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.

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 balls, or laying out a picnic blanket goes a long way. Water play options – Think splash pads, sprinklers, or even a DIY car wash setup for bikes and scooters. Outdoor storage – Bins, benches, or sheds make clean-up 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 – Use 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.

Fun Water Activities for Kids

Fun Water Activities for Kids When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than turning your backyard into a mini splash zone! Water play is a fun and refreshing way to keep kids active, engaged, and laughing all summer long. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment or a pool to make a big splash—just a few creative ideas for water activities and a warm day. Find some of the best outdoor water activities for kids and how to set up your own water play zone at home. Why Water Play is Perfect for Summer Fun Water activities are a great way to cool off, but they’re also packed with developmental benefits. Splashing, pouring, and running through water can help kids build motor skills, improve coordination, and boost sensory awareness. Even more importantly? Fun water activities for kids provide a screen-free way to burn off energy and make summer memories they’ll never forget. Whether it’s a quick afternoon activity or a full backyard water day, having a variety of summer water activities in your back pocket is essential for making fun memories throughout the season. How to Set Up a Safe and Fun Water Play Zone at Home Creating a backyard water play area doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little planning, you can transform any outdoor space into a cool, kid-friendly zone. To set up safe, affordable water activities for kids in your backyard, follow these tips: Choose a flat, grassy, or soft surface area away from steps or sharp objects. Use non-slip mats or towels if playing on a hard surface like a deck or patio. Keep water play gear age-appropriate and always supervise young kids. Use garden hoses with gentle spray settings or attach kid-friendly sprinkler toys. Set up shady areas with umbrellas or pop-up tents to avoid too much sun. Have plenty of dry towels, sunscreen, and drinking water on hand. Simple setups are easy to put together and can lead to hours of fun with water. Outdoor Water Activities for Kids These DIY water games and ideas are perfect for backyards of any size. Water Balloon Games for Kids Nothing says summer fun like water balloons! Try these easy water balloon ideas: Water Balloon Toss – Partner up and toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step back each time. Water Balloon Tag – The player who gets hit becomes “it.” Target Practice – Draw chalk targets on a fence or sidewalk and aim away! Keep these water balloon safety tips in mind: Use soft, biodegradable balloons. Pick up broken pieces right away to avoid slips or choking hazards. Make sure little ones know not to aim at faces. DIY Water Games: Creative Ways to Play You don’t need to buy anything special for DIY water games. Your home is already full of potential for fun kids’ water activities!  Sponge Relay – Kids race to fill a bucket using only a soaking sponge. Cup Races – Run with a full plastic cup of water and try not to spill. Ice Excavation – Freeze small toys in a bowl and let kids “rescue” them using warm water and tools. Colander Shower – Poke holes in a plastic container and hang it for a DIY water shower. These creative games and activities are a great way to reuse what you already have while encouraging imaginative play. Fun in Water: Splash Pads and Sprinklers Turn your backyard into a summer paradise with these low-fuss favorite backyard water ideas: Set up a splash pad for younger kids to stomp and play safely. Connect a sprinkler to the hose and run obstacle courses through it. Add hula hoops, pool noodles, or jump ropes to create a water-themed challenge course. Create a “car wash” with sponges and buckets for trikes and scooters. Simple, safe, and so much fun, sprinkler games are a backyard classic for a reason! FAQs About Water Activities for Kids What are the best water activities for kids to enjoy at home? Some backyard-friendly favorites are: Splash pads Water balloon games Sprinkler obstacle courses Sponge and bucket relays DIY water tables or tubs Toy car washes How do you keep kids safe during outdoor water activities? Safety is key to stress-free summer fun. Here are a few quick reminders: Always supervise water play, no matter the child’s age. Use non-slip mats or play in grassy areas. Limit sun exposure with hats and sunscreen. Use age-appropriate toys and water pressure. Keep play areas clear of tripping hazards. A little preparation goes a long way toward safe, splashy fun. Make Summer Unforgettable with KidKraft Water play is just the beginning. When the sprinklers turn off, and the towels come out, your backyard fun doesn’t have to stop. Keep the fun going beyond water activities. Explore KidKraft’s wooden playhouses, sandboxes, and swing sets, all perfect for sparking imagination and keeping kids entertained all summer long. And be sure to check out our ultimate summer bucket list for kids!  

