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.

How to Disinfect Toys Without Harsh Chemicals

How to Decorate Your Playroom for Valentine’s Day

Super Bowl Activities for Kids: Fun Ways to Celebrate Game Day

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

How to Disinfect Toys Without Harsh Chemicals

With flu season in high gear and sniffles making their rounds at school and daycare, keeping the playroom germ-free feels like a full-time job. You want to protect your little ones from bacteria and viruses, but the idea of coating their favorite teethers and blocks in strong cleaning solutions might feel uneasy. After all, those toys often end up right back in their mouths. Fortunately, you don't need industrial-strength cleaners to maintain a healthy home. Nature offers powerful cleaning agents that wipe away grime and germs without leaving behind worrying residues. Why It’s Important to Disinfect Toys During Cold and Flu Season (And Anytime of Year) Toys are high-traffic surfaces for tiny hands. Unlike doorknobs or countertops, toys often travel directly from the floor to a child's mouth, creating a direct expressway for illness. Some viruses, such as the norovirus, can linger on plastic surfaces for more than two weeks and on soft surfaces for up to a week. Disinfection helps interrupt this cycle of transmission. It is not just about the winter months, though; disinfecting is crucial whenever: Your child has been sick (to prevent reinfection). Other children have come over for a playdate. Toys have traveled outside the home (like to daycare or the park). A toy has been visibly soiled with food, bodily fluids, or dirt. However, balance is key. You aren't aiming for a sterile bubble—exposure to everyday microbes helps build immune systems. The goal is simply to manage the "bad" germs that cause illness while using safe methods that don't introduce toxic residues into your child's play environment. How to Disinfect Toys Safely at Home Before you start spraying, it helps to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning uses soap and water to physically remove dirt, grime, and some germs. This should always be your first step. You cannot effectively disinfect a toy that is covered in sticky residue or mud. Disinfecting uses targeted solutions to kill the remaining germs on the surface. To disinfect safely, you need to match the method to the material. A plush bear cannot handle the same treatment as a plastic truck. Always check the manufacturer's care label first. For battery-operated toys, ensure you remove batteries and avoid submerging them to prevent damage. Safe and Effective Toy Disinfecting Methods You likely already have everything you need to help keep your toy box germ-free. Here are the most effective methods for different types of toys. Using Gentle Cleaners for Everyday Toy Care For hard plastic toys, such as rattles, building blocks, and action figures, the dishwasher is your best friend. The combination of hot water and detergent is excellent for sanitizing. Dishwasher method: Place small items in a mesh laundry bag or the utensil basket to keep them secure. Place larger, solid plastic toys on the top rack. Run a normal cycle with hot water. Note: Do not use this method for toys with batteries, lights, or sound boxes. Soap and water soak: If you don't have a dishwasher or want to be extra gentle, fill a sink with hot, soapy water. Submerge the toys and scrub them with a clean sponge or soft-bristled brush to get into crevices. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. For plush toys, the washing machine is usually safe. Place them in a pillowcase or mesh bag, wash on a gentle cycle with warm water, and dry on low heat. Ensure they are completely dry, both inside and out, to prevent mold growth. Cleaning and Sanitizing Wooden Toys Wooden toys require special attention because wood is porous. It absorbs moisture, which can cause warping, cracking, or bacterial growth if the wood stays wet for too long. Never soak wooden toys or put them in the dishwasher. Instead, use a "wipe-down" method: Clean. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild dish soap to remove visible dirt. Disinfect. Use a cloth dampened (not dripping) with a solution of water and white vinegar (see below) or a mild, child-safe disinfectant spray. Dry. Wipe off excess moisture immediately with a dry towel and let the toy air dry completely. If a wooden toy has stubborn grime, you can use a paste of baking soda and water to gently scrub the area before wiping it clean. Vinegar-Based Solutions for Toy Cleaning White vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner. While it isn't an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant (it doesn't kill 99.9% of all pathogens like bleach), it is an effective, non-toxic way to reduce bacteria and mold on everyday items. The Recipe: Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. How to use it: Spray the solution onto hard plastic or wooden toys. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. The acidity helps break down germs and residues. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove the vinegar smell. This solution is safe if a child puts the toy in their mouth later, making it a favorite for parents of teething babies. Keep in mind that white vinegar may not be strong enough for true disinfection after a sickness. You can pair it with a diluted bleach solution (typically around 1 tablespoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water) or an EPA-registered, child-safe disinfectant. Best Practices for Disinfecting Toys and Keeping Them Germ-Free Consistency beats intensity. Rather than doing a massive deep clean once a year, integrate small habits into your routine. The "Yuck" bin. Keep a designated bin or basket for toys that have been sneezed on, coughed on, or put in a mouth during a playdate. Once the bin is full, wash that batch. Rotate toys. Keep fewer toys out at one time. This not only helps with clutter but also means you have fewer items to disinfect if illness sweeps through the house. Electronics hygiene: For tablets, game controllers, and battery-operated toys that can't get wet, use alcohol wipes with at least 70% alcohol. Squeeze out excess liquid first so the wipe is damp, not dripping, and gently wipe the hard surfaces. Avoid speaker holes and charging ports. Let the toy air dry. Sandbox safety: Outdoor toys need love, too. Cover sandboxes when not in use to prevent animals from using them as a restroom. Periodically rake the sand to let sunlight (a natural disinfectant) reach the lower layers. Start the Year With Cleaner, Healthier Playtime Maintaining a clean playroom doesn't have to be a source of stress. By focusing on safe, non-toxic methods, you can protect your family from harmful bacteria without introducing harsh chemical residues into their lives. Whether you are using a simple vinegar spray for daily wipe-downs or running a cycle of hard plastics through the dishwasher after a stomach bug, these simple steps make a big difference. Here is to a season of healthy, happy, and safe play! Keep playtime clean and worry-free. Discover KidKraft toys made for everyday use and easy care. FAQs What is the best way to disinfect toys? The "best" way depends on the material. For hard, non-electronic plastic toys, the dishwasher is the most effective and easiest method. For electronics, 70% alcohol wipes are best. For wooden toys, a surface wipe with a vinegar-water solution is the safest approach to prevent damage. How often should I sanitize kids’ toys? You do not need to sanitize daily unless someone is sick. A good rule of thumb is to clean toys weekly or when they look dirty. Sanitize or disinfect them: After your child recovers from an illness. After a playdate with other children. If the toy was soiled with bodily fluids or food. If the toy fell on the ground in a public place. Is bleach safe for cleaning toys? Yes, bleach is one of the most effective ways to disinfect non‑porous toys after vomiting, diarrhea, or confirmed infections, as long as it is diluted correctly and rinsed well. The CDC recommends a ratio of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per 1 gallon of cool water for children's settings. Clean: Clean the toys first. Soak: Let cleaned toys soak in the weakened bleach solution for at least 2 minutes. Rinse: Rinse the toys very thoroughly with plain water to remove all chemical residue. Dry: Allow them to air dry completely before returning them to your child. Note: Avoid using bleach on wooden toys, cloth, or plush items, as it can damage the materials. For more toy hygiene information, read our article on keeping playthings clean, safe, and germ-free. How do you sterilize toys after illness? To thoroughly sterilize toys after an illness, it’s important to clean and then disinfect them. Clean First: Wash all toys with warm, soapy water to remove physical dirt and germs. Rinse them well. Disinfect: Hard plastic/silicone toys: Soak in a bleach solution (1 tsp bleach per 1 gallon of water) for at least 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with plain water and let them air dry completely. Plush toys: Wash in the washing machine on the hottest setting suitable for the fabric and dry completely. Wooden toys: Wipe with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution. Dry immediately and thoroughly to prevent damage. Electronic toys: Power down and remove batteries. Wipe the surface with an alcohol wipe (70% alcohol), avoiding any openings. Ensure all toys are completely dry before returning them to your child. This helps prevent reinfection and stops the spread of germs.

Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

Love is in the air—and so is the glitter! Valentine’s Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down, get messy and make memories with your little cupids. Whether you’re looking to fill a rainy afternoon or need a special gift for the grandparents, these ideas will steal your heart. How to Make Valentine's Fun with Easy Crafts for Kids You don’t need to be a professional artist to create magic. The goal is connection, not perfection. Grab some construction paper, glue sticks and markers, and let their imaginations run wild. Simple Preschool Valentine Crafts Little hands love big, colorful projects. Try creating "Love Bugs" using paper plates and pipe cleaners, or set up art easels for a finger-painting session. Stamping hearts with cut potatoes or painting simple suncatchers are other fantastic creative art activities for preschoolers that help develop fine motor skills without frustration. Valentine Craft Ideas for Elementary Kids Older kids can handle more detail. Challenge them to create friendship bracelets using pink and red yarn or design mosaic hearts from torn paper scraps. For a fun science-meets-art experiment, make "Crystal Hearts" using borax and pipe cleaners. First, shape the pipe cleaners into hearts and place them in a jar. Dissolve borax in very hot water until no more will dissolve, creating a saturated solution, then carefully pour it over the hearts. As the water cools and sits for about 24 hours, the borax separates from the solution and forms crystals that cling to the pipe cleaners, creating sparkly, textured heart shapes. Because this activity uses hot water and borax, it should be done with adult supervision. Valentine’s Day Cards and Box Ideas Skip the store-bought cards this year. Homemade cards with 3D pop-up hearts or "punny" vegetable prints (like "Olive You") are always a hit. For the classroom exchange, turn an old shoe box into a "Love Monster" with egg carton eyes and fuzzy teeth. It’s a monstrously cute way to collect sweet notes. Other Creative Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids Crafting isn't the only way to celebrate. Sometimes, you just need to play! Sensory Play Valentine Bins Fill a plastic bin with dyed pink rice, red pasta bows, and hidden heart gems. Scooping and pouring isn't just entertaining; it also offers sensory play benefits, including calming anxiety and boosting focus. It’s a lovely way to keep toddlers engaged. DIY Valentine Activity Stations Designate a special "Creation Station" in your playroom. Sturdy activity tables are perfect for containing supplies like beads and sequins. If you have multiple kids crafting at once, our durable table and chair sets provide plenty of elbow room for everyone to work on their masterpieces comfortably. To keep the mess off your floors, place a large, washable drop cloth or an old fitted sheet under the table before you start. It makes cleanup a breeze—just fold it up and shake it out when the crafting fun is done Make Valentine’s Day Special with Creative Play Ultimately, this holiday is about showing love. Whether your children are decorating heart-shaped cookies, baking pretend ones in a play kitchen, or hosting a teddy bear tea party, creative play strengthens family bonds. Keep it simple, keep it sweet, and enjoy the giggles. FAQs What are easy Valentine’s Day crafts for kids? There are so many easy Valentine’s Day craft options. Stickers are a classic favorite for decorating everything from plastic cups to notebooks. Paper chains are a great way to practice fine motor skills by looping strips of construction paper together. You can also try coffee filter hearts—just cut a heart shape, let your little ones color it with markers, and lightly mist it with water to see the colors blend into a beautiful watercolor effect. What are some no-mess Valentine crafts? For a mess-free "stained glass" heart, cut a heart shape out of contact paper. Peel off the backing, lay it sticky-side up, and let your little one decorate it with colorful tissue paper squares. Once they’re done, seal it with another piece of contact paper and trim the edges. Another great option is creating sculptures with pipe cleaners. Just bend and twist them into hearts, flowers, or any shape your child imagines—no glue or paint required! What supplies do kids need for Valentine’s Day crafts? While each project may vary, a simple starter set usually includes washable paint, construction paper, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, and a few fun stickers to spark creativity. How do I set up a Valentine craft station for kids? Cover a table with butcher paper for easy cleanup, sort supplies into muffin tins or small bowls, and give kids the space to create at their own pace.

