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.

How to Refresh Your Playroom for the School Year: Playroom Ideas for a Smarter Space

Outdoor Activities for Kids: How to Build a Backyard They'll Love

Top Playground Games for Kids

Top Playground Games for Kids: Classic and Creative Ideas for Outdoor Fun The playground is where imagination and energy collide, whether kids are engaged in a game that has been passed down for generations or a spontaneous round of tag. But beyond the fun, playground games are highly beneficial, helping kids develop important life skills like teamwork, problem-solving and communication—all while burning off extra energy. Ready to make more fun memories in your backyard playground or at a park playground? Here are some of the top playground games kids love, plus ideas to keep things fresh, safe and exciting for every age. What Are the Most Popular Playground Games for Kids? Some playground children’s games never go out of style. These tried-and-true classics are easy to learn, don’t require equipment, and are guaranteed to get kids moving and having fun on the playground. Hide and Seek This fun playground game is an all-time favorite that never loses its charm. One child counts while the others find the perfect hiding spot (often inside a playhouse or tube slide on a swing set!). This game is not only a ton of fun, but it’s also great for teaching patience, spatial awareness and problem-solving. Red Light, Green Light One child plays the "traffic light" and calls out commands while the others race to reach them—but only when the light is green! It's a great way to build self-control, listening skills and balance. Hopscotch All you need is a few chalk-drawn squares and a small rock or beanbag. Kids take turns hopping through the numbered squares, improving coordination and number recognition, while having fun. Duck, Duck, Goose A perfect blend of anticipation and movement, this circle game is ideal for groups. Kids build social skills, take turns and get a burst of cardio all at once. Freeze Tag This is tag with a twist! When you’re tagged, you have to freeze until someone unfreezes you. This game helps kids practice quick thinking and teamwork while staying active. Four Square Using a ball and four connected squares, players take turns bouncing and passing the ball with the goal of staying in the game. It’s fast-paced, inclusive and great for improving coordination and focus. What Are Some Easy Games to Play on the Playground? Sometimes, the best playground games are the simplest ones, like follow the leader, balancing on a beam, or playing “lava floor” on a swing set. Even classic chase games like tag or pretend scenarios like pirates on a ship (which is a blast to play on any of our Swing-N-Slides) can lead to hours of laughter. Preschool Playground Games for Younger Kids Playground games for preschoolers should be simple and centered around interaction. At this age, kids are still learning how to take turns and navigate social play. Try these age-appropriate options: Follow the Leader: A fun way to encourage movement (toddler climbers are great to incorporate here!). Animal Walks: Pretend to hop like a frog, crawl like a bear, or waddle like a duck. Ring Around the Rosie: A gentle group game that encourages coordination and rhythm. Bubble Tag: Blow bubbles and have kids chase and pop them. Always choose games that match your child’s attention span and comfort level. For younger kids, it’s more about the experience than the rules. How to Make the Most of Your Playground Time A great playground experience, whether in your backyard or at a park, consists of a mix of structured and free play. While classic games offer fun and predictability, unstructured play allows kids to follow their instincts, try new ideas, and just be silly. Both types of play are essential for well-rounded development. Tips for adults: Step in to guide play when needed, especially if younger kids are learning how to take turns or handle frustration. Don’t be afraid to join the game! Being part of the action shows kids you're invested and makes for some pretty sweet memories. Encourage kindness, creativity and problem-solving by modeling positive behavior during play. Bring the Fun Home with Backyard Play Sets from KidKraft You don’t need to head to the park to enjoy these classic games. With this playground games list and a KidKraft outdoor playset, your own backyard becomes the perfect stage for imaginative, active play. From swing sets and climbing walls to imaginative add-ons like play kitchens or lookout towers, our playsets are built for endless adventure. Take the playground home. Explore outdoor swing sets and playhouses from KidKraft.