Backyard Party Ideas for Families: 4th of July, Barbecues, Birthdays, and More

Backyard Party Ideas for Families: 4th of July, Barbecues, Birthdays and More There’s nothing quite like the joy of a backyard celebration with family and friends, where conversation is easy, kids play freely, and the smell of delicious food fills the air. Whether you’re planning a festive 4th of July, a fun-filled birthday bash or a laid-back barbecue, your backyard is the ultimate party destination. Keep reading for backyard party ideas and tips to make your next outdoor gathering an unforgettable one! Why Choose Backyard Parties for Family Fun?  There’s something truly special about celebrating right in your own backyard. Summer backyard parties offer a relaxed, safe and convenient way for families to come together and make lasting memories—without worrying about booking a venue or dealing with crowds. Your backyard party setup provides the perfect space for laughter, games and good food. Plus, with the kids’ swing sets and playhouses just steps away, the fun can last for hours! How to Set Up the Perfect Backyard Party: Tips and Essentials  Planning a backyard bash doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few essentials, you can bring your small backyard party ideas to life and create a welcoming, festive atmosphere everyone will enjoy. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started: Comfortable seating (think picnic blankets, foldable chairs or outdoor cushions) Shade options like umbrellas or pop-up tents String lights or lanterns for evening ambiance Portable Bluetooth speaker for music Easy-to-use grill or BBQ setup Coolers stocked with drinks and ice Fun games and activities (cornhole, water balloons, bubble wands, etc.) Disposable or reusable plates, cups and utensils Bug spray or citronella candles for pest control Trash and recycling bins for easy cleanup Types of Backyard Summer Parties for Families Backyard summer parties come in all shapes and sizes, offering something fun for every family and occasion. Get inspiration from these outside party ideas that bring everyone together for memorable backyard celebrations. Birthday Parties: Celebrate Your Little One Birthdays are a perfect excuse for outdoor parties! For simple backyard party ideas for kids, go with bright decorations, a themed cake and activities like a treasure hunt, sack races or craft stations. Set up a small gift table and have plenty of snacks and drinks ready. With your swing set and playhouse, kids have built-in entertainment that will keep them happily busy. 4th of July Celebrations: Red, White and Blue Fun  For 4th of July party ideas with a festive flair, deck out your yard in red, white and blue banners, balloons and tableware. Serve classic favorites like hot dogs, corn on the cob and berry parfaits. Add lawn games like horseshoes or a patriotic-themed scavenger hunt. As the sun sets, gather for sparklers or a family-friendly fireworks display to cap off the night. Backyard BBQ Parties: Grill & Thrill  Nothing says summer like a backyard BBQ, and these ideas are all you need for a memorable one. Fire up the grill with crowd-pleasers like burgers, veggie skewers and grilled corn. Arrange seating in cozy clusters to encourage conversation. Add lawn games or a music playlist for entertainment. For a sweet finish, consider a simple yet tasty dessert like fruit salad or s’mores. Small Backyard Party Ideas: Make the Most of Limited Space Even if your yard is on the smaller side, you can still throw an amazing party. Opt for space-saving seating like benches or stackable chairs. Use vertical décor like hanging lights or banners to add charm without crowding the ground. Choose compact games like ring toss or cards. Keep the menu simple with finger foods and easy-to-serve drinks. FAQs About Backyard Parties What are the best backyard party ideas for kids? Kids love parties where they’re free to move around a lot and use their imaginations. Setting up a mini obstacle course, craft stations or a themed scavenger hunt are all ideas that are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to use your playhouse and swing set, as they’re natural gathering spots for creative play! How do you set up a backyard party on a budget?  For backyard party setup ideas that are budget-friendly, focus on DIY decorations, simple menus, and using what you already have. Homemade snacks, playlists instead of hiring a DJ, and borrowing extra chairs or tables from friends rather than renting can go a long way. Also, choose activities that require minimal supplies like water balloon tosses or classic lawn games. Create Unforgettable Backyard Memories with KidKraft  With a little planning and the right touches, your backyard can become the go-to spot for family fun and celebrations all summer long. Good food, some games and time with family and friends are all you need for a memorable backyard party. Be sure to check out our at-home summer camp, summer STEM activities, and summer bucket list for kids posts for more at-home ideas for summer fun with the kids! Ready to make your backyard the ultimate party hangout? Explore KidKraft’s outdoor playsets.