How to Decorate Your Playroom for Valentine’s Day

Cupid is aiming his arrow at your home this month. With February 14th just around the corner, love is officially in the air. While the usual focus is on romantic dinners and classroom card exchanges, why not bring that warm, fuzzy feeling into your playroom? Transforming your child's play space doesn't require a total renovation. A few thoughtful touches can turn an everyday room into a festive environment where imaginations soar. It’s the perfect excuse to add splashes of pink, red, and purple to create a magical backdrop for new memories. Valentine’s Day Playroom Decor Ideas Think of your playroom as a blank canvas waiting for some extra Valentine’s Day love. By swapping out a few key furniture pieces or adding themed accessories, you create a fresh environment that reignites your child's excitement for their toys. Plus, these updates often transition beautifully into spring, giving you more mileage for your effort. Simple Ways to Set Up a Valentine’s Day Playroom Ready to play? Here are three easy strategies to infuse your space with Valentine's charm. Add Colorful Playroom Pieces Set the scene with kid-friendly furniture and toys that balance function and charm. Stick to a playful palette of classic reds, soft pinks, and crisp whites for a look that feels cheerful without being busy. Want a standout piece? The Vintage Play Kitchen in Red does the job, anchoring the room with bold color and a fun retro diner feel. Add a few felt heart cookies—or some yummy real ones—and you’ve got a sweet space just the right size for your aspiring little chefs. Complement the kitchen with our Round Storage Table and Two Chair Set in Pink and White. These pretty-in-pastel pieces provide a dedicated place for snacking, as well as everything from crafting valentines to hosting teddy bear tea parties. The hidden storage keeps clutter at bay. Layer in Festive Valentine’s Day Accents With the main furniture in place, it’s time to add a sprinkle of Valentine’s magic with festive accents. These small touches are what will make your playroom feel extra special and full of love. Drape a heart-shaped garland across bookshelves or hang a "Be Mine" banner above the window. Swap out standard cabinet knobs for heart-shaped ones for a temporary, cute twist. Scatter some red, pink, and white balloons on the floor for a playful pop of color. Place heart-shaped doilies on play tables or shelves to add a delicate, lacy touch. Create Cozy Play Zones Foster the Valentine’s Day spirit of connection. Turn a quiet playroom corner into a cozy retreat where you and your little one can relax together. Create a reading nook by tossing a few red and pink throw pillows onto a soft rug or beanbag. Add a plush blanket for extra snuggles during storytime. Use this special spot to read books about love, family, and friendship together, encouraging quiet time and reflection. Easy Valentine Decorating Ideas Kids Will Love Decorating is a wonderful way to get the whole family involved and build memorable holiday traditions. Work together to think of how to use favorite toys to add some Valentine’s Day cheer to your playroom: Decorate with toys. Toys you already have can be used as decorative accents. For example, pieces like the Uptown Dollhouse, act as a beautiful vibrant pink focal point. Do miniature makeovers. Encourage your children to decorate their dollhouse or playsets with tiny paper hearts and streamers. Who says a firehouse or train set can’t be decked out for the holiday? Display art. Set up an easel for your artist to paint their visions of Valentine’s Day. Then display the art throughout the month. Welcome creative play. An art table invites creativity, from drawing hearts to putting together puzzles. Explore our guide on Valentine's Day ideas for kids for easy, inexpensive ideas. Love Where They Play This Valentine’s Day Whether you add a single red accent piece or go full-on Cupid with wall-to-wall hearts, refreshing your playroom creates a backdrop for connection, laughter, and creativity that lasts long after the chocolates are gone. Ready to find the perfect pink, red, purple, or white addition to your playroom? Explore KidKraft's furniture collection to find pieces that will make you love where they play.

Super Bowl Activities for Kids: Fun Ways to Celebrate Game Day

Game day is approaching, and while the adults might be glued to the stats and commercials, the little ones need their own lineup of fun. You don't need a stadium ticket to create a memorable experience. With a winning strategy, you can turn the big game into a family event that keeps everyone entertained from kickoff to the final whistle. Super Bowl Games for Kids of All Ages Start things off with games that grab attention right away. A few well-timed activities can turn downtime into laughs long before anyone starts asking, “Is it halftime yet?” Indoor Super Bowl Party Games Bring the field to the living room or playroom with these indoor games: Touchdown dance-off: Host a touchdown dance competition and let the kids show off their best end-zone moves while you judge with scorecards. Football bingo or word search: Create a football-themed bingo card or word search using common game terms, team names, or Super Bowl snacks. Parents can easily make their own at home by tailoring the words to what their kids already know. Mini football toss: Set up a target in a safe, open area, and let kids practice their throwing skills. Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt This one is a total touchdown for active kids. Hide football-themed items around the house or playroom. You could hide mini foam footballs, team flags, or even snacks. Create a list of clues that lead them to their prize. It keeps them moving and gives you a bit of halftime peace to grab some nachos. Super Bowl Crafts and Hands-On Activities Cue the creativity with these hands-on, imagination-boosting activities: Craft team pennants: Set up a craft station with felt, markers, and glue so kids can design their own team flags. Team spirit face painting: Break out the face paints and decorate their faces with team logos or favorite colors. It’s a sure way to boost team spirit and makes for great game-day photos. DIY jerseys: Let them create custom "jerseys" using old or blank t-shirts. Mini chefs in action: If you’ve got little ones who love to cook, give them their own space to help prepare snacks. For extra fun, check out our play kitchens, perfect for imaginary feast-making while the real food is being served. Super Bowl Activities for Preschoolers and Elementary Kids Looking for even more ways to keep younger fans busy during the game? Consider these options: Pin the football on the goal post: A classic game with a sporty twist. Coloring corner: Set up a quiet space with football-themed coloring sheets. Small world play: Use a dollhouse or themed toy set as a "stadium" where dolls cheer from the balconies. Make Game Day Fun for the Whole Family The best victories are shared. Involve the kids in everything, from decorating the house in team colors to baking cookies. When they feel like part of the team, the day becomes a win for everyone, regardless of the final score. Add in KidKraft toys and activities, and you’ve got a game day that’s just as memorable for them as it is for you. FAQs What are fun Super Bowl activities for kids? Scavenger hunts, touchdown dance-offs, and simple crafts like making team flags keep kids engaged and excited. What Super Bowl games can kids play indoors? Paper football, indoor balloon volleyball, and "Pin the Football on the Goal Post" are safe, high-energy indoor options. What are easy Super Bowl crafts for children? Decorating foam fingers, coloring football helmets, and making bead necklaces in team colors are simple, low-mess crafts perfect for game day.

