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.

Small Playroom Design Ideas to Encourage Imagination

Wooden vs Plastic Toys: What Parents Should Know

Best Swing Sets for Backyard Summer Play

Top Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Playroom

Sensory Activities for Spring: Fun, Hands-On Play Ideas for Kids

Small Playroom Design Ideas to Encourage Imagination

You don't need a large room to create a play space that inspires creativity and fun. In fact, some of the most engaging playrooms are thoughtfully designed to make the most of every square foot. Designing a small playroom entails finding the right combination of layout and functional furniture to maximize space while creating an environment where kids feel inspired to play, learn, and explore. Implementing a few strategic small playroom design ideas can make a compact playroom feel organized, inviting, and full of opportunities for imaginative fun. Playroom Design Ideas for Better Organization in Small Spaces One of the biggest challenges in a small playroom is keeping toys, books, and art supplies organized without making the room feel crowded. The key is choosing furniture that works hard without taking up unnecessary space. Simple ideas to maximize organization in a small playroom include: Open shelving for easy toy access and cleanup Storage bins and baskets to keep similar items together Designated zones for reading, crafts, and imaginative play Multi-functional pieces that combine storage and activity space These strategies help create a room that feels more organized, functional, and inviting for everyday play. Indoor Playroom Ideas That Encourage Creative Play The best playrooms allow imagination to take the lead. Rather than filling every inch of the room with toys, focus on creating opportunities for open-ended play. Some of the best playroom design ideas for kids that foster creativity include: Child-sized activity tables for crafts, building projects, and imaginative play Art easels that support drawing, painting, and self-expression Toy kitchens for pretend play Dollhouses and pretend play sets Reading nooks with books and comfortable seating Rotating toys throughout the year can also help keep a playroom feeling fresh while encouraging deeper engagement with favorite activities. How to Decorate a Playroom Without Overcrowding It When space is limited, it's easy to fall into the trap of adding too much. A well-designed playroom doesn't need to be packed with furniture, toys, or décor to feel fun and engaging. Instead, incorporate a few thoughtful playroom interior design ideas: Choose a few pieces that serve a clear purpose and leave plenty of open floor space for movement and play. Use bright artwork, playful wall decals, and colorful storage solutions to add personality without taking up valuable room. Keep a consistent color palette to help a smaller playroom feel more open and cohesive. The goal is to create a space that feels cheerful and stimulating without becoming visually overwhelming. Playroom Layout Ideas for Small Spaces A successful playroom layout starts with understanding how your child naturally plays. Some kids need room to spread out with building projects, while others gravitate toward reading, pretend play, or arts and crafts. When planning your layout, focus on: Keeping larger furniture pieces along the walls Preserving open floor space in the center of the room Using vertical storage to maximize wall space Choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes Creating flexible areas that can adapt as children grow Most importantly, leave room for flexibility. Children's interests change quickly, and a layout that can evolve over time will continue to support their creativity and play. Create a Playroom That Inspires Everyday Play Your small playroom can have a big impact when it's designed with intention. By focusing on organization, flexible furniture, and opportunities for imaginative play, you’ll create a playroom that inspires creativity and everyday fun. Explore KidKraft's playroom furniture and storage solutions to bring your space to life.