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How to Teach Sharing through Play

How to Teach Sharing through Play

Activities That Promote Sharing Sharing doesn’t come naturally for toddlers. Putting aside their own desires and prioritizing someone else’s requires a level of cognitive development that most kids won’t fully reach until age 3.5 to 4. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help our kids progress toward sharing and taking turns before that. The sooner we start setting expectations, encouraging sharing, and helping them process big emotions when they don’t want to share, the more likely they’ll be able to share easily and happily as they get older. Here are a few tips adults can use to help toddlers and preschoolers share with their siblings and peers – plus a few activities that make sharing fun for even the most close-fisted kiddos.   Think “Long Turns” instead of “Share Right Away” Your three-year-old picks up a toy, and your eighteen-month-old immediately toddles over to grab it. Your three-year-old shrieks, the baby cries, and you remind the older child to share with their sibling. Sound familiar? While this approach to sharing may seem easy to us, for younger kids, it feels unfair and even baffling. And when you really think about it, even you wouldn’t take kindly to someone wanting an item you’d just begun to use. In these cases, it’s best to let the first child who had the toy play with it until they’re finished. Once they’ve left the toy behind, the other child can take their own long turn – no snatching allowed from either kid.This approach to sharing is more in line with toddler and preschooler’s cognitive development. “I can’t snatch something someone else has” is much easier to comprehend than “I must give up the thing I have because someone else wants it.”   Help Kids Wait Their Turn Of course, this approach is tough for the child who has to wait their turn. You can help by acknowledging and validating their feelings (i.e. “It’s okay to be upset. Waiting is hard.) and helping them find other ways to play as they wait. Sometimes a little distraction is key to preventing a meltdown.   Praise Spontaneous Sharing and Point Out the Positive Consequences Okay, so we get that the “turn-taking” scenario isn’t *exactly* sharing. So when kids do share all on their own, make sure you encourage the behavior with praise (just don’t overdo it) and point out how happy they’ve made their sibling or friend. Doing so will help your child want to share more as they get older. Sharing becomes something they can be proud of and feel good about instead of something adults force them to do.   Fun Activities that Promote Sharing To make sharing even more attractive, try out games and activities that make sharing fun!   Basketball, Soccer and Other Team Sports The toddler version that is! All the technical rules are too much for toddlers to understand, but working towards a common goal of passing the ball to each other and getting in the hoop or goal? That they can handle. The more they toss or kick the ball to their peers, the more you cheer!   Hot Potato/Pass the Ball Hot potato is all about not keeping the ball, so it’s great for kids who struggle to give up objects to their friends. If your little ones are too young to understand hot potato, try a simple game of rolling and passing the ball back and forth. Make passes quick and silly to make it seem more fun!   Pretend Sharing Even if your kid doesn’t love to share, they’re probably totally fine with their dolls, stuffed animals, and other toys sharing with each other. As you play pretend with your child, you can make up scenarios where both dolls want a turn in the elevator dollhouse or both trains want to go through the tunnel. You can act out the situation together… and of course, you’ll make sure the toys showcase sharing as fun and easy!   Role Play Sharing Similarly, your child might be more willing to share if they’re pretending to be a character rather than themselves. For example, they can be the head chef in their play kitchen who needs to share the tools and food with you, their assistant. Learning to share will take plenty of time and patience from both your child and you! We hope these tips and activities can make that process a little less tear-filled and a lot more fun!  

