Made For Play

Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.

Kid’s Slide Buying Guide

Upgrading your backyard playset with a high-quality kid’s slide opens the door to thrilling new adventures for kids of all ages. Find tips for how to choose kid’s slides and learn about the key features and unique benefits of our various slides for kids so you can find the perfect one to complement your existing wooden swing and slide set. How to Choose a Kid’s Slide When choosing a kid’s slide, the first thing to consider is your child’s age and stage. For toddlers, a shorter slide with gentle slopes and raised sides provides a fun and safe introduction to sliding. Older kids, on the other hand, love the thrill of longer, twisty slides, tube slides, or even dual-lane options for racing their friends! Keep an eye on weight limits and recommended ages to ensure the slide is a perfect fit now and for the next few years. Also consider the material and maintenance requirements. Plastic slides, for example, are lightweight, weather-resistant, and stay cooler in the sun—perfect for backyard use. Safety features like non-slip steps and handrails are also important and add extra peace of mind. Buying Guide: KidKraft Kids Slides From classic straight slides to exciting wave and tube options, we’ve got a variety of kid’s slide styles to suit every adventure level. Whether you're shopping for toddlers or thrill-seeking older kids, one of these 5 kid’s slides should match your needs. Cool Wave Slide Available in a variety of colors, the Cool Wave slide adds vibrant fun and unique excitement to playgrounds. This innovative wavy design provides an extra thrill as kids surf the ripples down. Engineered for safety and built to last with robust polyethylene construction, the Cool Wave slide delivers endless all-weather play. Key Features: Sloped side walls for added grip and sliding security Durable material withstands outdoor elements Meets ASTM standards for trusted quality Adds color and delight with a wavy shape Turbo Tube Slide Energize backyard playtime by turbocharging it with this bold tube slide. The smooth spiraling tunnel delivers twisting, racing thrills kids love. This turbo tube is built to last for seasons of action. Key Features: Spiraling tube design provides twisting rides Durable plastic construction made for outdoors Supports up to 250 pounds Complements standard playset deck heights Super Scoop Slide Swooping excitement awaits with the Super Scoop slide. Glide through the smooth scoop-shaped tunnel as you speed up for a fun ride. With multiple size options, it fits varying backyard setups. Quickly mount it yourself using the included hardware for a simple playset upgrade. Key Features: Available in different sizes to fit deck heights Curved scoop slope for enclosed thrill rides Durable polyethylene construction is weather-resistant Comes with all required hardware for DIY install Super Wave Scoop Slide Make a splash with the Super Wave Scoop slide. With its green curving waves, this slide delivers uniquely thrilling ripples. Kids will love riding the wobbly waves down. Designed for ages 3 to 10, its durable plastic construction means years of safe use. Mounts easily to any 5' deck. Key Features: Curved green wave design for visual and riding thrills Safely enclosed for kids ages 3 to 10 Made from weather-resistant polyethylene Transforms playsets fast with 5' deck compatibility Super Summit Slide Trusted American quality meets safety and smiles with the Super Summit slide. Built-in the USA from sturdy polyethylene plastic, this green slide withstands regular use for years. The smooth slope helps little ones feel secure. Key Features: Proudly made in the USA for trusted quality Designed for kids ages 2 to 10 Open entrance with enclosed side walls Meets safety certifications for carefree play Compatible with standard 5' deck heights Importance of the Right Slide Choosing the right slide isn’t just about fun—it’s also essential for your child’s safety and overall play experience. A slide that’s too steep or long for younger kids can be intimidating, while a slide that’s too small for older children may not hold their interest. Finding the right fit helps kids feel secure and excited to play, encouraging physical activity and boosting coordination skills as they climb, slide, and repeat. The right slide can also grow with your child and complement the rest of your outdoor play area. Durable, age-appropriate slides reduce the need for frequent upgrades, saving you time and money in the long run. Kid’s Slide Safety Safety is a top priority when choosing the perfect slide for your little ones. Look for kid’s slides made from high-quality, durable materials to withstand outdoor elements without fading or cracking. Rounded edges and smooth finishes reduce the risk of scrapes, while sturdy, non-slip steps and handrails provide extra support during climbs. Here are some quick safety tips: Place the slide on level ground and anchor it securely. Add soft ground cover beneath the slide, like mulch or rubber mats, to cushion falls. Always supervise young children and teach them to slide feet-first. Follow the manufacturer’s weight limits and recommended age ranges to ensure a safe play experience for every child. Regularly inspect the slide for cracks, loose bolts, or other signs of wear. No matter which one you choose, our kid’s slides will deliver fun adventures to your backyard play space. Built with safety, durability, and easy installation in mind, they transform wooden swing sets into thrilling playtime perfection. Shop our full selection swing sets online.

