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.
Latest Articles
Exploring the 7 Benefits of Swinging
Have you ever wondered why swinging is calming or if the benefits of swinging extend beyond just being fun? It turns out, the swinging benefits reach far into a child's development, impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and even their cognitive functions.Unpacking the benefits of swinging exercise reveals how impactful this simple activity can be. It is so much more than simple fun, serving as a foundational pillar in nurturing healthy, happy children.In addition to outdoor play building confidence and creativity, there are several other swing benefits below. 1. Muscle Development Swinging actively engages muscle groups throughout the body, including the core, arms, and legs, contributing to enhanced physical health and activity levels among children. 2. Enhanced Coordination and Motor Planning Swinging requires coordination, balance, and precise movement planning, fostering the development of motor skills crucial for overall growth. 3. Improved Body Awareness Swinging heightens children's awareness of their body's position and movement, facilitating skill mastery and injury prevention during play. 4. Emotional Regulation Swinging serves as a calming activity, aiding in stress reduction and promoting emotional regulation through rhythmic movement. 5. Enhanced Focus The repetitive motion of swinging helps improve children's focus and attention, benefiting academic and personal achievements. 6. Sensory Enrichment Swinging enriches sensory experiences, supporting sensory integration and processing, particularly beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities. 7. Mood Elevation Swinging stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being, and contributing to improved mood and social interactions.Swinging offers multifaceted benefits that positively impact children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, making it a valuable component of playtime activities. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Swinging Calming? Swinging is often considered calming due to its rhythmic motion, which can provide a sense of relaxation. Is Swinging Good for Children? Swinging is generally recognized as beneficial for children, as it encourages physical activity and sensory experiences, and can support social interactions. What are the Sensory Benefits of Swinging? Sensory benefits of swinging may include proprioceptive input and vestibular stimulation, potentially enhancing body awareness and coordination. What are the Developmental Benefits of Swinging? Developmental benefits of swinging may include improvements in motor skills, spatial awareness, and posture, as well as opportunities for sensory integration. What are the Psychological Benefits of Swinging? Psychological benefits of swinging may include feelings of relaxation and enjoyment, potentially contributing to stress reduction and emotional well-being. Swing Sets at KidKraft With the many remarkable effects swinging has on both physical and neurological growth, this activity lays a solid foundation for future development and growth. It also promotes a child's overall psychological well-being, leading to growth and happiness.Get your child to experience the wonders of swinging right in your own backyard with a quality, durable swing set from KidKraft. Get Swinging and Smiling! Discover the Perfect Swing Set for Endless Fun!While you’re shopping, you may want to check out other items that are great for cognitive play and active play.
Caring For Outdoor Toys in the Summer
Between the heat, the sun, and the extra play, your kid’s outdoor toys may need a little extra TLC in the summer. Here are our best tips for keeping them safe, clean, and damage-free all summer long! How to Store Outdoor Toys Proper storage is the best way to keep your outdoor toys in great shape and avoid the wear and tear that comes with the summer sun. Plastic toys in particular can be faded by sunlight and weakened by extreme heat. Whenever possible try to keep outdoor toys in a dry, shady area when not in use such as your garage, shed, or covered porch. Just be sure they aren’t stored near dangerous chemicals. If toys have been stored for a long time, double-check for any bugs or spiders and wipe them down before use. No space in the shed? Outdoor storage boxes are a great solution for weather-proof protection and easy access to your kids’ favorite toys. For large toys that can’t be moved like swing sets and playhouses, try to install them in shady areas whenever possible, and opt for durable materials that can handle the summer heat. How to Clean Outdoor Toys Wooden toys Wood is naturally antimicrobial, so it’s a low maintenance material that’s less prone to mold and bacteria than plastic outdoor toys. Large wooden toys like playhouses and swing sets can usually just be cleaned with a garden hose and spray nozzle. If some dirt and grime have built up, try a scrub brush and a bucket filled with a 1:4 solution of gentle soap (like Castile or dish soap) and water. See all of our tips for cleaning wooden toys here! Plastic toys Most plastic outdoor toys are easy to clean but can be prone to mold growth, so be sure to