How to Organize Toys in 3 Steps

Tired of stepping on that rogue toy car or searching high and low for a doll's missing shoe? As sweet as it is to see your children play, the aftermath can sometimes look like a mini tornado hit your living room. The good news? You don’t have to choose between creativity and a clean floor. Organizing toys can actually be enjoyable (really!), and it doesn’t mean locking everything away in a closet. With the right strategies, you can turn cleanup time into a game, make play easier, and even teach your kids a little responsibility along the way. Ready to reclaim your space without interrupting their imagination or slowing down the fun? Let’s get started! Getting Started: The Basics of Toy Organization Before you buy new bins or start rearranging furniture, take a moment to notice how your child actually plays. Paying attention to their habits helps you figure out what should stay within easy reach and what can be stored higher up or put away. Effective organization relies on a few core principles: Accessibility: Keep your child’s favorite toys and activities within reach so they can play independently. Visibility: Clear bins or open shelves help kids see what they have. Simplicity: A simple organization system is easier to maintain than a complicated one. Step-by-Step: How to Organize Children’s Toys Like a Pro Creating a sustainable organization system takes a little time upfront, but the payoff is a playroom that cleans up quickly. Involve your child in the process to make it more enjoyable and teach them valuable skills. When kids help set up the system, they’re more likely to understand where things belong and take ownership of keeping the space tidy. It also fosters independence and helps them practice making decisions. Follow these steps together to organize and optimize your space. Step 1: Sort and Declutter The first step to organization is to sort and declutter. It is impossible to organize efficiently if you have broken items or toys your child has outgrown mixed in with their current go-tos. Start by gathering everything in one room and sorting through the pile. Create three distinct piles to streamline the process: Keep: The toys your child plays with regularly. Donate or sell: Gently used items that someone else can enjoy. Toss or recycle: Broken items or puzzles, toys, and games with missing pieces. Step 2: Group Toys by Type or Activity Once you have pared down the collection, categorize the remaining items. Involve your child by asking for their input—what toys they like to play with together, which items feel similar, or what should share a bin. For example, you may want to group items by how they are used: Building: Blocks, magnetic tiles, and construction sets. Pretend play: Costumes, play food, cars, and dolls. Creative: Art supplies, coloring books, and play-dough. Step 3: Label and Store Strategically Grab your labeler or some stick-on labels and create a simple label for each bin or shelf. Labels make cleanup feel more like following a map than a chore. And for little ones who aren’t reading yet, picture labels make it easy to match items to their spots. Once everything is labeled, use these storage strategies: Put heavier items and everyday toy and activity favorites on lower shelves. Reserve higher shelves for items that require supervision, like messy art supplies. Utilize open bins for bulky items that are hard to stack. How to Organize Plush Toys and Other Soft Items Stuffed animals can quickly take over a bed or corner if left unchecked. Since they are soft and lightweight, you have more flexible storage options than with rigid toys. Here are a few ways to corral the plush collection: Baskets: Large, soft baskets on the floor make it easy to toss animals in. Hammocks: Take advantage of corner space by hanging a net or hammock for display. Toy boxes: Classic toy boxes and benches hide the clutter while keeping plush friends accessible. Best Ways to Store Toys in Small Spaces If you are working with limited square footage, vertical space is your best friend. Also, consider dual-purpose furniture or storage that fits into unused nooks. Maximize your area with these organization ideas: Vertical shelving: Tall bookcases and shelves draw the eye up and can offer more storage than low, wide units. Just be sure to anchor them securely to the wall to keep them safe for little climbers. Under-bed storage: Roll-out bins utilize the dead space beneath beds. Multi-functional furniture: Save floor space by using tables with built-in drawers or benches with storage compartments. Storage Solutions Simplify Play and Cleanup Time Ultimately, the goal is to create a space made for play where cleanup is just a quick reset for the next adventure. Putting these affordable playroom organization ideas into practice gives every toy a home, and creates a system that can grow and adapt as your child moves from blocks to board games to brand-new picks. Shop KidKraft's storage collection today to make cleanup time simple and fun.

