Small Backyard? Best Cubby Houses for Compact Spaces

Think your backyard's too small for a cubby house? Think again! Some of the most magical childhood memories happen in the cosiest spaces, and a compact cubby house can transform even the tiniest Australian backyard into an adventure playground.

We get it – not every family has a sprawling quarter-acre block. Whether you're dealing with a narrow courtyard, a small suburban block, or just want to leave plenty of room for the Hills Hoist and veggie patch, choosing the right cubby house for your space is all about smart design and clever placement.

WHY SIZE DOESN'T MATTER

Small Cubby Houses, Big Adventures

Here's what we've learned from thousands of Australian families: kids don't need massive castles to have incredible adventures. In fact, some of our most beloved customer photos come from compact cubbies tucked into the corners of small backyards, painted in gorgeous colours and surrounded by potted plants.

Plus, compact cubby houses are often easier to maintain, quicker to assemble, and leave room for other backyard essentials like trampolines, sandpits, or just space for a good old-fashioned game of cricket.

TOP PICKS

Our Best Compact Cubby Houses for Small Backyards

The Arlo Cubby House – Perfect for Tight Spaces

The Arlo Cubby House is our go-to recommendation for families working with limited space. At just 122cm x 100cm, it's designed to fit snugly into compact areas while still offering all the charm of a traditional cottage-style cubby.

What makes the Arlo special? Those gorgeous large open windows flood the interior with natural light, making the space feel bigger and brighter. The half-open style door adds to that airy feeling, while the included flower boxes and side shelves provide storage without taking up extra floor space.

The Herbie Cubby House – Classic Cottage Charm

If you love the traditional cubby house look but need something that won't dominate your yard, the Herbie Cubby House strikes the perfect balance. With its charming cottage-style architecture and opening windows, it creates that storybook feel kids adore.

The Herbie's design is all about maximising interior space while maintaining a compact exterior footprint. The opening windows provide excellent ventilation – crucial for Australian summers – and the cottage styling means it looks beautiful from every angle.

DESIGN TIPS

Making the Most of Your Small Space

Clever Placement Strategies

Where you position your compact cubby house can make all the difference. Here are some tried-and-tested placement ideas from our customer community:

Corner Placement: Tuck your cubby into a back corner to maximise open lawn space. This works particularly well with square or rectangular designs like the Arlo.

Against the Fence: Position one side of the cubby against your back fence. This creates a semi-enclosed feeling that kids love, while freeing up more yard space for active play.

Under Trees: If you have established trees, consider placing your cubby underneath for natural shade. Just ensure there's adequate clearance for branches and leaf drop.

Colour Choices That Expand Space

The right paint colour can make your compact cubby feel more spacious and help it blend beautifully with your backyard. Light, airy colours like crisp whites, soft pastels, or natural timber stains work wonderfully in small spaces.

SPACE-SAVING

Additional Features That Don't Compromise Space

Just because you're working with a compact cubby doesn't mean you have to skip the fun extras. Some of our cubby house add-ons are specifically designed to enhance play without requiring additional floor space.

Consider wall-mounted accessories like chalkboards, letter boxes, or small shelves that attach to the exterior. These additions create more play opportunities without expanding your cubby's footprint.

Multi-Functional Design Elements

Look for features that serve double duty. The Arlo's flower boxes, for example, provide both decorative appeal and practical storage. Kids can use them to store outdoor toys, collect treasures from nature walks, or even try their hand at growing small plants.

ASSEMBLY

Easy Assembly for Small Spaces

One advantage of compact cubby houses is they're generally easier to assemble in tight spaces. You won't need massive clearances or professional tools – most can be built with basic DIY skills and standard household tools.

Our pre-fabricated panel system means less time wrestling with complicated instructions and more time watching your kids' faces light up when they see their new play space taking shape.

BUDGET

Budget-Friendly Options

Smaller doesn't always mean cheaper, but compact cubby houses do tend to be more budget-friendly than their larger counterparts. The Arlo, for instance, offers incredible value while still delivering that premium timber construction and charming design aesthetic we're known for.

Not ready to pay upfront? We offer flexible lay-by options where you can pay at your own pace over 3 months – no interest, no stress. Afterpay and Zip are also available at checkout for added convenience.

Small backyards have big potential. With the right compact cubby house, thoughtful placement, and a splash of creativity, you can create a magical play space that becomes the heart of your outdoor area. Your kids won't remember the size of their cubby – they'll remember the adventures they had inside it.