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.
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Buying Guide: Toddler Beds
Move over, crib. Twin-sized bed, wait your turn. Toddler bed? It’s your time to shine. If your little snoozer is looking kind of crammed in their crib or has learned the art of escape, it’s time to make the switch. Our checklist will help you pick a toddler bed that lasts, looks great, and helps your kiddo get a great night’s sleep! Size A toddler bed should help your little one safely explore their newfound independence and feel secure as they transition out of their crib. A bed frame that’s low to the ground keeps even the youngest toddlers safe as they climb in and out of bed. While some cribs can transition into toddler beds, they tend to be higher off the ground than regular toddler beds. Investing in a lower toddler bed might be worth it, especially if your child is under two years of age when they switch. Railings Toddlers are notoriously wiggly sleepers and don’t always have the spatial awareness to keep themselves from falling out of bed. Look for railings that’ll keep your little one safely in bed through the night. For most toddlers,a short partial railing near the headboard does the trick. If you’ve got an extra-wiggly sleeper, you may want to look for rails that come farther down the bed. Mattress size Before you make your pick, make sure that your new toddler bed is compatible with your current crib mattress! Bonus tip: don’t forget to flip the crib mattress to the toddler side if you haven’t already. It’s softer than the extra-firm infant side. Construction Sure, a toddler bed only has to last a few years, but it has to survive the toddler years. Whatever your toddler dishes out, you need a bed that can take it and still keeps them safe night after night. This probably isn’t the time to order from an unknown company on Amazon – especially if you plan to pass the bed down to younger siblings. A brand’s overall reputation and parent reviews are great ways to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Design Never underestimate the power of a cool racecar bed. Whatever your little one is into from princesses to firetrucks, choosing a fun, themed bed can make them more excited about their “big kid” bed. Of course, simple classic designs have their advantages too. They probably look more similar to their crib, which might be comforting for your kiddo. They’re classy and cute, and they’re usually gender-neutral enough to work for any kid’s room. Whatever you’re looking for, KidKraft’s line of toddler beds is time-tested, affordable, and pretty adorable if we say so ourselves. From clean and modern to whimsical and fun, we’ve got a bed that’s perfect for your toddler.
Buying Guide: Kids’ Climbers
There’s a lot of reasons to love kids climbing structures. Climbing benefits kids’ strength, balance, judgment and decision making, and physical and cognitive development –oh, and it’s fun. If you’re ready to create a climbing adventure in your own backyard, our kids’ climbers buying guide is here help you find the right climber for your budget, yard, and kids! Best for Little Climbers: A-Frame Hideaway and Climber $99.99 If your little mountaineer isn't’ ready for a full swing set just yet, the A-Frame Hideaway and Climber is the mini-peak for them. At just 3’ high and with six easy-to-grab climbing rocks, this little climber is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. When they’re ready for a break, they can cozy up in the hideaway tent. Best for Small Yards: Appleton Swing Set $582.99 If you’ve got 80 sq feet to spare in your yard, you’ve got room for the Appleton Swing Set and its rockwall! Okay… you’ll need slightly more than 80 sq feet to account for all the swinging, jumping, and running that’s sure to happen around it. As a climber, the Appleton is great for preschoolers and toddlers. While older kids will handle the rockwall/ladder with ease, they’ll still love to swing, slide, and play in the playhouse! (Also available in white if that’s your vibe!) Can’t decide or just want to see more? Check out all of our swing sets and kids climbing structures, or give us a call with any questions you have about that swing set you’re eyeing. We can’t wait to help!
