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.

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Part 1 of Behind the KidKraft Design was all about the creative process of our toy and playset designs, from initial inspiration to mood boards and trend research. In Part 2, we’re focusing on what happens next: bringing those concepts to life through prototyping, collaboration, and production. Get ready to discover how sketches become computer-aided design (CAD) models, concepts evolve into real products, and collaboration ensures every detail is just right before landing in your child’s hands. Turning Playset Designs into Prototypes How we design a playset starts with translating ideas into tangible form, and at KidKraft, structural design and mood board creation happen side by side. Early in the process, the team prepares for a concept approval meeting, where executives review CAD models or sketches alongside mood boards and “moments.” These “moments” are the small but memorable details—like a working elevator in a dollhouse or a cozy nook in a playset—that capture both the overall art style and the emotional feel of the design. These checkpoints ensure that the product’s story is clear, the functionality makes sense, and the look ties back to the original inspiration. Style previews further bring the vision to life, helping the team visualize how these details will appear in a child’s world. Hands-On Collaboration With Manufacturers Prototyping is only the beginning. From there, our designers work in close partnership with manufacturers in China and Taiwan to bring each concept to life with precision. This collaboration allows us to maintain meticulous control over details that many brands overlook, such as color consistency, texture, and gloss levels, making this approach truly unique to KidKraft. The process is highly interactive: designers send Adobe Illustrator files overseas, manufacturers print and return samples, and the KidKraft team conducts rigorous checks to ensure every element matches the original vision. Even something as simple as a color swatch can go through multiple rounds of review before approval. By carefully managing these details, we guarantee that every product, from dollhouses to playsets, looks and feels exactly as intended, right down to the smallest finish! Testing, Feedback, and Final Adjustments Toy and playset design is a team effort, and not everyone involved speaks the same “design language.” Interpreting feedback from non-design stakeholders can sometimes pose challenges. But it’s all part of the process. When feedback comes in, our designers collaborate across teams to rethink, rework, and refine, whether it’s improving usability, enhancing safety, or simplifying the assembly process for parents. The goal is always the same: a toy that delivers lasting fun while being safe, sturdy, and easy to set up. Designing for Longevity and Everyday Play KidKraft goes well beyond chasing trends, making sure our designs are created with longevity in mind. Some dollhouse designs from 15–20 years ago are still in production today, loved by new generations of kids! At the same time, our team is just as excited about refreshing those legacy designs, breathing new life into classics so they feel modern, relevant, and ready for years of play ahead. We also love embracing new ideas, like designing kids’ furniture. This requires a different mindset that draws heavily on color, wood stain, and natural fiber trends in exterior and landscape design. Our team is also working on outdoor products like playhouse and wooden playset designs, which bring in more architectural design elements along with updated stain and plastic colors. With every new or updated design, our focus always remains on quality materials, timeless color palettes, and durability that stands up to everyday play. How Play Inspires Design Evolution The most valuable insights come straight from the playroom. Our design team digs into customer reviews to better understand what families love—and where there’s room to improve. They also incorporate a hands-on research approach by regularly visiting homes to see how kids actually interact with toys in real life. These in-person observations and direct feedback loops often lead to meaningful innovations, such as the “open and closed” dollhouse concept, which was born from seeing the need for a toy that could double as storage. This gave kids more ways to play while offering parents a practical solution that keeps play areas tidy. Blending imagination with functionality results in toys that are fun while also fitting seamlessly into family spaces. This immersive research process helps our team continuously improve designs and create toys that kids want to play with and parents want to buy. Bringing It All Together: From Factory to Playroom Once the design is finalized, it moves into full-scale production and quality assurance. Every detail is double-checked so families receive a product that’s safe, durable, and true to KidKraft’s design vision. For the design team, the most rewarding moment is seeing their work come to life in homes—knowing that what started as a sketch is now a centerpiece for play, learning, and imagination! Discover the Finished Designs From bold ideas to beautifully crafted toys, every step of the KidKraft design journey leads to one thing: more imaginative play. Explore the full KidKraft collection, including play kitchens, dollhouses, and activity tables, and see where creativity comes to life in your own home.