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

When the weather outside is chilly, soggy, or downright moody, it’s your cue to bring the good times indoors. Inside play keeps kids active and their imaginations buzzing. Snowy day? Rainy day? Here’s a handful of fun ideas that can flip “I’m bored” into “let’s do that again.” Fun and Easy Indoor Activities for Kids of All Ages Keeping kids entertained indoors doesn't have to be complicated. With a little creativity, you can turn your living space into a hub of activity and discovery. Here are five simple ideas to get you started. 1. Host a Play Kitchen Bake-Off Challenge Make your child’s play kitchen the center for a pint-sized cooking competition. Choose a theme, such as “Cupcake Creations” or “Crazy Pizza Toppings,” and let the little ones use toy food or craft supplies to whip up their culinary masterpieces. You can even add real prebaked cookies or cupcakes for decorating. Just be sure to supervise as they spread frosting or add sprinkles. Evaluate and score the “dishes” based on creativity, presentation, and teamwork. Finish with real snacks as a tasty reward. 2. Stage a Puppet or Doll Performance It’s showtime! Create a mini stage out of a cardboard box or by draping a tablecloth over an activity table. Kids can step into the role of aspiring directors as they cast puppets, dolls, and stuffed animals in the starring roles and bring their stories to life. They can develop scenes, try out voices, and put on a full performance. 3. Play Dollhouse Detective Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Hide a few tiny objects in your child’s dollhouse and set up a seek-and-find game inspired by favorites like I Spy. Your tiny sleuths can search, decode clues, and cheer successful discoveries, all while building problem-solving and attention skills. 4. Dig Into Indoor Gardening Cultivate their curiosity about science. Give kids a small planter, cup, or jar to plant their seeds. They can water them regularly and watch the slow, steady changes over time. Your young gardeners can check for sprouts, make observations, and celebrate each new leaf. It’s a rewarding way to build patience, responsibility, and early science skills. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to long after the day is over. 5. Pump up the Playroom Jam Strike up some indoor fun with a little music-and-movement corner. It doesn’t take much to get things rolling. Pull out noisemakers, bells, rattles, play instruments, or even a pot and a wooden spoon. Toss in a few scarves for swirling, and suddenly your living room will feel like the hottest club in town. Put on a favorite song (or let the kids be the band), and you’ve got a full-on family jam session. Tips for Making Indoor Play More Engaging Every Day You don’t need new toys to keep indoor playtime interesting. Just think of fresh ways to use the ones you already have. Here are some tips for making indoor play more engaging: Rotate toys regularly. Bringing out different items each week makes familiar toys feel new again. Create simple “stations.” Set up a small art corner with an easel. Add a building zone with blocks or toy bricks. Then, create a pretend-play area with a play kitchen, dollhouse, or themed play set, allowing children to transition easily between activities. Join in on the fun. Playing together strengthens your connection and provides guidance kids can use when they play on their own. Mix and match toys. Consider how toys can be used together in unexpected ways. For example, blocks can become car garages, train set scenery, or castles for dolls. Encouraging Creativity and Connection Through Indoor Play Indoor play is an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster family bonds. These shared moments of imagination and laughter transform an ordinary afternoon into something meaningful. With thoughtful activities and encouragement, you’re helping your child learn and grow while making the most of your time together.

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Best Developmental Toys for Kids

When it comes to toys, simple is usually best. Classic, open-ended toys that encourage building, movement, and pretend play are the time-tested winners when it comes to developing motor skills, growing imaginations, and – most importantly – having fun! Our list of developmental toys covers everyone from babies to big kids and is filled with kid-tested playtime favorites. Best Developmental Toys for Infants & Toddlers Shape Sorters The best developmental toys for babies turn those adorable chubby hands into fine-motor machines! Babies are also all about toys that display cause and effect and help them explore spatial reasoning skills (i.e. how things fit inside of other things). Shape sorters check all of the boxes! The shapes are perfect for the littlest littles who are just learning how to grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. As they get a bit older, they’ll love dumping the shapes out of the box and putting them back in through the large opening. And as they reach toddlerhood, they’ll actually play with it for its main purpose – sorting shapes into the matching holes. Themed shaped sorters like the Noah’s Ark Shape Sorter also work well for pretend play, meaning they’ll stay a playtime favorite into the preschool years. Push Toys Push toys like the Push Along Play Cart help those early walkers get their sea legs! Unlike baby walkers, which have actually been associated with delayed walking and dangerous accidents, push toys like wagons and carts let toddlers develop strength, balance, and coordination. Best Developmental Toys for 3 & 4 Year Olds Play Kitchens Pretend play helps your kiddo develop problem-solving skills, social skills, emotional regulation, and creativity. A play kitchen – and all of those adorable pretend dishes and foods – are a fantastic way to encourage dramatic role-play, an important type of pretend play. Kids develop independence and real-life skills as they pretend to do what adults do. Even tasks that seem mundane to us, like frying eggs for breakfast, are exciting to our littles when they get a chance to do (or pretend to do) them on their own. Play kitchens are also fun props for imaginative play and world-building, and your mini-chef will use theirs for everything from playing house to cooking up magic potions. Toy Train Sets Truthfully, a toy train set can be successfully introduced a bit earlier or even years later, but four-year-olds are right in the sweet spot. They’ve developed the fine motor skills necessary to build tracks on their own, but they’ll still be challenged by planning and assembling complex tracks. This type of constructive play –a fancy term for “building stuff”– is associated with better math skills even much later in life. Our Top Train Set Picks for Kids guide can help you find a train set that lines up with your child’s skill level and interests. Wooden Blocks Good ol’ fashion blocks are one of the most highly praised toys for developmental benefits. In fact, how many blocks a child can stack is used as one measure of their developmental milestones. Stacking blocks challenges their fine motor skills, and making more complex structures helps develop their spatial reasoning and creativity. Best Developmental Toys for 5 & 6 Year Olds Dollhouses All those benefits of pretend play we talked about? Dollhouses provide them too, and they’re particularly awesome in the areas of emotional and social development. If you’ve ever really listened to a five-year-old play with a dollhouse, you know what we mean. Those dolls have some pretty dramatic adventures and conflicts, all powered by the kids’ amazing imaginations. As they play the parts of multiple dolls, they’re learning how to see from others’ perspectives and slowly but surely gaining empathy. Inventing and acting out social conflicts preps them for the real thing and helps them learn to regulate their own big feelings. Building Bricks Your five year old can still benefit from constructive play, but they probably no longer find wooden blocks challenging enough. Plastic building bricks on the other hand? The perfect toy to create all those cool things they’re dreaming up. They’re ideal for creating more complex structures and objects they can pretend with like a garage for their toy trucks or a pretend cell phone. At their age, the possibilities are really endless – we don’t call them “clever creators” for nothing! Outdoor Play Sets Swing sets build gross motor skills, strength, endurance, and perhaps most importantly, encourage kids to get outside and be active! This is especially important for school-age kids who may sit a lot throughout the school day and are more prone to sedentary behavior than ever-wiggly toddlers. Want more ideas for brain-boosting play for your little ones? Be sure to check out our complete toy guides for three, four, five, and six-year-olds!