10 Imaginative Play Ideas
It’s tough to overstate the benefits of imaginative play for kids. Regularly engaging in pretend play can help boost kids’ creativity, confidence, vocabulary, social skills, and more. Even though imaginative play comes naturally to kids, it can easily get crowded out of your child’s day by busy schedules, screens, and other forms of entertainment. So the next time your child is having trouble putting down the iPad, try inspiring some imaginative play time with one of these ideas. Running a Restaurant It’s pretty much a fact that kids love serving adults silly pretend foods. Use your child’s play kitchen or some (non-breakable) real dishes to set up a little kitchen and dining area. Order the wackiest things you can think of and watch your little chef scramble to please their customer. Veterinarian’s Office Give all the stuffed animals a checkup, take some x-rays, and maybe even perform a surgery or two (ahem, pretend surgeries – we know scattered stuffing is the last thing you need!) No toy doctor’s kit? Just grab some bandaids,a thermometer, and a few old medicine syringes to help your kiddo play the part. If they love it, you can use the Let’s Pretend Pet Doctor Pop Up to create an immersive vet’s office right in the playroom. Dollhouse Guests Imagine that the dolls have guests coming over and need to get the dollhouse ready. Have fun pretending to clean the place up and leaving special surprises for the guests – add a little drama by pretending the bathtub broke or the fridge is out of food. Pirate Ship Playset The play deck on your swingset makes for a great pirate ship – especially if you grab a frisbee to use as a steering wheel and an empty paper towel roll for a telescope. Go on a pirating adventure, and use the slide or swings to “splash” into the ocean. Shopping Trip Pretend shopping trips are super fun and usually pretty low maintenance on your part. Give your child a basket or wagon to gather items from the house and then check them out as you slide them across the coffee table (bonus points for “boop” noises!) Use an old wallet, pretend money, or old cards to add to their fun. Building with Blocks The simplicity of blocks and building bricks offer a great chance for toddlers to showcase their imagination! A simple stack of blocks becomes everything from a hospital to top secret headquarters. Incorporate a few of their favorite figurine-sized toys to inspire even more imaginative creations. As your little ones think up fun storylines for their toys to act out, they’ll likely build structures to go along. Fort Building Speaking of blanket forts, they’re a surefire way to inspire imaginative play. Kids’ imagination will transform them into everything from a rabbit’s burrow to a witch’s lair. Have fun seeing what your little one comes up with. Playing Preschool Give your preschooler a chance to be the teacher for once by helping them set up a “school” for their favorite toys. You can use tape to mark a spot on the floor for each “student” and give them all a few school supplies like paper and crayons. If your little one has an easel, set it up as the chalkboard – oh, and be sure to take notes during the lesson! Act Out Favorite Shows When your child gets upset that screen time is over (we’ve all been there), use their love of their favorite shows to kickstart an imaginative play session! Sometimes offering to take on the role of some of their favorite characters can lessen the blow. Whether that means acting like talking pups with cool gadgets or pajama-wearing superheroes, your child is sure to have a blast and appreciate your interest in one of their favorite things. While no toy can replace your child’s imagination, providing a few quality toys that promote pretend play can help ensure that they engage in imaginative play every day. From classic wooden dollhouses and play kitchens, to outdoor swing sets and NERF forts, to innovative setups like the Let’s Pretend Popups and Ultimate Spaceship, all KidKraft toys are designed to foster your child’s love of imaginative play. Because just like our toys, kids are made for make believe!