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

All of our toy and playset designs start with a story. At KidKraft, that story is shaped by imagination, research, and a team of designers who never stop thinking about how children play (and how families live). In this two-part series, we’re pulling back the curtain on our toy and playset design process. This first part will take you inside the earliest stages, from the first spark of inspiration to the blueprint that lays the foundation for every kitchen, wooden playset, and dollhouse design we create. Where KidKraft Playset Designs Begin Ideas at KidKraft come from two main places: requests from our sales team or retail partners and the free-flowing creativity of internal brainstorms. Sometimes a retailer asks for a specific product to meet the needs of their customers. Other times, our team imagines new possibilities during yearly brainstorming sessions. Either way, it’s never a solo effort. Industrial designers, engineers, and product graphic designers collaborate from the very beginning, ensuring every idea balances creativity with practicality. Together, they start shaping toys that children will love—and parents will be happy to bring into their homes. Gathering Inspiration for KidKraft Designs Creative sparks don’t always happen at a desk. To get inspired, our team steps outside the office. Off-site brainstorms might include excursions in a designer's city, with visits to museums, historic homes, or stores to observe design trends in the wild. These experiences fuel days of sketching and sharing ideas back at the studio. From there, mood boards take shape. Our designers gather visuals that highlight color palettes, textures, and architectural details. For wooden playsets or outdoor products, inspiration might come from timeless design elements in nature or real homes, which is why many KidKraft products feel both imaginative and authentic. The Designer Behind the Designs Meet Riley Burrus, Product Graphics Manager at KidKraft Every KidKraft toy begins with a spark of imagination. But behind that spark are real people who pour their creativity and heart into each design. One of those people is Riley Burrus, who has been part of KidKraft for nearly a decade. Riley’s path to toy design wasn’t exactly planned. With a degree in illustration, she imagined herself creating children’s books, weaving stories through words and pictures. But after graduation, while working as a barista and searching for her next step, she stumbled across a LinkedIn job posting for dollhouse illustration. It caught her attention immediately. “I liked children’s book illustration because I love kids and telling stories,” Riley recalls. “When I interviewed for the dollhouse role, I realized this was just a different way of telling stories—one where the artwork itself inspires play.” Today, Riley helps guide KidKraft’s designs from concept to reality. She and other designers often sneak in little “Easter eggs” that make each product feel extra special and enable them to incorporate a tiny bit of themselves into the design. For example, a dollhouse wallpaper might feature their pets, or a tiny framed picture could echo a loved one. For Riley, toy design is more than creating something beautiful or fun. It’s about blending storytelling, imagination, and a personal touch that turns play into something magical. And when kids pick up a KidKraft toy, they’re not just playing with wood, paint, and accessories; they’re stepping into worlds crafted with care by designers like Riley, who see storytelling everywhere. That same spirit of listening and storytelling doesn’t just come from our design team. It also comes from the families who play with our toys every day. Listening to Customers Of course, inspiration also comes directly from the families who play with our products. KidKraft’s design team studies thousands of product reviews across Amazon, Target, Costco, and other retailers to see what parents and kids love, as well as what could be better. For example, our “easy craft line” was developed to reduce assembly time after hearing from parents who wanted a quicker setup. The team also considers both the child’s perspective (fun, imaginative, colorful) and the parent’s perspective (durability, value, aesthetics). It’s this balance that makes toys both entertaining and practical for everyday family life. Spotting Trends Before They Happen Designing toys isn’t just about responding to what’s popular now. A big part of toy design involves predicting what kids (and parents) will want one or two years down the road, when a toy finally hits the shelves. Our design team looks to high fashion, interior design, fine art, and even kids’ animation for inspiration. Trends trickle down across industries, so a color palette from a runway show might eventually influence the look of a play kitchen or dollhouse. Keeping a finger on the pulse of these creative worlds allows our team to design toys that feel fresh, modern, and relevant. Aesthetic Meets Function While toys should always inspire play, they also need to work for the families who buy them. That’s why we blend age-appropriate design (like higher contrast colors for toddlers) with aesthetics parents appreciate, from brass accents to wood textures that echo modern interiors. The goal is to create toys kids love to play with and parents love to see in their living spaces. For instance, a dollhouse or activity table might have a pop of bright color for imaginative play while also featuring textures and finishes that make it blend beautifully into a family room. Visualizing the Blueprint Before a toy becomes real, it lives in sketches, computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, and illustrated “moments” that capture its look and feel. Mood boards, color swatches, and concept art help communicate the vision during concept approval meetings with company leaders. This is where big ideas start to feel tangible, offering an exciting sneak peek of how creativity will soon become reality. From Blueprint to Build: Explore the Designs in Action Every KidKraft product begins with this mix of inspiration, research, and artistry. From sketches to mood boards, each step brings us closer to creating toys that spark imagination and fit seamlessly into family life. Don’t miss Part 2 of this series, where we’ll explore what happens next: prototyping, product development, and the meticulous process of bringing these ideas to life with our global manufacturing partners. Explore KidKraft’s full collection of playsets, dollhouses, play kitchens, kids’ furniture, and more to discover where inspiration becomes play.

