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.

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

Christmas Playhouse Makeovers: How Real Families Transformed Their Playhouses for the Holidays

Swing Sets with Installation

Getting a new playset is a huge moment for your family, but the assembly process doesn't have to be a huge headache. When you choose a backyard swing set with installation service, you can say goodbye to hours of deciphering instructions and hauling heavy boxes. Professional installers take care of the entire setup for you, ensuring your swing set is built safely and correctly. With the work handled by experts, you can skip the stress and look forward to the exciting moment your kids start exploring their new favorite hangout. What to Expect Choose professional installation, and experts will manage the process from delivery to the final safety check. Here is a breakdown of what to expect: Step 1: We’ll reach out to confirm details Within a week of placing your order, we’ll reach out to confirm installation availability in your area and ensure your yard is properly prepped (see note below on yard preparation). Step 2: Delivery coordination and scheduling Your swing set will be shipped to the KidKraft installation office closest to your location. The day before your scheduled installation, we will call to confirm your appointment. Please note that installation dates may change if weather conditions require rescheduling. Step 3: Professional assembly On installation day, experienced technicians arrive with your swing set and all the tools needed to build it. This prevents third-party carriers from leaving heavy boxes in your driveway and ensures the entire process stays organized. Step 4: Safety verification After assembly, installers complete a thorough safety check to confirm the structure is stable and all anchors are properly secured. Step 5: Cleanup The team removes all packaging materials and debris, leaving your yard clean and ready for play. Bring out the kids, the swings and slides are ready for action. Prepare Your Yard for Swing Set Installation Before the installation team arrives, a little prep work goes a long way in ensuring a quick and successful build. You want to make sure the designated area is safe, level, and free of obstacles that could delay the process. Choose a level spot: Select a flat area of your yard to ensure stability; installing on a slope can affect safety and structural integrity. Clear the area: Remove rocks, stumps, branches, or other debris from the installation site to create a safe workspace. Check dimensions: Measure your space to confirm there is a 6-foot safety zone around the entire perimeter of the swing set. Mark utilities: Identify and mark any underground sprinklers or utility lines to prevent accidental damage during anchoring. The approximate lead time on installation is usually 4-6 weeks from the order date (lead times may vary during peak season and holidays). Installation fees apply to most U.S. locations, although remote areas may incur additional charges, which will be discussed with you prior to processing your order. If there is no installer in your area, you'll be notified right away with refund options. FAQs How long does installation usually take? Most standard installations are completed within a single day, typically taking between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the swing set model. Larger, more intricate playsets may require a bit more time, but the professional team works efficiently to get your backyard ready for fun as quickly as possible. Is installation included in the price? Professional installation is available with select swing sets as an add-on service. Who installs the swing set? We partner with reputable, third-party assembly networks that vet and certify their technicians. These professionals are experienced in assembling outdoor play structures and are trained to follow our specific manufacturer guidelines to ensure every component is assembled safely. What type of surface is best for a swing set? Soft, shock-absorbing materials are the best choice. We recommend installing your swing set on wood mulch, rubber mulch, or engineered wood fiber. You’ll need at least 9 inches of material for most playsets. Always follow the specific manufacturer and local code requirements for fall height and surfacing. How do you anchor a swing set? Proper anchoring is essential for preventing the set from tipping over during vigorous play or high winds. Our professional installers follow the KidKraft installation manuals, using the appropriate ground stakes or anchors for each model and securing them firmly to the base of the playset legs. Shop KidKraft’s outdoor swing sets with installation today. With professional installation, you can skip the stress and let us handle the hard part so your kids can start swinging, sliding, and climbing sooner!