Backyard Summer Activities for Kids

Summer has both kids and adults looking forward to the long days, warm evenings, and more time spent outside together. But when school is out for weeks at a time, finding ways to keep kids entertained and active can take a little creativity. The good news? You don’t need elaborate plans or constant outings to make summer memorable. With the right mix of summer activities for kids, your backyard can become the go-to spot for fun all season long. What are the Best Summer Activities for Kids at Home? The best summer activities for kids at home keep them engaged, active, and excited to head outside day after day. A balance of physical play, creative activities, and low-pressure backyard fun helps prevent boredom while encouraging kids to stay off screens and enjoy the outdoors. Simple setups often go the furthest. Whether it’s a swing set, water play area, scavenger hunt, backyard obstacle course, or simply a designated place to enjoy an outdoor lunch, outdoor spaces that invite kids to move, explore, and use their imagination can turn everyday summer moments into lasting memories. Active Summer Outdoor Activities for Kids Outdoor play is one of the best ways for kids to burn energy, stay active, and make the most of summer break. The following classic backyard activities make it easier to keep them entertained without needing to plan something new every day. Backyard obstacle courses Swing set races and climbing challenges Water balloon games Sidewalk chalk games and hopscotch Backyard scavenger hunts Relay races or tag games Sprinkler play on hot afternoons Swing sets are especially helpful for active summer play because they naturally encourage movement and imaginative adventures all in one place. Creative and Sensory Summer Activities Not all summer activity ideas for kids need to be high-energy. Creative and sensory play gives kids a chance to slow down, explore, and use their imagination in different ways. Stock up on supplies so you can easily set up these activities at any time. DIY mud kitchens Sandboxes and water sensory bins Backyard art stations Nature crafts using leaves, flowers and rocks Bubble-making stations Outdoor reading nooks or pretend play areas These activities work especially well when paired with outdoor playhouses or shaded backyard spaces where kids can create their own little world. And on those days when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside? These indoor summer activities will keep everyone entertained. Easy and Fun Summer Activities for Kids at Home Easy backyard activities the whole family can enjoy together can help fill long summer days without requiring a ton of setup or supplies. Backyard picnics Camping in the yard Outdoor movie nights Building forts or play spaces Ice pop afternoons outside Gardening together Treasure hunts or simple backyard games These simple activities create easy opportunities for families to slow down, spend time together and make the most of summer at home. Create a Backyard Space to Entertain Your Kids All Summer Long A thoughtfully designed backyard can make summer easier for parents and more exciting for kids. Dedicated play spaces encourage children to head outside on their own, stay active longer, and create their own adventures without needing constant entertainment. Features like swing sets, playhouses, climbing areas, and shaded play zones help turn the backyard into a place kids genuinely want to spend time. And when there are multiple ways to play, it’s easier to keep siblings and friends engaged throughout the season. Make the Most of Summer Outdoor Playtime Summer goes by fast, but the right backyard setup can help make every day feel a little more memorable. From active outdoor games to imaginative backyard adventures, creating opportunities for kids to play outside encourages movement, creativity and plenty of summer fun. Explore KidKraft’s outdoor collection and turn your backyard into the ultimate summer play space kids will love.

Wooden vs Plastic Toys: What Parents Should Know

When choosing toys for your child, the material matters more than you might think. Wooden and plastic toys each offer distinct benefits, but the material type can shape how kids play, learn, and engage with their environment in different ways. Understanding the differences between wooden vs. plastic toys can help you choose toys that better support creativity, development, and long-term use. What Are Wooden Toys? Wooden toys for kids are made primarily from natural wood. They’re often designed with simple, durable construction and a focus on open-ended play. Unlike many plastic toys that rely on lights, sounds, or electronics, wooden toys tend to be more minimal in design, encouraging kids to use their imagination rather than follow preset functions. Toys made from wood are known for their timeless appeal and durability, often lasting through years of active play. From building blocks and activity tables to play kitchens and dollhouses, wooden toys are typically designed to support developmental milestones like problem-solving, coordination, and creative thinking. Wooden vs. Plastic Toys: Key Differences The biggest difference between wooden and plastic toys comes down to how they’re used and how long they last. Wooden toys are generally sturdier and built for long-term use. They’re less likely to break or wear down quickly (especially when properly maintained), making them a reliable choice for growing kids and shared play. Plastic toys, on the other hand, are often lighter and more feature-driven, sometimes including sounds, lights, or character-based designs. There’s also a difference in play style. Wooden toys tend to promote child-led play, where kids decide how the toy is used. Plastic toys are more likely to guide play with specific functions or intended outcomes. Neither is inherently “wrong,” but the experience they create can be very different. There are aesthetic differences as well. Wooden toys often have a more timeless, neutral look that blends well into any home, while plastic toys can be more colorful and trend-driven. Benefits of Wooden Toys for Kids Wooden toys offer several advantages, with one of the biggest benefits being how they support imagination. Without built-in sounds or instructions, kids are free to create their own stories and ways to play. This kind of unstructured play encourages creativity and independent thinking. They also support developmental growth. Many wooden toys are designed to help build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on interaction. Durability is another big advantage. Wooden toys are built to withstand active play, making them a long-lasting option that can often be passed down between siblings or even generations. Are Wooden Toys Better Than Plastic for Kids? In many cases, wooden toys offer more long-term value, especially when it comes to durability and developmental play. They tend to encourage deeper engagement, creativity, and skill-building compared to toys that rely heavily on entertainment features. They’re also often considered a safer, lower-toxicity option. Many wooden toys are made without BPA, PVC, and other harsh chemicals commonly found in some plastics. This can offer extra peace of mind, especially for parents of younger kids who still explore the world by putting things in their mouths. That said, the best choice often comes down to balance. Plastic toys can still have their place and add even more variety to a child's collection. But if you’re looking for toys that grow with your child and support safer, meaningful play, wooden toys are often the better investment. Choosing Toys That Support Play and Learning At the end of the day, the best toys are the ones that keep kids engaged, curious, and learning through play. Choosing well-made, thoughtfully designed options can make a lasting difference in how children interact with their environment and develop new skills over time. Explore our collection of wooden toys designed to grow with your child.