Key Childhood Development Milestones

Key Childhood Development Milestones

Childhood Milestones By Age From sitting up on their own to recognizing letters and numbers, kids’ early years are filled with important developmental milestones. So much so that it can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and pressured to help their kids “check all the boxes.” But take that pressure off – the good news is that with a supportive environment, most kids reach their physical, cognitive, and social milestones just fine. Even so, knowing the basic milestones for each age group can help you determine if you should ask your child’s pediatrician about their development. While it seems like apps, books, and information on babies’ milestones are everywhere, finding info developmental milestones for toddlers and preschoolers can be a bit tougher. To make things simple, here are some of the childhood developmental milestones the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics use as markers of healthy development for kids ages 2 and up.   2 Years Social & Emotional Copies others Shows interest in other children. (At this age, they still mainly play near other kids but will also start playing with them occasionally. For more on the difference between the two, check out our article on Types of Play). Growing in independence Shows defiant behavior (Yep. Though it’s still important to set clear boundaries, pushing those boundaries is actually an important part of your child’s development. Language & Communication Can point to objects/ pictures as you name them. Can name some items in a picture book Knows names of familiar people/ body parts/ objects Says 2 - 4 word sentences Follows simple instructions Cognitive Finds things even when hidden under two or three covers Begins to sort shapes and colors (They don’t have to be perfect at this by any means!) Completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books Plays simple make-believe games Builds towers of 4 or more blocks Physical Can stand on tiptoes Kicks a ball Begins to run (Toddling, non-graceful runs are A-Okay at this age!) Climbs onto and down from furniture without help Walks up and down stairs while holding rails/ hands for support 3 Years Social & Emotional Shows affection and concern for friends Understands possessive pronouns (i.e. mine, his, hers, etc.) Takes turns during games Can usually separate from parents/ main caregivers easily Dresses and undresses self Language & Communication Follows 2 -3 step instructions Can name most familiar things Understands prepositions (i.e. in, on, around, etc.) Names friends Uses pronouns (i.e I, me, we, etc.) and some plurals Others can understand their speech most of the time Converses with 2 - 3 sentences Cognitive Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people Complete 3 - 4 piece puzzles Understands the concept of the number “2” Can copy a circle with a pencil or crayon (It doesn’t need to be a perfect circle!) Builds towers of more than 6 blocks Turns jar lids and door handles Physical Climbs well Runs easily Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike) Climbs onto and down from furniture without help Walks up and downstairs, one foot on each step 4 Years Social & Emotional Enjoys doing new things Is increasingly creative with make-believe play Prefers to play with other children over playing alone Cooperates with other children (Usually… of course, some disagreements are inevitable!) Talks about likes and interests Language & Communication Knows some basic rules of grammar, such as correctly using “he” and “she” Sings or says songs and poems from memory Tells stories Can say first and last name Cognitive Names some colors and some numbers Understands the idea of counting (even if they don’t count perfectly yet) Begins to understand time (This doesn’t mean they can tell time yet. Rather, they start to loosely understand concepts of days, hours, past, and present). Can remember and retell parts of a story Understands concepts of “same” and “different” Can use scissors Can draw a person with 2 - 4 body parts Copies some capital letters Tells you what he thinks is going to happen next in a book Physical Hops/ stands on one foot for 2 seconds Can catch bounced balls (most of the time) Pours, mashes, and sometimes cuts own food 5 Years Social & Emotional Wants to please and be like friends More likely to agree with rules Likes to sing, dance, and act Can distinguish between real and make-believe Language & Communication Speaks very clearly Tells a story with full sentences Uses the future tense Can say name and address Cognitive Counts 10 or more things Copies triangles, rectangles, and other geometric shapes with pencil or crayon Draws a person with at least 6 body parts Can write some letters / numbers Knows about everyday items like money Physical Stands/ hops on one foot for 10 + seconds Hops and maybe skips Can do a somersault Controls a fork, spoon, and sometimes a table knife well Can use the bathroom independently Swings and climbs What Can You Do to Support Your Child’s Development? First off, keep in mind that every child will meet milestones at different times. While these guidelines are helpful for determining if your child is developing properly, development isn’t a race and we shouldn’t rush our kids to be ahead or stress if they don’t check every single milestone exactly on their birthday. (Though always talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about missed milestones). That being said, there are plenty of low-stress, low-pressure things parents can and should do to support healthy development for their toddlers and preschoolers. Fortunately, most of these things are as simple as talking, playing, and reading with your kids! Play pretend with your child and follow their lead and ideas. Provide simple toys that promote pretend play such as dolls and toys that promote dramatic roleplay like dress-up costumes, play kitchens, and playhouses. Provide simple toys that promote cognitive development and fine motor skills such as puzzles and blocks. Read with your child every day. Reading is one of the best ways to improve children’s language and cognition, and it will provide inspiration for their own stories and pretend play. Provide craft materials and writing utensils for your child to practice with. Talk and interact with your child as you would prefer to be talked to. They’ll mimic your behavior, so model politeness and patience as much as possible (even when they’re throwing tantrums or testing boundaries). Give your child more and more opportunities for independence as they grow. For example, you can allow them to dress themselves and help out with household chores. If your child doesn’t attend daycare or preschool, set up playdates to provide opportunities for them to interact with their peers. Provide opportunities for active physical play outdoors. Swing sets, balls, climbing/balance toys can help with the development of gross motor skills. Remember, no toy is as important for your child’s development as you are! Still, we all want to know that we’re providing our kids with toys that help, rather than hinder, their physical and cognitive development. For developmentally-friendly toys your kids will love playing with, check out KidKraft’s wide range of play kitchens, dollhouses, building toys, playhouses, swing sets, climbers, and more!    