How to Refresh Your Playroom for the School Year: Playroom Ideas for a Smarter Space

How to Refresh Your Playroom for the School Year: Playroom Ideas for a Smarter Space With the back-to-school season here, your routines aren’t the only things due for a refresh—your playroom might be, too. As schedules shift and kids return to the classroom, updating the playroom will help create a space that supports their learning, imagination, and well-being all year long. Small changes can make a big difference in how your child plays, learns, and unwinds at home. Get inspired with these smart, stylish kids' playroom ideas to help you create a space that’s functional, fun, and ready for the new school year! Why a Refreshed Playroom Matters During the School Year A playroom provides more than just a fun space for kids to play. It's a space where they’re free to explore, process emotions, and develop independence. During the school year, a well-thought-out playroom can act as a creativity hub, a learning center, and even a much-needed emotional reset after a long day in the classroom. With a few thoughtful updates, your playroom can serve to spark imaginative play and support quiet study time, while keeping things tidy enough to keep your sanity intact. How to Design a Back-to-School Playroom That Works for Your Family Every family’s needs are different, which is why flexibility is key when refreshing your playroom for the school year. Aim to create a space that can easily transition from creative chaos to quiet focus—and back again. Below are some playroom design ideas to get you started: Incorporate Study Zones and Quiet Corners Designate a small area with a child-sized desk or activity table where kids can do homework, color, or build puzzles. Keep supplies like crayons, paper, or flashcards within easy reach to encourage independence. Add a beanbag, floor cushion, or teepee tent nearby to create a soft, quiet space for reading or decompressing after school. Combine Learning and Play with Flexible Layouts Instead of dividing the room by “fun” vs. “focus,” look for ways to blend them. Use rugs or low shelves to define different activity areas, but keep the layout adaptable. For instance, a play kitchen or dollhouse next to a book basket allows your child to naturally flow between imagination and learning without rigid boundaries. You might also want to check out our toddler-specific playroom set-up tips. Small Playroom Ideas That Make a Big Impact Working with a limited footprint? No problem. Some of the best children’s playroom refresh ideas come from thinking creatively about layout and furniture. Check out these playroom storage ideas and organization ideas: Use Vertical Storage and Foldable Furniture Wall-mounted shelves, hanging organizers, and over-the-door pockets maximize vertical space without crowding the room. Look for foldable tables and stackable stools that can be easily tucked away when not in use to keep the space flexible and clutter-free. Choose Compact, Multi-Purpose Play Pieces Opt for toys and furniture that serve more than one purpose, like a storage bench that can double as a reading nook. Pieces that work harder make small spaces feel bigger and more functional. Back-to-School Playroom Refresh Ideas on a Budget Refreshing your playroom doesn’t have to mean a full makeover. Start with what you already have. Some budget playroom ideas include rearranging furniture, rotating toys, and adding a new rug or wall decals—all of which can completely change the vibe of the space. You can also shop secondhand for bookshelves or baskets, or repurpose household items like spice racks for book displays or mason jars for craft supplies. Even a $10 label maker can feel like a game-changer when it comes to keeping things organized and kid-friendly! Playroom Storage and Organization Ideas to Keep Things Tidy Let’s face it: A playroom is only as good as its storage system. And the best playroom storage system is one that makes it easy for kids to find what they want and put it away when they’re done. Rotate Toys by Theme or School Schedule Instead of keeping everything out at once, try rotating toys based on interests, seasons, or what your child is learning in school. This keeps playtime fresh and focused while helping to reduce clutter. You’ll be amazed at how “new” a toy feels just because it’s been in hiding for a few weeks. Label Bins to Encourage Independence Use picture or word labels (or both!) to help kids identify where things go. Clear bins are great for visibility, but even opaque ones work well with visual labels. When kids can see and understand the system, they’re much more likely to clean up on their own.. Make Your Playroom Shine This School Year A well-designed playroom is a powerful tool for supporting your child’s development, creativity, and emotional well-being throughout the school year. With a few smart updates based on these refresh ideas for a child’s playroom, you can create a space that feels new, works better for your family, and grows alongside your kids. For even more inspiration, check out our additional playroom ideas. Refresh your playroom with smart, stylish solutions from KidKraft.

