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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Creating Lasting Holiday Memories: How to Choose the Perfect Playset

'Tis the season for heartwarming smiles and the delightful sound of laughter as children eagerly unwrap their long-awaited presents. But before the magic of holiday morning arrives, there's the joyful quest for that one perfect gift that will light up their world. This holiday season, why not consider KidKraft playsets? With our indoor playsets, you can turn this festive time into an unforgettable adventure, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime! Why Playsets Make the Perfect Holiday Gift Playsets engage kids in pretend play, often with some of their favorite things. These immersive toys let your little ones dive into the world of imaginative adventures, where rocket ships, pirate coves, or daring rescue missions await. They make fantastic dollhouse alternatives for children who may not be interested in traditional doll houses but adore pretend play! Exploring the Perfect Playset To help you find the perfect playset for your little one this holiday season, we’re covering the standout features of some of our most popular playsets below. Imaginative Adventures Pirate's Cove Play Set This four-level pirate hideout comes with 17 accessories… oh, and a pirate ship toy, of course! Your little buccaneer can fire the cannons, lookout from the crow’s nest, or set sail with the included pirate captain and crew figures. Rocket Ship Play Set This rocket ship does it all – stack the pieces for a four-level mega space station, or detach the top toy rocket for flying space adventures! Either way, the included astronaut, alien, and robot figurines are in for an out-of-this-world adventure in this space play set! Heroes to the Rescue Everyday Heroes Play Set Like the Hometown Heroes set, but this set folds up for more compact storage! Deluxe Fire Rescue Set Slide down the firepole, hit the gym, work the front desk, catch some z’s, and ride to the rescue in a firetruck! This fire station toy lets your little one act out every aspect of firefighter life. Fire Station Set The best features of the Deluxe Fire Rescue set in a more compact package! This playset is budget-friendly, a great space-saver, and still sure to thrill your little firefighter! Thrilling Race and Play Mega Ramp Racing Set Ready, set, go! With a steep racing ramp, a twisty ramp for sharp turns, a working elevator, and a helicopter pad, this set is perfect for kids who love cars, racing, and all things-that-go. Wash n Go Wooden Car Garage This isn’t your average toy car wash! With four-levels, three ramps, and fun twists and turns, it’s equal parts car wash and racing track! Make this holiday season one filled with memories of play and fun. Explore KidKraft Playsets for unforgettable holidays!

Tiny Worlds, Big Imagination: Why Dollhouses are the Ultimate Holiday Gift

If you're searching for a holiday gift that will truly spark joy and fuel creativity, look no further than dollhouses! Classic wooden dollhouses have been captivating kids’ imaginations for centuries. Why? Other than looking magical underneath the Christmas tree, dollhouses offer endless fun and a ton of developmental benefits. Let’s dive into why dollhouses spark such wonder and how you can find the perfect one for your little one this holiday season! The Allure of Dollhouses: Why Dollhouses Make the Ultimate Holiday Gift Kids have a natural desire to act out everyday life through pretend play, and dollhouses provide the perfect opportunity to do just that! As the dolls wake up, do chores, and “interact” with each other, kids get a chance to make sense of the daily routines and interactions they have in real life. And of course, kids don’t stop with “real life” pretend play. They love to get creative and come up with some seriously wacky scenarios and magical adventures. All that pretend play has major developmental benefits, boosting creativity, social skills, empathy, and storytelling skills. Finally, dollhouses are a slow-paced, imagination-powered toy in an age where kids are inundated with screens and stimulation. Dollhouses provide a chance to engage in meaningful, child-led play, offering a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the digital age. Exploring Enchanting Dollhouses: Finding the Perfect One for Your Child With so many options available, finding the perfect dollhouse for your kiddo might feel overwhelming. To narrow your choices down, consider their interests, personal style, and the worlds they dream of exploring. Whether it's a treehouse or a grand dollhouse mansion, there's a dollhouse waiting to bring their dreams to life this holiday season! Let's take a closer look at some of our most popular KidKraft dollhouses, so you can find one that sounds just right for your child! Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: Where nature meets imagination Discover the ultimate holiday gift for sparking boundless imagination: the KidKraft Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse. Standing at over 4 feet tall, this luxurious wooden dollhouse offers endless play possibilities. With a garage, penthouse, dining room, kitchen, living room, spa bathroom, and top-floor bedroom suite, it's a dream home come to life. Outdoors, a pergola, grill, and built-in pool await. So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse: Simple, chic, and open The natural wood finish and open-air design of the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse offer a pleasing aesthetic that looks just as good in your living room as it does in a playroom! Kids love that they can play on all four sides of this large dollhouse, creating tons of room for friends and siblings to play together. Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse: A haven for horse lovers Do you have a little equestrian enthusiast? If so, the Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse is their dream come true! A dollhouse with horse stables, jumping hurdles, a fenced paddock, and horse-themed decor throughout the house? Needless to say, it's the perfect gift for any little one with a love for horses. Holiday Magic in Miniature: Shop Dollhouses for Every Imagination! Choose from our favorites for this holiday season above, or browse our full line of KidKraft dollhouses. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to create big smiles and hours of play on Christmas day!

