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.
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Why a Halloween Playhouse Makeover Is Perfect for Kids
When the leaves get crunchy, pumpkins appear on porches, and cobwebs turn from dusting chores into décor, it can only mean one thing: Halloween is here! Sprucing up your child’s outdoor playhouse is a spook-tacular way to celebrate. It’s fun, easy on the budget, and turns your backyard into a mini trick-or-treat wonderland just for them. Even better? It’s a project you and your little goblins can do together. A Halloween playhouse makeover gives children a place to giggle, pretend and act out stories. Decorating allows kids to flex their creativity and transform their playhouse into a haunted hideaway they’ll be proud to show off. For parents, it’s quick, affordable and a way to make memories that will last long after the candy is gone (and let’s not forget all those adorable photo ops). KidKraft playhouses make the ideal centerpiece for your family’s Halloween traditions. They’re sturdy, weather-ready and easy to personalize with decorations, so you can focus on the “treat” instead of the tricks. Simple Outdoor Halloween Decor Ideas for Playhouses Get some inspiration with these simple Halloween ideas to transform your kids' outdoor playhouse into a festive retreat: Add Spooky Lights and Glow: Nothing says Halloween like a warm orange glow. Wrap jack-o’-lantern string lights around the roof or doorway, and add a few LED candles inside for a safe “haunted house” shimmer. Glow-in-the-dark stickers of stars, bats or friendly skeletons make windows and walls come alive at night without being too scary. Go for Gauze and Fabrics Add eeriness with gauzy black fabric. Drape it across windows for a mysterious peek-a-boo effect, or turn a playhouse post into a “mummy” with strips of white cloth. Ghost garlands made from tissue or felt add just the right amount of spooky-silly charm, while sheer purple curtains make the playhouse feel like a witch’s cottage. Kid-Friendly Touches Keep it fun, not frightening. Fake spider webs with plastic spiders easily stretch across a roof or doorway. A few natural, painted or foam pumpkins add autumn cheer. Let kids decorate mini pumpkins with stickers or washable markers so they can show off their pumpkin “patch” with pride. Hanging paper bats from the ceiling or porch creates movement whenever the wind blows…or maybe it’s a ghost at play? You can also go big with balloons. Decorate the playhouse and porch with bunches of orange and black balloons. They instantly make the space eye-catching and photo-ready, while giving kids the thrill of stepping into their very own Halloween balloon house. Create a Haunted House Playhouse Want to take it up a notch? With just a few extras, the playhouse can become the neighborhood’s cutest haunted house. It will become the focal point for pretend play where kids can host their own trick-or-treat night or invite friends for a round of pre-Halloween festivities. Front Porch and Yard Ideas The outside sets the mood, so dress it up to make the playhouse look like a mini monster manor. Beyond the basics, you can use simple fall touches to create the perfect backdrop for spooky play: Stack hay bales, scatter autumn leaves, and line the steps with jack-o’-lanterns (battery candles inside keep things safe). Add a small scarecrow or a “Keep Out!” sign for extra giggles. Hang paper lanterns, witches' hats, or fairy lights. Place painted pumpkins, corn stalks, or even a goofy “guard ghost” cutout near the entryway to welcome little visitors. Amp up the ambiance by setting up a speaker nearby and playing not-so-scary Halloween music. Kid-Friendly Interactive Elements A haunted house playhouse should also encourage kids to play and imagine. Add interactive touches that keep them coming back for more: Trick-or-Treat Station: Place a plastic cauldron filled with candy or toys on the porch so kids can “shop” and share. Spooky Story Corner: Toss a cozy blanket inside, add a lantern, and stock a few Halloween storybooks for read-alouds under the “moonlight.” Friendly Props: Skeletons, silly ghosts, or Halloween puzzles and games can keep the playhouse buzzing with activity all October long. Monster Doorway: Tape paper teeth or monster eyes around the doorway so kids feel like they’re walking right into a creature’s mouth. Bat Cave Hideaway: Hang paper bats from the ceiling so they flutter when kids run through. Make Halloween Magical With KidKraft in Your Backyard KidKraft playhouses are blank canvases for year-round adventures. This Halloween, create a backyard memory that’s equal parts spooky and sweet. With a few decorations, a sprinkle of creativity, and a KidKraft playhouse, your little ghouls and goblins will have a boo-tifully fun place to celebrate all season long.
Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers That Encourage Learning Through Play
Toddlers are little explorers. They’re experimenting with words, testing boundaries, making messes, and expressing big emotions (sometimes all before lunchtime). It’s exciting, exhausting, and endlessly rewarding to watch them grow more independent each day. That’s where the benefits of play come in. Because the right toys can turn all that energy and curiosity into meaningful learning. For children ages 1–3, toddler toys that focus on development add joy to playtime while offering safe ways to practice motor skills, expand language, and strengthen social connections. Learning in Disguise: Importance of Developmental Toys Developmental toys invite exploration and creativity, giving your toddler stepping stones for lifelong learning. They help little ones: Strengthen fine and gross motor skills Explore language and early math concepts Practice problem-solving Build social-emotional awareness through pretend play and sharing Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers by Age and Skill So which toys are best for toddlers? To make play both fun and purposeful, opt for toys that match your child’s age and stage. Early Learning and Development Toys Perfect for 1-Year-Olds At this stage, discovery is all about textures, sounds, and movement. Some ideal toys for 1-year-olds include: Activity cubes: With colorful bead mazes, gears, and shape sorters, these cubes keep the tiniest hands busy while building fine motor skills and problem-solving fun. Soft stacking rings and cups: These classic sets are perfect for practicing hand-eye coordination and learning about size and order. Slide: Bring the playground home with a toddler-sized indoor or outdoor slide. Climbing up and sliding down nurtures gross motor development, balance, and confidence. Simple musical instruments: Equip your future rock stars with shakers, tambourines, and mini drums. You may want to cover your ears, but they’ll love exploring rhythm and sound. The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds Life with a 2-year-old means lots of “I do it myself!” moments. At this stage, toddlers want to solve problems, copy everything you do, and test their independence through play. The following are some great toy choices for 2-year-olds: Activity tables: Give toddlers a space to build, draw, and explore. Activity tables encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and cooperative play. Pretend-play kitchens: Little chefs can cook up big imaginations in their own toddler café, building language skills and creativity with every “meal” they make. Chunky puzzles: Support cognitive skills and patience while improving dexterity with puzzles that have just-the-right-size pieces for holding. Sandbox: Toddlers love the mess and magic of sand. Digging, pouring, and shaping sand help them develop fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory awareness. Encourage Skills with Play Sets and Imaginative Toys As toddlers grow, creativity takes center stage, and social skills begin to bloom. Two- and three-year-olds especially enjoy toys that let them tell stories, explore feelings, and play side by side with friends or family. Dollhouses, farm sets, and animal figurines: These toys encourage toddlers to create their own scenarios and characters, sparking imagination, emotional awareness, and opportunities for cooperative play. Easels and art supplies: Support your budding artists with easels, paints, crayons, and modeling dough—just don’t forget the smock! They let toddlers doodle, dab, and shape their ideas while nurturing fine motor skills and learning about colors. Climbers and tunnels: Turn your space into a play zone with climbers and tunnels. These indoor and outdoor structures give little ones safe ways to crawl, climb, and explore while building strength, balance, and confidence. Simple board games: Memory or matching games teach turn-taking, attention, and following directions—plus, they’re fun for the whole family. Tips for Choosing the Best Developmental Toys for Your Toddler With so many toddler toy options, it can be hard to know where to start. But a few simple guidelines can help you choose toys that are safe, engaging, and made to last. Safety first: Select sturdy, non-toxic toys designed for your child’s age, so playtime is safe and worry-free. Go open-ended: Blocks, play sets, and dolls can be played with in endless ways, keeping play fresh day after day. Think long-term: Pick toys that grow with your child, offering new challenges and uses as they reach each stage. Encourage togetherness: Toys that bring siblings, parents, or friends into the fun help build social skills and family memories. Inspire Learning Through Play With the right toys, play becomes a joyful way to explore, learn, and grow. From painting to hosting pretend tea parties, each moment builds essential skills. They give all that toddler energy a purpose… at least until naptime hits.