Imaginative Play Benefits
At KidKraft, “Made for Make Believe” is our motto, so needless to say, imaginative play is near and dear to our hearts. We love it for so many reasons – the magic of seeing kids pretend, the silly ideas kids come up with, the memories of playing as a family. But we also love it for the developmental benefits. Here’s how imaginative play helps your child grow and thrive! What are the benefits of imaginative play? Creativity & Confidence Play pretend with a three-year-old, and you’ll be sure to act out some truly silly situations. Pretend play lets kids build whole worlds and make the “rules.” Since so much of their life is directed by adults, pretend play is one of the few times they get to be in control. Whether they’re saving the day, starting a restaurant, or flying a spaceship, they relish the chance to call the shots and give you directions. Feel free to make suggestions, but ultimately follow their lead and encourage them to be as creative as they want! Social Skills & Empathy When kids engage in imaginative play with peers, they practice a lot of social maneuvering. They must communicate with each other as they establish how the pretend situation works, and they have to navigate real-life social dilemmas when they disagree. Even when kids play pretend alone, they get a chance to put themselves into someone else’s shoes, something that doesn’t come naturally to a toddler. Imagining someone else’s perspective helps them build empathy and understanding. Practical Life Skills Pretend play helps kids learn how to interact in the real world. They can practice social interactions like ordering at a restaurant as well as basic tasks like caring for a pet or cooking. Pretend play is especially great at helping kids practice things they might not get the chance to do in real life just yet. When they are old enough to go school or order their own food, all of the pretend practice they had will help them navigate those situations with confidence. Language & Vocabulary Imaginative play comes with tons of opportunities to learn new words and expand language skills, especially when an adult is involved. Don’t hold back from using rich, specific language when you play with your kids. You might be surprised by how much they can pick up! For example, if you’re playing the part of veterinarian to your child’s teddy bear, don’t limit yourself to “boo boos” and “upset tummies.” Your child will learn more when you include terms like fractures, infections, sprains, and x-rays. You grow their vocabulary as well as their fascination with a subject when you use detailed language. Types of Imaginative Play Imaginative play can take several forms, including independent play, social play with peers, or social play with adults. Each has its own benefits. Independent play lets kids explore on their own terms and develop focus as they engage with what interests them most. Playing with peers builds social skills. Playing with adults can boost language and vocabulary development and provides opportunities for the adults to teach kids about the world through play. Imaginative play can also take the form of dramatic play, where kids act out roles themselves, or play with toys, where kids speak for toys but don’t embody a role themselves. It can center around fantasy or real-world scenarios. Both are beneficial, allowing kids to explore their creativity and learn practical skills that will serve them in real life. Shop Our Imaginative Play Toys Of course, nothing is as important for imaginative play as your child’s own imagination! That being said, toys that promote pretend play can really help them engage in and enjoy imaginative play on a daily basis. For developmentally-friendly toys your kids will love playing with, check out KidKraft’s wide range of play kitchens, dollhouses, and other imaginative play toys. Just like your child, they’re made for make believe!
Best Outdoor Toys for Small Yards
Yards don’t have to be big to be fun. (Just ask your kids!) But shopping for outdoor play structures can be tough if you don’t have a ton of room to spare in your yard. No worries, friends. We’ve got your guide to big fun in little spaces with these outdoor toys for small yards! Small Footprint Swing Sets & Play Sets Love the idea of a swing set for your kids but not sure if you have the room? Check out these small footprint swing sets before you decide for sure! Remember, when you’re measuring your yard, it’s not just the dimension of the swing set you’ll need to account for. The real deciding factor is the “safety zone” – an obstacle-free area around the swing set that’s covered with protective surfacing like wood chips. We’ve done the work for you by calculating exactly how much space your kids will need to play safely on their swing set. Appleton Swing Set The Appleton Swing Set is another small footprint swing set made with tiny yards in mind. A built-in sandbox saves even more space, giving your little one another classic outdoor toy without taking up any more space. Safety Zone Size: 22’ 3” x 28’ Climbers No room to run around? Head upwards instead! If you’re buying a swing set or playset for your small yard, consider one with built-in climbing features (nearly all of our playsets have at least one!) Or opt for our standalone climber for toddlers and preschoolers: A-Frame Hideaway & Climber Coming in at just 41” x 27.5,” this little climber fits almost anywhere and doubles as a play tent. Safety Zone Size: 15’ 6” x 14’ 4” Playhouses Big fun in a small space, playhouses are an ideal outdoor toy for small yards. Playhouses don’t vary in size as much as swing sets do, so even the bigger, deluxe playhouses still fit just fine in most small yards. Here are some of our favorite picks for small spaces: Savannah Swing Playhouse One glance at the KidKraft Savannah Swing Playhouse and kids will want to move right in. This homey charmer welcomes with a calming white paint, dark wooden roof and scalloped half door. Dimensions: 100" x 43.23" x 55.2" Modern Outdoor Playhouse One of our most popular playhouses, the Modern Playhouse is primed and ready to be customized – plus, it’s just the right size for small yards! The cute attached picnic table gives you even more fun per square foot, providing the perfect spot for backyard picnics. Dimensions: 70.08" x 48.9" x 62.24" Sandboxes Sandboxes are another great outdoor toy for small spaces. Since they enable constructive and sensory play instead of highly active play, they’re an excellent way to let kids enjoy the outdoors even when they don’t have room to run around. And with no required safety zone, you only need to account for the measurement of the sandbox itself. Browse through our entire outdoor collection to find the outdoor toys right for your kiddos and your yard. Not sure if the toy you’ve got your eye in will fit in your space? Click on Technical Information and/or Assembly Instructions for product dimensions and safety zone measurements.
