Step2 Charming Cottage Kids Playhouse vs Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing step2 charming cottage kids playhouse vs naturally playful storybook. Both are large, brown, double-walled plastic playhouses designed for indoor or outdoor use. They share a cottage theme and include interactive sounds. The main difference lies in their dimensions and structural details. One offers a taller profile with a standard door, while the other provides a wider footprint with a Dutch-style door. You need to check the specific measurements to see which fits your space better.
Key differences
| Aspect | Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage | Step2 Charming Cottage Plastic Playhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 64.25 inches | 58 inches |
| Width | 55 inches | 58.8 inches |
| Door Type | Doorbell | Dutch-style door |
| Weight Capacity | 101 pounds | 80 pounds |
| Age Range | 1.5+ years | 2+ years |
| Included Components | Pretend sink, fireplace, windows, doorbell | Working doorbell, fireplace, skylight |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage if
- You need a taller structure for older children.
- You want a higher weight capacity for multiple kids.
- You prefer a lower starting age for toddlers.
Choose Step2 Charming Cottage Plastic Playhouse if
- You want a wider play area for more movement.
- You like the look of a Dutch-style door.
- You are looking for a skylight feature.
Verdict: The Storybook Cottage suits families with younger toddlers or those needing more weight capacity. The Charming Cottage offers more width and a distinctive Dutch door for a realistic cottage feel. Choose based on whether height or width is more important for your play space.
Size, Age, and Capacity Specs
Overall Dimensions
The Storybook Cottage stands taller at 64.25 inches high, while the Charming Cottage is slightly shorter at 58 inches. In terms of width, the Charming Cottage offers more room at 58.8 inches compared to the 55-inch width of the Storybook model. Their depths are nearly identical, with the Storybook Cottage measuring 50.5 inches and the Charming Cottage at 50.1 inches. You should choose the Storybook if vertical space is key, or the Charming Cottage if you need a wider footprint for your play area.
Target Age Range
The Storybook Cottage is designed for children aged 1.5 years and older, making it suitable for younger toddlers who are just starting to engage in pretend play. The Charming Cottage recommends an age range of 2 years and up. This slight difference means the Storybook model may accommodate earlier developmental stages better. If you have a younger child who is ready for their own playhouse, the lower age threshold of the Storybook Cottage is a practical advantage for your family.
Weight Capacity
When considering how many children might play inside simultaneously, the Storybook Cottage supports a weight capacity of 101 pounds. The Charming Cottage has a lower limit of 80 pounds. This higher capacity on the Storybook model suggests it can safely handle slightly heavier loads or multiple children of larger sizes. For households with bigger kids or those who anticipate more active, crowded play sessions, the Storybook Cottage offers a sturdier limit.
Door Style
The Charming Cottage features a Dutch-style door, which typically allows the top half to open independently for better supervision and ventilation. The Storybook Cottage includes a standard door with a doorbell feature. Both models include a working doorbell for interactive sound effects. The Dutch-style door on the Charming Cottage provides a unique functional advantage for parents who want to monitor their child without fully entering the structure, adding a layer of practicality to daily use.
Included Interactive Features
Both playhouses offer interactive sounds to enhance pretend play. The Charming Cottage explicitly lists a working doorbell, fireplace, and skylight as included components. The Storybook Cottage mentions a pretend sink, fireplace, windows, and doorbell in its features list. While both include a fireplace and doorbell, the Charming Cottage highlights the skylight as a specific included feature, whereas the Storybook Cottage emphasizes the pretend sink. You should check which specific interactive elements matter most for your child's preferred play scenarios.
Which step2 playhouse fits your child
Parents needing extra vertical space
The Storybook Cottage stands 64.25 inches high, offering more vertical play area than the Charming Cottage. It supports children as young as 1.5 years old. The double-walled plastic construction ensures durability for years of use. This taller structure provides a distinct advantage for younger toddlers who benefit from lower entry points and ample overhead room for imaginative activities.
Buyers wanting wider interior room
The Charming Cottage measures 58.8 inches wide, providing a broader footprint than the 55-inch Storybook model. It features a Dutch-style door, which may appeal to older children. The wider base supports cooperative role play for multiple kids. If you prioritize horizontal space and realistic exterior details like faux wood siding, this wider design suits your needs best.
Households with heavier children
The Storybook Cottage has a higher weight capacity of 101 pounds, compared to the 80-pound limit of the Charming Cottage. This spec makes it a safer choice for larger or heavier children. Both models use durable plastic, but the higher capacity of the Storybook model ensures it can handle more robust play without risk of structural strain or damage.