keep them dry and properly stored when not in use. Some small toys may be dishwasher safe. For everything else, soak it in a 1:4 mixture of vinegar and water as needed (the kiddie pool is great for this!). Spot clean larger toys with the same solution and rinse with a garden hose. For especially grimy spots, try a scrub brush with dish soap or baking soda paste, or a Mr. Clean magic eraser. Water toys From water tables to kiddie pools, any outdoor toy that involves water is especially prone to grime and mold. To prevent mold build-up, try to ensure toys are completely dry before storing them away. Pour out as much water as possible, leave the toy in the sun to sanitize and dry, and then store it out of the elements. then At the first sign of mold, clean the toy with a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. If mold persists, it’s probably safest to discard the toy. How to Keep Outdoor Toys Safe During Yard Maintenance Summer is the peak season for lawn care and weed and insect control. Make sure all outdoor toys are stored safely out of the way when chemicals of any kind are being used in your yard. If you have large outdoor toys that can’t be moved, such as swing sets or sandboxes, take extra care to only use products that are safe for kids, follow all label instructions, and avoid contact with the toys as much as possible. Even most kid-safe products will recommend that children avoid the area until the product has dried. Ultimately, a little dirt isn’t the enemy when it comes to outdoor toys. But proper storage and a little maintenance will help you avoid mold, sun damage, and extreme grimy buildup, prolonging the life of your toys and keeping playtime safe and clean (well...clean-ish anyway).
Building Confidence and Creativity Through Outdoor Play
As parents, we’re always keeping tabs on our kids’ developmental milestones and looking for ways to support their growth. From snuggling up with a stack of library books to trips to the children’s museum, there are a ton of ways to support our little ones as they learn and grow. But one activity that stands out from the rest is outdoor play. Time in the outdoors not only provides new and exciting ways to play but also offers valuable opportunities for building confidence and fostering creativity. In this post, we’re diving into the benefits of outdoor play for our kids’ self-confidence and creativity and providing tips for maximizing your family’s outdoor playtime! Benefits of Outdoor Play for Confidence Open-ended, child-led outdoor play provides endless opportunities for children to boost their confidence levels. Why? Outdoor environments are never quite as predictable as indoor play spaces. From dealing with the weather to climbing trees, when kids play outside, they encounter new challenges and learn to overcome them. Whether it's finishing a hike, discovering a new-to-them plant or insect, or learning to ride a bike, each achievement builds their sense of confidence. Specifically, here are a few of the key ways outdoor play helps our kiddos feel competent and confident: Physical Competence Outdoor play is critical for helping kids develop gross motor skills, strength, and coordination. As our littles master activities like running and jumping, they gain confidence in their physical abilities and become more willing to try new things… like climbing, hanging, and somersaulting. While babies and toddlers can get plenty of gross motor practice indoors as they learn to walk or try to get on the couch, the older kids get, the more they need outdoor spaces that let them move in a variety of ways. From wide open spaces that are perfect for sprinting to trees and playsets that are great for climbing, there truly is no replacement for the great outdoors when it comes to supporting your child’s physical development. Risk Assessment By now, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of risky play. And if you’re like most of us, you likely fall into one of two camps: you’re all in on risk-taking play…orrrr you shudder at the thought. If you’re in the latter camp, don’t worry. Letting your kids take risks doesn’t mean you leave them unsupervised or let them take inappropriate risks that could result in major injuries. Instead, it’s all about giving them the chance to assess situations and discover their own limits. Outdoor play is one of the best ways we can offer these opportunities. When children engage in activities such as climbing or balancing, they learn to evaluate their abilities and make decisions based on their own judgment. This process enhances their problem-solving skills and self-confidence, and because they’re more aware of their own limits, they’re more likely to self-regulate and make safe choices as they gain more independence. Independence Speaking of independence…outdoor play is great for helping your child become a little more self-sufficient. As they venture into nature (with you nearby, of course) or engage in group play at the park, they learn to rely on themselves, make decisions, and solve problems independently. These experiences contribute to their sense of autonomy and confidence in their decision-making abilities. Nurturing Creativity Through Outdoor Play From enchanted forests to dragon lairs hidden