How to Organize Toys in 3 Steps

Tired of stepping on that rogue toy car or searching high and low for a doll's missing shoe? As sweet as it is to see your children play, the aftermath can sometimes look like a mini tornado hit your living room. The good news? You don’t have to choose between creativity and a clean floor. Organizing toys can actually be enjoyable (really!), and it doesn’t mean locking everything away in a closet. With the right strategies, you can turn cleanup time into a game, make play easier, and even teach your kids a little responsibility along the way. Ready to reclaim your space without interrupting their imagination or slowing down the fun? Let’s get started! Getting Started: The Basics of Toy Organization Before you buy new bins or start rearranging furniture, take a moment to notice how your child actually plays. Paying attention to their habits helps you figure out what should stay within easy reach and what can be stored higher up or put away. Effective organization relies on a few core principles: Accessibility: Keep your child’s favorite toys and activities within reach so they can play independently. Visibility: Clear bins or open shelves help kids see what they have. Simplicity: A simple organization system is easier to maintain than a complicated one. Step-by-Step: How to Organize Children’s Toys Like a Pro Creating a sustainable organization system takes a little time upfront, but the payoff is a playroom that cleans up quickly. Involve your child in the process to make it more enjoyable and teach them valuable skills. When kids help set up the system, they’re more likely to understand where things belong and take ownership of keeping the space tidy. It also fosters independence and helps them practice making decisions. Follow these steps together to organize and optimize your space. Step 1: Sort and Declutter The first step to organization is to sort and declutter. It is impossible to organize efficiently if you have broken items or toys your child has outgrown mixed in with their current go-tos. Start by gathering everything in one room and sorting through the pile. Create three distinct piles to streamline the process: Keep: The toys your child plays with regularly. Donate or sell: Gently used items that someone else can enjoy. Toss or recycle: Broken items or puzzles, toys, and games with missing pieces. Step 2: Group Toys by Type or Activity Once you have pared down the collection, categorize the remaining items. Involve your child by asking for their input—what toys they like to play with together, which items feel similar, or what should share a bin. For example, you may want to group items by how they are used: Building: Blocks, magnetic tiles, and construction sets. Pretend play: Costumes, play food, cars, and dolls. Creative: Art supplies, coloring books, and play-dough. Step 3: Label and Store Strategically Grab your labeler or some stick-on labels and create a simple label for each bin or shelf. Labels make cleanup feel more like following a map than a chore. And for little ones who aren’t reading yet, picture labels make it easy to match items to their spots. Once everything is labeled, use these storage strategies: Put heavier items and everyday toy and activity favorites on lower shelves. Reserve higher shelves for items that require supervision, like messy art supplies. Utilize open bins for bulky items that are hard to stack. How to Organize Plush Toys and Other Soft Items Stuffed animals can quickly take over a bed or corner if left unchecked. Since they are soft and lightweight, you have more flexible storage options than with rigid toys. Here are a few ways to corral the plush collection: Baskets: Large, soft baskets on the floor make it easy to toss animals in. Hammocks: Take advantage of corner space by hanging a net or hammock for display. Toy boxes: Classic toy boxes and benches hide the clutter while keeping plush friends accessible. Best Ways to Store Toys in Small Spaces If you are working with limited square footage, vertical space is your best friend. Also, consider dual-purpose furniture or storage that fits into unused nooks. Maximize your area with these organization ideas: Vertical shelving: Tall bookcases and shelves draw the eye up and can offer more storage than low, wide units. Just be sure to anchor them securely to the wall to keep them safe for little climbers. Under-bed storage: Roll-out bins utilize the dead space beneath beds. Multi-functional furniture: Save floor space by using tables with built-in drawers or benches with storage compartments. Storage Solutions Simplify Play and Cleanup Time Ultimately, the goal is to create a space made for play where cleanup is just a quick reset for the next adventure. Putting these affordable playroom organization ideas into practice gives every toy a home, and creates a system that can grow and adapt as your child moves from blocks to board games to brand-new picks. Shop KidKraft's storage collection today to make cleanup time simple and fun.