Outdoor Activities for Kids: How to Build a Backyard They'll Love

Outdoor Activities for Kids: How to Build a Backyard They'll Love If you’re looking to get your kids off the screens and into the sunshine (and let’s be honest, most of us are!), a fun, engaging backyard can be all it takes to spark their imagination and encourage hours of outdoor play. Regardless of the size of your outdoor space, you can create a kid-friendly space that’s inviting, exciting and safe. Learn why outdoor play is so important and discover easy ideas to help you design a space your kids will never want to leave. Why Outdoor Play is Essential for Kids While playing outside is a fantastic way to have kids burn energy, it’s certainly not the only benefit! Outdoor play also helps kids build confidence, creativity and social skills. Running, climbing, building and pretending all encourage physical development and cognitive growth, while helping kids connect with nature and enjoy some much-needed fresh air. Plus, unstructured play gives children the freedom to explore, problem-solve and invent their own fun, which is often when the best memories are made. How to Create a Fun and Safe Backyard Play Space Creating an outdoor play space your kids love doesn't require a full backyard makeover. Just a few thoughtful features can turn your yard into their favorite place to be, such as: A dedicated play zone—whether it’s a swing set, sandbox or playhouse, having a go-to space for backyard playing makes all the difference. Shaded spots—trees, umbrellas or a covered playhouse help keep outdoor play for kids cool and sun-safe. Soft ground cover—grass, mulch or play-safe turf helps cushion tumbles and protect little feet. Open space—a clear area for running, kicking ball or laying out a picnic blanket goes a long way. Water play options—think splash pads, sprinkler or even a DIY car wash for bikes and scooters. Outdoor storage—bins, benches or sheds make cleanup easy and keep outdoor toys ready to go. The goal is to make the space inviting, easy to use and full of variety so your kids keep coming back for more. Outdoor Play Ideas to Spark Imagination Kids are happiest when they’re using their imaginations. These DIY backyard play ideas are perfect for sparking creativity and encouraging unstructured, screen-free fun. DIY Backyard Play Ideas for Endless Summer Fun You don’t need to buy a bunch of toys to create excitement. Here are a few DIY-friendly ideas to try: Backyard obstacle course—ue cones, hula hoops, pool noodles and chalk for a new challenge every day. Mud kitchen—set up an old table with pots, pans and utensils for sensory-rich pretend play. Nature scavenger hunt—create a simple list of things to find: leaves, feathers, rocks, bugs, etc. Outdoor art station—set up a table with washable paints, sidewalk chalk or a big roll of paper for mural-making. Garden helper zone—give kids a corner to dig, plant, and water. These easy, fun outdoor activities for kids keep them engaged while encouraging independent and creative play. Building a Backyard Playground: Tips and Inspiration Want to add outdoor play equipment for kids to your yard? Here are a few things to consider when thinking about how to build a playground area: Size of your space—measure your yard and account for clearance around swing sets or slides. Your child’s age and interests —younger kids might prefer a cozy playhouse or toddler swings, while older ones may want monkey bars or climbing walls. Durability—look for materials like treated wood or weather-resistant finishes that hold up to sun, rain and lots of play. Safety features—choose equipment with smooth edges, secure anchors and age-appropriate heights. Expandable options—some sets can grow with your child, allowing you to add features over time. Top tip: Start with a structure that suits your current needs but leaves room for future fun. FAQs About Outdoor Play for Kids What are the best outdoor activities for kids to enjoy at home? Here are some favorites that work in almost any yard: Water balloon games Sidewalk chalk art Nature scavenger hunts Obstacle courses Backyard camping Gardening projects Swing set or sandbox play How do you keep outdoor play safe and fun for kids? Safety doesn’t mean limiting fun; it just means being prepared. Always supervise young children during active play. Make sure play equipment is properly anchored and age-appropriate. Keep the play area free of sharp objects or tripping hazards. Apply sunscreen. Keep kids hydrated. Teach kids basic outdoor safety rules, like watching for bugs and staying in designated areas. Build the Backyard of Their Dreams with KidKraft The best backyard is one that’s built with your kids in mind and gives them a space that inspires them to move, explore and let their imaginations run wild. Whether you’re adding a swing set, creating a sandbox zone or just setting up a shady corner for pretend play, a little creativity goes a long way. Ready to turn your backyard into a kid-approved wonderland? Explore KidKraft’s wooden playhouses, swing sets and sandboxes — everything you need to create unforgettable outdoor adventures.

