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.

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Part 1 of Behind the KidKraft Design was all about the creative process of our toy and playset designs, from initial inspiration to mood boards and trend research. In Part 2, we’re focusing on what happens next: bringing those concepts to life through prototyping, collaboration and production. Get ready to discover how sketches become computer-aided design (CAD) models, concepts evolve into real products and collaboration ensures every detail is just right before landing in your child’s hands. Turning Playset Designs into Prototypes How we design a playset starts with translating ideas into tangible form, and at KidKraft, structural design and mood board creation happen side by side. Early in the process, the team prepares for a concept approval meeting, where executives review CAD models or sketches alongside mood boards and “moments.” These “moments” are the small but memorable details—like a working elevator in a dollhouse or a cozy nook in a playset—that capture both the overall art style and the emotional feel of the design. These checkpoints ensure that the product’s story is clear, the functionality makes sense, and the look ties back to the original inspiration. Style previews further bring the vision to life, helping the team visualize how these details will appear in a child’s world. Hands-On Collaboration With Manufacturers Prototyping is only the beginning. From there, our designers work in close partnership with manufacturers in China and Taiwan to bring each concept to life with precision. This collaboration allows us to maintain meticulous control over details that many brands overlook, such as color consistency, texture and gloss levels, making this approach truly unique to KidKraft. The process is highly interactive: designers send Adobe Illustrator files overseas, manufacturers print and return samples, and the KidKraft team conducts rigorous checks to ensure every element matches the original vision. Even something as simple as a color swatch can go through multiple rounds of review before approval. By carefully managing these details, we guarantee that every product, from dollhouses to playsets, looks and feels exactly as intended, right down to the smallest finish! Testing, Feedback and Adjustments Toy and playset design is a team effort, and not everyone involved speaks the same “design language.” Interpreting feedback from non-design stakeholders can sometimes pose challenges. But it’s all part of the process. When feedback comes in, our designers collaborate across teams to rethink, rework and refine, whether it’s improving usability, enhancing safety or simplifying the assembly process for parents. The goal is always the same: a toy that delivers lasting fun while being safe, sturdy and easy to set up. Designing for Longevity and Everyday Play KidKraft goes well beyond chasing trends, making sure our designs are created with longevity in mind. Some dollhouse designs from 15–20 years ago are still in production today, loved by new generations of kids! At the same time, our team is just as excited about refreshing those legacy designs, breathing new life into classics so they feel modern, relevant and ready for years of play ahead. We also love embracing new ideas, like designing kids’ furniture. This requires a different mindset that draws heavily on color, wood stain and natural fiber trends in exterior and landscape design. Our team is also working on outdoor products like playhouse and wooden playset designs, which bring in more architectural design elements along with updated stain and plastic colors. With every new or updated design, our focus always remains on quality materials, timeless color palettes and durability that stands up to everyday play. How Play Inspires Design Evolution The most valuable insights come straight from the playroom. Our design team digs into customer reviews to better understand what families love—and where there’s room to improve. They also incorporate a hands-on research approach by regularly visiting homes to see how kids actually interact with toys in real life. These in-person observations and direct feedback loops often lead to meaningful innovations, such as the “open and closed” dollhouse concept, which was born from seeing the need for a toy that could double as storage. This gave kids more ways to play while offering parents a practical solution that keeps play areas tidy. Blending imagination with functionality results in toys that are fun while also fitting seamlessly into family spaces. This immersive research process helps our team continuously improve designs and create toys that kids want to play with and parents want to buy. Bringing It All Together: From Factory to Playroom Once the design is finalized, it moves into full-scale production and quality assurance. Every detail is double-checked so families receive a product that’s safe, durable and true to KidKraft’s design vision. For the design team, the most rewarding moment is seeing their work come to life in homes—knowing that what started as a sketch is now a centerpiece for play, learning and imagination! Discover the Finished Designs From bold ideas to beautifully crafted toys, every step of the KidKraft design journey leads to one thing: more imaginative play. Explore the full KidKraft collection, including play kitchens, dollhouses and activity tables, and see where creativity comes to life in your own home.