Buying Guide: Kids Kitchen Playset
Buying a kitchen playset can feel a little like a Goldilocks story. You’re searching for the one that’s just right – the design to make you and your little chef happy, the quality to last through the years, and all the features to enable fun, immersive pretend play. To help you find your perfect play kitchen fast, we’ve laid out all the factors you’ll want to consider before making the big purchase! Size & Counter Height First, be sure to measure the space you plan to put your new play kitchen – eyeballing it is not the way to go here! Even if space is tight, smaller play kitchens can squeeze into little spaces and are ideal for toddlers. As far as finding the right size play kitchen for your child, it’s tough to go wrong – even bigger kids will still enjoy playing with smaller play kitchen sets, and the littlest little will grow into larger kitchens. But if you’re looking for that perfect fit, go for a play kitchen with countertops that are about the height of their hips. Materials Most kid’s kitchen playsets are made of either wood or plastic. Plastic play kitchens often come in at a lower price point, but often at the cost of quality. Wooden children’s play kitchens tend to last longer, look more realistic to your kids, and (real talk) look better in your home. Color and Design Speaking of looking better in your home… there’s no reason you have to settle for a bright plastic eyesore in the middle of your playroom. Our selection of wooden play kitchens come in just about every style and color you could hope for means you can pick the perfect play kitchen to vibe with your home’s aesthetic. Your Child’s Interests Another thing you’ll want to match? Your kiddo’s interests and preferences! Maybe you want a gender-neutral design so your little guy doesn’t think of play kitchens as a “girl’s” toy. Maybe you’re looking to recreate your child’s favorite parts about the real kitchen like using the ice machine or looking through the window above the sink. Whatever the case, only you know the features that will make a play kitchen the perfect fit for your little chef. If you’re buying the play kitchen as a gift for someone else, be sure to ask their parents what special touches they would love to have! Accessories Most play kitchens come with at least a few accessories like pots, pans, dishes and play food. While those cute little fake cupcakes are something to consider, they shouldn’t make or break your decision. You can always add additional play kitchen accessories later. Extra Features Of course, the best thing about play kitchens is that they encourage good old-fashioned pretend play, but a few extra features like working light and sounds can make that imaginative play even more immersive. Beeping microwaves, working ice machines, and stovetop sound effects can add realism to your kids’ kitchen playset and make it even more engaging, though some parents prefer noiseless kitchen playsets (hey, we get it). From large corner kitchens to tiny toddler kitchens, from pretty pinks to calming neutrals, our line of kids play kitchens has something for every little sous chef out there. Browse our full collection of wood play kitchens to find the one that checks off your wishlist!