Toys for Special Needs Children

Toys for Special Needs Children

Oftentimes, the toys that are best for children with special needs are the same toys that are best for typically-developing children. Just as you would for any child, you’ll want to choose toys that promote development and avoid toys that are over-stimulating (think bright lights and sounds) as well as toys that could be unsafe for a particular child’s ability level.We don’t claim to be special needs experts, but we do know that many KidKraft toys can help the development of fine and gross motor skills, language, social skills, and other cognitive processes. These are some of our (and parents’) favorite picks to support healthy development for kids with special needs.   Language and Social Development No, we don’t mean toys that talk. For any child, the greatest tool for language development is … you! If you’ve ever seen a child receive speech therapy from a speech-language pathologist, you’d be surprised to see how much of their session looks like play. While a lot more is going on “behind the scenes” in that therapy, your own play sessions with your child can still be incredibly powerful. Any toy that gives you opportunities to introduce new vocabulary and act out social situations as you play is a great tool for language and social development.Dollhouses and play kitchens are both great for dramatic role-play and allow your child to practice language and social scenarios they might not otherwise encounter in their daily life. (Just be aware of small pieces that might pose a choking hazard for some kids). Baby dolls are another toy that are well known for helping kids develop empathy and social skills. For practice with specific social situations, our Let’s Pretend Pop Ups can help kids practice social behavior in settings like restaurants, grocery stores, and medical offices.   Sensory Processing Seemingly innocuous toys can be a minefield for kids with sensory processing disorders as every child will have different triggers and different soothing sensory inputs. You’ll be the best judge of what they’ll love, what will be too stimulating, and what might help them slowly develop a tolerance for certain sensory experiences.Simple musical toys can be a great way to introduce kids to more auditory experiences in a way that offers them total control over what noises they want to explore. For tactile and olfactory (smell) experiences, you can offer arts and crafts materials with different textures and incorporate food and other materials that offer subtle scents.   Fine Motor Skills Developing motor skills can be especially challenging for kids with certain disabilities. One classic toy that can always help with the development of fine motor skills is good old-fashioned building blocks. Constructive play with blocks is recommended for all children but can be especially helpful for special needs kids who may still need fine motor practice but have lost interest in more “baby-ish” toys like shape sorters. As their motor skills and mental development progress, toys like blocks and building bricks still keep their interest since they can move on to creating more complex structures.   Gross Motor Skills Gross motor skills develop through increasing strength and coordination in major muscle groups. And for kids, there’s no better way to do that than through active play! Climbing toys and outdoor playsets are excellent for promoting balance and vestibular development. Swings can help build core strength and spatial awareness, and many kids with special needs find the swinging motion very calming.It goes without saying that if your child has physical disabilities, you’ll want to use their doctor’s guidance and your own intuition to avoid toys that are too challenging or dangerous for their ability level.   A Final Note Of course, every child is different and will gravitate toward and benefit from different toys. This is especially true for special needs children. A musical toy that is fascinating and soothing for one child with ASD could be a sensory trigger for another child with ASD. A toy that appropriately challenges the fine motor skills of one child might be frustrating and nearly impossible for another. Ultimately, you know your child best and can use your intuition to determine if a toy is right for them!Need some help finding the right toys to accommodate your child’s needs? You can use our Shop by Skills page to find toys that support your child in five different areas of development: Active Play, Cognitive Play, Imaginative Play, Creative Play, and Social Play.  