Best Swing Sets for Backyard Summer Play

Summer has a way of turning the backyard into the center of everything, with long, sun-filled days, warm evenings, and kids looking to burn off energy. It’s the perfect time to create a space that pulls them outside and keeps them engaged for hours. With the right setup, an outdoor playset can become the go-to destination for everyday adventure, and KidKraft has the best swing sets to make that happen! What Makes a Swing Set Perfect for Summer Play Not all swing sets are created equal, especially when it comes to summer play. The best backyard swing sets are designed to keep kids moving, exploring, and heading outside day after day. Look for the following features: Multiple activity zones: Playsets with clearly defined areas for different types of play (like a swing zone, climbing area, and deck space) create a natural flow that keeps kids moving from one activity to the next. Slides and climbing features: These components add excitement, encouraging kids to stay active instead of losing interest after a few minutes. Shade or elevated play areas: Covered decks or elevated platforms provide a break from direct sun while still keeping kids immersed in play. Space for multiple kids: Whether it’s siblings or neighborhood friends, larger playsets make it easy for everyone to join in without crowding. The result? More time outside, more active play, and more summer memories made right in your backyard! Best Swing Sets for Active Backyard Fun If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space this summer, check out the best children' s swing sets below, offering a great mix of features, durability, and play value. Parkwood Post Swing Set The Parkwood Post Swing Set is designed to be a true backyard centerpiece that brings together structure, style, and a wide range of activities to keep kids moving. It offers multiple zones for climbing, swinging, and imaginative play, making it ideal for high-energy summer days. Features like an elevated play deck, slides, and climbing elements are designed to make it easy to transition from one activity to the next, keeping kids engaged without interruption. The design also balances open play space with areas that feel more enclosed, giving kids options for both active movement and creative play. And this new addition to our swing set collection is gaining attention from families who have already put it to the test! In a recent spotlight, influencer Skylar Kelissa shared, “We’ve been wanting a space in our new house where kids can just be outside, use their imagination, and just be kids.” It’s exactly the kind of everyday outdoor experience the Parkwood Post is designed to create. For families looking to invest in a swing set that delivers on both play value and visual appeal, the Parkwood Post stands out as a top summer pick. Your browser does not support the video tag. Swing Sets with Slides and Climbing Features For active kids, the more ways to move, the better. All the swing sets below combine climbing walls, ladders, swings, and slides to create a well-rounded play experience that keeps energy levels high and boredom low. In addition to the Parkwood Post swing set, these playsets are amazing for encouraging kids to be active outdoors all summer long. Bear Cave Lodge Swing Set This feature-rich option blends climbing, sliding, and imaginative play into one cohesive design. Kids love the interactive sand/water station! Ridgemoor Perch Swing Set Designed with elevated play areas and multiple access points, this set encourages movement while offering plenty of space to explore. Adventure Bend Swing Set Built for kids who love to stay on the move, this set features a great combination of climbing elements and slides. Laurel Retreat Swing Set A versatile option that balances active play with cozy, imaginative spaces for downtime between adventures. Falcon Ridge Swing Set With a mix of classic and dynamic features, this swing set is a wonderful choice for families looking to create a modern outdoor play area with a touch of nostalgia. Create Your Backyard Summer Play Space The best playsets for summer can transform your backyard into one of your family’s favorite spots to spend time together. A thoughtfully chosen playset brings adventure to every day and helps kids stay engaged and active while spending time outside throughout the summer. Make the most of the season with a swing set built for all-day outdoor fun—explore KidKraft’s playsets to find the perfect fit for your backyard.

