A secret indoor hideaway can quickly become a favorite space for a child, whether that child uses it as a playhouse, or as a quiet reading nook.

Children love little spaces, the more hidden they are the better. You can easily turn the space under the stairs, an unused closet, or even a small attic space into a perfect hideaway. The cozier, the better, especially if the space has a low ceiling that is scaled to a child, and makes it a tight fit for an adult.

Even if you don't have a space such as this, you can use a children's playhouse inside to create the same effect - a child-sized space that is off-limits to adults. In small spaces such as these, the child is the dominant person, a switch from where the adult is the dominant one in the actual house.

Secret Hideaways can a wonderful tool for encouraging role play, especially among friends. But don't underestimate the value of a special space such as this for a child who tends to be solitary as well, or one who wants to escape the attentions of a younger sibling. These types of hideaways can become perfect hiding spots for a day of reading, coloring, or other quiet time activities.