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

When the weather outside is chilly, soggy, or downright moody, it’s your cue to bring the good times indoors. Inside play keeps kids active and their imaginations buzzing. Snowy day? Rainy day? Here’s a handful of fun ideas that can flip “I’m bored” into “let’s do that again.” Fun and Easy Indoor Activities for Kids of All Ages Keeping kids entertained indoors doesn't have to be complicated. With a little creativity, you can turn your living space into a hub of activity and discovery. Here are five simple ideas to get you started. 1. Host a Play Kitchen Bake-Off Challenge Make your child’s play kitchen the center for a pint-sized cooking competition. Choose a theme, such as “Cupcake Creations” or “Crazy Pizza Toppings,” and let the little ones use toy food or craft supplies to whip up their culinary masterpieces. You can even add real prebaked cookies or cupcakes for decorating. Just be sure to supervise as they spread frosting or add sprinkles. Evaluate and score the “dishes” based on creativity, presentation, and teamwork. Finish with real snacks as a tasty reward. 2. Stage a Puppet or Doll Performance It’s showtime! Create a mini stage out of a cardboard box or by draping a tablecloth over an activity table. Kids can step into the role of aspiring directors as they cast puppets, dolls, and stuffed animals in the starring roles and bring their stories to life. They can develop scenes, try out voices, and put on a full performance. 3. Play Dollhouse Detective Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Hide a few tiny objects in your child’s dollhouse and set up a seek-and-find game inspired by favorites like I Spy. Your tiny sleuths can search, decode clues, and cheer successful discoveries, all while building problem-solving and attention skills. 4. Dig Into Indoor Gardening Cultivate their curiosity about science. Give kids a small planter, cup, or jar to plant their seeds. They can water them regularly and watch the slow, steady changes over time. Your young gardeners can check for sprouts, make observations, and celebrate each new leaf. It’s a rewarding way to build patience, responsibility, and early science skills. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to long after the day is over. 5. Pump up the Playroom Jam Strike up some indoor fun with a little music-and-movement corner. It doesn’t take much to get things rolling. Pull out noisemakers, bells, rattles, play instruments, or even a pot and a wooden spoon. Toss in a few scarves for swirling, and suddenly your living room will feel like the hottest club in town. Put on a favorite song (or let the kids be the band), and you’ve got a full-on family jam session. Tips for Making Indoor Play More Engaging Every Day You don’t need new toys to keep indoor playtime interesting. Just think of fresh ways to use the ones you already have. Here are some tips for making indoor play more engaging: Rotate toys regularly. Bringing out different items each week makes familiar toys feel new again. Create simple “stations.” Set up a small art corner with an easel. Add a building zone with blocks or toy bricks. Then, create a pretend-play area with a play kitchen, dollhouse, or themed play set, allowing children to transition easily between activities. Join in on the fun. Playing together strengthens your connection and provides guidance kids can use when they play on their own. Mix and match toys. Consider how toys can be used together in unexpected ways. For example, blocks can become car garages, train set scenery, or castles for dolls. Encouraging Creativity and Connection Through Indoor Play Indoor play is an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster family bonds. These shared moments of imagination and laughter transform an ordinary afternoon into something meaningful. With thoughtful activities and encouragement, you’re helping your child learn and grow while making the most of your time together.

Screen-Free Activities for Kids

We all know the struggle of peeling little eyes away from tablets and televisions. Everyone likes a cartoon or movie, now and then. But while tech has its place, swapping pixels for paintbrushes, playsets, and puzzles opens up a world of wonder right in your living room or backyard. Ready to trade digital time for creative time? Here are a few simple ways to get your kids excited about playing without screens. The Benefits of Screen-Free Play Why unplug for play? Stepping away from devices helps boost brainpower and build essential life skills. When children engage with physical toys, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Hands-on activities support other areas of early development, too. Bricks and playsets, for instance, encourage cognitive play by helping young minds recognize patterns and explore cause-and-effect relationships naturally. Easy and Fun Screen-Free Activities for Kids When considering which activities to choose, look for ones that are relatively simple to implement and impossible for children to resist. Here are a few ways to get everyone busy. Screen-Free Activities for Toddlers Toddlers thrive on exploration and sensory experiences. Try these easy, low-prep ideas: Create an art station. Set up an art station with an easel and encourage creative play. Whether your little artist uses chalk, markers, crayons, or finger paints, they can express themselves freely while honing fine motor skills. It’s messy, marvelous, and completely captivating for curious tots. Put together a sensory bin. Fill a shallow bin with rice, scoops, cups, or a few small toys. Pouring and digging lets toddlers explore new textures in a calming, playful way. Offer chunky blocks or bricks. Building towers (and knocking them down) helps toddlers practice early problem-solving and coordination. Screen-Free Family Activities to Do Together Play becomes even more magical when everyone joins in. Transform your living room into a bustling restaurant or a castle that invites imaginative pretend play. Creating stories and scenarios together strengthens bonds and builds vocabulary. If the weather is cooperating, move the offline fun outdoors. A backyard swing set or climber enhances physical development and offers the ultimate outlet for active play. Racing down slides or soaring on swings in the fresh air burns energy and creates those giggly, breathless moments that childhood memories are made of. How To Make Screen-Free Time a Daily Habit For a natural transition to increased screen-free time, try these strategies: Designate specific "unplugged zones" or times of day where devices disappear. Schedule regular game nights or playdates that focus on social group play. When kids interact with peers or parents without digital distractions, they learn negotiation, empathy, and sharing much faster. Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Screen-Free Play The goal isn't to banish screens, but to make the real world more enticing than the virtual one. By providing engaging environments, like a well-stocked playroom or an adventure-ready backyard, you show your children that the best stories aren't just watched; they are lived. Keep it fun, keep it fresh, and watch their imaginations blossom.

