Best rabbit runs 2024 to let your bunny stretch their legs

Let your bunnies stretch their legs and hop around to their heart's content with the best rabbit runs.

If there is one thing rabbits are famous for it’s hopping around, so it’s important that they have plenty of space to exercise. While the best outdoor rabbit hutches give them somewhere warm and cozy to sleep, a rabbit run is more of a dedicated play space and exercise area for your bunnies.

When choosing a rabbit run, you need to consider a few key factors. You want something big enough for your rabbits to hop around in – too small and they won’t be able to express themselves as they would in the wild. At the same time, you want something secure and sturdy to keep your bunnies safe from predators, while also stopping them from nibbling or digging their way out.

Rabbit runs can be standalone structures, but they work best when attached to your rabbit’s hutch so they can choose when to play and when to rest. Indoor spaces can be trickier when it comes to fitting rigid structures, so if you want to set up a run indoors, consider a rabbit run that has a customisable layout or opt for one of the best indoor rabbit hutches that can be extended and adapted.

OK, let’s hop to it and go over our top picks for the best rabbit runs.

The Quick List

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The best rabbit runs we recommend in 2024

Best rabbit run overall

This PawHut rabbit hutch is quite simple, but it’s also exactly what I’d picture in my mind if asked to think of a rabbit run. At just shy of 6ft long, it offers a good amount of room for your rabbits to roam.

We love the rustic wooden look of this rabbit run — there are so many options out there that just look like metal pens, so it’s nice to see some aesthetically pleasing options too. The weather-resistant design means that it’s suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, with the galvanized wire mesh ensuring that your precious bunnies are safe from would-be predators if you do use it outside. There are multiple entrances with both a side hatch and openable roof to give you quick access to your bunnies.

There have been some complaints about build quality in the customer reviews for this rabbit run, with some users noting warped wood and poorly fitted locks on the top hatch, so it’s probably not a great choice if your rabbits are regularly planning a jailbreak. Despite this, it’s a nice looking, large rabbit run that won’t break the bank.

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Best folding rabbit run

This charming rabbit run from Bunny Business offers a 4ft x 4ft square play area for your rabbits to enjoy. It has a folding design that means it’s super easy to set-up and take down as required, which makes it an ideal outdoor playpen for bunnies who normally live indoors.

The cedar wood frame looks lovely with a two-tone gray color scheme, and it’s been treated to protect it against the elements. There is a metal wire mesh around the outside, and across most of the roof – about a third of the roof is instead covered with wood paneling to provide some shade for your bunnies on sunny days.

The folding roof is the only access point, and while it looks great and offers you the option of an open-air rabbit run, some users have complained that the roof is very heavy. Luckily, there is a smaller hatch within the folding roof that is much easier to open and close. It's also worth noting that Bunny Business is a UK-based company, so you might struggle to find one of these stateside.

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Best value rabbit run

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, and it doesn’t come more simple than this metal playpen from PawHut. Built from powder-coated steel, this rabbit run is durable and weather-resistant enough to survive outdoors and it makes the perfect attachment to an outdoor rabbit hutch.

It’s built using metal panels that clip together using plastic locking clips and it comes with stakes to pin it into the ground for extra stability. There is an attachable UV resistant polyurethane cover for part of the roof to give your bunnies some shelter from the elements. There are two side gates, a front gate and a hatch in the roof for easy access.

Some users have noted that the build instructions aren’t great – a common theme among many of the rabbit runs out there sadly, but once it's assembled, the vast majority of people are thrilled with the results.

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Best budget rabbit run

If you’re looking to combine your rabbit run with a hutch, then this Aivituvin Playpen is the perfect choice. It can be used standalone, but it’s designed to work with several Aivituvin hutches, including the two-story Air06-C model that features in our best outdoor rabbit hutches guide.

Offering 16 square feet of play space, this playpen is only really big enough for small rabbits but the square layout gives them a lot of freedom to run around. There are two doors for easy access, and at 2ft tall, it should discourage your rabbits from trying to hop their way to freedom.

It has a detachable waterproof PVC liner that can either be mounted on the bottom for easy cleaning, or mounted to the roof to provide a waterproof shelter. Some users have noted that the canvas isn’t very tough, so it won’t survive long if your rabbits decide to nibble on it. Despite this weakness, at just $50 this rabbit run also offers an awful lot of space for very little money, so we think it’s a real bargain.

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Best large rabbit run

Ok, technically this one is designed with chickens in mind, but it’s also perfect for rabbits. It’s over ten feet long so your bunnies will have ample room to hop around, and when they get tired of playing they can just climb up the ramp and relax in the built-in hutch on the upper level.

It’s also one of the best looking rabbit runs on our list, and that’s a real concern if it’s going to take pride of place in your garden. The stained wood looks tasteful and the slanted, house-like roof adds a touch of extra panache. To add function to the form, it comes with removable trays for easy cleaning of the upper level, and several doors for easy access.

There are some downsides to this rabbit run to consider though. It’s going to be overkill unless you’ve got a bunch of rabbits to keep entertained, and the large size means it also comes with an equally large cost. Still, if you need a big rabbit run, this is well worth considering.

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Best modular rabbit run

Most rabbit runs come in traditional shapes – squares and rectangles – but if you have an unusual shaped area that you want to maximize, this modular set from Peekaboo is perfect.