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

All of our toy and playset designs start with a story. At KidKraft, that story is shaped by imagination, research and a team of designers who never stop thinking about how children play (and how families live). In this two-part series, we’re pulling back the curtain on our toy and playset design process. This first part will take you inside the earliest stages, from the first spark of inspiration to the blueprint that lays the foundation for every kitchen, wooden playset and dollhouse designs we create. Where KidKraft Playset Designs Begin Ideas at KidKraft come from two main places: requests from our sales team or retail partners and the free-flowing creativity of internal brainstorms. Sometimes a retailer asks for a specific product to meet the needs of their customers. Other times, our team imagines new possibilities during yearly brainstorming sessions. Either way, it’s never a solo effort. Industrial designers, engineers and product graphic designers collaborate from the very beginning, ensuring every idea balances creativity with practicality. Together, they start shaping toys that children will love—and parents will be happy to bring into their homes. Gathering Inspiration for KidKraft Designs Creative sparks don’t always happen at a desk. To get inspired, our team steps outside the office. Off-site brainstorms might include excursions in a designer's city, with visits to museums, historic homes or stores to observe design trends in the wild. These experiences fuel days of sketching and sharing ideas back at the studio. From there, mood boards take shape. Our designers gather visuals that highlight color palettes, textures, and architectural details. For wooden playsets or outdoor products, inspiration might come from timeless design elements in nature or real homes, which is why many KidKraft products feel both imaginative and authentic. The Designer Behind the Designs Meet Riley Burrus, Product Graphics Manager at KidKraft Every KidKraft toy begins with a spark of imagination. But behind that spark are real people who pour their creativity and heart into each design. One of those people is Riley Burrus, who has been part of KidKraft for nearly a decade. Riley’s path to toy design wasn’t exactly planned. With a degree in illustration, she imagined herself creating children’s books, weaving stories through words and pictures. But after graduation, while working as a barista and searching for her next step, she stumbled across a LinkedIn job posting for dollhouse illustration. It caught her attention immediately. “I liked children’s book illustration because I love kids and telling stories,” Riley recalls. “When I interviewed for the dollhouse role, I realized this was just a different way of telling stories—one where the artwork itself inspires play.” Today, Riley helps guide KidKraft’s designs from concept to reality. She and other designers often sneak in little “Easter eggs” that make each product feel extra special and enable them to incorporate a tiny bit of themselves into the design. For example, a dollhouse wallpaper might feature their pets, or a tiny framed picture could echo a loved one. For Riley, toy design is more than creating something beautiful or fun. It’s about blending storytelling, imagination and a personal touch that turns play into something magical. And when kids pick up a KidKraft toy, they’re not just playing with wood, paint and accessories; they’re stepping into worlds crafted with care by designers like Riley, who see storytelling everywhere. That same spirit of listening and storytelling doesn’t just come from our design team. It also comes from the families who play with our toys every day. Listening to Customers Of course, inspiration also comes directly from the families who play with our products. KidKraft’s design team studies thousands of product reviews across Amazon, Target, Costco, and other retailers to see what parents and kids love, as well as what could be better. For example, our “easy craft line” was developed to reduce assembly time after hearing from parents who wanted a quicker setup. The team also considers both the child’s perspective (fun, imaginative, colorful) and the parent’s perspective (durability, value, aesthetics). It’s this balance that makes toys both entertaining and practical for everyday family life. Spotting Trends Before They Happen Designing toys isn’t just about responding to what’s popular now. A big part of toy design involves predicting what kids (and parents) will want one or two years down the road, when a toy finally hits the shelves. Our design team looks to high fashion, interior design, fine art, and even kids’ animation for inspiration. Trends trickle down across industries, so a color palette from a runway show might eventually influence the look of a play kitchen or dollhouse. Keeping a finger on the pulse of these creative worlds allows our team to design toys that feel fresh, modern and relevant. Aesthetic Meets Function While toys should always inspire play, they also need to work for the families who buy them. That’s why we blend age-appropriate design (like higher contrast colors for toddlers) with aesthetics parents appreciate, from brass accents to wood textures that echo modern interiors. The goal is to create toys kids love to play with and parents love to see in their living spaces. For instance, a dollhouse or activity table might have a pop of bright color for imaginative play while also featuring textures and finishes that make it blend beautifully into a family room. Visualizing the Blueprint Before a toy becomes real, it lives in sketches, computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, and illustrated “moments” that capture its look and feel. Mood boards, color swatches, and concept art help communicate the vision during concept approval meetings with company leaders. This is where big ideas start to feel tangible, offering an exciting sneak peek of how creativity will soon become reality. From Blueprint to Build: Explore the Designs in Action Every KidKraft product begins with this mix of inspiration, research and artistry. From sketches to mood boards, each step brings us closer to creating toys that spark imagination and fit seamlessly into family life. Don’t miss Part 2 of this series, where we’ll explore what happens next: prototyping, product development, and the meticulous process of bringing these ideas to life with our global manufacturing partners. Explore KidKraft’s full collection of playsets, dollhouses, play kitchens, kids’ furniture, and more to discover where inspiration becomes play.