The Benefits of Playing With a Dollhouse: Inspiring Imagination and Building Confidence
If you’ve ever seen a child lost in arranging tiny furniture or inventing whole worlds for their dolls, you know the quiet magic a dollhouse holds. Maybe you even had one of your own as a child. There’s something timeless about those miniature doors and little chairs. Dollhouses open up endless role-playing and storytelling possibilities, and it’s through that kind of play that children build skills they’ll carry far beyond childhood. Let’s explore how a dollhouse becomes a stage where a child’s imagination thrives and their confidence grows. How Playing with a Dollhouse Supports Child Development Children can reap some big benefits from those mini homes and mansions. Beyond the fun, dollhouse play helps kids develop important skills in a natural, hands-on way: Fine motor skills: Moving small furniture, opening doors, and arranging figures strengthen coordination. Empathy and cooperation: Role-playing encourages kids to see different perspectives and practice getting along with others. Language and communication: Storytelling builds new vocabulary and helps children express ideas clearly. Emotional growth: The dollhouse becomes a safe place for exploring feelings and working through emotions. Social skills: Playtime with siblings or friends teaches sharing, problem-solving, and collaboration. The Best Age for Dollhouse Play Most dollhouses are designed for children three and up, once small pieces are safe to handle. Preschoolers and early elementary ages are especially ready for this type of play, as their imaginations are expanding rapidly and they’re eager to create social scenarios. Always check the suggested age range on the dollhouse to make sure it’s age-appropriate. How Dollhouses Encourage Imaginative Play Because dollhouse play is open-ended, kids decide what happens next, giving them continual opportunities to experiment with routines and relationships. Observe a child playing with a dollhouse, and you might notice the dolls preparing dinner, putting a baby to sleep, or getting ready for work and school. Minutes later, the scene could shift completely. Suddenly, the dolls are at a dance session, hosting a tea party, or facing a dinosaur stomping through the kitchen. In a dollhouse, everyday life and make-believe live side by side. How to Enrich Dollhouse Play Parents and caregivers can enrich dollhouse play with gentle prompts: “What’s for dinner tonight in your dollhouse?” or “Where will your dolls go on vacation?” Questions like these empower children to take the lead in storytelling, nurturing both creativity and confidence. Choosing the Right Dollhouse and Accessories When choosing a dollhouse, start with your child’s age and personality. Do they dream up stories with pets and families, or are they aspiring interior designers who love rearranging the dollhouse furniture again and again? Sturdy materials and thoughtful touches mean the house will keep up with big adventures, while details like working elevators and moveable staircases make playtime extra exciting. Play evolves with age, and a well-designed dollhouse with interactive features can keep kids engaged, spark new stories, and feel fresh for years. Style counts, too. You might prefer a soft, neutral look that blends with your living room, while your child might be drawn to a cheerful pink mansion or a breezy beach house with vacation vibes. The best dollhouse choice is one that makes a child’s eyes light up, keeps parents happy, and is built for safe, long-lasting play. Inspire Imagination With Dollhouses Encourage imaginative play, growth and self-expression. Explore our dollhouse collections and choose the perfect one to inspire your child’s creativity today.