Christmas Playhouse Makeovers: How Real Families Transformed Their Playhouses for the Holidays

The holiday season is made for memory-making and a little “deck the halls” magic of your own. Transforming your child’s playhouse into a winter wonderland brings the joy of the season right to your backyard. With twinkling lights, mini wreaths, and a sprinkle of creativity, it becomes their very own North Pole hideaway. Whether your child is pretending to run Santa’s workshop or relaxing in a winter cabin, a Christmas playhouse makeover turns everyday play into something truly merry and bright. Let’s look at some fun, festive decorating ideas and showcase a couple of amazing transformations from real families to inspire your own holiday project. Christmas Playhouse Inspiration for the Holiday Season A playhouse can become whatever your child dreams up. During the holidays, it can turn into a gingerbread house, Santa's headquarters, or a reindeer stable. Make decorating it together with your children a family tradition. As you work side by side to hang lights and arrange decorations, you’re building memories that will be treasured for years to come. This shared project fosters creativity and teamwork, making the result even more meaningful. Playhouse Decorating Ideas to Create Holiday Magic Ready to dress up your outdoor playhouse for the holidays? Here are some tips. Add Lights and Garland Let's illuminate your playhouse! Few things capture the holiday spirit quite like shimmering lights and beautiful garland. Drape string lights: Use battery-operated string lights along the roofline, windows, and doorway. Choose classic white for a warm glow or multi-colored strands for a playful feel. Wrap with garland: Adorn pillars, railings, and windows with garland. Choose classic green garland for a natural look, or a pre-lit or flocked variety for extra flair. Add festive accents: Add small, shatterproof ornaments or red bows to your garland to instantly make the playhouse feel like a miniature holiday home. Bring the Indoors Out With Cozy Decor Give the playhouse the same inviting feel as your home with a few simple accessories: Welcome mat: Add a cheerful mat at the door for instant charm. Mini wreath: Hang a small wreath or door sign to make it feel lived-in. Soft rug: Lay down a durable outdoor rug for a warm, finished look. Decorative pillows: Use weather-friendly pillows in bright or seasonal colors to make the space feel comfy and fun. Just make sure everything you add can handle a little sun, wind, and rain. Incorporate Holiday Play Accessories and Toys Enhance the atmosphere with seasonal additions that invite imagination and play: Mini Christmas tree: Set up a small artificial tree your child can decorate again and again. Pretend hot cocoa station: Add toy mugs and cotton balls as marshmallows for a sweet twist on make-believe play. Toy mailbox: Let your child “send” and receive letters to Santa. Holiday books or play baking tools: Create a snug reading corner or a pretend gingerbread bakery. Interactive elements: Make the space truly engaging with hands-on features like a chalkboard for drawing or writing “Santa, stop here!” messages. Real Family Christmas Playhouse Makeovers Need a little inspiration? Some of the sweetest playhouse makeovers come straight from real families who went all out for the holidays. Take a peek at three of our favorites. Elizabeth Homen’s ‘Santa’s Workshop’ Playhouse Transformation Elizabeth brought holiday magic to her KidKraft playhouse, giving it a merry makeover worthy of the North Pole. With paint, seasonal sparkle, and plenty of creativity and Christmas spirit, she turned it into the cutest Santa’s Workshop for her 5- and 2-year-old elves. See how her vision came together in the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth Homen (@elizabethhomen) A Classic Christmas Welcome Two adorable pups are all set for the holiday paw-ty, looking perfectly at home on the porch of a playhouse dressed in timeless Christmas style. Green wreaths with bright red bows adorn the double doors, while soft white lights twinkle overhead. On each side of the entrance, potted evergreens frame the scene, completing the picture-perfect setting. Sugarplum Snowday This dreamy setup features a white playhouse with a soft pink door framed by a balloon garland in wintry greens and blush tones. Snowflake cutouts dance across the garland and around the playhouse, adding a sprinkle of winter wonder, just right for a little pretty-in-pink princess. A fluffy wreath and welcoming doormat tie it all together, while a wooden reindeer out front complements the storybook scene. Bring extra joy to the season with KidKraft’s outdoor playhouses. Explore creative ways to dress up your child’s playhouse and turn it into a family-friendly space for active play and imagination all season long. Looking for a special gift? Check out the KidKraft gift guide and discover something for every kid on your list.