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After-School Activities After a long day in the classroom, kids need a chance to move, stretch, and recharge. While structured after-school programs are great, sometimes the best post-school activities for kids are the ones that happen right at home in your own backyard! That’s the inspiration behind our Backyard Recess campaign, where families show how they use their playsets and playhouses to transform ordinary afternoons into memorable adventures. Discover the benefits of after-school activities and see how creators like Elizabeth Homen and Courtney Williams are bringing fresh after-school activity ideas to life. How After-School Activities Benefit Your Child After-school activities go beyond just keeping kids occupied; they play an important role in healthy development. Whether climbing, swinging, or diving into imaginative play, children build physical strength, sharpen cognitive skills, and strengthen social connections when they engage in fun, structured activities that challenge and inspire them. Here are some of the key benefits kids gain from after-school activities. Provides physical activity. Movement burns energy, improves coordination, and supports growth. Relieves stress. Gives kids an opportunity to unwind and reset after the structure of the school day. Fosters creativity and imagination. Open-ended play sparks storytelling, problem-solving, and self-expression. Develops social skills. Siblings, friends, and neighbors learn teamwork, sharing, and cooperation. Backyard recess blends these benefits with the convenience of at-home play, so kids can jump right into fun the moment school ends. Elizabeth Homen’s After-School Routine with the Kids For Elizabeth Homen, afternoons are about giving her daughter space to explore and recharge. And the Lantana Lane Playhouse provides the perfect spot for imaginative play, whether her daughter is pretending to cook, plant flowers, or serve a hot beverage. The cozy design of the Lantana Lane Playhouse invites creativity, while the hands-on elements keep little ones engaged, bringing both parents and kids joy once the school day is over. How to Keep Recess Going After the Bell Rings View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth Homen (@elizabethhomen) Courtney Williams’ Creative Take on After-School Play Courtney Williams takes after-school play outdoors with the Laurel Retreat Swing Set. From climbing and zooming down the slide to relaxing on the swings, her kids of various ages enjoy the mix of movement and freedom they need to shake off the school day. The Laurel Retreat gives her children screen-free structure and a place to unwind and laugh together. It’s also the perfect spot for much-needed downtime while juggling a busy schedule. Easy Back-to-School Routine with KidKraft's Durable Swing Set View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney N. Williams (@courtnwilliams) What Families Are Loving About These After-School Setups Across both Elizabeth’s and Courtney’s routines, a few themes stand out: Balance: Kids need both active play and imaginative downtime. Imagination: Whether it’s a playhouse “restaurant” or a pretend castle on the swing set, creativity is at the center of fun. Connection: These spaces create chances for siblings to bond and families to spend time together. After-school play gives kids a space to recharge, grow, and connect. With the right setup, families can create fun and meaningful routines, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. It’s these little daily moments that become the memories kids carry with them. More After-School Activity Ideas to Try Looking for more things to do after school beyond playhouses and swing sets? Here are a few simple, screen-free favorites to spark your child’s imagination: Nature scavenger hunt in the yard or neighborhood Obstacle course using outdoor toys, chalk, and household items Backyard picnic or snack time under the trees Creative crafts with leaves, sticks, or stones Mini sports games, like soccer, basketball, or relay races Sand play with a sandbox or sand table These activities pair perfectly with your existing playset setup, adding variety to your child’s routine. Find the Perfect Playset for At-Home After-School Activities Ready to make your backyard the go-to spot for after-school fun? Our collection of swing sets and playhouses makes it easy to create a space your kids will love coming home to. Explore our swing sets, outdoor playhouses, and other outdoor products to find the perfect fit for your family’s after-school routine. Give your children the gift of a backyard recess they’ll always remember.