It comes with eight panels that can be connected in a variety of different shapes, and you can even combine multiple sets together to create a larger space. To be honest, that’s exactly what we’d recommend doing as one set will only net you a two foot by two foot rabbit run. A single set might be big enough for a small bunny, but for larger/multiple rabbits, you’re going to want a bigger play space

Users have noted that the set is easy to assemble and disassemble, which is ideal if you only want it set up when the rabbits are out playing. It folds away flat for easy storage and you don’t need any tools to build it. There is also a waterproof cover that fits onto the top of the run which can protect your little hoppers from both cold rains and the blazing sun.

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Best heavy-duty rabbit run

There’s no escaping from this sturdy and secure rabbit run, which has all the space your bunny needs to stretch and play. Made from heavy-duty rust-resistant metal, this rabbit run offers great durability and longevity.

Available in a variety of sizes, from the smaller 8-panel model through to the mammoth 32-panel model, this run is versatile and able to be set up in a variety of different configurations. As you can see from the picture, this is an animal agnostic playpen, but if it's tough enough for dogs, it shouldn't have any trouble with even the most boisterous bunnies.

Featuring an easy-to-assemble design that requires no tools and foldable panels for easy storage and transportation, this rabbit run is a breeze to take with you and your rabbit wherever you go. It has two strong safety latches for dual-security and metal insert rods for stability.

While there’s a lot to love about this rabbit run, the one drawback is the lack of roofing. We recommend supervising your bunny when they’re using this outdoor enclosure or fashioning a roof of your own to ensure they remain safe and secure. Aside from that, reviewers praise this rabbit run for its quality and durability, with one pet parent giving it 5 stars and saying ‘you get what you pay for’.

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Best indoor rabbit run

If you don't have any outdoor space, then this could be a handy option. Designed to be set up in your living room – or indeed, in any area of the house – this indoor rabbit hutch from Dinmo might look flimsy, but it offers everything your rabbit will need.

Hemmed in by transparent film, which in turn is propped up by black buckles, there are various doorways that serve to both provide obstacles for your rabbits and separate the area for them, giving them different sections of living space.

It all looks great, and is very easy to customize. Moreover, the fact that the material is see-through means you can see exactly what your rabbits are up to.

Obviously, this comes with its limitations. We can't see it holding up to a strong breeze, so definitely shouldn't be co-opted for outside use. Also, since there's no roof, is doesn’t offer protection from predators or the elements.

For solely indoor use, however, you can't go far wrong with this.

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How to choose the best rabbit run

When it comes to picking the best rabbit run for your pet, then the bigger the better really. Eight by four foot is the absolute minimum space you should provide for your rabbits, but of course they are always going to appreciate more space if you can accommodate this. Wire pens are very popular as you can extend them by buying more panels, so if cost is a concern for you then these are a great option to consider, especially if you have more than two rabbits.

Remember to think about where you’re going to put your rabbit run. If you have a small garden, then you may want to opt for a portable run which can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you’re looking to buy a run with a hutch, then bear in mind these are either usually very small or extremely large, so be sure to consider how much space you’re willing to give up for your pets.

You know your rabbits better than anyone, so if they have a tendency to gnaw and burrow, then be sure to opt for runs with mesh or high-quality wire to stop them chewing through the run. It is recommended that runs have a roof, to stop your bunnies from jumping out and to stop predators from getting in, but if you want easy access to your rabbit run then opt for ones with removable roofs which can be taken off during the day and under your supervision.

How big should a run be for a rabbit?

Rabbit runs vary in size and shape, but how much space does your bunny need? We spoke to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to find out.

“Rabbits should always have free access to an area that is a minimum of 3 meters, by 2 meters by 1 meter in height [10ft x 6ft x 3ft],” explains MacMillan. “They need a space of this size to display natural behaviors like running, jumping, or binkying.”

That might seem like a lot of space, and it is, but MacMillan is adamant that rabbits need large spaces to roam in, stating that “it is not appropriate to put rabbits out in a run smaller than this as they won’t be able to exercise and will be limited as to what they can do while in it. Remember that any specified measurements should be considered a minimum, and if you can offer your rabbits more space then you definitely should.”

But what if you don’t have room for a rabbit run that large? We recognise that not everyone had the space for a massive rabbit run in their home or garden – that’s why some of the rabbit runs we’ve recommended above are a little smaller than MacMillan’s guidance.

In this case, it’s important to remember that you can let your rabbits roam free in your house to give them more room to stretch their legs if you bunny-proof your home. You can get a smaller rabbit run and have an open door policy most of the time, leaving a hatch open so they can come and go as they please. Just make sure they can’t escape out into the wild.

What should you put in a rabbit run?

A rabbit run is a great place for your bunnies to exercise and play, but it’s important to make sure they have access to everything they need while they’re in there. Whether it’s a standalone rabbit run, or connected to their hutch, MacMillan has some advice on what else to put in there.

“They should always have clean drinking water, as well as their normal food (including the best hay for rabbits if the run is not on grass). It is also a good idea to ensure your rabbit has somewhere to hide, so provide tunnels or sheltered areas for them. Your rabbit may also like to play with their rabbit toys so make sure they have some of those to keep them busy.”

In the ideal scenario, MacMillan also says that a rabbit run should “ideally be attached to their living quarters” aka their rabbit hutch, as this will allow them to come and go as they please. Also, if your rabbit run and/or hutch is outdoors then you should make sure it’s “sturdy and predator-proof”, with regular checks to make sure it’s not succumbing to wear and tear.

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet with over 13 years of experience treating and looking after pets. She graduated from the UK Royal Veterinary college in 2009, and has worked in several practices over the years. Rebecca is also an experienced writer, using her veterinary background to offer expert opinion and advice.