When to Transition from a Toddler Bed to a Twin Bed

Wait, wasn’t it just yesterday that you were lowering the crib mattress for the first time? And now your little snoozer is suddenly big enough for their own twin size bed...or are they? We can’t slow down time for you (if only), but we can help you figure out if your kiddo is outgrowing their toddler bed and ready for the next step. Before we talk about when to transition, let’s understand the difference between a toddler and twin size beds: What is the Difference Between a Toddler Bed and A Twin Bed? We see some confusion on whether a toddler bed is the same as a twin size bed… especially if that twin bed happens to be racecar-shaped or princess-themed. But the difference between toddler and twin beds is simply size. A twin bed uses a twin-sized mattress, measuring about 38” x 75”. A toddler bed uses a standard crib mattress, measuring about 28” x 52”. Most parents who use a toddler bed simply reuse the mattress they had in their crib. Many crib mattresses come with an infant side that’s extra firm and a toddler side that’s a bit softer. Even this softer toddler side is still quite firm, and as kids get older, they might prefer a softer, cozier twin size bed. Here are some signs that your kiddo is ready for the switch: They’re approaching the weight limit for their toddler bed That 50 lb weight limit seemed so far away when your child was just a squishy little newborn that it’s tough to believe they’re already so big. But if you have a preschooler now, they might be close to outgrowing their toddler bed’s safety limits. Be sure to check the safety guidelines of your toddler bed and make the switch before they reach the upper weight limit, which usually ranges from 35-50 lbs. If you’ve lost the manual you can usually find the information easily on the manufacturer’s website. They always want to get in bed with you While there are tons of reasons kids like to sneak into mom and dad’s bed at night, one may be that they simply find your bed more comfortable than the super-firm mattress of their toddler bed. Getting them their own big kid bed may not solve all their sleep issues, but it just might make them more comfy-cozy and excited about sleeping in their own bed. They seem uncomfortable If you’re hearing thuds and thumps throughout the night, your not-so-little one may be hitting the rails of their toddler bed as they try to get comfortable. If they can’t stretch out with plenty of room to spare, or if they mention that their bed is too hard, it’s probably time to level up to a kids’ twin size bed. They’re about to be a big brother or sister! One of the biggest motivators for making the switch is an impending new addition to the family. If you need to turn that toddler bed back into a crib for the new baby, it’s the perfect time to transition your older child into their own big-kid twin bed. Even if they have a standalone toddler bed that didn’t start as a crib, pregnancy is still a great time to make the switch. By the time their new best friend arrives, they’ll already be adjusted to the change of their new bed. You’re moving or redecorating Whether it’s a big move or just a redecorating project, many parents prefer to take care of all the new adjustments at once by starting their kiddo off in the new environment with their new bed. Of course, follow your own instincts about your kiddo here. If you think they might be extra sensitive and resistant to change at this time, it’s okay to wait a little longer too! They express interest in a “big kid bed” Sometimes, your kids will let you know exactly when they feel ready to trade their toddler bed for a twin, especially if they have older siblings who have big kid beds of their own. To pique their interest, try reading a few books about the transition to a “big bed.” Big Enough for a Bed (Sesame Street) and Liz Fletcher’s A Big Kid Bed Is Coming are some parent favorites. Although they do show the characters starting out in cribs, they work well for transitioning from a toddler bed too as most of the focus is on the new, exciting big bed. Ultimately, no one knows your child better than you do. If you think it’s time for a twin bed, then it’s probably time. To help your child get excited about the switch, check out our selection of kids’ twin size beds together. You’ll find classic, durable styles that look great in princess rooms, superhero rooms, and everything in between. Sweet dreams, big kid!