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Back to School Organization

It’s almost time for a feed full of adorable back-to-school picks. While those cute little faces are always beaming, we all know that the behind-the-scenes process of getting ready for the first day can feel super hectic. Investing a little time now in a strong organizational setup can make all the difference for the first day and beyond. Our back-to-school organization tips will help set the kiddoes (and you!) for a super smooth school year! Desk/ Homework Area Organization Distraction-free (quiet, no unnecessary screens) Ergonomically friendly (that means kid-sized tables and chairs if possible) Clutter-free (because clutter is a distraction in itself) This will help your littles stay focused as they work … so they can get back to playing asap! A kids desk is perfect, and ours come with almost everything they’ll need to stay organized as they get their work done. Built-in folder dividers can help them organize their folders for different classes, and the drawers are the perfect space to stash their backpacks, books, or spare school supplies. If a desk doesn't fit your space or budget, your craft table, kid-sized table, or your dining room table (with a booster seat if necessary) can work just as well. If it’s a multi-functional space, just try to keep the other activities (like crafts, toys, dishes etc.) out of the way when it’s schoolwork time. Clothes Organization Image from: The Organized MamaGetting ready in the mornings is 100x easier if the kids can easily find their clothes and dress themselves. We love the idea of laying out two outfits the night before for them to choose from – they’ll have a little freedom without being overwhelmed. You can hang them on their doorknob, or set them up with a child-sized wardrobe for ultimate independence. (This approach is a favorite among Montessori-at-home families.) Of course, that doesn't necessarily make things easier on you if their drawers and closet are a mess. For that, we recommend doing a serious declutter before the start of school. Part ways with anything that’s too small, damaged or never worn. If you didn’t jump on the KonMari bandwagon when Tidying Up hit Netflix a few years ago, it’s definitely time to try out her vertical-folding method. It takes a little adjusting, but it definitely helps drawers stay way neater, especially when you pair it with a few organizing baskets. Backpack Organization Less is more when it comes to backpacks – both for organization and for the sake of your kiddo’s backs. Try to make sure they’re packed as lightly as possible. Any heavy items like books should be towards the bottom of the pack. Other than that, Folders with dividers and pencil bags can help keep that pack from becoming a sea of broken crayons and crumpled papers – plus a little bit of help from you. While you’ll definitely want to encourage independence over time, your new-to-school littles might need some help keeping things organized for the first few years. When you check their homework or sign a form, take a peek in that backpack to see if they need a little more guidance as they build their own organizational habits. Entryway Organization Image from: Modern Parents Messy Kids Organizing the all-important entryway is key to getting out the door with backpacks, shoes, and jackets, and making sure those items don’t end up on the floor (or totally lost!) once the kids get home. If you don’t have room for an elaborate mudroom setup, don’t worry. All you really need is a place for kids to hang their things and take off their shoes. A few low hooks and a simple shoe tray will do the trick. A spot for each kid complete with labels will help prevent mix-ups...and those inevitable squabbles over the “good” hook. Be sure to check out our full guide to Getting Ready for Back to School for more back-to-school tips! Lastly, if you want to shop for kids’ furniture by age, check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds!

How to Store Your Outdoor Kids Furniture

Proper storage is key to maintaining any outdoor furniture – and your little ones’ pint-sized outdoor kids’ furniture is no exception. A few basic storage tips are all you need to avoid a mildewy mess and keep your kids’ furniture in tip-top shape for years. Store Cushions Between Uses Cushions are usually the first part of outdoor furniture to show wear and tear. Moisture is the enemy here. Even though fabric on outdoor furniture is usually weather-resistant, it can still only take so many soaks in the rain before mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells set in. The best solution is to keep cushions stored out of the elements when not in use. A covered porch that doesn’t get rain, a shed, garage, or a deck box are all great options for storing your cushions. We think a deck box on your back patio is the perfect solution. The cushions will be completely protected from the elements in the waterproof box, and they won’t get dirty and dusty in the shed or garage. Best of all, your kids can access them completely on their own anytime they want to lounge on their outdoor furniture. Store for harsh winters If you live in an area with harsh winters, the kids probably aren't doing many backyard picnics or poolside lounge sessions in the winter months anyway. To protect the wood from the effects of freezing temps, go ahead and store them in the shed or garage until the weather warms up again. No room? Just cover them loosely but securely with a tarp to avoid a build-up of snow and ice. Not storing? Apply a water-repellent stain (as needed) Quality wooden outdoor furniture is pretty tough – with proper care, you may not need to store it at all. If you have temperate winters prefer to keep your kids’ furniture out year-round, applying a water-repellant stain every now and then will help it stay in its best condition. If your kids’ furniture is usually in an uncovered area, you may want to apply this stain every year just as you would for a wooden playset. If it stays under a covered area like your porch, you may only need to apply the stain every few years. Keep umbrellas from blowing away Patio umbrellas are perfect for creating your own shade on sunny days, but you’ll want to take special care to store them. Even the small versions in kid-sized picnic tables can still get damaged on a super windy day. To keep them from blowing away or breaking, keep them closed when not in use. If you’re expecting any strong winds, it’s best to store them in the house, shed, or garage. And if you want to keep the fabric looking new, go ahead and bring it indoors or under the porch any time it’s not in use. Want to shop for furniture and other outdoor toys by age? Explore our collections for 18 months-to-3 year olds, 3-to-8 year olds, and 8 year olds and up. That’s it! Thankfully our kids’ chaise lounges, Adirondack chairs, and table and chair sets are durable and low-maintenance, so storage is simple!