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After-School Activities After a long day in the classroom, kids need a chance to move, stretch and recharge. While structured after-school programs are great, sometimes the best post-school activities for kids are the ones that happen right at home in your own backyard! That’s the inspiration behind our Backyard Recess campaign, where families show how they use their playsets and playhouses to transform ordinary afternoons into memorable adventures. Discover the benefits of after-school activities and see how creators like Elizabeth Homen and Courtney Williams are bringing fresh after-school activity ideas to life. How After-School Activities Benefit Your Child After-school activities go beyond just keeping kids occupied; they play an important role in healthy development. Whether climbing, swinging or diving into imaginative play, children build physical strength, sharpen cognitive skills and strengthen social connections when they engage in fun, structured activities that challenge and inspire them. Here are some of the key benefits kids gain from after-school activities. Provides physical activity. Movement burns energy, improves coordination and supports growth. Relieves stress. Gives kids an opportunity to unwind and reset after the structure of the school day. Fosters creativity and imagination. Open-ended play sparks storytelling, problem-solving and self-expression. Develops social skills. Siblings, friends, and neighbors learn teamwork, sharing and cooperation. Backyard recess blends these benefits with the convenience of at-home play, so kids can jump right into fun the moment school ends. Elizabeth Homen’s After-School Routine with the Kids For Elizabeth Homen, afternoons are about giving her daughter space to explore and recharge. And the Lantana Lane Playhouse provides the perfect spot for imaginative play, whether her daughter is pretending to cook, plant flowers, or serve a hot beverage. The cozy design of the Lantana Lane Playhouse invites creativity, while the hands-on elements keep little ones engaged, bringing both parents and kids joy once the school day is over. How to Keep Recess Going After the Bell Rings View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth Homen (@elizabethhomen) Courtney Williams’ Creative Take on After-School Play Courtney Williams takes after-school play outdoors with the Laurel Retreat Swing Set. From climbing and zooming down the slide to relaxing on the swings, her kids of various ages enjoy the mix of movement and freedom they need to shake off the school day. The Laurel Retreat gives her children screen-free structure and a place to unwind and laugh together. It’s also the perfect spot for much-needed downtime while juggling a busy schedule. Easy Back-to-School Routine with KidKraft's Durable Swing Set View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney N. Williams (@courtnwilliams) What Families Are Loving About These After-School Setups Across both Elizabeth’s and Courtney’s routines, a few themes stand out: Balance: Kids need both active play and imaginative downtime. Imagination: Whether it’s a playhouse “restaurant” or a pretend castle on the swing set, creativity is at the center of fun. Connection: These spaces create chances for siblings to bond and families to spend time together. After-school play gives kids a space to recharge, grow, and connect. With the right setup, families can create fun and meaningful routines, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. It’s these little daily moments that become the memories kids carry with them. More After-School Activity Ideas to Try Looking for more things to do after school beyond playhouses and swing sets? Here are a few simple, screen-free favorites to spark your child’s imagination: Nature scavenger hunt in the yard or neighborhood Obstacle course using outdoor toys, chalk and household items Backyard picnic or snack time under the trees Creative crafts with leaves, sticks or stones Mini sports games, like soccer, basketball or relay races Sand play with a sandbox or sand table These activities pair perfectly with your existing playset setup, adding variety to your child’s routine. Find the Perfect Playset for At-Home After-School Activities Ready to make your backyard the go-to spot for after-school fun? Our collection of swing sets and playhouses makes it easy to create a space your kids will love coming home to. Explore our swing sets, outdoor playhouses and other outdoor products to find the perfect fit for your family’s after-school routine. Give your children the gift of a backyard recess they’ll always remember.

