Arlo Cubby House

The Arlo is the smallest and lightest cubby Hide & Seek Kids make, and it's our first suggestion for courtyards, townhouse yards and anyone buying for a two- or three-year-old. It weighs 40 kg all up, comes in two boxes, and two adults can have it built in an hour or two – the closest thing to an easy weekend job in the timber cubby world.

What you get

A cottage-style house with a half-height door (about 50 cm – it's a step-over for little legs, not a walk-through), large open windows that keep the inside bright, two flower boxes, two side shelves, a bench seat inside, a decorative chimney and a full floor. It's designed so a toddler can play shop through the window and a parent can lean in.

What arrives and what's involved

Two cartons (33 kg and 7 kg) – small enough for standard delivery. Pre-fabricated panels; 1–2 hours for two adults with a drill. Arrives with a temporary water-based stain and, like every Hide & Seek cubby, needs two coats of primer/sealer and two coats of exterior paint to last and to keep the warranty. Because it's small, this is the one where the kids can genuinely help paint.

Who it's for, honestly

Ages 3+, but it's at its best from about 2 to 6. A tall seven-year-old will find the door and the interior small; if your child is already at school, look at the Millie instead. Bubby Cubby is an authorised Hide & Seek Kids dealer, Melbourne-based, and we deliver Australia-wide.