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Best Toys for Preschoolers

When it comes to designing the best toys for preschoolers, we like to take inspiration from experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics who say that the “best toys are those that support warm, verbally rich interactions and quality time for the parent or caregiver and the child” and “toys that grow with the child, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.” And of course, we like to refer to the real experts as well, preschoolers themselves! As it turns out, they know a thing or two about having fun. The categories of toys listed below cater to both the guidelines of childhood experts and the fun-loving spirit of preschoolers. Dolls, Dollhouses, and Play Sets Dolls are known to help promote empathy and social skills in preschoolers, and they’re perfect for fostering some quality time with parents. Dollhouses can help promote imaginative play even more, giving your child more ways to play with their dolls. Unfortunately, boys often miss out on the benefits of playing with dolls and dollhouses due to social pressures. If that’s the case with your son, you can still foster the same type of play with more “boyish” play sets like our Pirate’s Cove or Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset. Blocks and Building Toys Toys that promote constructive play always get mentioned by childhood development experts. Building with blocks promotes cognitive development, fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving. So shout out to the humble block – turns out it’s doing a ton for our kids’ growing brains. As preschoolers master building with simple wooden blocks, they can move on to the more challenging building bricks for more ways to build and create. Craft Materials Building with blocks is just one way to explore your child’s creativity – simple crafts materials offer countless other ways for your child to create. Keeping a stock of basic supplies like construction paper, safety scissors glue sticks, chalk, pipe cleaners, and craft pom poms allows your child to get creative on a whim and get some fine motor practice as they learn to handle the materials. Outdoor Toys Two things most kids could use more of? Time outside and active play! Outdoor toys like swing sets or a simple ball and hoop are perfect for providing both… without requiring you to take a trip to the park. Swinging, sliding, and climbing help build strength and gross motor skills and provide kids with some much-needed physical exertion. Toys that Promote Dramatic Play When kids engage in dramatic play –i.e. playing a part– they practice valuable social and life skills. From playing doctor to running a shop to cooking pretend dinners, dramatic play lets kids practice everyday social interactions, giving them the confidence they’ll need when they face those scenarios IRL. A few words of advice… If these categories seem broad, it’s because, truthfully, a wide variety of toys can be great for preschoolers’ development. Take a back-to-basics approach with your toy shopping, and you can’t go wrong. That means avoiding toys that overstimulate or simply entertain your child (like screens or gimmicky light and sound effects) and instead choosing toys that let kids take the lead in pretending, creating, or moving. If you want more specific recommendations for toys that do just that, check out our Shop by Skill page, where we round up toys that promote five crucial areas of play: Active Play, Cognitive Play, Creative Play, Imaginative Play, and Social Play.

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 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!

Best Play Kitchen Accessories

If you haven’t been served pretend food by your toddler, are you even a toddler parent? Whipping up pretend meals is practically a toddler rite of passage. That’s why play kitchens and pretend food will always be a mainstay toy for toddlers. And while we love their ability to imagine the wackiest entrees (octopus pie with extra sprinkles, anyone?), we know that few play kitchen accessories can help engage and immerse them in pretend play. We’ve rounded up our favs for sparking their culinary creativity and taking their play kitchen to the next level! Tasty Treats Chef Accessory Set Every pretend play scenario is more fun with a costume, right? The chef’s hat, apron, and oven mitts in the tasty treats chef accessory set will have your little feeling like a real chef. Plus, they’ll look *chef’s kiss* adorable. A Coffee Maker Kids love to imitate what they see us do in the kitchen in real life…and if you’re like most parents, that includes starting the morning with coffee. With the Pastel Coffee Set your toddler can brew up their own cup of joe and add in a few sugars and creams until it’s just right – all the fun of a morning coffee ritual minus the caffeine. A Tea Set Maybe tea time is more your toddler’s speed. If so, we bet your little one would love to host tea time with you using the Let’s Pretend: tea time set. This compact little set functions as a full service tea cart, complete with tea cups, cream pitcher, tea pot, tea bags, stirring spoons, and even the faucet and burners to get the kettle boiling. It’s the perfect play kitchen add-on for any family that loves a good cup of tea – or any kid who loves to throw tea parties with their dolls and stuffies! Breakfast Foods You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sets of pretend food usually have a ton of fruits and veggies, but if your little one wants something extra special to go with that tiny mug of coffee, we recommend a few fun breakfast add-ons like our Toaster Set or Fruit Smoothie Set! Baking & Dessert Sets For many kids, helping out with a batch of cookies is their first real kitchen experience. It’s only natural that they’d want to recreate those memories in the play kitchen. It’s why our baking sets are some of our most popular kitchen accessories. With the stand mixer, rolling pin, baking sheets, cookie dough ingredients, and, of course, pretend chocolate chip cookies, they can take the lead and whip up their own batch of cookies! An Ice Cream Shop Setup Nothing turns an ordinary day into the best day quite like a trip to the ice cream shop. We have a feeling your kiddo will love mimicking the simple magic of a trip to the ice cream parlor with the Ice Cream Shop Play Pack. In terms of pretend ice cream toys, this set is the equivalent of a double scoop with extra toppings! In addition to your typical ice cream scoops, it comes with a popsicle stand, trays for brownies, magnetic images to make their own menu, a hanging sign to “advertise” their little business, a cash register insert to check you out, and more! A Complete Cookware Set If your play kitchen doesn’t come with dishes and cookware (or if you just want a few extras), a cookware set is a must. Our 27-piece set covers all the basics your kiddos will need to cook and serve meals from their tiny kitchen, including pots, pans, and a full set of dishes and utensils. Find it in pastels or primary colors. If you prefer the look and durability of metal pots and pans, you can opt for the Deluxe Cookware Set instead.If you’re still looking for the perfect play kitchen too, take a look at our full line of wooden play kitchens. Most come with basic play kitchen accessories to get started. And be sure to check out the Create and Cook Kitchen Set, which comes with all three of our Create & Cook food sets: Avocado Toast, Apple Pie, and Peach Popsicle.