12 Playhouse Decor Ideas
Playhouses are just too cute to not want to decorate them a little. I mean, who can resist tiny wreaths and picket fences? And the interiors? Tiny furniture? Cozy reading nooks? We’re all about it. Here are some of our favorite playhouse decorating ideas for swoon-worthy playhouses: For the exterior Planter Boxes & Wreaths Tons of our favorite KidKraft playhouse DIYs feature adorable tiny wreaths and planter boxes. They’re an easy, inexpensive way to add a lot of extra cheer to the playhouse. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJbH8KpbES/ Mailboxes Sure, the mail person isn’t coming to visit, but tiny mailboxes just look so precious – plus, they give you the chance to sneak sweet notes to your kiddos as they play. If your playhouse didn’t come standard with a mailbox, adding a little letterbox like this one is easy. Custom Paint Job If you’re up for a bigger project, a custom paint job can give your playhouse the exact vibe you’re looking for – from storybook cottage to farmhouse to modern. We’ve been so inspired by all of the custom KidKraft playhouse paint jobs we see on Instagram that we made a playhouse just for that purpose: the Modern Outdoor Playhouse in White is the perfect blank slate for whatever color scheme you or your littles can think up. String Lights Now that daylight hours are getting shorter, outdoor twinkle lights are a fun way to add a little magic to evening play. We especially love the look of Edison bulbs for lining the edge of your playhouse. Just be sure to use lights made for the outdoors! Welcome Mat Simple, precious, and practical, adding a welcome mat to your kiddo’s front door is a cute way to keep it clean and welcome friends inside for a playdate. Holiday Decorations If you’re like us, you have a little too much fun decorating for the holidays, and you might have just a few too many decorative pumpkins and snowmen in the attic. So spreading some holiday fun to the playhouse every season is a no brainer. We love these cozy fall decorations on our Hobby Workshop playhouse and these not so spooky Halloween decorations on our Country Vista model. If you do decorate your KidKraft playhouse for fall or Christmas this year, be sure to share and use #kidkraftkids. We’d love to see what you come up with. For the interior With the outside looking inviting and adorable, next comes the question: what do you put in a playhouse? After all, this is where all the magic and make believe really happen! Curtains Decorative and super fun for kids to open and close, curtains effortlessly dress up your little one’s own personal hideout. Café curtains are usually just the right size for playhouse windows. Kid-sized furniture Depending on the size of your playhouse, a piece or two of kid-sized furniture could be a great addition. While you don’t want to overcrowd the space, furniture can add to the realism of the playhouse and help facilitate more imaginative roleplay. Shelves While you might be tempted to fill the shelves yourself, you’ll have more fun seeing what your littles decide to put on them. Some favorite toys, their own artwork, a collection of pinecones or feathers… the possibilities are really endless with kids. Cushions & pillows Even as an adult, cuddling up in a personal getaway with your favorite book sounds amazing, doesn’t it? A few fluffy cushions or pillows can turn the playhouse into a cozy outdoor reading nook. Of course, to avoid mold or mildew, make sure to use outdoor cushions. Rugs Rugs are another playhouse accessory that can up the coziness factor. Again, be sure to go for outdoor rugs to avoid mold and mildew. Outdoor toys & games The playhouse can be an ideal place to store a few outdoor toys. It will (mostly) protect them from the elements, and kids will have easier access to them than if they were stored in a shed or garage. While big toys like basketball hoops will take up too much space, smaller things like miniature golf sets, balls, and gardening or sandbox tools make for fun additions to playhouse time. For more playhouse decorating and accessory ideas, keep up with us on Instagram. Parents are always wowing us with the way their playhouse DIYs, and we’re sure you’ll find plenty of inspiration too. And if you’re still searching for the perfect playhouse to decorate, our quality wooden playhouses have classic, aesthetic designs and “great bones” for any projects you have in mind.