Buying Guide: Kids Kitchen Playset

Children’s Pretend Kitchen Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Best One There's a special kind of magic that happens when a child steps behind their very own pretend kitchen counter. The clatter of wooden spoons, the turn of a pretend stovetop knob, and the serious look of concentration as they prepare a feast for their favorite stuffed animals. These are the sweet moments where imagination takes flight. If you're ready to bring this world of make-believe into your home, this guide will help you find the perfect KidKraft play kitchen for your little chef. Why a Pretend Kitchen Is the Perfect Toy for Imaginative Play A pretend kitchen provides a rich environment for pretend play, where children can imitate the grown-ups in their lives and explore new roles. It supports cognitive development as kids build real-life skills when they “bake,” “cook,” and “wash.” Language development: Naming ingredients, describing creations, and using new vocabulary expand children’s communication abilities. Problem-solving skills: Figuring out how to whip up imaginary meals or organize their kitchen fosters critical thinking. Social skills: Sharing the play space and "food" with siblings or friends encourages teamwork and cooperation. Creative storytelling: Inventing scenarios and pretending to be a chef or baker nurtures imagination. Practical life skills: Imitating real-world tasks helps build confidence and familiarity with everyday activities. Key Features To Look For in a Pretend Kitchen When shopping for a children’s pretend kitchen, consider your child’s age, personality, and your available space. Consider the following important factors to find a set that will engage your child and inspire hours of joyful play. Size and Space First, be sure to measure the space you plan to locate your new play kitchen—eyeballing it is not the way to go here. Then, check the kitchen’s measurements to ensure it can comfortably fit in your chosen spot. As for the right toy kitchen size for your child, there’s a lot of flexibility. Younger kids will grow into larger sets, while pre-schoolers still enjoy playing with smaller models. Older children may also be drawn to more detailed designs that let them take the lead in pretend play, from arranging and stocking their “pantry” to planning elaborate menus. When it comes to play kitchen height, aim for a model with countertops that sit around hip level for your child. Interactive Features and Design The details often make the biggest difference: Interactive features: Do the knobs on the oven click and turn? Do the appliance doors open and close? These unique features make playtime more realistic and entertaining. Exciting extras: Many of our pretend kitchens for kids include fun elements like: Ice makers that dispense play cubes Stovetops and faucets that light up and make sounds Beautiful styles: From retro-inspired designs to modern culinary setups, there’s a play kitchen style to match every home and personality. Accessories and add-ons A kitchen is not complete without food to cook and dishes to serve it on. While many children’s pretend kitchens come with starter accessory sets, you can expand the fun with additional play food and cookware. A well-stocked pantry of play food dishes encourages sorting, counting, and inventive recipe-making. Discover our must-have play kitchen accessories to create a complete culinary experience that will keep your little one happily occupied. Top KidKraft Pretend Kitchens to Explore While we have an entire collection of play kitchens for toddlers and older children, here are a couple of favorites that families adore. Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Designed to fit conveniently into a corner, the L-shaped Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen is a dream come true for mini chefs-in-training. Its innovative layout is packed with features, including burners that glow, an ice maker that makes sounds, a spinning Lazy Susan under the sink, and a phone to take orders. The butcher-block style countertop, functional doors, and ample shelving provide a realistic setting for cooking adventures. Vintage Play Kitchen With timeless charm and a sweet, simple design, the Vintage White Play Kitchen captures the heart of imaginative play. Kids love the interactive details, like oven knobs that click and see-through doors on the oven and microwave to check on food’s “progress.” The durable wooden construction ensures this kitchen will be a beloved part of your playroom for years to come. This classic is perfect for toddlers developing their creative skills, and it complements any decor tastefully. Inspire Imagination With a KidKraft Pretend Kitchen A children’s pretend kitchen is a gift that keeps on giving, offering a special place for your child to grow, learn, and create memories. It’s a stage for a thousand stories, from hosting a simple tea party to running a bustling five-star restaurant. Bring imagination to life with a beautifully crafted KidKraft pretend kitchen. Discover our entire collection of play kitchens to find the ideal set for your budding chef today.