Top 33 KidKraft Holiday Gifts: A Gift Guide for Every Age

The holidays are around the corner again, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gifts to put under the tree for the littles in your life! With endless options, we know that’s easier said than done… especially if you’re hoping to give toys that encourage child-led play instead of screens or over-stimulating toys. But don’t let that steal your holiday cheer! In our 2023 holiday gift guide, we’re laying out our top toys for children of all ages, all designed to engage kids in imaginative and active play. From toddlers to school-aged kids, we’ll help you get the perfect gift for every little one on your list! Toddler Treasures: Gifts for the Curious Explorers Mountain Cave Climber: Encourage active play and adventurous spirit with this versatile mountain climber, featuring a mountain to climb, a cave to hide in, and of course, a slide! Turtle Totter Balance Beam: Help your wobbly toddlers develop balance and coordination with this delightful turtle-shaped balance beam, a fun addition to any backyard play area. Bucket Top Mountain Train Set: Train sets are a classic kids' toy with a host of developmental benefits, and this is a perfect starter set for the toddler in your life! Preschool Playtime: Fueling Imagination and Creativity 3-Piece Play Kitchen Set: Foster culinary creativity with this interactive play kitchen set that features separate pieces for the refrigerator, stove/oven, and sink/washing machine, letting your preschooler set up their kitchen however they like! Hobby Workshop Wooden Playhouse: This charming wooden playhouse also doubles as a pretend workshop, equipped with workbenches and tools! Ranger Retreat Playse: With a tent-shaped fort, this playset inspires outdoor adventures and gets preschoolers moving with a rock wall, swings, slides, and a spacious clubhouse. School Aged Splendor: Enchanting Gifts for Growing Minds Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: Warm up your school-aged kid’s winter break with some summertime fun… at least in pretend form! This premium wood dollhouse has four levels featuring a luxe penthouse with an attached pool cabana, garage and outdoor pergola. Art Table with Drying Rack & Storage: School-age kids take arts and crafts to the next level! Unleash their creative expression with this art table, offering ample storage space and a drying rack for your mini Picassos. First Milestone: Celebrating One-Year-Olds with KidKraft A-Frame Hideaway Climber: Inspire active play, exploration, and gross motor skills with this A-frame climber, perfect for pint-sized backyard adventures. Hop & Slide Frog Climber: Enhance coordination skills with the KidKraft Hop & Slide Frog Climber! Children will delight in hopping onto the frog's back to climb an arc wall and slide down a perfectly-sized slide. Terrific Twos: KidKraft Surprises for Two-Year-Olds Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy: Two-year-olds love playing in sand, but applying sunscreen? Not so much. Fortunately, you can turn this sandbox into a shaded oasis with the included canopy for sun protection. Vintage Play Kitchen: With a classic, clean look and tiny dimensions, this is the perfect play kitchen for young toddlers and tight spaces! Thriving Threes: KidKraft Wonders for Three-Year-Olds Cozy Escape Playhouse: This compact playset is perfect for tiny three-year-olds and tiny yards! If backyard space is limited, the Cozy Escape Playhouse is a great space-saving option. This double-decker structure can entertain kids all-day. Retro Cool Play Kitchen: Rediscover the past in a new light with the KidKraft Retro Cool Play Kitchen. It blends vintage charm with contemporary conveniences, offering a play cooking adventure cherished by both kids and parents. Drawing inspiration from upscale Italian appliance aesthetics, the full-size refrigerator and freezer showcase elegant curves, golden accents, and a stylish turquoise hue. Fantastic Fours: KidKraft Delights for Four-Year-Olds So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse: The So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse, is a true showstopper in the KidKraft collection! This extraordinary dollhouse combines chic, open-design aesthetics with a palette of natural colors and captivating geometric graphics. Standing almost four feet tall, it's a towering playtime delight that's designed to spark creativity in young minds. Wrangler Way Swing Set: The KidKraft Wrangler Way Swing Set—is an innovative blend of playhouse and playset. This spacious wooden structure features a two-story clubhouse, an updated kitchenette, two slides, a ladder, and three swings for endless fun. With an attached shaded table and benches, it's perfect for snacks and relaxation. Built to last with durable wood and child-friendly, water-based stains. Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds: Play kitchens are one of the best gifts for 4-year-olds, guaranteeing endless hours of pretend play. With so much to explore, kids will feel like they're cooking just like Mom and Dad! Fabulous Fives: KidKraft Joys for Five-Year-Olds Ultimate Spaceship: Blast off into outer space adventures with this spaceship-themed playset! The galaxy map projector and light and sound effects will make your five-year-old feel like a real space explorer! Sensational Sixes: KidKraft Magic for Six-Year-Olds: Modern Outdoor Playhouse: A classic black-and-white color scheme and tons of play features make this playhouse a favorite with parents and kids alike! Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table: The KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Table Set is an ideal choice for budding conductors. Packed with 120 vibrant pieces, children can embark on exciting adventures, guiding the train through a tranquil waterfall and across a suspension bridge. Titan Cliffs Swing Set: Double clubhouses connected by a rope bridge make this swing set too cool for school! Modern Metallics Farmhouse Play Kitchen: The KidKraft Modern Metallics Farmhouse Play Kitchen is a dream come true for young chefs. Featuring a farmhouse sink, tile-look backsplash, and a built-in chalkboard, this stylish wooden kitchen offers upgraded amenities and endless fun, guaranteeing hours of imaginative playtime. Seven and Beyond: Timeless KidKraft Gifts for Growing Up Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: KidKraft's Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse is a 4-foot tall grand home in pinks and blues. It features four levels, a pool, garage, and 45 accessories, offering endless imaginative play. Perfect for older kids who may be ready to leave “cutesy” dollhouses behind but still love playing with their dolls! Grow Together Pocket Adjustable Desk with Hutch and Chair: Your older child will love having their own space for homework, crafting, drawing, or whatever else comes to mind. With cool features like a magnetic whiteboard and adjustable height, they can make it their own and use it for years to come. Celebrate the season, and give the gift of play with the toys on the Ultimate KidKraft Gift Guide today! Need a little more inspiration? Head to our Shop by Skill page for even more curated toy ideas!