Backyard Camping Ideas with Toddlers

Family camping trips are super fun … they just take a ton of prep and planning, especially when you add a toddler to the mix. Camping out in the backyard? Way more doable, and it’s the perfect way to practice for the real thing. To make sure your tiniest camper is a happy camper, try out some of these backyard camping ideas and tips next time you want to attempt sleeping under the stars with your littles! Set up a tent If you plan to sleep outside, you’ll definitely need a real tent. But if you’re just going for an evening of backyard fun, a play tent or our A-Frame Hideaway and Climber will do the trick! (They’ll look super cute for those Insta pics too!) Make it cozy Whatever kind of tent you go with, you gotta cozy it up with some blankets, pillows, and a few favorite stuffed animals. If you’re actually sleeping outside, you’ll want to make it extra cushy with some sleep mats, air mattresses, and/ or sleeping bags. Use a camp stove If your backyard already has a firepit, great! If not, one night of backyard camping probably isn’t worth the trouble of building one. Instead, cook your dinner on a camping stove so you can get that real outdoor cooking experience. Get some pretend camping gear You can go pretty minimal on the real camping gear when you’re in your own backyard. But some pretend camping gear for the kids is sure to get plenty of use! KidKraft’s Let’s Pretend: Camping Cookout set has everything they’ll need to pretend to be an outdoorsy pro. They can get cooking over the wood fire or the cookstove complete with a full camping breakfast, cutting board and knife, and coffee percolator and mug. Or they can catch their own dinner with the wooden fishing pole, lake, and fish! When the camping fun is done, load it all up in the pretend ice chest for easy storage! Have plenty of flashlights Flashlights are fun and functional – and you can bet that each kid will want their own! Once it gets dark, play a game of flashlight tag and make shadow puppets on the sides of the tent! Sing some campfire songs Even if you don’t have a musician in the family who can play guitar around the campfire, you can all have fun with the kids’ instruments. Bust out those maracas and play guitars and come up with your own silly songs. Jazz up your s’mores Whether you’re cooking them over a fire, over a cookstove, or just in the microwave, s’mores are a must, right? These creative s’mores recipes are tasty twists on the classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate. Use a portable sound machine Actually getting your toddler to sleep in the tent might be a challenge, especially if they’re used to some white noise in their rooms. A battery-powered sound machine might drown out some of those outdoor noises and help your little one drift off to sleep in the new environment. Sleep in an indoor tent If you don’t plan to sleep outside, you can still make the camping fun last all night by bringing the tent indoors when it’s time for bed!Shop all of our camping toys and climbers on the KidKraft website to get them delivered in time for your next backyard camping adventure!