deep in the mountains, our favorite fairy tales are nearly always set, at least in part, in nature. And there’s good reason for that! After all, it’s easier to believe in magic when we’re staring at the sun setting over the ocean or watching the fireflies light up the forest at dusk, right? Without getting too sentimental here, we do want to drive home the point that nature helps grow our kids’ sense of beauty and wonder… and in the process inspires their creativity. Plus, the open-ended nature of outdoor environments provides endless possibilities for imaginative play and creative exploration. Here's how outdoor play stimulates creativity: Natural Inspiration The beauty of nature serves as an abundant source of inspiration for children (and adults too!) From observing plants and animals to discovering different textures and colors, the outdoor environment sparks their curiosity and encourages imaginative thinking. And don’t feel like you need to live in a National Geographic-worthy location to help your kids appreciate nature. Mountains and canyons are awesome, but to your kids, the dandelions and beetles in your own backyard are pretty cool too. Role-Playing and Pretend Play Remember what we said about fairytales? Chances are your kiddo already loves to engage in pretend play. Outdoor settings can help foster that creativity even more, inspiring new ways to role-play and pretend. Sensory Stimulation If making DIY sensory bins isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you can provide just as much sensory play simply by taking your kids outside! They can feel the wind, smell the fragrance of flowers, hear the chirping of birds, and touch various natural elements. This sensory stimulation enhances their cognitive development, their natural curiosity, and their imagination. Tips for Maximizing Outdoor Play Experiences While having the right outdoor play equipment is important, it's equally crucial to maximize the overall outdoor play experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your child's outdoor playtime: Set Aside Regular Outdoor Play Time Try to establish a routine that includes dedicated outdoor playtime. We know – easier said than done. But by making it a regular part of your kiddo’s schedule, you’ll ensure they get the outdoor time they need to play, expend energy, and explore. Take a look at your schedule and see if there’s room to cut back on screen time or even clubs and classes if your child is enrolled in several organized activities. And remember that something is always better than nothing – even 15-20 minutes in the backyard benefits your child! Encourage Unstructured Play Structured play, like organized sports or camps, has its place, but unstructured, child-led play is what really helps kids grow in independence and confidence. This type of play encourages them to follow their own interests, be creative, and develop problem-solving skills independently. So take a trip to the park and let your child make new friends, or try to find local playgroups that meet up specifically for child-led play. Explore Natural Environments Venture beyond the playground, and look up some local state or city parks, forests, nature trails, or beaches to explore the wonders of nature. These settings can be a nice change of pace from your usual park spots and may help your child discover new interests! Join in the Fun If you really want to include more outdoor play in your routine, it needs to be fun for you too! Join in and play chase, go for a bike ride, or have a picnic together. Your involvement not only strengthens your bond with your child but also encourages them to explore new activities with confidence. Embrace Messy Play Outdoor play often involves getting a little messy, and that's perfectly fine! Encourage activities like splashing in puddles, digging in the dirt, or playing with sand. These experiences provide sensory stimulation and allow children to explore their world freely. Make Your Yard Play-friendly Getting out the door with kids can be tough, so having outdoor play opportunities at home is super helpful for the days when an outing just isn’t going to happen. Try to include a few different play opportunities in your own backyard. Smaller outdoor toys like balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and bug-catching kits are all great for encouraging active play and exploration. But if you’re hoping to truly transform your yard into an inviting, exciting playable paradise, you’ll want to add some larger, permanent structures like mud kitchens, sandboxes, swing sets, and playhouses. At KidKraft, we specialize in high-quality wooden outdoor toys that help your kids want to spend more time outside and encourage different types of play from active play to sensory play to imaginative play.Outdoor play is a powerful tool for fostering our children’s development. By providing opportunities for outdoor play, you help spark your kiddos’ sense of wonder and curiosity, help them learn through rich experiences, and help their confidence and creativity flourish!Start creating your backyard play space today, and shop KidKraft’s line of outdoor playsets, sandboxes, climbers, and more!
Sustainable Toys for Sustainable Living: Let's Play the Eco-Friendly Way!