Plans to Build a Swing Set & 7 Playset Assembly Tips

Plans to Build a Swing Set & 7 Playset Assembly Tips

Plans to Build a Swing Set & 7 Playset Assembly Tips   Have plans to build a swing set? We know playset assembly can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In addition to the instructions that come with your KidKraft playset, these assembly tips can help make the process quick and frustration-free. You’ll be a pro on how to build a swing set in no time! 1. Level the Ground First You can begin this step long before your playset is even delivered. In fact, we recommend getting it done in advance so that you can start building as soon as your playset arrives. To make sure you level a large enough area, look at the instructions for your playset online – simply find the product page for your playset model on our website and download the PDF. The instructions will include the exact measurements for the playset and the measurements for the recommended safety zone that should surround it. For tips on leveling the ground and a helpful how-to video, check out our full Guide to Installing a Backyard Playset! 2. Look at the Forecast Most of your assembly will happen outdoors, so try to schedule your assembly days when the weather is nice. If you’ve got a week full of rainy days, it’s best to just wait to get started.  3. Budget Enough Time Depending on the size of your playset and the specific playset build plans, assembling a KidKraft playset can take anywhere between 4 and 26 hours when you’ve got two people working. (You can find the estimate for your specific playset in the instructions.) So set aside a weekend or a few evenings to give yourself enough time to get the job done well! 4. Read All the Instructions You’re way less likely to make frustrating mistakes if you read all the assembly instructions before you get started. And don’t worry, it won’t take that long. Just reading through quickly will give you a good idea of what pieces will go where and the order in which you’ll complete each step. Remember, if you lose your paper copy, you can find full instructions for all our current products online. 5. Inventory and Organize We always recommend taking inventory of all your pieces and organizing them before you get started. Your instructions will have a detailed list of everything that’s included. Make sure you have everything you need before you start and organize them all into designated spots. Since you’re likely working outdoors, you may find it helpful to organize all your pieces on a porch, deck, or tarp to help ensure no hardware or small pieces get lost in the grass. Bowls and buckets can help with this, too.On the off chance that you are missing a piece or something is damaged, get in touch with us right away, and we’ll send you a replacement part ASAP.  6. Have the Right Tools & A Friend With your instructions read and your pieces organized, you’re ready to get started! Most KidKraft playsets require at least two people for the assembly process, so make sure you’ve got some help lined up before you start. A few extra hands won’t hurt either, especially if you have a larger playset. And if you don’t have your own power drill, borrow one from a friend or neighbor.   7. Consider What to Put Under the Playset For safety, you’ll want to place a soft, impact-absorbing surface under the playset, such as: Rubber mulch Wood chips Pea gravel Rubber mats Avoid hard surfaces like concrete or grass, as they don’t provide enough cushioning for falls. Reach Out Again, if you have any missing or damaged pieces, let us know ASAP so we can make it right! The easiest method is to fill out the form at parts.kidkraft.com. If you have any other questions, email us at customerservice@kidkraft.com or call us at 1-800-933-0771. We’re always here to help!Still shopping for your perfect outdoor playset? Check out our tips for How to Choose a Kids Swing Set!