6 Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers

We’re all for fun in the sun, but let’s be real – when the summer heat is at its peak, everyone is happier playing in the AC for a while. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some summertime fun! You can keep the kids active, creative, and learning with these six fun indoor activities for summer! Fun Bath “Swim” Time Turn an everyday bath into a fun indoor summer activity by adding some fun sensory materials or unusual toys. Shaving cream, bath bombs, and bathtub crayons and paints are great for making fun but easy-to-clean messes. Things like dried pasta, kitchen tools, and small water-proof toys can turn the bath into a watery sensory bin. Our favorite fun bath idea though has to be Busy Toddler’s building bricks bathtime! Building bricks float, so the water adds a whole new challenge as they try to build floating structures. Best of all? you’ll be able to skip the bath at bedtime! Couch Cushion Obstacle Course When the kids’ energy levels scream “Play outside!” but the heat index says “Stay inside!”, you’ll need an active physical activity. An indoor obstacle course is just the thing, and your couch cushions make the perfect props. Stack them for a mini climbing challenge and spread them out like stepping stones for some jumping. If your couch cushions aren’t removable (or you just want to spare them the abuse!), you can lay some masking tape down on the floor for a “follow the line” game! Pretend Summer Treats In the winter months, you’ve probably seen your littles whip up pretend Thanksgiving dinners or Christmas cookies in their play kitchen. Bring the same fun to summer by showing them fun summertime treats they can pretend to make. Lemonade, smoothies, ice cream, popsicles, and BBQ are all perfect summertime treats. Indoor Camping “Roast” some s’mores in the microwave and set up sleeping bags in the kids’ teepee or a blanket fort! Indoor camping is perfect for testing the waters for a real camping trip or for just having a fun summer night in! Our Pretend Camping Cookout set has everything you need to complete the fun with a wooden campfire, pretend fishing set, ice chest, camping stove, and camping dishes! Summertime Crafts Windchimes, sun catchers, bird feeders, kites – there’s a ton of crafts that are great for indoor and outdoor summertime fun. When the sun is hot, head indoors to have fun at the craft table. Then when it’s a bit cooler in the morning, evening, or on cloudy days, head outdoors to use them! Dollhouse “Pool” Treat the doll family to some summertime luxury by adding a mini pool to the dollhouse’s “backyard” If your little one’s dolls are waterproof, a shallow mixing bowl or glass baking dish with a little bit of water is all you need. If not, you can fill it with fish tank marbles, blue craft pom poms, or shredded blue construction paper. Once the weather cools off, head to the backyard for some outdoor summer fun with our 12 Outdoor Play Ideas!

5 Tips to Beat the Heat This Summer

If your kids are like most, they love playing outside in the summer… even when you feel like you’re about to bake to a crisp in the summer sun. But even if the kids don’t seem to mind the heat, it’s still important to keep them hydrated, cool, and protected from too much harmful UV rays. We’ve got you covered 5 easy, fun ways you and the kids can beat the heat this summer! Wear sun shirts Putting on sunscreen is probably every kids’ least favorite part about playing outside in the summer. A good sun shirt or two will help you cut down on the time you spend slathering on the sunscreen while still protecting your kiddos from sunburns. And even though long sleeves seem like they’d make you feel way hotter, just the opposite is true with these babies. They’re breathable, and because they keep the kids’ skin from being warmed up by the sun, they’ll stay a bit cooler. You just might want to get a couple for yourself! Make your own healthy popsicles Popsicles are basically the official snack of summer, and they’re a great way to cool down. The only problem? All that sugar. But with a few popsicles molds, you and the kids can easily make your own with just fruit. They’ll have fun blending and pouring their favorite ingredients, and you can even sneak in a science lesson on the states of matter! If you need a little inspiration, we love this popsicle recipe roundup. And if you love the idea of sneaky learning activities in the summer, check out these 6 Easy Recipes for Kids to Facilitate Learning in the Kitchen. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate “Stay hydrated” seems like pretty simple advice… but when it comes to kids, it’s easier said than done. Whether they just can’t be bothered to stop playing even for a second or they insist that water is “boring,” sometimes it’s tough to get them to drink enough on those hot summer days. Fruit-infused water, new water bottles, and fun ice cube shapes can all entice them to drink more. And don’t forget that food can be hydrating too! Try to load up their lunches and snacks with water-rich fruits and veggies like watermelon, grapes, celery, and cucumbers. Stay inside during peak sun hours Get outside in the mornings and evenings, and spend the peak temperature hours (12 - 4 PM in most places) staying cool inside. This is also when harmful UV rays are the strongest, so you’ll avoid sunburns too. Our indoor summer activities for kids are perfect for keeping them busy while you’re all inside or keep them learning all summer long with these tips. Do all the water play Splashing around in cool water from the garden hose is every kid’s favorite way to beat the heat. Whether it’s a kiddie pool, sprinkler, water table, or one of these creative water play ideas, add a little H2O to your playtime next time you start breaking a sweat! Pro tip: the water in hoses can get seriously hot, so always be sure to purge the hose until the water is cool before letting the kids play with it!