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Benefits of Climbing for Kids

If you’re a parent, you don’t need anyone to tell you that kids love to climb. You’ve seen it for yourself first hand as your toddler scales the furniture or your kindergartner attempts to climb any tree with a branch within reach. But do you know why kids have a natural drive to climb? Read on to find out and learn how you can support this important developmental activity! 1. Vestibular system development We do a ton of things to support the development of our kids’ fine and gross motor skills, language, and cognitive function. But their vestibular system? Not something most of us have heard of. Our vestibular system is largely responsible for our balance and how well we can orient ourselves in a space without the use of our other senses like sight and sound. In other words, if you can close your eyes, stand on one foot, and still keep your balance, you have a strong vestibular system to thank for that!Climbing, spinning, and hanging upside down are some of the best ways to support the development of the vestibular system. It’s thought that this is why young kids are so naturally drawn to these behaviors! Providing safe opportunities to climb is a great way to help your kids develop strong balance and enjoy physical activity throughout their lives1. 2. Risk-taking play Risky play may not sound like a great idea… but most psychologists consider it an important part of childhood and healthy development2. When kids engage in risk-taking play (like climbing high or jumping from the swings), they learn to evaluate risks, take caution, and gain confidence3. So, while we’re usually tempted to shout “Be careful!” at the first sign our kids are going to climb that ladder too fast or try to go down the slide backward, we better serve them when we let them explore age-appropriate risks.Of course, there is such a thing as too much risk, and parents should always make sure their kids are taking risks within safe contexts. (Free play at the park? Sounds great. Playing in a busy street? Not so much.) Kids climbing structures provide a great balance of safety and reasonable risk for most age groups, allowing kids to have fun and explore their natural desire to take risks.. 3. Memory and cognitive function Research suggests that climbers can provide cognitive benefits as well as physical ones. One study found that participants’ working memory improved after engaging in dynamic activities like climbing and balancing4. Researcher Ross Alloway points to benefits for kids as well as adults: “By taking a break to do activities that are unpredictable and require us to consciously adapt our movements, we can boost our working memory to perform better in the classroom and the boardroom.” 4. Strength, coordination, and exercise It’s no surprise that climbing helps kids develop strong muscles and motor skills. Toddlers are naturally driven to climb to develop their gross motor skills5, and this inclination lasts well into school-age years as kids continue to develop their coordination and muscle strength. Providing opportunities to climb helps kids easily fit in the CDC’s recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day6– something that is becoming tougher to accomplish as screens compete for kids’ time. KidKraft’s climbers and swing sets are a fun, safe way to do just that! (To see all of our swing sets specifically built with climbing in mind, select “Rock Wall” under the Play Features drop-down menu to refine your search results.) 1 How to Improve the Vestibular System2 Children’s Risky Play from an Evolutionary Perspective3 Why Kids Need to Take Risks in Life4 Climbing a tree can improve cognitive skills, researchers say5 Why Is Your Toddler Climbing on Everything?6 How much physical activity do children need?