The products compared
Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage
Best for: Toddlers needing sensory-rich indoor play
- Material
- Double-walled plastic
- Age Range
- 1.5+ years
- Installation Type
- Adult assembly required, indoor/outdoor
- Size
- 64.25" H x 55" W x 50.5" D
- Theme
- Storybook cottage
- Door Type
- Doorbell
View on Amazon: Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage Affiliate link
The Step2 Storybook Cottage is a double-walled plastic playhouse designed for children aged 1.5 years and older. It measures 64.3 inches high, 55 inches wide, and 50.5 inches deep. The structure supports up to 101 pounds. It includes interactive features like a pretend sink, fireplace, and doorbell. This unit requires adult assembly and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros
- Double-walled plastic construction resists chipping and fading
- Interactive features include a pretend sink and fireplace
- Supports up to 101 pounds of weight
- Functional storage keeps toys organized
Cons
- Requires adult assembly
- Batteries not included for interactive sounds
- Heavier build at 101 pounds
Good fit if
- You want a durable plastic playhouse for toddlers
- You need indoor and outdoor versatility
- You prefer interactive sensory features
Skip if
- You prefer a wooden structure
- You want a unit that requires no assembly
- You need a playhouse for children over 5 years
Verdict: Step2 Storybook Cottage Playhouse offers a sturdy, interactive environment for toddlers. It suits families seeking a durable, easy-to-clean playset with sensory elements.
Step2 Charming Cottage Plastic Playhouse
Best for: Toddlers seeking realistic cottage features
- Material
- Durable plastic
- Age Range
- Ages 2+
- Included Components
- Doorbell, table, fireplace, skylight
- Installation Type
- Indoor and outdoor
- Size
- Large
- Theme
- Cottage
View on Amazon: Step2 Charming Cottage Plastic Playhouse Affiliate link
The Step2 Charming Cottage is a weather-resistant plastic playhouse measuring 58.8 inches wide, 58 inches high, and 50.1 inches deep. It features a Dutch-style door, working doorbell, fireplace, and skylight. Designed for children aged 2 and up, it supports a weight capacity of 80 pounds. The open design encourages cooperative role play for multiple kids in indoor or outdoor settings.
Pros
- Dutch-style door with working doorbell
- Includes fireplace and skylight features
- Weather-resistant plastic construction
- Supports up to 80 pounds
Cons
- 80-pound weight capacity limits older children
- Requires assembly before use
- No electronic power source listed for features
Good fit if
- You want realistic cottage details like a fireplace
- You need a durable indoor or outdoor playset
- You are buying for toddlers aged 2 and up
Skip if
- You need a playhouse for children over 80 pounds
- You prefer a pre-assembled unit ready to use
- You want a larger footprint for more space
Verdict: Step2 Charming Cottage Playhouse fits toddlers who enjoy realistic details like a working doorbell and fireplace. It offers a sturdy, weather-resistant structure for cooperative play within its 80-pound limit.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage | Step2 Charming Cottage Plastic Playhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Double-walled plastic | Durable plastic |
| Age Range | 1.5+ years | Ages 2+ |
| Included Components | not stated | Doorbell, table, fireplace, skylight |
| Installation Type | Adult assembly required, indoor/outdoor | Indoor and outdoor |
| Size | 64.25" H x 55" W x 50.5" D | Large |
| Theme | Storybook cottage | Cottage |
| Door Type | Doorbell | Dutch door |
| Weight Capacity | 101 pounds | not stated |
| Dimensions | 50.5 × 55 × 64.3 inches | 50.1 × 58.8 × 58 inches |
| Weight | 101 pounds | 80 pounds |
| Color | Brown | Brown |
| Model | 795900 | 867400 |
Frequently asked questions
Which playhouse is heavier and more stable?
The Step2 Naturally Playful Storybook Cottage is heavier at 101 pounds, compared to the Charming Cottage’s 80 pounds. This extra weight contributes to greater stability, making it less likely to tip during active play. The increased mass also helps it remain firmly in place on various surfaces.
Do both models share the same cottage theme?
Yes, both the Storybook Cottage and the Charming Cottage feature a cottage theme. They are designed to look like small, charming homes, providing a consistent aesthetic for your backyard or playroom. This shared design element ensures that either choice fits well with traditional outdoor decor.
Which unit has a wider interior space?
The Step2 Charming Cottage is wider, measuring 58.8 inches across, while the Storybook Cottage is 55 inches wide. The additional width in the Charming model may provide slightly more room for children to move around inside. This makes it a practical choice if horizontal space is a priority.
Are these playhouses suitable for toddlers?
Both models are designed with toddlers in mind. The Storybook Cottage is specifically noted as best for toddlers needing sensory-rich indoor play. The Charming Cottage suits toddlers seeking realistic cottage features. Their size and interactive elements make them appropriate starting points for young children exploring imaginative play.
What is the difference in height between the two?
The Storybook Cottage is taller, standing at 64.3 inches high. The Charming Cottage is shorter at 58 inches high. This six-inch difference means the Storybook offers more vertical headroom, which can be beneficial for older toddlers or children who prefer a more spacious overhead environment.
Do these models come in different colors?
Both the Storybook Cottage and the Charming Cottage are available in brown. They share this color option, which helps them blend naturally into garden or backyard settings. If you prefer a neutral tone that matches wood or earth tones, both units offer this consistent finish.