We all want to make choices that are not only fun for our little ones but gentle on the planet. But how do you avoid a house full of cheap plastic toys destined for a landfill when these products practically dominate the toy aisles? To help you make more earth-friendly choices for your household, we’re diving into all things sustainable toys: what they are, why they’re good for your kids, and how to spot them when you’re shopping! Understanding Sustainable Toys So what exactly makes a toy sustainable? There are a few things to look for: First and foremost, will the toy last? High-quality, durable toys can last for many stages of your child’s life and be re-used by younger siblings, reducing the number of toys you buy. (More on this below!)Secondly, what is the toy made of? Sustainable toys are crafted from responsibly sourced materials, often utilizing renewable resources and recycled or recyclable materials. Educational and Developmental Aspects of Sustainable Toys It's never too early to start teaching our children about the importance of taking care of our planet. Sustainable toys provide a fantastic platform to introduce environmental concepts and nurture a love for nature. As they play, we can engage them in conversations about conservation and the importance of protecting our environment. Sustainable outdoor toys or toys that emphasize a love of nature like the Lil’ Green World Collection make these conversations even easier!Sustainable toys are often developmentally-friendly toys as well. Why? Toys that are meant to last and grow with your child are usually geared toward child-led play, the kind that supports kids’ creativity and cognitive development. This is a far cry from gimmicky toys that simply entertain rather than engage children in meaningful play. Longevity and Durability We've all seen those flimsy, break-apart toys that barely survive a single play session. Sustainable toys are meant to be just the opposite! Sustainable toys are made from top-notch materials, and designed to endure even the most rambunctious play sessions. Also, consider how long your child will remain interested in the toy. If it’s made from eco-friendly materials but will only be played with a few times before it gets thrown away, it’s still wasteful. Open-ended toys that can grow with kids are the way to go – they don’t need to be replaced as often and are less likely to end up in a landfill.And that means we save money in the long run and give the planet a high-five at the same time! Best Practices for Choosing Sustainable Toys: So how do you find said magical, eco-friendly, long-lasting toys? Keep these principles in mind as you shop and research brands, and you’ll end up with high-quality toys that are easy on the planet: Go for toys made from renewable or recycled materials: Look out for toys crafted from natural rubber, cotton, and responsibly sourced wood, like bamboo or FSC-certified wood. They’re extremely durable and help protect our planet’s beautiful forests. Win-win, right? Check for non-toxic and eco-friendly materials: Safety first! Opt for toys that use low-VOC, non-toxic paints and finishes, because, let’s be honest, our little explorers will definitely lick them at some point. You’ll be looking out for the health of the planet too as VOCs can be a major contributor of greenhouse gasses. Choose quality over quantity: Want to minimize clutter, spark your child’s imagination, and stay eco-friendly by consuming less? Open-ended toys made from high-quality materials are the answer… because buying less is always the most eco-friendly choice. Toys like building blocks, art supplies, and pretend play props are the superheroes of imaginative play. They offer endless possibilities for play because they’re powered by our kids’ imaginations – not by gimmicky effects– so your kids can turn just a few toys into endless fun. And when you choose open-ended toys made from durable materials, you won’t need constant toy replacements. That’s a win for eco-friendly entertainment! Support brands committed to sustainability: Support the brands that are doing their part for the planet. Look out for companies that are committed to quality and are transparent about their materials. Eco-Friendly Toy Disposal We can’t talk about sustainable toys without talking about what happens when our little ones outgrow them. Let's explore a few methods that give our kids’ beloved toys a second chance at life! Toy Swaps: Try organizing a toy swap event with other parents in your community! It's like a fun playdate with a sustainable twist. Everyone brings toys their children no longer play with and swaps them for something “new” and exciting. It's a win-win: your child gets a new toy to enjoy, and you reduce waste by giving toys a fresh home. Donating: When your child has outgrown a toy, consider donating it to a local charity, shelter, or thrift store. Many organizations gladly accept gently used toys and distribute them to families in need. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also brings joy to other children who may not have access to new toys. Recycling: When it's time to bid farewell to a toy, check if it can be recycled. Some plastics, cardboard, and other recyclable materials can be sorted and sent off to recycling centers. Remember to check your local recycling guidelines – it’s a simple step that makes a big difference! Passing Down: Toys that are truly special (and especially durable) can be saved and passed down as heirlooms to younger family members. (One caveat here: Saving special toys now for future generations is awesome, but be extremely careful about giving heirlooms and antique toys to your children. Many don’t meet modern safety standards and may have high levels of lead, cadmium, phthalates, flame retardants, and other hazardous substances). The Takeaways We can make choices that prioritize our planet while creating magical memories for our little ones. When we prioritize high-quality, long-lasting toys that can grow with our child, we’ll consume less and leave a smaller carbon footprint in the process. At KidKraft, we create toys that are durable enough to last through the toughest toddler treatment and open-ended enough to grow with them through the school years. From our safe, non-toxic paints and finishes to our sturdy wood constructions, KidKraft toys minimize the plastic, maximize the fun, and will stick around for years to come! Shop our collection of high-quality and long-lasting toys today!