Buying Guide: Kids™ Climbers

There’s a lot of reasons to love kids climbing structures. Climbing benefits kids’ strength, balance, judgment and decision making, and physical and cognitive development –oh, and it’s fun. If you’re ready to create a climbing adventure in your own backyard, our kids’ climbers buying guide is here help you find the right climber for your budget, yard, and kids! Best for Little Climbers: A-Frame Hideaway and Climber $99.99 If your little mountaineer isn't’ ready for a full swing set just yet, the A-Frame Hideaway and Climber is the mini-peak for them. At just 3’ high and with six easy-to-grab climbing rocks, this little climber is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. When they’re ready for a break, they can cozy up in the hideaway tent. Best for Small Yards: Appleton Swing Set $582.99 If you’ve got 80 sq feet to spare in your yard, you’ve got room for the Appleton Swing Set and its rockwall! Okay… you’ll need slightly more than 80 sq feet to account for all the swinging, jumping, and running that’s sure to happen around it. As a climber, the Appleton is great for preschoolers and toddlers. While older kids will handle the rockwall/ladder with ease, they’ll still love to swing, slide, and play in the playhouse! (Also available in white if that’s your vibe!) Best for a Challenging Climb: KidKraft Lookout Extreme Wooden Swing Set $2,499 The Lookout Extreme is where it’s at if your kiddos want some real climbing thrills and challenges! This baby is one part swing set, one part outdoor kids climbing structure. It’s got climbing fun for all ages and skill levels: a sturdy wooden ladder, a rope ladder, and for the most daring adventurers, a vertical rock wall complete with a climbing rope. Can’t decide or just want to see more? Check out all of our swing sets and kids climbing structures, or give us a call at 1(800) 933-0771 with any questions you have about that swing set you’re eyeing. We can’t wait to help!

6 Ideas to Break Up Kids' Tech Time

If your child’s screen time is starting to feel out of hand, you are so not alone. Managing screen time is always a challenge, but these days, it’s extra tough. Virtual learning is adding hours of screen time to kids’ days and cutting out extracurriculars and playtime with peers, leaving kids even more prone to turning to tech for entertainment. So what’s a busy parent to do? First, let go of any parental guilt – this season is tough. Second, try to work a few of these back-to-basics ideas into your kids’ daily routine to get them moving, creating, and using their imaginations! Cook Something Even if “cook” just means “spread-peanut-butter-on-toast” for your kid, giving them something to do in the kitchen is a great sensory and fine motor activity. Scooping and measuring build math skills, and kids are more likely to try food they helped create. For a few ideas, check out these kid-friendly recipes you can make together! Craft Something Craft areas and maker spaces don’t have to be fancy or expensive to be effective. And you don’t have to plan out Pinterest-worthy crafts. In fact, there are real benefits to open-ended art projects that let kids take the lead. With a few basics, kids are great at coming up with their own ideas. Stock your craft station with a few age appropriate supplies like safety scissors, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, paper towel rolls, craft pom poms, metal brads, and construction paper. (Of course, adjust according to the age of your kids!) Build Something Constructive play with things like blocks, building bricks, magnetic tiles, train sets, or play dough is engaging and brain-boosting. If your kids lose interest in building quickly, play with them to model how you can create and come up with your own ideas. Before long, they’ll be constructing their own masterpieces. Get Outside Making outdoor time a priority might be the single most important thing we can do to reduce our kids’ screen time and help them stay healthy and active. Investing in outdoor toys like playhouses, sandboxes, and swing sets is a great way to make the backyard more enticing. Walks, nature scavenger hunts, bike rides, trips to the park, and a backyard garden are other ideas that can become an easy, fun part of your regular routine. Make Reading Fun We all know how great reading is for kids. But if we force them to shut off their favorite app and pick up a book, reading can start to feel like a punishment instead of something fun – and what a shame that would be! To raise lifelong readers, try keep reading time fun, kid-led, and low pressure. Keep their bookshelf fresh with weekly visits to your local library (or weekly pickup if your library is closed). Read together with your best voices. Let them see you reading books that you really enjoy. Set up a cozy reading nook and let them decorate it with their own art and favorite pillows, blankets, and plushies. Offer special treats like herbal teas or frothed milk to make reading time even cozier and happier. Use Tech to Inspire Play If your kiddos are still clinging tightly to their TV time, use that interest to your advantage with pretend play inspired by their favorite characters. If they’ve been playing Netflix’s Over the Moon on repeat, “bake” some of those famous mooncakes together in their play kitchen. If they’re all about the princess category on Disney+, princess-themed dolls and dollhouses are sure to be a hit. Whatever they’re into, use it to re-spark interest in roleplay, pretend play, and open-ended toys. Hang in there, parents! You’re doing great.