Best Toys for Six Year Olds

From graduating kindergarten to losing their first baby teeth, six is a big year for your little one. And their play is changing at this age too. Thanks to growing imaginations and planning skills, they’ll start creating more complex structures with blocks and bricks and immersing themselves in complex pretend play for longer periods of time. Their social play is developing too as they learn to work with their peers and siblings to set the rules for their pretend worlds. At this age, they’ll love toys that allow them to explore their growing art and building skills and toys that support realistic pretend play...especially when there’s room for a friend to play too! Need some inspiration? Our list of best toys for six year olds is sure to have something they’ll love! Best Toy for Pretend Play: KidKraft Alexa 2-in-1 Kitchen & Market Only on Amazon Play kitchens are a classic way for kids to engage in role-playing and develop real-life skills as they play. The KidKraft 2-in-1 Alexa Kitchen & Market takes those real-life skills into the 21st century, letting kids practice responsible technology use with kid-friendly Alexa (parental consent and Amazon Echo dot required). Alexa will guide them to develop real-world skills as they shop and pay for their groceries on the market side and cook on the kitchen side. Even without Alexa, this kitchen offers a wealth of pretend play opportunities with interactive sounds and accessories. They’ll feel like the real deal as they pretend to own their own shop, create a menu, and prepare all their favorite meals. Love the idea of a play kitchen but need a budget-friendly alternative to the Alexa 2-in-1? Check out the KidKraft Boho Bungalow Play Kitchen only at Target. Best Toy for Encouraging a Love of Music: Lil’ Symphony Guitar At six years old, your budding musician is beyond the “hitting and banging” stage of playing with instruments and is likely interested in attempting real music. With Lil’ Symphony Guitar, they can get familiar with the parts of a guitar and practice tuning and strumming. They’ll love that it has the look of a real guitar – just like their favorite musician’s. With strings, tuning knobs, and a realistic neck and body, this toy guitar is as close to “real” as you can get while still being a toy. Best Educational Toy: Building Bricks Play N Store Table While you might not think of building blocks as an educational toy, constructive play is actually highly beneficial for your child’s developing math skills. In fact, how kids play with building blocks as preschoolers have been found to predict their math skills, even well into the high school years. The Building Bricks Play N Store table makes it easy to incorporate constructive play into your kids’ daily routine – without covering your floors in a building brick minefield (ouch!). The table has ample built-in storage, making clean up a breeze.Need an option that takes up less space? The On-the-Go Building Block Set ($24.99) may be tiny, but it holds a surprising number of bricks (100 to be exact!), allowing your kids to get creative anywhere. Best Toy for Arts & Crafts: Create N Play Art Easel Six year olds are nothing if not creative. (I mean where do they come up with those stories, anyway?) And every parent knows they love expressing that creativity in paintings, drawings, and crafts. You may also notice that at this age, they get a bit more particular about their artwork, attempting to draw more realistic pictures or being extra choosy about their colors. A full-size art easel is a great way to put that creative expression front-and-center, encouraging them to explore and expand their skills. The Create N Play Art Easel lets them do it all – dry erase, chalk, paint, and color – while staying mess-free with built-in storage caddies and paint cups. The Tabletop Easel is another great pick, especially when space is limited. Best Toy for Six Year Old Girls: Charlotte Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly Six year olds are reaching another level with their pretend play as their storylines and “characters” grow more complex, and they’ll appreciate the extra details of a high-quality dollhouse. With beautifully detailed backgrounds and furniture, the Charlotte dollhouse is a hit with kids of all ages but especially school-age girls who love the realistic details it provides for their pretend play. This dollhouse accommodates 12”, the perfect size for your six year old’s Barbies and other favorite dolls. At four feet high, the Charlotte gives them enough room to play with friends and siblings for hours of imaginative play. Best Toy for Six Year Old Boys: Everyday Heroes Play Set 209.99 Dollhouse play is highly beneficial for both boys and girls as they immerse themselves in imaginative play and practice social situations. Unfortunately, boys often face pressure to stop playing with dollhouses once they reach school-age years. The Hometown Heroes Play Set solves that problem, providing all the benefits of dollhouse play while aligning with your little guys’ other interests. Both boys and girls love the Hometown Heroes set, but we’ve found that it’s a huge hit among boys who love all things first responder. The included firefighter and police officer are ready for the call along with their trusty canine side-kicks. Your kids can help them spring into action at a moment’s notice, sliding down the fire pole, or hopping onto the motorcycle, firetruck, or helicopter. When they’re not saving the day, the Hometown Heroes can get ready in this four-story playset with eight different rooms. Want more toy ideas for the six year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Five Year Olds

Five is a year of independence and exploration. Many kids are going to school for the first time, developing their reading skills, and making more friends than ever. As their attention span and love of social play increase, you’ll notice that they can immerse themselves in pretend play for hours, especially when they’ve got a buddy by their side. These kiddos will always be excited about toys that encourage pretend play and line up with their interests – whether that’s the fire station on the corner or the checkout line at the store. Our best toys for five year olds will help them learn about the world around them, play with their pals, and develop that incredible imagination through imaginative play. Best Toy for Pretend Play: Ride Around Town Train Set & Table The Ride Around Town Train Set & Table is great for more than building tracks and pushing trains. With four real-life scenes, kids can learn about the world around them as they play with included characters and animals in a farm setting, a little town, a construction zone, and an airport. No room for a full train table? Opt for the Bucket Top Mountain Train Set. It stores away neatly in the included plastic tote and still provides plenty of inspiration for pretend play with character figurines, helicopters, planes, and a picturesque mountain setting. Best Toy for Five Year Old Girls: KidKraft Disney Princess Dance & Dream Dollhouse Ahh, those fun years of dress up and princesses. It’s a magical time, right? The Disney Princess Dance & Dream dollhouse is a guaranteed hit with any little princess in your life. This magical castle fits 12” dolls, the perfect fit for all of their favorite Disney princesses. Features like the winding golden staircase and grand piano add a little extra magic to playtime, and the rooftop dance floor lets dolls spin and twirl to three different songs. You just might find your little princess dancing along too! Best Toy for Five Year Old Boys: Mega Ramp Racing Set Gas them up, wash them off, and then race to the finish with this deluxe car racing set! The high-speed ramp launches cars into the air, making races exciting and fun whether your little car enthusiast is playing independently or with a friend. But the Mega Ramp Racing is much more than a ramp – the gas station, car wash, and garage with elevator add extra elements to encourage pretend play as your little guy cares for his cars after the big race. Want more toy ideas for the five year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Four Year Olds