Top Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Playroom

Out with the old, in with the new! Spring is the perfect time to refresh your playroom after a long winter of indoor play. A clean, organized space helps kids focus, makes cleanup easier, and creates room for all those new adventures ahead. So, open those windows, let in the fresh air, and let's get started. When Does Spring Cleaning Start? Spring cleaning typically kicks off in March or early April, when the weather begins to warm up and you can finally open those windows. Families often use this time to tackle deep cleaning projects before outdoor activities take over. It's also a natural transition point—winter toys can be rotated out, and lighter, brighter play takes center stage. What Is Considered Spring Cleaning? Spring cleaning goes beyond your regular weekly tidy-up. It includes: Deep cleaning surfaces, floors, and hard-to-reach areas Decluttering items you no longer need Reorganizing closets, drawers, and storage spaces Donating unused belongings to create more room For your playroom, this means giving every toy, book, and storage bin a fresh start. Spring Cleaning Checklist for a Playroom Put on some music, give the kids a simple job or two, and work through this checklist together. Sort and declutter toys. Set aside broken items and toys your child has outgrown. Wipe down surfaces and storage bins. Clean shelves, tables and toy organizers to clear away dust and sticky fingerprints. Disinfect toys safely. Use gentle, non-toxic cleaners on high-touch items Rotate seasonal toys. Pack away winter go-tos and bring out spring and summer fun favorites. Reorganize shelves and labeled bins. Give everything a designated spot so cleanup is quick and easy. Spring Cleaning Tips for Keeping Kids' Spaces Organized Once your playroom is clean, keep it that way with these simple habits: Create daily reset habits. Spend 5 minutes before bed putting toys back in their spots. Use accessible storage. Keep frequently used toys on lower shelves so kids can reach them. Label clearly. Use picture or word labels so children know exactly where things belong. Make cleanup part of playtime. Turn tidying into a game with timers or fun music. Want more guidance? Check out our tips for organizing toys in 3 steps. Refresh Your Playroom for the Season Spring is all about fresh starts. Update your storage solutions and rethink your playroom layout to support active, creative play. Explore our playroom ideas for smarter spaces and set your family up for a season of fun. FAQs When does spring cleaning start? Spring cleaning typically begins in March or early April when warmer weather arrives and families feel motivated to refresh their homes. What is considered spring cleaning? Spring cleaning includes deep cleaning, decluttering, reorganizing storage, and donating unused items. It's more thorough than regular weekly cleaning. Why is it called spring cleaning? The tradition of spring cleaning dates back centuries, when warmer weather made it easier to open windows, air out homes, and tackle big cleaning projects after a long winter indoors. What does a spring clean include? A spring clean includes wiping down all surfaces, sorting through belongings, organizing storage areas, disinfecting high-touch items, and refreshing spaces with better systems for the season ahead.

