Small basket: A felt storage basket inside the teepee keeps books, toys, and stuffed animals organised and within reach.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a MINICAMP teepee take to assemble? Most parents assemble a MINICAMP teepee in 10–15 minutes. Each teepee comes with clear printed assembly instructions and a video guide. No tools are needed — the poles slot together and the fabric slides over them.
Can a teepee be used outdoors? MINICAMP teepees are designed primarily for indoor use. They can be used outdoors in dry conditions for short periods, but should not be left outside overnight or in rain, as the cotton canvas is not weatherproofed.
How do I clean a kids teepee? Spot clean the cotton canvas with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not machine wash or submerge the fabric — this can cause shrinkage and affect the shape. The wooden poles can be wiped clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Will the teepee fit in my child's room? Before ordering, measure the available floor space. For a classic teepee you need a minimum of about 120 × 120 cm of clear floor space. For an XL teepee, allow at least 180 × 180 cm. Leave extra room around the teepee so children can enter and exit comfortably.
How do I store a teepee when not in use? Disassemble the poles and fold the fabric flat. The poles can be bundled together with the cord provided. Most families store the teepee partially assembled in a corner of the room — it doesn't need to be taken down after every use.
Can adults fit inside a MINICAMP teepee? In the classic size, an adult can lean in comfortably to read or play. In the XL size (170 cm diameter, 170 cm height), most adults can sit upright inside with ease. The XL is popular with parents who want to join in their children's play or read bedtime stories inside the teepee.
Ready to Choose?
Explore the full MINICAMP kids teepee collection — from classic pompom teepees to XL family-sized play tents and pavilion-style playhouses. All made from 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton with natural wooden poles, handmade in Europe.
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