Swing Set Buying Guide

A backyard playset doesn't feel complete without a swing—and kids know that! You simply can't beat the feeling of flying high on a high-quality swing. It’s the kind of classic outdoor fun that never gets old and that kids will remember for a lifetime. Knowing swings are the star of the show, we offer several types of swing sets for kids, so you have plenty of options to choose from when shopping for a kids swing set for your yard. Discover how to choose a swing set and learn about the different options and features available in this swing set buying guide. How to Choose a Swing Set When choosing a swing set, consider your child's age and interests. Toddlers benefit from bucket swings with secure seats, while older kids love swing seats that let them fly higher. If you have multiple kids or frequent playdates, opt for sets with different swing types, like gliders or nest swings, so everyone can join in. Be sure to check weight limits and age recommendations to ensure the set grows with your kids. Also, think about your yard space and the type of materials. Compact frames work well for smaller areas, while larger sets with extra features—like slides or monkey bars—offer more play options. Weather-resistant finishes are a must to keep your swing set looking great and ready for years of outdoor fun. Buying Guide: KidKraft Kid’s Swing Sets From cozy child seat swings for the littlest ones to high-flying swing seat for older kids, and more, we offer a variety of options to suit every age and adventure level. Explore our collection to find the perfect swing for your backyard playset. Swing Seat This swing is the classic option. It's flexible enough to adapt and bend to every body shape while still being super comfortable and durable. Featuring a 58" zinc-plated steel chain that comes with vinyl coating for a pinch-free grip, this seat makes swinging fast both safe and easy. Thanks to its steel quick-link connections, you'll easily attach this swing seat to almost any wooden swing set. Its curved, cozy design it allows for all year fun and is sure to be a staple of your kid’s outdoor play. It is perfect for afterschool playdates with all your kid’s friends or for quick breaks from homework. This seat holds up to 115 lbs. and you can attach it to any standard swing hanger. Every one of our swing seats meets or exceeds ASTM standards, and this swing seat is no exception. Child Seat Want a great way for even the littlest member of the family to join in the outdoor excitement? The child seat is the perfect combination between safety and swinging fun. It supports up to 55 pounds and, like the classic swing seat, you can attach it to any standard duty swing hanger. It’s the perfect no hassle, no stress option and makes outdoor play a breeze. Our motto is safety first, and because of that, this child swing seat comes with a nylon rope that provides a pinch-free grip, so you know your kid will never get their fingers caught. Plus, this swing is specifically designed for comfort so your little one can swing to their heart's content. The perfect place to mount this seat is high enough off the ground for fun yet low enough for safety. Feel free to fit more than one seat on each frame and have multiple kids having fun together at once! Glider Swing Are you ready for a two-for-one? The dual ride glider swing is the go-to choice for kids to bond while they swing and fly high. This design can hold up to 150 lbs., making it perfect for two little friends who want to swing together and for families with two siblings who want to sit in the swing seat at the same time. It’s also great for promoting cooperation and building friendships. The best part is they will never pinch their hands on any chains! Trapeze Bar Do you have a little gymnast in the family? Maybe just a guy or gal who loves a little adrenaline rush in the morning? Having a trapeze bar right in their own backyard is the ideal way to scratch that itch while promoting healthy habits. Plus, it’s a great for adding variety to your swing set by giving your kids even more safe ways to play. This incredible package includes plastic hand grips that are super durable, and a super safe trapeze bar. The trapeze bar can hold up to 250 lbs. when you match it with Extra Duty Swing Hangers, which we offer separately. You can install the trapeze bar without much hassle or having to change the structure of your swing set. It's the perfect gift for the little ones with lots of energy! Nest Swing Out of all our swings, the nest swing has become one of the most popular designs. This swing seat can fit multiple kids at once, making it a fun, social experience for everyone involved. Not only that, but it also teaches kids about sharing and taking turns. This swing seat can also become super relaxing when used by one child. Kids can lay down and unwind under the bright sun during a summer afternoon, or even use it as a unique study space. The best thing about this swing is its versatility since there are so many ways to enjoy it! The structure is made with a steel frame and heavy-duty fabric: it's where secure sturdiness meets comfort to provide countless hours of fun. The nest swing can hold up to 200 lbs. and will hold up to three children at once. Importance of the Right Swing Set Choosing the right swing set is key to creating a safe, engaging space where kids can play, grow, and make lasting memories. A well-matched swing set keeps children active, helping to build coordination, strength, and confidence with every push and swing. It’s important to select a set that fits your child's age and abilities; bucket swings provide security for toddlers, while older kids enjoy more freedom with swing seats. The right swing set also ensures your investment lasts as your family grows. Adjustable or multi-use swing options can adapt to your children’s changing needs, reducing the need for upgrades. Swing Set Safety Safety is essential when choosing and maintaining a swing set. Look for sets made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials like treated wood to ensure durability through all seasons. Smooth edges, secure fasteners, and sturdy chains or ropes reduce the risk of injuries during play. Here are a few key safety tips: Install the swing set on level ground with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber mats underneath. Regularly inspect for loose bolts, worn ropes, or damaged parts and repair them promptly. Teach children to sit properly on swings and avoid standing or jumping off mid-swing. Supervise younger kids during play to prevent accidents. Always follow the manufacturer’s weight limits and recommended ages to make sure the swings are a good fit for your kids. At KidKraft, you can find anything from classic swing seats to comfortable and brand-new nest swings. Choose one or many to make your kid's playground experience more exciting than ever! Shop our collection of swing sets to create an amazing backyard experience for your kids.