KidKraft Dollhouse Assembly Tips

KidKraft Dollhouse Assembly Tips

When you bring a new KidKraft dollhouse box through your door, one thing’s for sure: your kiddos will be non-stop balls of excitement and anticipation until it’s ready. The only thing standing between them and hours of dollhouse fun? Assembly.But no worries – all KidKraft dollhouses come with easy-to-follow instructions, and we’ve got a few extra dollhouse assembly tips to make the process even easier and faster!   Read All the Instructions You’re way less likely to make frustrating mistakes if you give all the dollhouse assembly instructions a quick read before you get started. And don’t worry, it won’t take that long. Most of our instructions are pictures only, so just glancing through will give you a strong idea of what pieces will go where and the order in which you’ll complete each step. If you lose your paper copy, you can find full instructions for all of our current products online! Just find the product page for your dollhouse and download the PDF.   Clear a Wide Space If you can create a wide, open space for your assembly process, it’ll be easier to organize all your pieces before you start building. We recommend moving all other toys and objects out of the space (and maybe even temporarily moving small pieces of furniture like your coffee table if needed). With all other clutter out of the way, you’ll be less likely to lose pieces as you work.   Inventory and Organize Use all that clear space to take inventory of all your pieces and organize them before you get started. Your instructions will have a detailed list of everything that’s included. Make sure you have everything you should before you start and organize them all into designated spots in your open area. On the off chance that you are missing a piece or something is damaged, get in touch with us right away, and we’ll send you a replacement part ASAP.   Have a Friend With your instructions read, your space clear, and your pieces organized, you’re ready to get started! KidKraft dollhouses can be assembled by a single person, but if possible, we recommend having a friend or family member around to help. It’ll be easier to line up large pieces… and make the whole process more fun!   Have a Plan for the Kids Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to plan assembly for a time when they’re out of the house or in bed. Younger kiddos are likely to move pieces around (or at the very least ask you every five minutes if it’s ready yet!) If you know they’ll have very little patience as they wait for their dollhouse to be ready, you may want to keep everything top secret until it’s completely assembled and ready to go. On the other hand, older kids may actually be great helpers and enjoy telling everyone “I built it myself!”   Reach Out Again, if you have any missing or damaged pieces, let us know ASAP so we can make it right! The easiest method is to fill out the form at parts.kidkraft.com. If you have any other questions, email us at customerservice@kidkraft.com or call us at 1-800-933-0771. We’re always here to help!Still shopping for your perfect dollhouse? Check out our tips for How to Choose the Best Dollhouse for Toddlers!  

Modern Kids Toys

Modern Kids Toys

Modern Kids Toys (That Actually Look Good in Your Home) The design for kids toys has definitely changed since we were kids. While fluorescent plastic used to be the norm, modern kids toys often feature natural materials and more neutral color palettes… you know, the kind that might actually match the other things in your home. A few minutes on Insta is enough to notice the trend of wooden toys and modern designs overtaking the primary-colored plastics – at least when it comes to large toys like play kitchens and play houses. But it’s not just for the ‘gram. Sturdy, wooden toys are more durable than their plastic counterparts and are more likely to be open-ended toys that promote imaginative play. These are some of our favorite modern toys that are on-trend and great for child-led play!   Playhouses Modern Outdoor Playhouse The name says it all. The Modern Outdoor Playhouse features a contemporary, minimalist design. Find it in white-and-gray or in a natural wood finish that’s perfect for customizing.   Cozy Escape Playhouse The trend of navy home exteriors with white trim inspired our Cozy Escape Playhouse in Navy. You get the look of a fully customized, painted playhouse… without actually having to paint it yourself.   Play Kitchens Uptown Natural Play Kitchen “Chrome” and natural wood finishes give the Uptown Natural Play Kitchen a sleek, modern feel that’ll go perfectly with your real stainless steel appliances.   Mosaic Magnetic Play Kitchen The Mosaic Magnetic Play Kitchen features a trendy tile mosaic backsplash that you’d probably love to have in your own kitchen.   To be honest, a ton of our play kitchens have a trendy, modern vibe, so be sure to browse them all to find the one that fits your style best!   Dollhouses Don’t get us wrong, if there’s any toy we love in a brightly-colored princess theme, it’s a dollhouse… but we love the look of a chic, modern dollhouse just as much. Here’s a few of of of modern favs:   So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse The natural wood and open-frame design of the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse make it great for multiple kids and great choice for blending well with your decor.   Follow us on Instagram for tons of inspiration for modern play kitchens, play houses, and other toys!  