Best Toddler Playsets

We might be known for our play kitchens, dollhouses, and swing sets… but we like to think that play sets are one of the things we do best. We love playsets for their ability to appeal to kids with all types of interests. They’re the perfect dollhouse alternative for kids who don’t want an actual dollhouse but love pretend play. So whether your little ones are into cute-cuddly-animals, fire trucks, or aliens, we’ve got a playset that will spark their interest and foster imaginative play. We’re highlighting our favorites to help you quickly find one that’s perfect for your budget and your kiddo! For Toddlers Who Love Astronauts & Outer Space Rocket Ship Playset $89.99 Astronauts, aliens, and robots team up (or fight against each other!) in this multi-level rocket ship. A working crane, removable top, and tubs of “radioactive” waste make for a harrowing and interactive outer space experience. Ultimate Spaceship Get ready to go warp speed ahead on your next imaginative adventure with the KidKraft Ultimate Spaceship. This immersive experience allows kids to make believe in a spacecraft bursting with out-of-this-world innovation. Lights, sounds, a projecting galaxy map and rocking motion create an exciting atmosphere ready to be explored. For Toddlers who Love Animals Have a little naturalist or aspiring equestrian on your hands? These are the playsets for them! Sweet Meadow Horse Stable or Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly™ These horse stables feature stalls, grooming rooms, outdoor areas, and jumping hurdles… everything horse-loving kiddoes need to spoil their toy horses! The Sweet Meadow is sized for larger horse toys (like the size a Barbie would ride). Safari 2-in-1 Ride and Play with EZ Kraft Assembly™ Part riding toy, part African Safari set, this playset is a must for kids who love the zoo or nature shows!For more details on these playsets and more ideas for animal lovers, check out our Gift Ideas for Toddlers who Love Animals! For Toddlers Who Love Pirates Is it just us, or do most toddler TV shows eventually have a pirate episode? If your little one can’t get enough of those scalliwags, we made these playsets with them in mind! Pirate’s Cove Playset Think dollhouse but pirate-themed! A rope ladder, jail cell, cannons, crane, and more make the four-level hideout a favorite with all little pirates. And of course, a pirate’s not a pirate without a ship – this one is made to last with wood construction and fabric sails. Adventure Bound™: Pirate Ship This playset skips the pirate hideout but makes the ship even cooler! It opens so kids can have the included pirate toys explore inside the ship as well as on the deck. For Toddlers Who Love Cars Drive. Race. Wash. Repeat… we’ve got your car lovers covered. Wash n Go Wooden Car Garage Three levels of twists and turns and a helipad make this the coolest car wash you’ve ever seen! Mega Ramp Racing Set The elevator and spiral ramp are pretty cool… but the real wow factor of this playset is the racing ramp that launches cars into a daring jump! For Toddlers Who Love all Things Firefighter & Police If your little ones love the flashing lights and sirens of firetrucks, police cars, and ambulances, one of these playsets is bound the be a hit! Everyday Heroes Play Set A helicopter, cool police motorcycle, firetruck, and some trusty canine helpers – oh and a pole for sliding down the firehouse! This set has everything kids love about firefighters and cops! Fire Station Set $109.99 A smaller version of the Hometown Heroes set, this one focuses exclusively on the fire station. Deluxe Fire Rescue Set Another multi-level fire station complete with a sliding pole…but this one comes with a few extra features like an ambulance and space for the fire fighters to play basketball or work out!If you want more details on the playsets we mentioned or need to browse a little more before you decide, you can check out all of our playsets here!