Sensory Activities for Spring: Fun, Hands-On Play Ideas for Kids

Spring is here, bringing fresh opportunities for parents to make playtime more exciting. The warmer weather, blooming gardens, and longer days give kids a whole new world of textures, scents, and sights to explore. Sensory activities fit right into this season, and the best part? They're simpler than you think. Let’s dig into the fun. What Are Sensory Activities? Sensory play is any activity that engages your child's senses, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement. Think squishing mud, sorting colorful pebbles, or splashing in water. Sensory play has been shown to have many benefits. It helps develop neural pathways, refine motor skills, and build natural curiosity. In short, getting a little messy is actually really good for kids. Why Spring Is Perfect for Sensory Playtime Spring offers plenty of ready-made inspiration for sensory play—no craft store trip required. Step outside and you'll find: Nature-based textures. Explore bark, petals, soil, pinecones, and grass. Outdoor sand and water. Perfect for digging, pouring, and splashing. Seasonal colors and scents. Enjoy blooming flowers, earthy garden smells, and bright spring hues. Spring Sensory Bin Ideas Kids Will Love Sensory bins are low-effort, high-impact. Fill a shallow container and let the exploring begin. Here are four spring-ready themes: Garden-themed bin. Include soil, small shovels, and silk flowers for creative play. Flower scoop and sort. Use dried petals and colorful scoops for a fun sorting activity. Water-and-pebble bin. Place smooth river stones in shallow water with cups for pouring and sensory exploration. Easter egg texture hunt. Fill plastic eggs with materials like rice, buttons, and bells for a touch-and-guess game. Always supervise during sensory play, especially with small materials. For babies and toddlers who are still exploring with their mouths, choose larger, taste-safe items and avoid anything that could pose a choking risk. Create a Dedicated Sensory Play Space at Home Give children a defined space for sensory play to keep the mess contained and the creativity flowing. Here's what to consider setting up: An art table with storage for paints, paper, and craft supplies An easel that makes it easy for little artists to create masterpieces A sandbox in the backyard for open-ended digging and building Each of these provides kids with a reliable "go-to" spot for hands-on play, helping build focus and independence over time. Bring Spring Sensory Play to Life Sensory play doesn't need to be complicated—it just needs space to happen. Explore KidKraft's art tables, easels, and sandboxes to make sensory playtime engaging, organized, and easy all season long. FAQs What are the benefits of sensory play? Sensory play supports brain development, fine and gross motor skills, curiosity, and memory. What to put in a spring sensory bin? Try soil, dried petals, pebbles, water, Easter eggs, or dyed rice with spring-themed scoops and figurines. What age are sensory activities for? Most sensory activities suit children from toddler age onward. Just supervise little ones who still put items in their mouths and choose larger, non-toxic materials to reduce choking risks. How often should kids do sensory play? A few times a week is a great goal, but even short daily bursts of hands-on play make a difference. Are sensory activities good for toddlers? Yes! Toddlers benefit enormously from sensory exploration. Pouring, touching, and sorting all build coordination and cognitive connections at this stage.

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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

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

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 (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 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

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.

2022 Kids Toy Trends

What trending kids toys can you expect to see all over your social media feeds in the new year? Here are five toy trends to watch in 2022! “Kidult” or Whole Family Toys “Kidult” is a fairly new term to describe the trend of toys that are meant for adults just as much as they’re meant for older kids. Think things like collectibles and complex building toys. In most cases, this isn’t the trend to follow if you’re buying toys for younger kids who don’t care about expensive collectibles and can’t handle a 3,000 piece Lego set.So if you’re looking for something that lets the entire family play together, opt for a “Whole Family” toy instead – something that hits that sweet spot of actually being fun for adults but not too challenging for kids. The new Nerf outdoor battle forts offer a perfect blend of physical activity, strategy, and competition, so both adults and kids can genuinely enjoy them together. "Unboxing" Toys Unboxing videos have led to a surprising trend in toys where the unwrapping of the toy is almost more important than the toy itself. Our only advice? If you do select a toy for its unboxing experience, just make sure the end product is something your child will actually play with for a while! Techy Toys Techy toys aren’t going anywhere in 2022, especially as virtual reality gains more popularity. But even outside of VR, traditional toys are getting the high-tech treatment. The Alexa 2-in-1 Kitchen & Market, for example, is a play kitchen equipped with a kid-friendly version of Alexa. Kids’ dramatic and pretend play naturally mimics the everyday behaviors they see from adults, so as “smart” items and the internet of things are becoming a bigger part of our own daily lives, we’ll see more and more toys follow the same trend. Outdoor Toys Of course, the abundance of technology in our lives also inspires another trend: a desire to get kids outside and active! Outdoor toys saw a huge surge during COVID lockdowns as kids were missing out on their usual outdoor play and social activities. This year, the demand may not be quite as high, but you can bet that swing sets, outdoor playhouses, and other outdoor toys will continue to be popular as parents attempt to balance screen time with physical play. Montessori-inspired Toys Montessori education and parenting isn’t new, but it has gained a ton of popularity in recent years thanks to social media. Montessori-inspired toys are usually simple, made from natural materials and help kids perform practical life activities, develop fine motor skills, and create child-led art and music. While the exact toys and materials vary according to the abilities and interests of the child, some popular standbys in Montessori homes are child-sized cleaning and kitchen tools, wooden puzzles, craft tables that let kids access supplies by themselves, and wooden play kitchens that are put to practical use (i.e. letting kids prep real food on the counter or using the shelves to store their real dishes).