The Importance of Music and Play

While music and play may only seem like fun activities for kids, they offer incredible benefits that help shape a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. From improving language skills to boosting creativity and motor development, incorporating music and play into your child’s daily routine is important for growth, development, and learning. Let’s explore why music and play matter, and how you can easily incorporate them into your child’s day to support their development in a fun, engaging way. Benefits of Music in Early Childhood Music is a powerful learning tool that can positively impact various areas of development. One of the biggest benefits of music in early childhood is language growth. Singing songs or listening to music helps toddlers learn new words, understand rhythm and patterns in speech, and can even help improve pronunciation. Music boosts memory, as repetition in songs helps toddlers remember important concepts, such as numbers and letters. It also encourages physical development when kids dance, clap, or play simple instruments, which all help to improve coordination and fine motor skills. Emotionally, music helps toddlers express themselves and gives them a safe way to explore different feelings. It’s also a great way for them to connect socially when singing and dancing with others in a group. Music and Movement for Toddlers Incorporating music and movement into your toddler’s day is easier than you might think, Here are a few simple ideas to try: Dance parties: Play your child’s favorite songs and have an impromptu dance party in the living room. Let them jump, twirl, and move however they like. Dancing helps with coordination and burns off some of that energy! Musical freeze game: Similar to musical chairs but with dancing! Play a song and have your little ones dance, then pause the music and say “freeze!” They have to stop moving until the music starts again. This game is fun but also helps with listening skills, self-control, and timing. DIY instruments: Create simple instruments with household items. For example, fill empty containers with rice to make shakers or use pots and wooden spoons as drums. To add to the fun, have a mini “parade” around the house with their new instruments. If you want to add to their instrument collection, get them their very own kids’ guitar! Morning song routine: Whether it's a simple “Good Morning” song or something you make up, starting each day with a song is an upbeat, joyful way to get going in the morning while promoting language skills. These small, easy activities can make music and movement a fun part of your child’s daily life while supporting their growth and development. Shop our toys!

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5 DIY Learning Games for Your Toddler

Looking for fun and easy ways to keep your toddler engaged while learning at home? DIY learning games are a great way to help your little one develop important skills like problem-solving, coordination, and creativity—and all without spending a fortune. Below, find out the benefits of learning games for toddlers and get some ideas for budget-friendly DIY learning games you can create with items you likely already have around the house. How Learning Games Benefit Toddlers Learning games for toddlers offer a range of benefits that go beyond just keeping your little one entertained. At this age, their brains are developing quickly, and play is one of the most effective ways for them to learn. Games that involve sorting, stacking, matching, or problem-solving help build cognitive skills like memory, attention, and logical thinking. These activities also boost language development since toddlers learn to follow instructions, ask questions, and expand their vocabulary while they play. Motor skills can also be improved through learning games. Fine motor skills, like grasping objects or manipulating small pieces, are strengthened during hands-on activities. And games involving running, jumping, or balancing enhance gross motor skills. Learning games encourage social skills too. When toddlers play with others—whether siblings, friends, or parents—they practice sharing, communicating, and taking turns. 5 DIY Toddler Learning Games Here are a few easy, affordable DIY learning games you can put together at home to keep your toddler engaged and learning: Color Sorting Cups Grab a few plastic cups or containers and colored pom-poms or buttons. Label each cup with a different color, and have your toddler sort the items by matching the colors. This game strengthens color recognition and fine motor skills. Line Walk Create a "balance beam" indoors by creating a line with painter’s tape on the floor and have your child walk along the tape, trying to keep their balance. Write numbers or letters along the tape and have them say each one as they step on it for more learning. This game helps with both gross motor skills and letter/number recognition. Shape Match Puzzle Cut different shapes out of cardboard or paper and trace the outlines onto a larger piece of paper. Have your toddler match the shapes to the outlines. This helps with shape recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Clothespin Counting Write numbers on index cards. Have your toddler clip the corresponding number of clothespins to each card. This is a great way to practice counting while working on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Pom-Pom Races Set up a "racetrack" on the floor with painter’s tape and use straws to blow pom-poms from start to finish. You can make it a fun competition or encourage your toddler to time themselves. This game encourages focus and helps develop breath control and motor coordination. Plus, it’s fun! These activities are simple to set up but offer big learning rewards. Your little one will likely want to play these over and over! For more fun ways to entertain your toddler while encouraging their growth and development shop toys at KidKraft.

