Play tents as fantasy worlds with animals, carpets and role play

At first glance, unicorns and tents seem like two separate worlds. One stands for fantasy figures, the other for places of retreat in the children's room. However, when combined, they create a play concept that goes far beyond a classic play tent. It combines familiar animal figures, a designed environment and spatial play to create a self-contained play world in which children can not only move individual figures, but also experience entire scenes.

The starting point is a deliberately simple idea. Children enjoy playing with figures, building landscapes, arranging animals and inventing stories. At the same time, they seek places that belong to them, enclosed spaces where they can play undisturbed. The play tent is not seen as an isolated product, but as a stage for precisely this kind of role play.

Schleich figures as the basis of the play world

The well-known Schleich figures play a central role here. The licence covers several themed worlds, including Bayala with unicorns, dinosaurs, Horse Club with horses and Farm World with agricultural scenarios. These brands are well established among children and offer clear points of reference in terms of content. The figures are not added as loose elements, but are specifically integrated into the design of the play tents. Motifs, colours and landscapes are based on the respective theme worlds. This creates visual continuity between the animal figures, play mat and tent. Children recognise their familiar animals and find them in an environment that invites them to continue playing.

Pop-up play tents with play mat and landscape

At the heart of the concept are pop-up play tents that are combined with a matching play mat. This mat is more than just a surface. It simulates a landscape on which the characters can interact. Paths, meadows, fantasy elements and thematic details provide orientation and encourage role play. The tent itself serves as a spatial bracket. It creates a defined area in which children can concentrate. Within this space, the play mat becomes the centre of attention. The animals are not standing on the carpet in the living room, but in a specially designed environment. This turns the tent into a small cosmos that deepens the game.

Role play with horses, unicorns and dinosaurs

This approach is particularly evident in the different themes. The unicorn and horse set is aimed at children who enjoy fantasy worlds and animal stories. Here, the tent becomes a pasture, a magical place or a meeting place for the characters. The children move around on the mat, interact with the animals and develop their own stories. Alternative themes are available for other interests. Dinosaurs have been a perennial favourite for years, especially with boys. Here, too, a world of their own is created. The dinosaur tent with play rug forms a landscape in which prehistoric creatures meet. Children can arrange their characters, re-enact battles or encounters and think spatially in the process.

From a simple tent to an expanded play world

The key difference to conventional play tents lies in the expansion. A tent alone is a place. It is only through accessories, figures and a designed environment that it becomes a play world. This was precisely the idea at the forefront of the development. The classic play tent was taken a step further and supplemented with additional play elements. In addition to figures, other details can also be integrated, such as lighting, to create a special atmosphere. The aim is not just to give children a tent, but a complete set that is ready to play with straight away. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry. Children don't have to rearrange their surroundings first, but find a prepared world waiting for them.

• Pop-up play tent as a protected play area
• Play mat with themed landscape
• Integration of familiar animal figures
• Role play as a central play element

Size, everyday use and trade fair presentation

At trade fairs, the play tents are often displayed in a smaller form. These so-called dummies are used for presentation purposes and can be exhibited in a space-saving manner. For retail and home use, the tents are of course supplied in a size that offers children enough space to crawl inside, sit and play. In everyday life, the strength of the concept is particularly evident in its flexibility. The tents can be set up, folded away again and used in different rooms. They are not a permanently installed piece of furniture, but a mobile play element that adapts to everyday family life.

Open play worlds instead of rigid role models

Even if certain themes are initially more strongly associated with girls or boys, the game remains open. When dinosaurs meet unicorns, there is no conflict, but rather new imagination. Children combine worlds, ignore predefined boundaries and develop their own rules. This is precisely what makes such play worlds so appealing. The combination of tent, mat and figures creates a framework that provides structure without directing the play. Children decide for themselves what stories to create. Play remains free, even when the environment is designed.

Why the concept works in the long term

Play tents with integrated play worlds respond to a central need. Children don't just want to own toys, they want places to play. The space becomes part of the game. The connection with familiar Schleich figures creates familiarity, while the design of the environment adds depth. This turns a simple tent into a narrative space. A play world that does not dictate what to do, but opens up possibilities. It is precisely this openness that ensures that the concept does not quickly lose its appeal, but grows with the children's ideas.