Snow Day Activities for Toddlers

When snow unexpectedly closes the doors of your daycare or preschool, keeping your toddler entertained through the entire day can be tough.You’re stuck inside, and since the roads are probably not safe enough to go grab supplies for new activities, that leaves you with what you already have in the house! To keep you all warm, cozy, and sane, here are some simple snow day toddler activities that add new fun to old toys and supplies! Snow Sensory Bins Your typical sensory bin… but snowy! Use all your usual fillers and tools but add a few scoops of snow from outside. It’s a great way to let kids have fun playing with the snow without actually having to be out in the cold. If you plan to use rice or beans in your sensory bin, just keep in mind that you’ll probably have to throw that batch out after it gets wet from the snow. Animal Rescue Find some of your toddler’s small plastic animal toys (or any small plastic toy) and some masking or painter’s tape. Tape them to a craft table, the floor, or the wall. Then, give your toddler a mission: rescue all the animals! You can criss-cross several pieces to make it tougher for older kids, or leave it simple for younger toddlers. Tape “Obstacle” Courses Tape to the rescue once again. Place lines of painter’s tape on the floor throughout the house and have the kids run along the lines. Leave gaps for them to jump over, swirlys for them to spin around in, and – if they can recognize shapes and follow instructions – place a few extra “shape challenges” on your course like jumping up and down in triangles and crawling over any squares. Older toddlers will probably love creating their own courses too, so hand over that roll of tape if you’re brave enough and see what they come up with. Kitchen DIYs Whether it’s whipping up some chickpea play foam, making baking soda “volcanoes” in jars, or mixing your own finger paint, your kitchen is a treasure trove of new activities (with a little supervision of course.) Our favorites are ones that give the kids something new to play with even after the activity is done like homemade play dough. Once the dough is ready to go, they can take it to their play kitchen and “bake” the day away with cookie cutters and a rolling pin. Crafting This does not have to be fancy. Use whatever you have on hand. You can make cards for family and friends with construction paper, do some finger painting, or make necklaces with yarn and cereal or macaroni. One idea they’re likely to love is “snow day” themed crafts they can decorate their room or the playroom with. Just cut out some snowflakes, string them together, and hang them up! Bath Time Fun Who says you can’t take three baths in one day? Seriously though, water play is often a magical “reset” button for a grumpy toddler, so fill up the bathtub and add a few new elements to make it extra fun. This can be as simple as letting them wear their swimsuits for indoor “swimming” or running a bubble bath. To add some novelty, add plastic toys that are safe for the tub but aren't usually bath toys or any bathtub paint or crayons you have on hand. We love the ideas of using the large, toddler size plastic building blocks in the tub to build floating structures! Fort Building Blanket and couch cushion forts are an old standby! Make them even more fun by incorporating some toys. You can create tunnels and caves to drive their train sets through or secret hideouts for their dolls and stuffies. For more ideas, check out our Rainy Day Activities the Whole Family Will Enjoy!