Creating a Safe and Fun Outdoor Play Area for Children
Have you come across the 1000 Hours Outside movement on your social media feed yet? It’s a mom-led mission to get our kids outdoors and playing as much as possible, and it’s sparking a passion in parents and caregivers everywhere for the benefits of outdoor play. Even for those of us starting with much less ambitious goals (1000 hours per year can sound intimidating at first!), it’s hard not to be inspired by all the benefits of nature, risk-taking play, and outdoor time for our kids. That’s why we’re passionate about making backyards as fun and kid-friendly as possible. Because, let’s be honest, nature trails and parks are awesome, but loading kids in the car is hard. To make those outdoor hours a little more attainable, here are some ways you can empower them to play and explore safely in their own backyard! Safety First Yes, risk-taking play is critical for kids, but we do want to make sure those are reasonable and purposeful risks. (More on that below!) So it’s our job to protect them from the serious dangers. Before you let the kids loose in the yard, you’ll want to: Identify and remove potential hazards. Think rusty nails, gaps in fences, hidden holes, etc. Discuss or remove natural hazards. There is something to be learned from a wasp’s nest, a bed of ants, or a patch of thorny plants. If your child is old enough, you can talk to them about staying away from these hazards but still let them observe them from a safe distance. If your child can’t understand or doesn't have the self control for that yet, it’s best to remove the hazards altogether. Properly install and maintain outdoor play equipment. Play equipment is ideal for risk-taking play but only if it’s properly installed (i.e. anchored to the ground on a flat surface and surrounded by a safety zone of loose-fill like wood chips). Supervise and set rules as needed. Child-led free play doesn’t mean no boundaries. Be sure to set clear rules where necessary and keep the kids within sight. Encouraging Active Play One of the greatest benefits of time in the great outdoors is that it nearly always results in active play. All that activity helps kids develop gross motor skills and get the exercise their bodies need, but the benefits don’t end there. Adequate active play is even linked to improved focus, sleep, and emotional regulation.Kids don’t need much to engage in active play – just a little space and a few well-chosen toys. Balls, frisbees, hula hoops, jump ropes, and similar toys are great budget-friendly options, and larger outdoor toys like swing sets and climbing walls provide a wider range of activities. Don’t forget that nature comes with its own “toys” for active play – digging in the dirt, collecting sticks, and splashing in puddles are all classic kid favorites. Nurturing Imagination and Creativity Without getting too sappy here, there is something magical about kids’ natural sense of awe in nature. When they marvel at a feather, dandelion, snail, birds’ nest, cloud, you name it, they’re fueling their imagination with curiosity and wonder. So as you play outdoors, help them slow down occasionally and notice the small stuff. They’ll love learning about it, and they’ll love incorporating these natural elements into their imaginative play. A few select outdoor toys, like a playhouse, gardening tools, a sandbox, a bug collecting kit, can fuel their exploration and imaginative play as well, naturally encouraging them to want to spend more time outdoors. Providing Opportunities for Socialization Ever notice how your kids can spend endless hours outside as long as they’re playing with peers? Hosting outdoor play dates helps your kids get all the benefits of active play, nature play, and social play at once. Outdoor play time is more likely to result in child-led free play (vs. the more parent-led activities that tend to happen indoors), letting kids practice their social skills as they make up their own games and activities. Balancing Risk and Safety We mentioned earlier that risk-taking play is so important but that risks should be reasonable and purposeful. So what do we mean by that? First off, reasonable risks are risks