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Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

How to Choose the Best Dollhouse for Toddlers

Christmas, birthdays, or just because – dollhouses are always a hit, and it’s easy to get just as excited about them as your kids do. Finding the perfect one, though, can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re shopping for a toddler. You’ll have a few extra factors to consider when it comes to safety and durability, but finding a great dollhouse for your toddling tot doesn’t have to be difficult. To help you out, here is our quick guide to choosing the best dollhouse for toddlers! Durability: Can it take the toddler treatment? To survive through the rough-and-tumble toddler stage and into the school years, that dollhouse needs to be durable and made of high quality materials. Dollhouses made from plastic may be more prone to breaking well before your child reaches school age years. On the other side of the coin, that lovely antique or handmade dollhouse you inherited may be well-made but is likely too delicate to stand up to toddler play. Generally, sturdy wooden dollhouse are the best bet to make it through these slightly destructive but completely adorable years of play. Doll size: Who’s living there? Whether you already have a family of dolls looking for a home, or you’re buying the dolls and the dollhouse all at once, make sure they’re compatible sizes. Dollhouses usually specify what size doll they’re made for, and common sizes include 5”, 12” and 18”. If you think that 12” or 18” dolls are still a bit too big for those adorable chubby toddler hands, then opt for a dollhouse meant for smaller dolls. Safety: Does it have small pieces? We’re all familiar with the warning labels, and we know kids under three shouldn’t play with toys that could pose a choking hazard. Obviously, the dollhouse itself isn’t a choking hazard but small pieces that come with it could be. Check the suggested age range on the dollhouse to make sure it’s considered appropriate for toddlers, or remove all accessories or detachable pieces that could be potential choking hazards. When in doubt, consider anything that your child could fit entirely in their mouth to be a choking hazard. Put it away and save it for when they’re older! Size: How big is a dollhouse? Pictures can be deceiving, and the last thing you want is to end up with a dollhouse twice as big as the space allotted for it. Double check the measurements, and if necessary measure the space it’s meant to fit in to avoid any surprises. Consider what size will work best for your children come playtime. If you plan to upgrade to a larger dollhouse when they get older, you may opt for a smaller dollhouse now. If you plan to keep this dollhouse for years, then don’t let larger sizes scare you – they’ll still enjoy playing with them now, and they’ll grow into them before you know it. Look: What’s your style? Finding a dollhouse that meshes well with your decor is always a bonus, especially if it’s going to be in a common area of the house. You’ll have the best luck with brands that offer a wide variety of colors and styles. Shameless plug time: Not-so-coincidentally, we just happen to meet that description with our collection of artfully-crafted wooden dollhouses that are built to last and look great in your home. The little things: What makes your toddler beam? Last but far from least, what little touches or features would make your toddler extra excited about their new dollhouse? Whether it’s their favorite princess or the chance to decorate it and make it their own, look for those special features or accessories that make the dollhouse perfect for your toddler. Want to explore KidKraft’s selection of dollhouses by age? Discover our dollhouses for 2-to-4-year olds, 3-to-5 year olds, and 5 years and up now.