Back to School Furniture Guide

It’s all fun and games until that summer heat really kicks in. Then, the kids will definitely need some shady getaways and safe outdoor play areas if you want to keep playing and picnicking in the backyard all summer long. And if you can make those shady spots kid-sized and kid-approved? Even better. Our kids’ chaise lounges, outdoor table and chair sets, and outdoor playhouses are perfect for resting and recharging while catching a break from the sun. Here are some of our favorites this season! The Double Chaise Lounger If you need two equally shady, equally comfy spots for your kiddos, a Double Chaise Lounger has them covered (literally). Comfy cushions and thick shades make it perfect for a quick break from the heat. Find it in Espresso or Gray. Oh, and when they realize it has cup holders for their favorite summertime drinks? Keeping hydrated will be no problem during those fierce summer heatwaves. Outdoor Table with Benches and Umbrella Whether it’s a family BBQ, a backyard picnic, or a summer birthday party, summer means eating outdoors a lot. So whenever possible, try to make sure the kids have a little shade while they’re getting their grub on. Our Outdoor Table with Benches and Umbrella fits the bill, and even after mealtime is over, this kid-sized table will fit right into your kiddo’s worlds of pretend play. If you’ll need room for a few more, check out the longer benches on one of our other favorite kids’ table and chair sets! Outdoor Playhouses Okay, so outdoor playhouses aren’t exactly lounge sets, but they definitely provide a cool, shady spot for your kids to hide out from the sun as they play. Plus, when winter hits, they’re great for blocking those chilly winter gusts too. Any of our, wooden playhouses will offer some serious shade inside, but some of our bestsellers this summer are the Modern Outdoor Playhouse, the Savannah Swing Playhouse, and the A-Frame Hideaway and Climber. And because kids can’t hide out in those shady spots all day, be sure to check out our other tips for beating the heat this summer!

Survival Guide for Road Trips with Toddlers

Fun road trips with toddlers are possible… but it’ll definitely take some planning on your part. We’re here to make that easier for you with some of our favorite tips, toys, and road trip activities for toddlers. With any luck, they’ll keep meltdowns to a minimum and make the journey almost as fun as the destination! Schedule some sleep This probably goes without saying, but naps are a lifesaver on road trips. Schedule some of your travel time around naptime, and bring a few sleep aids like a portable white noise machine, window shades, and your little’s favorite plushies. If you have a super long trip ahead of you, you might consider departing ridiculously early while it’s still dark out or driving into the night. Of course, just make sure you’re not getting sleepy too! Create a toddler-approved playlist Queue up some of your tot’s favorite songs to keep them happy or help them sleep...whatever the situation calls for. Songs from their favorite movies or TV shows are always perfect for peppy sing-a-longs! For something more lullaby-ish, we love the Disney Piano playlist on Spotify. Talk about what you see Your toddler might be a bit too young for family road trip activities like I Spy, but you can still have fun talking about what you see through the windows. Tell them what types of trees you’re passing, what’s in those cool buildings, etc. Ask them about what they see too, and try to keep the conversation going! You might be surprised how interested they really are! Make some mess-free art Crayola’s Color Wonder line of markers and paint pens are perfect for mess-free art on the go. They’ll only color on Color Wonder paper, so you won’t risk any stains on your car’s interior. Twist-up crayons are another relatively mess-free art option, as are colored pencils. Surprise them with some new coloring books to make it more fun! Use a clipboard for coloring Don’t be surprised if they get frustrated trying to use those new coloring books on their laps though. It’s a pretty tough balancing act for a toddler, so pack a clipboard to give them a better drawing surface! Read all the books Pack a mini-library to take on the road. Even if no one can sit in the backseat to read them, your little one can still flip through the pictures and “read” to themselves! Listen to kids’ books on Audible There’s a ton of great kids’ books on Audible, and you can probably find a few of your toddler’s favorites. They’ll probably love recognizing the same story from a new voice! Get a headrest holder for the iPad Even if you usually set strict limits on screen time… road trips are definitely a time to make an exception. These deluxe car seat organizers can hold everything from iPads and art supplies to toys and water bottles, but they’ll only work for kids in a forward-facing car seat. For littles who are still rear-facing, these simple headrest holders will let you set up their favorite show without giving them unrestricted access to the iPad. Pack easy, bite-sized snacks Hangriness and road trips are a bad combo for anyone but especially for toddlers. Plan ahead and pack plenty of toddler-friendly snacks. Go for a mix of fun treats and substantial snacks that actually keep them full, and be extra sure to avoid choking hazards. Plan your rest stops A thirty-minute romp in a park can completely turn things around when it’s turning into tantrum-town in the car. Look up good places to stop ahead of time so you can make the most of your meal and potty breaks. Put them in Pull-Ups If your toddler is already potty trained, you might want to consider using Pulls-Ups for the road trip anyway. You never know how far you’ll be from a bathroom when that gotta-go feeling strikes! Surprise them with new car-seat-friendly toys When even their favorite toys aren’t keeping them happy in their car seat anymore, surprising them with something new can buy a few more hours of tear-free travel time. Our On-the-Go Building Block set is *the* road trip toy for ages 3 and up, and bead mazes and shape sorters are great for younger toddlers.A few meltdowns might be inevitable (they are toddlers after all), but your attitude and prep can make all the difference. Just do your best to have fun and make all the hum-drum road trip stuff seem exciting, and your little travel companion will probably follow suit!