that may result in minor injury but not serious or life-threatening harm. So falling just a couple of feet from the low tree branch they were hanging on? Reasonable (depending on their age and physical health, of course). Falling from great heights or swimming unsupervised? Definitely not. As you help your kids stay safe, it’s important to use your own judgment while still giving them room to explore, take risks, and yes maybe incur a few bumps and bruises along the way. Next, purposeful risks are those that actually help your child learn, gain new skills, and develop confidence and self-regulation. So when kids see how far they can jump from the swing or if they can go down the slide backwards? They’re testing the boundaries of their own coordination and learning how to self-regulate. But when they run into a busy street or step on a rusty nail? There’s not a lot of purpose there (not to mention potential for significant harm), so feel free to completely remove those risks from the play space without feeling like you’re depriving your child of an opportunity for risk-taking play. The takeaways Outdoor play gets kids moving, helps spark their curiosity and imagination, and provides opportunities for social skill development and risk-taking play. And there’s no better way to build more outdoor time into your daily rhythms than by making your own backyard safe, fun, and kid-friendly. KidKraft’s line of outdoor toys and play equipment are designed to do just that. Shop our play sets, playhouses, climbers, sandboxes, and more, and start racking up those outdoor hours… You may just find that 1000 hours outside doesn’t sound so crazy after all!
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play Sandboxes are a summer play staple. They let kids get imaginative and a little messy outdoors while providing numerous benefits in the process! Get the most out of your sandbox this summer with these easy backyard DIY sandbox ideas for creative play. 1. Fossil Dig First, have kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paintbrushes! 2. Sandbox Volcano Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox (be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle). Then, pour in the baking soda, followed by colored vinegar, to create a volcano explosion! 3. Ice Fun Ice cubes in the sand box—simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play! 4. Colorful Sand It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water and gallon zipper bags. Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag. Add sand and shake! Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun or just add it back into the sandbox wet and start playing! 5. Sand Letters Finger drawing letters in a medium such as sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity. It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write. By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they’re ready to write for real. Simply provide some printouts of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words. 6. Construction Site Sandbox If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand. Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys. 7. Sensory Sandbox Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour and build. Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox. Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy and big enough for some major digging adventures! Once you have your sandbox, determine how much sand you need for your sandbox and the best way to keep your sandbox clean. DIY Sandbox FAQ Looking to take the DIY route and build a sandbox? The below FAQs will help you get started. How to build a sandbox? When making a DIY sandbox, choose a level spot, then use wooden boards (like 2’ x 6’ or 2’ x 8’ lumber) to frame it and secure the corners with screws or brackets. Line the bottom with landscape fabric for drainage, fill it with play sand, and consider adding a cover to keep debris and animals out. How do I find sandbox plans? You can find sandbox plans online by searching DIY websites, Pinterest, or home improvement stores. Look for free printable plans or video tutorials that match your space, budget and skill level.