The Benefits of Playtime: Learning Through Play

It’s something every parent knows instinctually: play is more than just play for kids. But exactly what are they learning as they play? As it turns out, a lot. Here’s how play is helping your kid learn, grow, and thrive: Practical life skills From the toddler “helping” with laundry to the six-year-old setting up a pretend restaurant in their play kitchen, kids love to mimic and act out aspects of adult life – even the ones that might seem dull to us. No matter what age or what activity they’re trying or pretending to accomplish, this type of play helps them make sense of the adult world and build the skills to do it themselves one day. For toddlers, that might mean that they’re practicing the fine motor skills they’ll need to fasten buttons or pour water. For older kids, they’re often rehearsing the social norms of everyday interactions (i.e. what do we say when the waiter asks us how we’re doing?). All of these pretend practice sessions are helping shape your kiddo into a confident, capable adult. Fine and gross motor skills Toddlers are naturally drawn to fine motor activities like opening containers, putting puzzle pieces together, and stacking blocks. Those skills have become so second nature to us that we take them for granted, but they’re crucial for everything from holding a pencil correctly to learning to play an instrument one day. Gross motor skills aren’t talked about quite as much, but they're just as important for healthy development. Activities that let young kids climb, lift heavy objects, squat, jump, and balance do more than just strengthen their muscles – they’re helping develop their vestibular system for strong balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Social and emotional skills Every time kids pretend with their friends, they’re creating unspoken social contracts (adorable, silly unspoken contracts). They decide what they are pretending and how their make-believe world works. If they want to switch gear or change something about their pretend world, they have to communicate and get their friends onboard. Even independent play can help kids develop their emotional and social awareness. Role-playing activities help them grow their ability to empathize and see from others’ perspectives. Dollhouses, for example, encourage kids to take on the roles of multiple family members. In those oh-so-sweet moments of secretly watching them play, you’ve probably noticed that they’re often playing out situations that happen in everyday life: people making plans, running into conflicts, and working to solve their problems. While the scenarios they come up with may be silly, the social and emotional skills they’re gaining are real. Educational and cognitive skills Language development, math skills, and abstract reasoning are just a few of the benefits linked to play. Some of these benefits are ones you’d expect. Talking with your child as you play together naturally builds their vocabulary and language skills. But others are a little more surprising. For example, playing with blocks seems to help kids perform better in math, even years after they’ve outgrown blocks . In addition, frequent play breaks have been shown to increase kids’ ability to focus on academics. Notably, play with electronic items hasn’t been associated with the same benefits. Instead, all that brain-boosting magic happens when kids are engaged in imaginative and creative play social play with adults or peers constructive play (i.e. building their own constructions with toys like building blocks and train sets, etc.) cognitive play We think this quote from the American Academy of Pediatrics sums it up it best: “Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles…When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue.” Okay, is it just us, or are you tearing up a little bit too? So, next time your child is building a block tower masterpiece, hosting a ball in their dollhouse, or just running circles around the backyard, take a moment to watch and soak it all in. There’s magic happening there.

Shop by Skill: Social Play

What is social play? In simple terms, social play is a type of play where children directly interact and share with others – whether adults or other kids. Through this type of play they learn social skills like communication, sharing, turn-taking, and following rules.You may be asking, what is the importance of social skills for kids? In a nutshell, these skills help children interact with the world around them. Social skills help kids build relationships and develop skills that will help them be successful as adults.Providing your child with opportunities to engage in social play is one of the best ways to help them build confidence and develop relationships. In addition to these important skills, social play also helps kids to develop emotional intelligence. Toys for Social Development Engaging in simple social play with other children is important for kids to foster social skills, such as peer group leadership skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and working memory.If you’re wondering which type of activity is considered social play, there’s a variety of activities that fall into this category and KidKraft carries an array of toys for both indoors and outdoors that are great for social playing for toddlers and school-aged children. Toys for Social Development Two classic social play examples are playing with dollhouses and pretend kitchens. Kitchen Play Sets – A play kitchen is a classic toy that continues to delight kids and never gets old. Our play kitchens are designed with unique details and features that foster creativity and keep kids engaged in pretend play for hours. Wooden Dollhouses – Playing with dolls and dollhouses is another classic creative and social play activity. Our dollhouses are designed to be interactive and encourage kids to use their imaginations. Outdoor Social Play Toys Social play toys that are excellent for outdoor play are playhouses and swing sets. Outdoor Kids’ Playhouses – Having a kids’ playhouse in your backyard makes it convenient to combine outdoor play with social play. Our playhouses provide kids with hours of fun as they engage in creative, pretend play with their siblings and friends. Outdoor Swing Sets – Bring the playground to your backyard with our collection of wooden swing sets. They’re durable and have a variety of features to keep kids of all ages entertained together for hours. Shop KidKraft’s toys for social development. Your child will have fun and make memories while developing important life skills!Check out our toys for active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and creative play too!