How to Choose a Backyard Playset
Adding a kids’ swingset to the backyard is sure to win you some cool points with the kids or grandkids. But before you can get to sliding and swinging, you’ve got to make sure you’re getting a playset that fits your yard, budget, and other needs – and that can get super overwhelming super quick. To help make things a little easier, we’re covering all the essentials of how to choose a backyard playset. So before you click that order button, consider these factors to make sure you and the kids get exactly what you want from your swing set! Safety First, thing’s first. Always buy from established, well-known brands that make safety a priority. And while any company can say they put safety first, look for a brand that backs those claims up. In addition to our in-house inspections, we make sure that every KidKraft product is safety-inspected by accredited independent labs. Size Time to break out the measuring tape! When you’re figuring out how much room you have for a playset, the most important measurement isn’t the size of the swing set itself. Rather, it’s the size of the safety zone, the area surrounding the playset that should be covered with a loose fill material to protect your kids from falls and injuries. You can find the recommended safety zone measurement for all KidKraft playsets on the product pages or installation instructions. Your Property Making sure you have enough room for the safety zone is priority number one, but there are other factors you’ll want to consider in your yard too. It’s important for playsets to be installed on level surfaces. Our tips for preparing your yard for installation can help you get there. If you can find room for your playset in a shady area that’s within view of your kitchen or living room window, that’s great too! (Though it’s not totally necessary, so don’t sweat it!) You may also want to double-check homeowners' associations or city ordinances that dictate where you can build a structure like a playset. Many have rules on how close you can be to a property line or utilities. Materials, Maintenance, & Durability You basically have three options in materials for your swing set: wood, vinyl, or metal. Each has a few pros and cons in terms of durability, cost, and maintenance. Vinyl playsets are often the most expensive option as they require very little maintenance. They can last for years, but as they age, it’s tough to spot dangerous safety hazards. Any rotting wood that might impact structural integrity is hidden beneath the vinyl coating. Metal playsets are usually your cheapest option, but they are prone to rust, so any paint chips must be quickly repaired. Wooden playsets and swing sets need a coat of water repellent or stain once a year to prevent rotting and weathering. As long as they get that, they’re extremely durable and can easily last from the toddler phase to the preteen years. For more info, check out our in-depth comparisons of wood vs. metal and vinyl playsets. Style & Customization Just because it’s for the kids doesn't mean it has to clash with your house or backyard decor. Wooden swing sets blend in well with the natural elements of your yard and can be easily customized and painted if you’re going for a particular aesthetic. (Check out this gorgeous DIY paint job of our Hilltop Swing Set!) With vinyl and metal playsets, what you buy is what you get as they can’t be repainted or customized, so make sure you choose a color palette you can live with! Play Features You have a ton of options for fun features on your playset like swings, glider swings, slides, tube slides, ladders, rock walls, monkey bars, towers and elevated play decks, attached playhouses, and sandboxes (whew!). Playsets that keep it sweet and simple will often come with two swings, a small play deck and climbing feature, and a slide. More deluxe options may include many or all of the features above. As you decide which play features are a must-have for your family, consider how many kids will be playing with it, how old they are, and how many years of use you want to get out of it. Whatever you go with, we’re sure the kids will love it! Age: How old should kids be for a playset? In general, we recommend playsets for kids ages 3 and up! By this age, they’ve developed the motor skills they need to climb, swing, and slide with minimal falls and bumps! Of course, younger kids go crazy for playsets too, and you may want to invest in one as soon as they’re old enough to sit up in a bucket swing on their own. Just know that they’ll need close supervision around the playset until they’re more steady on their feet. You can also try a toddler climber as an alternative to a full playset – they’re designed with toddlers’ abilities in mind, letting the youngest tots climb and play safely. Number of Kids If you have a large crew or if you just have a lot of friends and family’s kids come over to play, you’ll want to take that into account too. Obviously, larger playsets are usually able to accommodate more kids, but size isn’t the only thing that matters here. The number of features a playset offers also counts, and even smaller playsets can still be great for entertaining several kids at once. Ready to find your dream playset come true? We can help with that! You can filter KidKraft’s selection of wooden swing sets according to yard size, play features, number of kids, and price so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for!