Space Saving Furniture Ideas for Kids

Kid-sized furniture is having a bit of a moment thanks to increasingly popular parenting/ educational philosophies like Montessori. The thought is that child-sized tools and furniture help foster independence and give kids ownership of their own spaces. You’ve probably seen a few pint-sized tables, desks, and wardrobes on your favorite parenting accounts! But if those kid-friendly spaces feel out-of-reach for you because square footage is low, don’t give up on the tiny furniture dream just yet! We’ve got some space-saving kids’ furniture ideas that can help! Floating Wall Desk Desks are one of the most popular types of kid-sized furniture for good reason. They perform a task that couches and dining room tables just can’t: giving your child their own space to work and focus! Unfortunately, they’re also a relatively large item that doesn’t work for every space. That’s where the Arches Floating Wall Desk can save they day! This innovative desk folds completely flat against the wall, leaving it completely out of the way when not in use. If you need ideas that work for small kids rooms, this desk is the perfect solution! Fold it away for play time, and set it back up when it’s time to craft or tackle homework! Expandable Table & Bench Set If you have more than one child in need of a homework space, the Arches Expandable Table & Bench Set has room for four to six kids, but takes up way less space than you’d think! The fold out benches easily flip over and out when kids need them and then neatly back under the table when they don’t. Included storage bins add even more space-saving power, making it easy to store craft or school supplies. Grow Together Adjustable Desk The streamlined profile of the Grow Together Adjustable Desk is a great space saver on its own – but the slim, minimalist design is far from the coolest benefit. This desk and chair set adjusts to grow with your child, so it can last from the preschool years all the way to the homework years! Book Nook & Tent If you love the idea of a play teepee or reading nook for your kiddo’s room but can’t spare the space, this cute little book nook just might do the trick. Built-in shelves mean you can ditch the book shelf to make room for this cozy reading-nook-and-play- tent in one! Bookcase with Reading Nook If the tent’s shelves won’t fit all of your child’s books but you still love the cozy vibes, this bookcase with reading nook can give you the best of both worlds: a great place to curl up with a book and plenty of storage. For more ideas for kids furniture for small spaces, check out our Toy Storage Ideas for Keeping Playtime Mess Free. Want to shop for kids’ furniture by age? Check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds now!