7 Halloween Ideas for Toddlers

No need to get spooked by Halloween activities that cost an arm and a leg or take hours to prep. These Halloween ideas for toddlers are easy, cheap, and most importantly super fun for your favorite little monsters! Easy Witch’s Brew From Toddler Approved If you’ve ever made “Nature Soup” in your backyard, you know how oddly entertained toddlers are by adding random objects to buckets of water and stirring away. All you need to turn that “soup” into a spooky witch’s brew is a few inexpensive Halloween-themed objects. This version uses eyeball “ice cubes,” plastic spiders, and fake cockroaches, but anything you have on hand works! If you have any witches’ hats and cauldrons around, be sure to use them to add to the fun! Pumpkin Bath From Busy Toddler Do pumpkins need a bath? Nope. Will that stop your toddler from absolutely loving the responsibility of bathing the pumpkins? Nope. They’ll love it. Just fill up your sink with some water and suds, toss in a few small pumpkins and hand the kiddos a few scrub brushes or rags. Jack-o-Lantern Sensory Squish Bags From Fantastic Fun and Learning Sensory activities are great for toddler engagement. The only major downside is they tend to be… messy. Like sometimes really, really messy. But not these easy jack-o-latern sensory bags. All you’ll need is some yellow or orange food coloring, corn syrup or cheap hair gel, and black felt for the jack-o-lantern face. We like the approach of taping it to a window, so the light can shine through as they squish the orange “pumpkin” gel and rearrange the jack-o-lantern’s face. And the best part? All the mess is contained in the bag, so you can get a few things done while they play! Spider Stamping From Crafty Morning Is there anything better than activities that are free and ridiculously easy? As long as you have some paint and paper somewhere (and what toddler parent doesn’t?), you can make these easy spider stamps with almost no prep or extra cost. Just cut a few slits into an old toilet paper roll, dip it into the paint, and let your little ones stamp away as they create their spiders. Googly eyes add an extra layer of fun...especially if they want to add 8 eyes to each spider! Pumpkin Hammering From Montessori Dad’s Way This activity has been popping up all over Insta for good reason. It’s endlessly entertaining and helps develop strength and fine motor coordination. Poke some golf tees into a pumpkin (you can use a real one or a foam one), provide some wooden hammers, and let your toddler hammer them into the pumpkin. You can adjust it to their level depending on how deep you make the holes for them. Little ones may need you to push the tees all the way in and then pull them back out. Pour Painted Pumpkins From Homegrown Friends Kids already love pouring and painting, so just add a pumpkin, and you’ve got a Halloween toddler activity that yields surprisingly pretty results. Use white pumpkins and colors that blend well together, and you just may end up with something front-porch worthy. The Switch Witch Part activity, part brilliant way to prevent your toddler from eating 5 lbs of candy on Halloween. Just like Santa and the Easter Bunny, the Switch Witch brings kids special surprises on her favorite holiday. The only catch? She’ll want to “switch” that surprise out for a big bucket of candy! Kids are pumped about their new toy (maybe go for something they’ve had their eye on for a while), and the Switch Witch always leaves a few pieces of candy for the littles to enjoy. You can give the kiddos some control by letting them decide what candy they really want to keep and how much they’ll leave out for the Switch Witch. Turn it into an all-October activity by building up the Switch Witch, drawing your own Switch Witch pictures, or reading a Switch Witch book together.

