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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Back to School Furniture Guide

When we think back-to-school shopping, we tend to think of new sneaks and tons of colored pencils, but new furniture? Odd as it may sound, a new school year is the perfect time to update the kids’ rooms with everything they need for a successful year. Here are a few of our favorites for a cheery, organized room all school year long. Homework Central If we have to choose just one must-have piece of furniture for back-to-school success, it’s definitely a kids’ desk and chair. You’ll want a dedicated space for the kids to tackle their homework distraction-free. Ideally, that space will also be kid-sized, so it’s ergonomically correct for little bodies. A few organizational features like desk drawers and file separators can help keep the kiddos organized throughout the school year. With plenty of design options, we make it easy to find a kids’ desk and chair that matches your child’s room. Our colors include: Lavender Dark gray Espresso White Snoozeville If you were already thinking of updating your kiddo’s room, back to school is a great time to go for it! You can pep them up for a year full of new, with a new big kid bed. Plus, a cozy little spot they love just might help them have a better attitude for that early school night bedtime – and catching the recommended 10-12 hours of shut-eye is critical for a smooth school year. Whether they’re into cars, planes, or princesses, we’ve got themed twin-sized that are sure to put a smile on their faces. Check out these kid-favorite bedroom themes: Airplane Bedroom Dinosaur Bedroom Fire Truck Bedroom Princess Bedroom Racecar Bedroom And for non-themed but still totally adorable beds, our Nantucket Bedroom features clean, classic white furniture, and our modern Addison bed comes in espresso and white. Little Library From projects to library rentals, to textbooks, the kids are bound to have more than a few uses for a bookshelf during the school year. We love our sling bookshelves for toddlers, but for school-age kids, our bookcase with a built-in reading nook is just the right size – plus it doubles as a comfy spot for reading and studying. If you need a smaller bookshelf, be sure to check out all of our bookshelves for one that fits your kid’’s bedroom. 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!

7 Classic Kids Products that Promote Physical Activity

Making sure your kids hit that recommended 60 minutes of activity per day can be tough! Even with all that bouncing-off-the-walls energy, kids still need the right opportunities to move and play to get the activity they need. If you can make those opportunities fun for them and easy to maintain for you, your kids will stand a much better chance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. And you don’t need the newest toys to do it. In fact, simple, classic outdoor toys are often the best at inspiring kids to have fun and get moving! Swing Sets Backyard play structures like swing sets and playsets are kid favorites… and they’re one of the best ways to help your kids get and stay active outdoors! Look for one that offers multiple ways to get active by swinging, climbing, sliding, or hanging. Monkey bars and rock walls are great challenges for older kids! We make it easy to shop for durable wooden playset that fits your yard, kids, and budget. Bikes If you haven’t added a kid’s bike to your collection of outdoor toys yet, you’re missing a great chance to promote physical activity. If your kiddos can’t ride on their own yet, balance bikes, trikes, or training wheels might be more their speed. Sandboxes While you might think of sandboxes as more of a sit-and-play activity, your kids are doing a lot of upper body strengthening as they lift, pour, and carry buckets of sand and water! Sprinklers & Kiddie Pools Water play of any kind is an easy and (usually) inexpensive way to get kids moving. Sprinklers and kiddie pools are summertime classics that work for almost any age. Balls Yep, it can be that simple! Balls of any kind can inspire hours of kicking, throwing, and running – especially when you add some hoops, bats, or goals into the mix too. Balance Beams Walk, spin, jump, and repeat! There’s really no end to the ways kids can use a balance beam because once they’ve mastered one type of movement, they’re sure to move on to a new challenge. Toddlers will find it challenging just to maintain balance while walking, and older kids will love trying to master leaps and spins. Climbers Climbing offers a ton of benefits for kids’ physical and mental development, so offering safe opportunities to climb is a great way to support your kids’ health! If you don’t have a swing set with climbing features (or if you just want to offer more ways to climb), our A-Frame Hideaway and Climber, Shark Escape Climber, and Hop & Slide Frog Climber, are all budget-friendly ways to add kids’ play structures to your yard.Even with all the best outdoor toys, we know actually getting out the door to use them can still be a challenge. Our 5 Tips to Get Your Kids Outdoors can make it a little easier to ensure those outdoor play structures get plenty of use and – more importantly– that the kids get plenty of exercises!

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!