Guide to Starting Kindergarten

You blinked, and your baby is almost a kindergartener! But before you get all misty-eyed at drop off, you’ve got to make sure your little learner is set up for success! Our tips for starting kindergarten will help make sure your kiddo feels prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally, so when it’s finally drop off time, the only tears are yours. Find the Perfect Bedtime You likely already have a set bedtime routine, but you may want to move it earlier in the evening before the big first day! Five year olds need about 10-12 hours of sleep each night, and with early school mornings, they may need to be in bed as early as 6:30 to get the sleep they need! If you think they’ll benefit from hitting the hay a little earlier, start moving their bedtime up in 15-minute increments in the weeks before school until you’ve reached your target time. Master Your Mornings While you’re working on bedtime, it’s also a good idea to practice your morning flows as well! A week or two in advance, start waking them up at the same time they’ll wake up on school mornings. Go through the entire process of getting ready each day, and by the time the real first day rolls around, they won’t be groggy or stressed from rushing to get ready. Prepare Them for a Typical Kindergarten Day Of course, one of the best and easiest things you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten is simply talking about it. Let them know what they can expect and try to build excitement for meeting their teacher, making new friends, and learning new things! If your child has never been to preschool, they may truly not know what to expect, so offer plenty of details – story time, sitting at a desk, playgrounds, the cafeteria, etc.Kids who have already attended preschool will be familiar with most of the basics, but they might still be surprised by some things in kindergarten. Prep them for things like longer days, longer periods of focused instruction, and larger class sizes. Frame it positively – these changes mean they are a big kid, after all!And be sure to listen as well – if your child is expressing nervousness about kindergarten, you can help by dispelling any unnecessary fear and refocusing on the positives while still empathizing with their feelings. Read Books about Going to Kindergarten If talking isn’t enough to build excitement or calm fears, try reading some books about kindergarten as well. They’ll help normalize the school day and make it seem extra fun! Many books feature characters who are nervous about their first day, which may be helpful if your little one has been feeling apprehensive too. And there’s no need to go buy new books – just search “goes to school” or “goes to kindergarten” in your local library’s catalog, and you’re sure to get plenty of titles! Don’t Miss Meet the Teacher Even just a few minutes to see their classroom and meet their new teacher before the first day can help your kiddo feel more confident and prepared on their first day! Create a Kid Study Space Creating a kid-friendly study space isn’t just about homework – it’s about helping your child actually enjoy and feel ownership over studying and reading. So even though kindergarten homework assignments are usually quick and easy, take advantage of the chance to create positive study habits in a space your child enjoys! A study space should be tidy, distraction-free, and ergonomically correct for kids’ smaller bodies. That means a kids’ desk or a booster seat at a regular desk or table.We find that kid-sized furniture definitely adds to the cool factor and helps kids feel like the space is totally their own. Our tips for How to Create a Kid-Friendly Study Desk will encourage them to get involved in decorating and organizing their space. If you don’t have room for a desk, try our Ideas for Setting Up a Kids Reading Corner, or check out our new space-saving Arches Floating Wall Desk and Chair. No matter where they’re working, our 5 Tips to Keep Kids Organized and Focused can help keep the space organized and free from distractions. Make Extra Time for Play & Rest the First Weeks Even for kids who are used to preschool or daycare, the first week of kindergarten is exhausting! They’re meeting new people, learning new rules, and focusing for longer periods of time. Keep your evening and weekend plans to a minimum so your little one can catch up on the rest they need. And while it may seem counterintuitive, they may also crave more time to move around and get active. All that sitting and focusing is tough, especially for very active kids, so pencil in some time to let them get outdoors for child-led play. Check In & Observe With any big change, it’s always a good idea to ask your child how they’re doing and observe them for signs that something isn’t right. Kids who are having a hard time adjusting may act out more, get more reserved or sullen, or have emotional outbursts. While a small adjustment period is normal, if your child just isn’t themselves for more than a few weeks, check in with their teacher to see if they’ve noticed any problems in the classroom. And of course, talk to your child to get their take on how kindergarten is going! With any luck (and these tips!), starting kindergarten will be smooth sailing!

Birthday Activities for Kids

Our Favorite Birthday Activities for Kids We think birthday parties should be fun for everyone – parents included! That’s why we love birthday party activities that are as fun as they are easy. These 8 birthday activities for kids will win you some “cool parent” brownie points with minimal prep and stress, so you can enjoy the party too, Bubble Wrap “Firewalk” This activity is easy, cheap, and a kid favorite! All you need is a large roll of bubble wrap! Roll it out in the yard or down the hall if you’re having an indoor party. Then, the kids get to race across it one at a time. For toddler birthday parties, this might be enough entertainment on its own! For slightly older kids, introduce a few rules to make it more fun. Create teams for and play rounds with different rules like trying to pop the least amount of bubbles one round and the most the next. Use your ears to judge! Nerf Wars Small Nerf blasters can double as a party favor and a birthday activity in one! As long as you’re fine with Nerf darts flying around during the party, the kids are sure to have a blast, and the activity is pretty hands-off for you! If your child is a Nerf fanatic, an outdoor Nerf battle fort might be the perfect birthday gift! Balloon Stompers Each child gets a non-helium balloon tied to their ankle on a long string. Then the fun begins as they chase each other around, trying to stomp and pop on each other’s balloons. The last balloon standing wins! Of course, this game is definitely made for older kiddos since popping a toddler’s balloon is just a recipe for a meltdown. For a more toddler-friendly version, just try a game of “keep up the balloon” instead. DIY Photo Booth Photo booths are all-the-rage these days, and kids love to get in on the fun! Set up a simple backdrop using paper streamers or party decorations and provide a few fun props. Don’t worry about having a camera set up – most parents will be glad to use their phones for the photo opp when it’s their child’s turn! Limbo Never discount the classics! Turn on the music, grab a broom or other stick, and let the kids see how low they can go. Older kids can handle the official limbo rules, while toddlers will have a blast just crawling under the limbo pole! Sidewalk Chalk/ Paint If you’re planning an outdoor party and have some space on your patio, sidewalk art makes for great low-key entertainment. Chalk is fun, but they’ll be even more enticed to join in by the novelty of homemade sidewalk paint! Bubbles Yep… just bubbles! At least for toddlers, popping bubbles provides pretty much endless entertainment, so a bubble machine might be a worthwhile investment. Even older kids enjoy blowing bubbles, so leave out enough bubbles and wands for each guest, and they’re sure to get used! Activity Stations We love the idea of setting up different activity stations that the kids are free to explore on their own. This way, the kids are having fun, and the adults aren’t as busy directing the party. Some of the ideas above – like photo booths, bubbles, and sidewalk painting, work great as activity stations. Other ideas include a water play area, a craft table, puzzles, and any toys that multiple kids can play with at once. Any large outdoor toys are going to be kid magnets, so if you have a swing set, sandbox, or playhouse, you’ve already got a few built-in stations!Planning a party in the warmer months? Check out our Summer Birthday Ideas for even more birthday inspo!