How to Plan Summer Camp at Home: DIY Fun for Kids

If your kids won’t be going to camp this summer, create a DIY camp at home that they’ll be sure to remember! This fun adventure provides a unique opportunity to blend learning and fun without leaving the house and enables you to enjoy more quality family time together! Tailoring activities for your at-home summer camp is cost-effective and adds a personal touch that commercial camps can’t offer. Follow our suggestions below to plan out your summer camp and look forward to a delightful summer filled with growth, discovery, and family bonding. Setting the Scene: Creating Your DIY Camp Environment Transforming your home into a DIY summer camp environment starts with imaginative decor and fun themes. Garlands, handmade signs, and themed areas reflecting different activities build up excitement and will give your home more of a camp-style look and feel. A welcoming, vibrant atmosphere invites kids into a summer of adventure right in your living room or backyard. Crafting Camp Activities: Engaging Adventures for Every Interest When coming up with ideas for your at-home camp, there are a wealth of DIY summer camp activities that cater to every child’s personality and interests. From exciting hands-on science experiments that fizz and bubble to art projects that nurture their imagination to backyard scavenger hunts, and so much more, the options are endless. Keep puzzles and brain games on deck for those craving a challenge, ensuring each day is dripping with fun yet educational content. For the little athletes, obstacle courses in the backyard will burn energy and build teamwork skills. And for those budding artists, stock up on a variety of art supplies, as well as smocks (or old clothes they can get dirty) and easels. Keep in mind that selecting and adapting activities to suit various ages ensures everyone, from toddlers to tweens, enjoys an engaging, enriching experience. Planning Daily Schedules: Structuring Your Camp Days When planning your DIY summer camp at home, you’ll want to balance your days with a mix of dynamic activities and quieter moments. Schedule in snack breaks for nutrition and to keep energy levels high, as well as independent quiet time where each child can choose from a list of silent activities to do on their own (or with you, depending on their age). This list can include activities like reading, writing, drawing, doing yoga, taking a nap, or listening to music or an audiobook. Structuring each day with activities that require different levels of energy, as well as nutrition and mental breaks, ensures happiness and engagement throughout the day and fosters an environment where learning and fun coexist seamlessly. Connecting with Nature: Outdoor Adventures in Your Own Backyard Speaking of daily schedules, be sure to incorporate outdoor time into your day, weather permitting. A few simple ways to get your kids connecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors right in your backyard include: Backyard Picnics You can schedule backyard picnics weekly or even daily. Weekly picnics can be more planned out and have a menu like a traditional picnic would, while you can add in impromptu “picnics” on any given day by just taking your regular meals or snacks outside. Picnics are an easy way to get the whole family to spend more time outside. Get one or two kids’ picnic tables and your kids will love having their own special place to eat whenever you picnic in your backyard! Sandboxes Sandboxes are a classic space for kids to play, develop fine motor skills, and foster creativity and teamwork. Fill them with toys that inspire castle-building and treasure hunting. Swing Sets Having a swing set is like having a mini adventure park in your backyard. Kids can spend hours jumping, swinging, and letting their imaginations run wild. Of course, always monitor play closely and regularly inspect equipment for safety. Campfire Stories and Songs: Evening Entertainment for All End the day relaxing around a campfire in your yard. Gathering around a blaze provides the perfect cozy spot for you to roast marshmallows, take turns telling campfire stories, and sing fun campfire songs. You can also grab a favorite picture or chapter book off your bookshelf and read aloud by the light of the campfire or have kids help with flashlights. Get Planning! Now that you’ve got some suggestions for creating a memorable DIY summer camp at home filled with customized activities each family member will enjoy, put your plan together and start stocking up on the supplies you’ll need. Explore KidKraft's collection for the perfect outdoor play equipment to make your DIY camp dreams a reality

7 Sandbox Ideas

DIY Sandbox Ideas Sandboxes are a summer play staple, perfect for letting kids get creative and a little messy outdoors! Get the most out of yours this summer with these easy backyard sandbox ideas! Fossil Dig First, have the kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paint brushes! Sandbox Volcano Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox – be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle. Then, pour in the baking soda followed by colored vinegar to create a volcano explosion! Ice Fun Ice cubes in the sand box – simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play! Colorful Sand It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water, and gallon zipper bags. Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag. Then, add sand and shake! Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun, or just add it back into the sandbox wet and starte playing! White play sand takes dye the easiest, but if your sand is darker, no worries! Try this epsom salt-based colored “sand” recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose. Sand Letters Finger drawing letters in a medium like sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity! It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write. By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they are ready to write for real! Simply provide some print outs of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words! Construction Site Sandbox If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand! Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks, and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys. (P.S. Our Adventure Tracks: Dino World set comes with construction- themed dinosaurs!) Sensory Sand Box Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour, and build! Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox. Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy, and big enough for some major digging adventures!