How to Prepare for Back to School

It might seem impossibly soon or way overdue – either way, the first day of school is just around the corner. If that leaves you feeling a little unprepared, no worries. Our back to school tips are here to make sure the first day is all good vibes and minimal stress for kids and parents alike! Bring Back Bedtime Later-than-usual bedtimes are a summer rite of passage, but you’ll want to start gradually winding it back before the start of school. Most school-age kids need about 10 -12 hours of sleep per night, so start pushing bedtime up by 15 minutes every 2-3 nights until they’re back where they need to be. Read A Ton Reading is a great way – maybe the way – to help your kids beat the summer slide and be ready to pick up where they left off learning-wise when school starts back up. And the material doesn’t have to be educational per se – just something that your child enjoys reading with you or on their own if they’re already reading. So if you haven’t had a book-filled summer so far, make a trip to your local library and spend these last few weeks reading at least 20 minutes per day. If they’re a little resistant, you can make it more fun by setting up their own cozy reading corner and savings a few special snacks for reading time only!If you have time, try working in a few of the activities from our 8 Way to Keep Kids Learning Over Summer Break too! Practice (or Read About) the School Day Little ones who have never been to school may have no idea what to expect. You can help them shake those jitters by practicing some activities they’ll do on a typical school day. Circle time to read stories and practice songs, craft time, and playground time, are all standard for most preschools. There are also plenty of picture books about going to preschool or kindergarten that will make the first day seem more fun and less scary! Rosie Goes to Preschool, The Queen of Kindergarten, and Preschool, Here I Come! are popular picks you can probably find at your local library. Avoid the School Supply Shopping Rush When we were kids, there was usually only one option to check off that school supply list: brave the ridiculously crowded stores and scramble for the goods. Thankfully, you can avoid that mess if you order them online. Pro tip: school supplies actually tend to be a little more expensive on Amazon than in stores – who knew! Do your shopping online from a nearby store and place the order for pickup – you’ll get the ease of online shopping and the best prices. Create a Kid Study Space Even if your kiddo’s “homework” is basically just a coloring sheet, they’ll still benefit from having a dedicated homework space. Working on the couch, in bed, or at the kitchen table makes it a bit harder to focus since those spaces are usually where they relax and eat. A kids’ desk can be a great investment, especially as your kid’s homework gets more complex and they need to focus for longer periods of time. If you don’t have the space, the dining table or any child-sized table can still work just fine! Clearing them off beforehand and adding something like a pencil cup or small study lamp can help differentiate between meal or craft times and study time. Overall, you’ll want whatever space you use to be ergonomically correct for kids (which may mean a booster seat at the dining room table), organized, and clutter-free. Practice a Morning Routine There’s no denying that getting the kids out the door on time can be tough. To make the first day of school a little less stressful (and therefore a more positive experience for the littles!), try to get your morning routine down pat a week or so before school starts. That means waking up at the right time, getting dressed, eating breakfast, – the whole nine yards. If it feels a little hectic at first, at least you know you have a few more days to work out the kinks and make it run smoother before the big day! See the School Most schools offer orientations, open houses, or meet-the-teacher nights before the start of school. If at all possible, make it a priority to be there! Seeing their new classroom and meeting the teacher (and maybe even a few friends) beforehand can make the first day way less intimidating for your little learners. Get that First Day Swag Despite the huge marketing push for back-to-school clothes, you really don’t have to shell out money for a whole new wardrobe if your kids still have plenty of clothes that fit. But, wearing something they love can help kids feel confident and shake those first-day jitters. That might mean a cool new outfit, their old favorite t-shirt, or their lucky light-up shoes. Whatever it is, try to give them a say in their first-day outfit so they can feel just as excited about it as you are…because we know you’ll be snapping first-day pics like crazy!