How Kitchen Toys Support Cognitive Development in Young Kids
When it comes to supporting early learning, the right toys can help kids build real-life skills while having fun. Among the most beloved and beneficial are kitchen playsets. These imaginative mini-kitchens spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and support key developmental milestones in young children, from toddlers to preschoolers to school-aged kids. Discover how toys, especially play kitchens, support cognitive development and why they’re a staple in so many homes and classrooms. Do Toys Help Child Development? Toys do help child development. While a source of entertainment, they're also tools that help little ones understand the world around them. Through play, kids experiment, problem-solve, and develop social and cognitive skills naturally. And toys that invite open-ended play, like kitchen sets, promote creativity, independence, and confidence. When children engage in play that mimics real-life activities, such as playing kitchen, they build essential brain connections that support memory, decision-making, and language development. What Are the Cognitive Benefits of Playing Kitchen Games? Playing with kitchen playsets provides a wide range of benefits that go far beyond “cooking.” Pretend play like this encourages thinking, planning, and storytelling, which are all crucial pieces of cognitive development in the early years. Play kitchens are toys that help with cognitive development in the following ways: Imagination and Role-Playing Skills Kitchen playsets for kids transform into whatever your child dreams up, from a busy bakery to a five-star restaurant. This type of pretend play helps kids explore roles, emotions, and social situations in a safe, low-pressure environment. They practice empathy and problem-solving just by “cooking” dinner for a teddy bear or serving pancakes to a sibling. Language and Communication Growth Kitchen playsets are excellent developmental toys for toddlers, particularly in building language and communication skills. From naming foods to describing cooking steps, they encourage rich vocabulary and conversation. Whether your child is narrating their actions or pretending to take an order, they’re building these skills in a way that feels completely natural. Memory, Sequencing, and Task Planning Making “meals” in a toy kitchen encourages children to remember steps and follow sequences, such as putting toast in the toaster before serving it. These activities help cognitive development in areas like working memory, task completion, and organizational thinking, all of which are building blocks for academic success down the road. Which Kitchen Toys Help with Early Childhood Development? Look for kitchen playsets that are designed with realistic details and interactive features. Functional doors, light-up stovetops, turning knobs, and built-in sounds all support cause-and-effect learning. Accessories like play food, utensils, and cookware let kids personalize their play and expand their stories. Modern kitchen sets that mimic real appliances give kids a relatable, immersive experience that naturally encourages learning through exploration. The more lifelike the toy, the more likely kids are to get deeply involved in pretend play and have more opportunities to grow their cognitive muscles. Can Toys Increase Intelligence Through Play? While toys themselves don’t increase IQ, the right kinds of play can absolutely support brain development. Engaging, imaginative toys like kitchen playsets stimulate areas of the brain tied to decision-making, memory, language, and problem-solving. They help kids develop executive functioning skills like planning, self-control, and flexible thinking. Overall, one of the benefits of playing with toys that encourage creativity and critical thinking is that they can lay the groundwork for emotional intelligence and academic readiness. See How KidKraft’s Kitchen Playsets Got a Modern Makeover At KidKraft, we believe that when pretend play feels real, the learning comes naturally. That’s why we’ve reimagined our kitchen playsets with updated designs, modern finishes, and thoughtful details that both kids and parents will love. Our latest kitchens combine fun and function to create an engaging experience from toddlerhood and beyond. Before: A Classic Favorite Our original kitchen playsets had all the charm of a timeless classic—soft colors, sturdy construction, and all the essentials for endless make-believe cooking fun. They’ve been a beloved part of countless childhoods, sparking creativity for years. After: A Fresh Take for Today’s Kids (and Interiors) Our updated design keeps the timeless charm and sturdy construction of the original, while introducing a lighter, brighter feel. This beloved play kitchen now comes in white and natural wood, offering versatile options to complement any space. It features upgraded materials, a warmer color palette with soft brass accents, and realistic finishes that bring extra charm to playtime. Thoughtfully placed interactive features invite imaginative play, while its clean, modern style blends easily into your home. Explore the Full Collection From compact corner kitchens for small spaces to deluxe sets for imaginative chefs-in-training, there’s something for every little learner in our redesigned lineup. Each set is built to inspire storytelling, skill-building, and—of course—big-time fun. Bring home a kitchen where learning is always on the menu when you shop KidKraft. Here, pretend play meets real learning. Discover our updated kitchens today.
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 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 designs 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.