Toys for Twins

Toys for Twins

Toys for Twin Toddlers Having twins means double car seats, double clothes, double beds… but it doesn’t have to mean double toys. Some of the best toys for twins are ones that promote cooperative play (playing together) but work just as well for parallel play too (playing independently but near each other). Here are some of our favorite toys for helping twins and siblings play together…and apart!   Activity Cubes Even babies get jealous…which you know first hand if you’ve ever seen your babe suddenly crawl towards their twin as soon as they pick up a new toy. Activity cubes are one of the best toys for twin babies, because while most baby toys aren’t easily shared, a good-sized activity cube leaves plenty of room for both babies to play.   Let’s Pretend Pop Up Collection If your twins love playing together but still need a little space to themselves, the Let’s Pretend Pop Ups will rock their world! These pop up playsets create an instant vet’s office, restaurant, or grocery store right in your playroom and open up into different “rooms.” So while one twin is settling the dog into the dog house “outside,” the other can check out patients at the receptionist’s desk. It’s the perfect way for twins to play together and still get a little personal space when they need it. Best of all? They’re made from wood, so they can stand up to double trouble for years, and they fold up for easy storage!   Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly™ One of the best features of the Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly™ is the open design that lets kids play from any of the sides. So your twins can play with the dollhouse at the same time without bumping into each other. If you’re looking for a more gender-neutral dollhouse for your boy or boys, the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse offers the same open design with a gender-neutral color palette! Plenty of our other dollhouses are big enough for two, so be sure to check out our entire collection before you make your decision.   Train Sets A good-sized train set has plenty for both twins to do! They can each work on building their own tracks and adding their own accessories (look into an expansion pack if your train set doesn’t have quite enough tracks for both). As the twins get older, train sets are also a great toy for fostering cooperative play and sharing as they learn to envision and build together. At any stage though, it’s a good idea to have a train for each kiddo to push since the train itself is tough to share. If your twins are super into trains, a full train table might be a great investment to keep the trains organized and the kids entertained!   Play Kitchens Play kitchens are a classic toy for twin toddlers because they’re perfect for both cooperative and parallel play. Any kitchen with room for two kiddos to stand is great, but our personal favorite for twins are large corner kitchens like the Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen or the Grand Gourmet Corner Play Kitchen. If you need a smaller kitchen to fit your space, the Retro Play Kitchen & Refrigerator is a great alternative – it’s perfect for small spaces, but the separate refrigerator means you can still spread things out to give each twin some elbow room.Of course, squabbles between twins or any siblings are bound to happen sometimes, but having a few ideal toys for twins in your playroom can help minimize the jealousy and help your twins enjoy playing with and near each other… at least most days!  

Gender Neutral Dollhouses

Gender Neutral Dollhouses

Our Top 6 Gender Neutral Dollhouses We’ve raved about the developmental benefits of dollhouses before. Dollhouses and doll play can help kids gain social skills and empathy and grow their imaginations. Unfortunately, dollhouses are all too often seen as a “girl toy”... even though boys enjoy and benefit from dollhouses too. Gender neutral dollhouses can be the key to making sure boys still feel free to explore this type of play without social pressure to choose “boy toys” instead. They’re also perfect for girls who’d rather skip the pink and “girly” dollhouses.Here are a few of our favorite gender neutral dollhouses, so you can make sure every kid in your house feels free to play away!   So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse If you need a large gender neutral dollhouse that lets multiple kids play at once, the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse is our top pick. An open natural wood frame gives the dollhouse a clean, minimalist look and lets kids play on every side of the dollhouse. The interior is stylish but simple with gender neutral colors like blue, green, and orange.   Designed by Me: Sticker Fun House The Designed by Me collection lets kids add their own personal touches to their dollhouses, so they’re highly customizable to kids’ individual tastes. The Sticker Fun House starts with a very neutral base. The exterior is natural wood, while the interior walls feature simple patterns in gender neutral color schemes. From there, kids can decorate them with stickers to create their own dream dollhouse. That means adding anything from basketball goals, barbecue pits, and bikes to flowers and rainbows. The included furniture and accessories come in colors like orange, yellow, and blue.   The Hometown Heroes Playset While some of the dollhouses above lean toward the girlier side, the Hometown Heroes Playset definitely has a traditionally boyish feel (though we know little girls love fire trucks and helicopters just as much as the boys do!) This dollhouse-in-disguise features multiple rooms for the included police officer and fireman to work and relax before it’s time to rush off to the next emergency. Playsets like Hometown Heroes are perfect for boys or girls who turn up their noses at “real” dollhouses but still enjoy this type of pretend play.   The Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset Similar to Hometown Heroes, the Everyday Heroes Playset offers all of the benefits of a dollhouse but is disguised as a more traditional “boy” toy. Overall, It’s a great toy for any boy or girl who loves flashing lights and fire trucks!   We think dollhouses truly can be one of the best gender neutral toys out there. They align with all kids’ natural desire to pretend and role play and help foster their growing imaginations. So, if your child steers clear of all things pink, simply opt for one of our more gender neutral choices instead to give them all the benefits of playing with dolls and dollhouses!   Looking to shop for dollhouses by age? Discover our dollhouses for 2-to-4-year olds, 3-to-5 year olds, and 5 years and up now.