Shop by Skill: Creative Play

Creative play is a delightful form of play that enables children to have fun expressing themselves and using their active and growing imaginations. Why is creativity through play important? This form of play allows kids to try out different ideas they have while developing a variety of life skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Creative Play Toys for Kids & Toddlers At KidKraft, you’ll find a great array of toys and playsets that foster creative play, making it easy to find activities that match your child’s interests, personality, and age.Does your child love doll play? Then be sure to browse the selection of creative dollhouses we have available. Our 12-inch dollhouses and 18-inch dollhouses are some of the best creative play toys for 4-6-year-olds. We also carry a lovely assortment of doll furniture to add more creativity and variety to the dollhouse play experience. Outdoor Creative Play Toys Is your toddler or preschooler an artist at heart? Then why not take their art supplies outside so they can enjoy creating their masterpieces while getting some fresh air and sunshine.Art supplies are wonderful creative kids toys. Our kids’ easel collection offers standing easels in various sizes. These standing easels feature a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase surface on the other, as well as a paper roll on top. We also carry an art table with drying rack and storage, a tabletop version of the traditional easel design that’s a perfect creative toy for toddlers.Kids’ activity tables are another fantastic option for creative play. From creation stations and chalkboard tables to art tables and more, you’ll find a style your child will enjoy. How Can Creative Activities Impact the Brain? Creative play has a critical role in fostering the development of neural connections, which are essential for enhancing both gross motor skills and fine motor skills. It also provides a way for children to express their emotions through ways other than speaking, such as drawing, painting, and writing.Shop our creative play toys for kids & toddlers. You’ll discover creativity toys your child will love to use again and again. While shopping, be sure to browse our items to inspire active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and social play.

Shop by Skill: Imaginative Play

Why is imaginative play important? Through this form of play, kids develop creative thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills - critical skills they’ll use throughout their lives.Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or school-aged kid, they’re the perfect imaginative play age and will reap the benefits of imaginative play.Why is imaginative play important? Through this form of play, kids develop creative thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills - critical skills they’ll use throughout their lives.Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or school-aged kid, they’re the perfect imaginative play age and will reap the benefits of imaginative play. What are 5 Benefits of Encouraging a Child's Imagination? There are various benefits of encouraging a child’s imagination, 5 of which are:1. Building self-confidence – When kids get to imagine being a superhero or firefighter, it gives them more confidence in their abilities and potential.2. Boosting intellectual growth – As the beginning of abstract thought, using their imagination helps kids think symbolically.3. Developing social skills – Imaginary play helps kids explore relationships with family members and friends. It helps them imagine what it would be like to be in another person’s shoes and develop empathy.4. Practicing language skills – Imaginary play, especially with others, involves a lot of talking, which boosts vocabulary and improves communication.5. Easing their fears – If children use imaginary play to face a situation they’re scared of, such as a monster taking them, it gives them a chance to change the narrative and take control of the scenario in their mind! Imaginative Play Toys for Kids & Toddlers At KidKraft, you’ll discover the best imaginative play toys that give children plenty of ways to play and use their imaginations.Indoor Imaginative Play ToysFrom the best play kitchens and train sets to wooden dollhouses and unique pretend play sets (like our Let's Pretend™ Pop-Ups), our parent and kid-approved imaginative toys offer screen-free playtime fun.No matter which indoor imaginary play toys you choose, your kids will enjoy exploring their curiosity and using their imaginations while playing with them – and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re having fun while enhancing important developmental skills in the process. Outdoor Imaginative Play Toys Some examples of imaginative play for outdoors include cloud watching, pretending they have their own house with a play tent or playhouse, and hosting an outdoor tea party that they can set up as a picnic on a blanket or on a kid’s picnic table. Get more imaginative play ideas on our blog.KidKraft has the best imaginative toys that will not only foster your child’s development, but also keep them engaged while playing. Shop our imaginative play toys for kids & toddlers and also check out our toys for active play, cognitive play, creative play, and social play.