Screen Free Learning Activities for Toddlers

Screen time has its place, but don’t buy into the idea that your toddler needs apps or screens to learn. Toddlers learn best from hands-on experiences, so next time you want to give those little brains a boost, skip the screens and try one of these five screen-free activities for toddlers! Sorting Sorting activities are great for helping your toddlers categorize and create order, helping build their attention and problem-solving skills. There are endless ways to introduce sorting activities to your toddler, so as they begin to master one type of activity, you can move on to something more challenging.If your toddler knows a few colors, color sorting is a great way to start. One classic activity is to paint the different compartments in an egg carton with varying colors and provide craft pom poms for them to sort into the correctly-colored compartments. Of course, you can make it even easier by drawing circles with different colored crayons and sorting small household items into the circles by color. If your toddler is a bit older, try out more advanced categories. For example, they can sort their stuffed animals and figurines into zoo animals, farm animals, and pets – or even African animals, ocean animals, etc. Matching Like sorting, matching is a great cognitive-boosting activity that has endless variations. A super easy way to get started? Gather some socks in a basket and let them find the matches! When you first get started, you can make it easy by choosing sock pairs that are clearly different sizes and colors. As they get more skilled, increase the challenge by only sock pairs that look fairly similar.When they’re ready, try more advanced matching activities like matching pictures of different natural settings to the animal who lives there. You can always find free or low-cost printables for these types of activities! Constructive Play Constructive play is just a fancy term for “building things,” and it’s one of the best ways to build your toddler’s pre-math skills! You can provide different ways to explore constructive play with toys like blocks, building bricks, magnetic tiles, train sets, and even play dough. As your toddler gets older, they’ll start to attempt more complex builds, so be sure to build with them often to give them ideas and direction. Tactile Letters When you incorporate multiple senses and make it fun, you can start promoting letter recognition from a young age. A few of our favorites include: Letters in the sand. Put some play sand or kinetic sand in a tray and provide printed letters for your child to practice copying with their finger in the sand. While they’re still learning their letters, you may only want to introduce one or two letters at a time. Ice cube letters. Purchase an alphabet ice tray for a fun sensory and letter-recognition activity in one. Take all your letter ice cubes outside in a bin, and let your child paint them on a hot day. Talk about each letter as they pick them up! Shaving cream letters. Cover the craft table in shaving cream, and let them start practicing their letters in it! It’s messy but oh-so-fun. Real-world Role Playing Remember that, for toddlers, social and emotional learning is perhaps even more important than learning letters and numbers. Pretend play is one of the main ways your toddler makes sense of the world and their place in it, so encourage it any chance you get… especially when they’re interested in role playing real-life scenarios. Fantasy-based pretend play is great too, but real-world roleplaying is especially helpful for learning social norms, practicing their social skills, and growing their vocabulary. Follow their interests and pretend with them as much as possible. You can also encourage their pretend play by providing toys like dress-up clothes, play kitchens, doctors kits, and other real-life props. For even more immersive pretend play, the Let’s Pretend Pop Ups let you set up an entire restaurant, vet’s office, or grocery store in the playroom in minutes. For more educational play ideas, check out our favorite activities to build your child’s communication skills!