Gift Ideas for Kids by Age : Timeless Toys that Grow with Them
Looking for the perfect gift ideas for the kids in your life? With so many products out there, finding something that’s fun and encourages child-led, screen-free play can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions! Discover our top picks for children's gifts by age in this gift guide for kids, from toddlers to school-aged children. Each gift on this list will spark imagination, inspire movement and bring big smiles. Thoughtful Kids Gift Ideas that Inspire Creativity and Growth At KidKraft, we believe the best gifts for kids are the ones that last through seasons, stages and spontaneous moments of play. That’s why our products are thoughtfully designed to foster creativity, support skill-building and withstand years of use. Whether it’s a birthday surprise, a milestone celebration or a “just because” treat, our gift ideas for children will grow with your child and keep the fun going well beyond the holidays. Gift Ideas for Toddlers: The First Milestones Matter Most (Ages 1–3) For toddlers, every day brings a new discovery—which is why the top gifts for kids in this age group support early development through hands-on exploration, movement and sensory play. These picks are perfect for encouraging coordination, confidence and curiosity. Mountain Cave Climber: Encourage active play and an adventurous spirit with this versatile mountain climber, featuring a mountain to climb, a cave to hide in, and, of course, a slide! 5-in-1 Sports Climber: Help your wobbly toddlers develop balance and coordination with this delightful turtle-shaped balance beam, a fun addition to any backyard play area. Bucket Top Mountain Train Set: Train sets are a classic kids' toy with a host of developmental benefits, and this is a perfect starter set for the toddler in your life. Midtown Mod Play Kitchen: This play kitchen combines three play areas into one. It features an oven with clicky knobs and light-up burners, a slide-out island with storage, and a farmhouse sink with a lights-and-sounds faucet plus an ice maker. Complete with cookware, utensils and play food, this stylish kitchen offers endless fun and hands-on learning for your littlest ones! Gift Ideas for Preschoolers: Play with Purpose (Ages 3–5) Preschoolers are bursting with imagination and ready to do things “all by myself!” The recommended toys for 3-5 year olds nurture their creativity, support growing independence, and strengthen fine motor skills through purposeful, engaging play. 3-Piece Play Kitchen Set: Foster culinary creativity with this interactive play kitchen set that features separate pieces for the refrigerator, stove/oven, and sink/washing machine, letting your preschooler set up their kitchen however they like! Retro Cool Play Kitchen: This stylish play kitchen blends vintage charm with modern flair. Inspired by the design of high-end Italian appliances, this kitchen features golden accents, a turquoise fridge and trendy backsplash. With interactive burners, a lights-and-sounds faucet, and included play food and utensils, it offers a realistic and fun cooking experience sure to delight young chefs. Annabelle Dollhouse: Our nearly four-foot-tall dollhouse is a pink, elegant, three-story dream come true, complete with four spacious rooms, a balcony and delicate white scrollwork. Modern Outdoor Playhouse: This charming playhouse is packed with features to spark imaginative play, from a built-in kitchen and picnic table for pretend meals to a working mailbox and chalkboard for creative expression. It’s the perfect backyard addition for make-believe adventures. Laurel Retreat Swing Set: Keep six active kids entertained at once with enticing features like an extra-deep high-rail wave slide, challenging rock-climbing wall and a sturdy duo of yellow belt swings. Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset: This action-packed three-level wooden firehouse playset opens up to reveal 12 themed rooms, a rooftop helipad, and a fire pole that stretches from top to bottom for nonstop heroic adventures. With 26 detailed accessories, kids can dive into various imaginative rescue missions. Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table: KidKraft’s vibrant train set and table combo offers little conductors an exciting world of adventure with 120 wooden pieces. The set features a waterfall, a suspension bridge and an interactive crane to load cargo. For Growing Minds: Big Imaginations, Bigger Adventures (Ages 6–8) At this age, kids are ready to take their imaginations to the next level with more complex play and bigger adventures. The best gift ideas for 6- to 8-year-olds encourage creativity, problem-solving and active fun and are designed for immersive storytelling, organization and structured play. Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds: This interactive play kitchen is a unique gift for kids. Featuring light-up burners, realistic sounds, turning knobs and working appliance doors that bring pretend cooking to life, it’s especially perfect for budding chefs. Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: Warm up your child’s winter break with some summertime fun…at least in pretend form! This premium wood dollhouse has four levels and features a luxe penthouse with an attached pool cabana, garage and outdoor pergola. Large Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds: This play kitchen delights kids with realistic turning knobs, working appliance doors, and an ice maker that lights up and makes sounds for immersive, imaginative cooking. Its spacious design encourages cooperative play, helping children build social and sharing skills. Ride Around Town Train Set & Table: This vibrant train set and table features four unique scenes, from a peaceful farm to a bustling airport, where colorful trains, helicopters and airplanes bring the town to life. Savannah Dollhouse: The Savannah Dollhouse combines classic charm with southern flair, featuring four levels, six rooms, two balconies and cozy décor details like a tiered pink cake and a working porch swing. With hand-painted furniture, functional kitchen doors and a quaint attic nursery, it’s the sweetest home for 12-inch dolls to enjoy endless imaginative play. Art Table with Drying Rack & Storage: School-aged kids take arts and crafts to the next level! This art table helps them unleash their creative expression, offering ample storage space and a drying rack. Farmhouse Play Kitchen: Let kids nurture their green thumbs with this top gift for 6-year-olds and other school-aged kids. With a spacious refrigerator, handy storage crates, hanging hooks and a chalkboard for daily specials, it’s the perfect setup for little chefs to learn, play and create lasting memories. For the Next Big Step: Confidence and Creativity (Ages 9+) As kids grow, so does their confidence. They need toys that challenge, inspire and support their sense of independence. These gift ideas blend play with purpose, encouraging creativity, responsibility and imaginative exploration in exciting new ways. So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse: This mod three-level dollhouse is designed for endless storytelling. With movable staircases, trendy mid-century design and space for dolls up to 12", it’s best for older kids who may be ready to leave “cutesy” dollhouses behind but still love playing with their dolls. All-in-One Sports Adventure Playset: This isn’t your average outdoor swing set. It’s a clubhouse and sports arena in one! With features for practicing basketball, football, baseball, golf and soccer, it scores big with your sports fanatic. Study Desk with Chair: Your older child will love having their own space for homework, crafting, drawing or whatever else comes to mind. With cool features like a magnetic whiteboard and adjustable height, they can make this useful gift their own. Outdoor Favorites for Every Age & Stage Fresh air and active play go hand in hand, and the right outdoor toys can turn any backyard into a hub of movement, imagination and screen-free fun. We have outdoor favorites for every age and stage, encouraging shared play while prioritizing safety, long-lasting durability and year-round enjoyment in every season. A-Frame Hideaway & Climber: This clever hideaway and climber combo gives toddlers the best of both worlds: active play and a cozy retreat. With a climbable rock wall, working bell, breezy windows and a secret hideout behind canvas doors, it’s good for building motor skills, independence and big backyard adventures. Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy: Our wooden sandbox turns the backyard into a mini beach adventure, complete with a canvas canopy to keep little ones cool while they play. With two removable bins for toys, water or extra sand, it’s a great setup for digging, building and imaginative exploration. Cozy Escape Playhouse: This two-story playhouse brings big adventure to compact spaces, featuring a lower-level play kitchen, a cozy front porch, a thrilling twist-n-ride tube slide and multiple ladders leading to a light-filled upper deck with planters for imaginative gardening. Lantana Lane Playhouse: With its gabled roof and playful details, this storybook-style playhouse invites kids to create their own little world right in the backyard. It’s an ideal spot for imaginative restaurant play and hours of fresh-air fun. Wrangler Way Swing Set: This all-in-one swing set and playhouse invites kids to step into prairie-inspired adventures with a two-story clubhouse, complete kitchenette and tons of imaginative features. Ridgemoor Perch Swing Set: The Ridgemoor Perch Swing Set turns your backyard into a two-story adventure zone. It comes with a play kitchen, twin slides and three swing options for nonstop fun. Kids can climb up to the rooftop-level crow’s nest for the ultimate lookout spot, making every day an exciting new journey. Adventure Bend Swing Set: This expansive two-story wooden swing set is built for big backyard adventures, with room for up to 10 kids to climb, slide, swing and explore together. Choosing the Right Gift for Your Child’s Age Choosing age-appropriate toys helps support your child’s growth, confidence and creativity at every stage of development. Ready to find the perfect gift that truly inspires? Discover thoughtfully crafted toys for every age and stage at KidKraft.