Shop by Skill: Cognitive Play

Cognitive play is a type of play that helps build a variety of children's cognitive skills. What are cognitive elements of play, specifically? Problem-solving, paying attention, reasoning, and remembering things they’ve learned and experienced are all important skills that are developed during cognitive play. Additional skills that are enhanced in cognitive development in play are vocabulary, language skills, perspective taking, and creativity.Believe it or not, “play” is a critical component of healthy cognitive development in kids of all ages and cognitive development toys and activities help foster these skills. What is Considered Cognitive Play? Cognitive play can include activities that challenge children to overcome obstacles, like playing on monkey bars or creating new games. It can also include activities that help children practice critical thinking skills, such as puzzles, memory games, and building blocks. Essentially, any activity that involves a challenge for kids to overcome will have cognitive benefits of play.What are the benefits of play for cognitive development? Play provides many benefits for and supports cognitive development since it engages children in activities that not only promote cognitive development but also removes barriers to cognitive development. For example, cognitive play enhances problem-solving, collaboration, mental flexibility, and creativity, all of which promote cognitive development. But this type of play also removes barriers to cognitive development like fear, anxiety, and stress. Toys and Cognitive Development There are many types of cognitive toys and activities, both indoor and outdoor, that help foster cognitive development in children. Indoor Cognitive Play Toys Activities such as board games, puzzles, and matching games help develop cognitive skills and are great indoor options. In addition to these activities, our unique kids’ pretend play sets inspire creativity, cooperation, critical thinking, and more. Outdoor Cognitive Play Toys You can also encourage cognitive play through outdoor physical activity. Swing sets and toddler climbing toys provide a foundation for a variety of play options that will offer cognitive benefits through outdoor play. We offer a variety of climbers, which provide hours of fun outdoor play (but many can also be used indoors in a playroom!).These indoor and outdoor cognitive toys will foster your child’s learning while also making playtime fun. Shop our toys for cognitive development today!To shop by other skills, check out our toys for imaginative play, active play, creative play, and social play.

Shop by Skill: Active Play

Active play is essential for kids’ physical development, helping to improve their coordination, balance, gross-motor skills, and fine-motor skills. Active play is also great for directing the natural energy of kids in a healthy way, making it beneficial for kids and parents alike!Curious about what active play in child development consists of? Active play is a type of physical play that helps children develop movement skills, confidence, and physical literacy. It’s often unplanned, self-directed, and comes naturally to kids. And, of course, it’s a ton of fun! If you’re wondering what is an example of active play, it’s hard to narrow it down since there are so many! From simply running and jumping to riding a bike and kicking a ball to building forts and climbing trees, the list is endless. And kids don’t have any trouble coming up with all kinds of active play ideas! Active Play Toys Kids & Toddlers While there are plenty of active play activities for children that don’t require anything but kids and their imaginations, there are also a variety of active play toys for preschoolers through school-aged children that provide even more active play opportunities. Whether indoors or outdoors, active play toys encourage kids to use their energy and creativity. Indoor Active Play Toys Two classic indoor active play ideas all ages will love are indoor scavenger hunts and, of course, hide-and-seek!If you’re looking for another active play idea for toddlers, KidKraft offers a variety of climbers that are perfect for toddlers to burn off their energy and can be used both inside and outside. Climbers are one of the best indoor active play toys and are sure to get plenty of use! Outdoor Active Play Toys For outdoor active play fun, you’ll find an array of swing sets, outdoor playhouses, sandboxes and more that make it easy to foster active play right in your backyard. These types of active play toys encourage kids to play outside while getting physical activity and using their imaginations.Made of durable materials, every one of our kids’ outdoor playsets and swing sets is designed to withstand years of jumping, climbing, and swinging. Discover a variety of active play toys to suit your space and budget at KidKraft.Shop our active play toys for kids & toddlers. Whether you’re looking for a kids’ outdoor playset, other outdoor play activities, or indoor active play toys, you’ll find what you need here.We also have great toys for imaginative play, cognitive play, creative play, and social play.