How Much Sand for a Sandbox

Ready to fill up your sandbox and let your little one get to playing? Here’s how you can figure out exactly how much sand you’ll need to purchase for your sandbox to get the party started! Step 1: Calculate the area of your sandbox To calculate the amount of sandbox sand you’ll need, find out the area of your sandbox. For square and rectangular sandboxes, the area is calculated by multiplying the length by the width. If your sandbox is new, you should be able to find this information on the packaging. If not, measure the interior of your sandbox to get the proper measurements. For example, if your sandbox is 5’ x 5’, you’ll have 25 square feet to fill with sand. Step 2: Decide how deep you want the sand to be First, you’ll need to know how tall your sandbox is. From there, you can decide how deep you’ll want the sand to be. In general, it’s recommended to leave a few inches of space at the top. Filling your sandbox to the brim can make it tough to put on protective covers — and it will be hard for your kiddos to even get in their sandbox! So, if your sandbox is 5’ x 5’ and 8” deep, we’d suggest going 4-6” deep with sand. Step 3: Calculate the volume of sand you need Play sand is usually sold in bags by the cubic foot, so the next step in figuring out how much sand you’ll need for your sandbox is calculating the volume. Here’s where you can make your high school geometry teacher proud! To calculate the volume for square and rectangular sandboxes: 1. Multiply the area (the measurement from step 1) by the height you want your sand to reach. Or, to put it simply, length x width x height. 2. Remember that you need all your measurements to be in feet. 3. If you’re measuring the height of your sand in inches, divide that number by 12 to get your height in feet. For example, 6” is equivalent to 0.5’. 4. If you want 6" of sand in your 5’ x 5’ x 8” sandbox, you’ll multiply 5’ x 5’ x 0.5’ to find how many cubic feet of sand you need. In this case, it’s about 12.5 cubic feet! Step 4: Determine how many bags of sand you’ll need Play sand is usually sold in 50-pound bags that contain approximately ½ cubic feet of sand. To figure out exactly how many bags you’ll need, take your volume measurement from step 3 and multiply it by 2. To get the 12.5 cubic feet of sand needed for our 5’ x 5’ sandbox, you’ll need to buy about 25 bags of play sand. What about circular sandboxes? All the steps above apply to circular sandboxes as well. You’ll just use a different formula to calculate the area and volume. Of course, the easiest option is to find that information on the packaging. If that’s not available, you’ll need to do the following: 1. Measure the diameter of the circle. 2. Divide that number by 2 to get the radius. 3. Calculate the area of the circle by multiplying the radius by itself and then by π (3.14). (For a circle, the area = π x radius x radius OR A = πr2.) 4. With the area calculated, you can follow steps 2 - 4 as normal. Simply multiply the area of the circle by the height of sand you want (in feet) to calculate how many cubic feet of sand you’ll need. Shop KidKraft Sandboxes Of course, before you buy the sand, you’ll need the perfect sandbox! Our large wooden sandboxes are sturdy, sleek, and ready for playtime! And be sure to keep it clean as part of regular maintenance. FAQs How much is sand for a sandbox? The price of sand for a sandbox depends on the type and quantity you need. Play sand typically costs around $5 to $10 per 50-pound bag. However, buying in bulk (e.g., by the cubic yard) can range from $25 to $50, plus delivery fees How many bags of sand for a sandbox? The number of sandbags you need depends on the size and depth of your sandbox. A 4' x 4' sandbox filled to 6” deep typically requires about 8–10 bags (50 pounds each), while a 5' x 5' sandbox may need 10–15 bags. How many bags of sand for a 4' x 4' sandbox? For a 4' x 4' sandbox filled to 6” deep, you'll need about 8–10 bags of 50-pound play sand. If you want a shallower fill (around 4”), 6–7 bags should be enough.