How To Combine Kids Outdoor Toys with Backyard Decor
Having kids doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your dream backyard! Keep your design on point and make your yard fun for the kids with these design tips for making outdoor toys work with your backyard decor! Start with Toys You Like! If possible, try to start with outdoor toys that have an aesthetic you can work with. Natural materials like wood are always a classic, and they’re easily customizable with paint jobs and accessories.Our wooden playsets and playhouses are a favorite with DIY-designer parents for just this reason! Plus, we have plenty of options for modern designs that look sleek and stylish even without customization. And no, you shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing a design you like because we promise your kids will love them just as much! Use Stylish Storage for Smaller Toys Smaller outdoor toys – like bubbles, balls, chalk, push mowers, etc. – can clutter up your back porch. But storing them away in a garage or shed probably means they never actually get used. Hidden storage like outdoor storage ottomans are the perfect way to keep clutter at bay and give your kids easy access to their toys. For midsize toys like push mowers and riding toys, try a stylish deck box! Tie-ins for the Win! Interior decorators are masters at tying together a room or an entire house to give it a cohesive look. It’s all about those extra little touches that unite a design without being too matchy-matchy. For example, a print that’s on a curtain in one room may appear in a slightly altered version on a throw pillow in another.You can apply the same principle to your outdoor decor and large outdoor kids’ toys to make your backyard look professionally designed! We know plenty of parents love to add their own touch to KidKraft playsets and playhouses with a custom paint job. If you’re using an accent color on the door or trim, try matching it to a color that’s already featured in your outdoor decor.If you’re adding curtains to your little one’s playhouse, try to incorporate those colors or prints in your furniture’s upholstery or throw pillows.Love the potted flowers on your back porch? Add the same flowers to your playhouse’s planter boxes! Don’t be afraid to get creative! The more subtle tie-ins you have between your decor and outdoor toys, the more the toys will look like an intentional part of your backyard design! Oil-Based Paints Even the paint on your kids’ toys is something to consider! We only used oil-based, non-toxic paints, and of course, our paints are completely free of lead and other hazardous materials. Landscape Around Large Toys If you’re worried about large toys interrupting the flow of your yard’s design, try working with them rather than “hiding” them. Simple touches like planting a few flowers around your child’s playhouse or swing set can make them look much more intentional and cohesive with the rest of your yard. We also love adding a stone path that leads to the toy! Of course, safety is still priority #1, so we aren’t suggesting you put shrubs, breakable pots, or stones too close to a swing set (ouch!). Need help picking the perfect outdoorsy toys for your yard? Our guides can help!Check out our Tips for Choosing a Backyard Playset, Best Outdoor Toys for Small Yards, and Buying Guide for Kids Outdoor Toys!
Modern Playhouse Decor Ideas
We firmly believe that a kid’s playhouse does not have to be an eyesore. Whether the playhouse is in your backyard or in your playroom, you should love looking at it as much as your kids love playing in it! To help you achieve that Insta-worthy modern playhouse we’ve gathered some of our favorite playhouse design ideas from parents like you! Plants & Wreaths Adding greenery is one of the simplest and most common interior design tips – and it works wonders for a playhouse too! Try arranging a few potted plants around the door or on the windowsill, hanging a wreath on the door, or adding flowers to the planter boxes beneath the windows. Whether they’re real or artificial, the plants will give the playhouse a bright, inviting vibe. For inspiration, see this greenery glow-up of our Forestview II Playhouse from @allisonmannella. Go Bold & Bright There’s no doubt that white and pastels are having a moment in modern design, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for bright, bold colors with your playset. This blue and lime green paint job on our Modern Outdoor Playhouse still looks exceptionally modern thanks to the black trim and simple accessories like the mailbox, address sign, and door handle. Plus, what kid doesn’t love bright colors? Or Bright & White If bright, bold colors don’t exactly fit your decor tastes, opt for bright and white instead. A white paint job provides a clean, crisp background for your decor ideas, and it photographs beautifully! You can paint most wooden playhouses, or just opt for our Modern Outdoor Playhouse in white if you’d rather skip the painting altogether! Make the Door Your Own We get it – a full-out paint job is not everyone’s thing. But you can still make your playhouse look like a DIY masterpiece by adding a quick coat of paint to the door. The door itself is so small, we promise painting it will feel like a breeze. You can customize it even more by installing a new door handle, a knocker, or address numbers. We love this rosy pink door with a sleek gold handle on our Modern Outdoor Playhouse! Start with a Playhouse You Love Giving your little one’s playset a modern, trendy vibe is a lot easier if you start off with a playset that already has a modern design in mind. That means skipping loud plastic and opting for more natural materials that can be painted and customized. KidKraft’s outdoor wooden playsets are perfect both for ambitious DIYers and those who’d rather keep their decorating simple and quick. By starting with the sleek, clean lines and natural wood finishes of KidKraft playhouse, you already have a trendy, modern base for your decor ideas. Some of our top choices for parents looking for modern decor are the Modern Outdoor Playhouse (no surprise there!), the Scenic View Playhouse, and the new Hobby Workshop Wooden Playhouse. Be sure to browse all of our playhouses before you decide, and keep an eye on our Instagram for even more modern decor ideas from parents like you!