Pretend play is in full swing at four years old! These kiddos are constantly mimicking adults’ daily behaviors and routines and imagining their own make-believe scenarios. All this pretend is more than just play – it’s helping them make sense of the world around them and develop the social skills they’ll need as they grow up. Our picks for best toys for four year olds are open-ended and perfect for all the pretending, building, and creating your little one loves to do! Best Toy for Constructive Play: 2-in-1 Activity Table with Board $109.99 What’s constructive play, you ask? Also known as construction play, it’s any type of play that involves building, assembling, and crafting something new, and it has documented cognitive benefits. Everything from blanket forts to sand castles to play dough can be categorized into constructive play, but the most famous example is classic building blocks. The 2-in-1 Activity Table enables multiple types of constructive play. On the building brick side, your child can use the 200 included building bricks to make anything their imaginations come up with. On the train tableside, they can construct tracks for a locomotive adventure. The table comes with a 30-piece train starter set and is big enough to accommodate larger sets as well. Best Educational Toy for Four Year Olds: Uptown Elite Play Kitchen Of course, that chef’s hat calls for another timeless toy for dramatic play: the classic play kitchen! Realistic play kitchens can foster hours of dramatic play and provide an ideal space for brain-boosting constructive play as well when kids create their own playdough foods. The Uptown Elite is one of our most popular play kitchens thanks to its sleek wood construction, gender-neutral design, and realistic details like a working ice machine and sound effects. It’s the perfect size for your four year old’s dramatic play as they play house and cook away. Or take a look at our full line of wooden play kitchens to find the perfect pick for the four year old in your life. Best Toy for Jam Sessions: Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar Do you have a little rockstar on your hands? The Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar will let them jam out with prerecorded beats and riffs. When they want to get creative and try out making their own song, they can switch modes to play individual notes. Since most four year olds love music but don’t have the patience or dexterity for real guitars yet, the Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar offers a perfect middle ground – they get all the fun of pre-recorded music and the chance to experiment with playing an “instrument” on their own. Best Toy for Four Year Old Girls: Designed by Me: Magnetic Makeover Dollhouse If you’ve ever found your little girl “redecorating” her own walls with markers, crayons, or stickers, you’re both sure to love the Designed by Me Dollhouse line. She’ll love the creative freedom to customize their dollhouse, and you’ll love that she’s focused on designing the dollhouse instead of your house. The Magnetic Makeover Dollhouse offers endless chances to design and redesign with eight magnetic wallpapers and magnetic accessories. If markers and stickers are your girl’s design tools of choice, be sure to check out the Designed by Me: Color Decor Dollhouse and Designed by Me: Sticker Fun Dollhouse as well. Best Toy for Four Year Old Boys: Deluxe Workbench with Tools The Deluxe Workbench presents another fantastic opportunity for dramatic and constructive play that aligns with your little guy’s interest in building and tools. The working vise, wrench, nuts, and bolts mean he can do more than just pretend – he can really use his tools to customize his workbench and build with colorful wooden planks. All the while, he’ll be perfecting his fine motor skills! Want more gift inspiration for the three year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Three Year Olds

Need some toy ideas for your favorite threenager? Our list of best toys for three year olds has you covered. We’ve curated this list to line up with the skills and milestones your three year old is learning to perfect. No gimmicky toys or passive entertainment here – these toys are just as great for learning as they are for having fun! Best for Art & Creativity: Tabletop Easel $34.99 If you loved your child’s scribbles and fingerpaints before, just wait until they start attempting their first real drawings. Three is a special age for your child’s interest in arts and crafts. Whereas before they were mostly fascinated by the colors and textures of their crayons and paints, around 3 or 4 years of age, they’ll start attempting their first stick figures and other simple representations. They might be hard to make out at first, but just wait – you’ll be surprised by how fast their skills develop! A great way to support their drawing and writing is with a fun easel of their very own. They not only make art time more enticing; they help little hands develop a proper grasp of writing tools, an important pre-writing skill! We think the Tabletop Easel is a great size for little ones, but if you want an Easel that will grow with them into the elementary years, be sure to check out our full line of kids’ art easels. $34.99 Best for Musical Fun: Lil’ Symphony Wooden Drum $18.99 A toy that can take a beating! The Lil’ Symphony Wooden Drum is tough enough to stand up to the toddler treatment – a good thing because your toddler won’t want to put it down. The included neck strap means they can start their own one-man marching band. With sturdy sticks and real drum tones, this little toy is great for inspiring an interest in music and teaching basic rhythm. Best Toy for Fine Motor Development: On-the-Go Building Blocks Set Three year olds are still perfecting their fine motor skills, and building bricks are perfect for increasing strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. Skills that we take for granted – like the ability to line up two bricks perfectly or the strength to pull bricks apart – are still challenging for your toddler. The physical challenge of working with the blocks and the creativity of building their own structures make this a toy that’s sure to hold their attention. The On-the-Go Building Blocks set is a great intro to building bricks for toddlers. It has just enough bricks to let them get creative but not enough to overwhelm or distract them. Plus, its portability makes it a great toy for meltdown-free road trips, plane rides, and meals out. Best Learning Toy for 3 Year Olds: 60-piece Wooden Block Set Yep, another block set! While building bricks are great for your three year old’s fine motor development, it’s still tough for them to build larger structures with them. With the 60-piece wooden block set, they can stack and connect pieces easily and push their building skills to the limit. Plus, half the fun of blocks at this age is that satisfying crash of knocking down a tower! But what exactly are they learning as they play with blocks? A lot! Block play is associated with improved spatial reasoning, enhanced language development, and even higher math scores. One study found that the types of structures kids built as four year olds could predict how well they performed in math classes later on, so three is a great age to encourage more block play for your little one! Best Toy for Three Year Old Girls: Lil’ Doll 2-pc. Play Furniture Set Three year olds love anything that gives them “big-kid status,” including caring for smaller babies and dolls. The Lil’ Doll 2-pc. Play Furniture Set lets them practice feeding their baby dolls in a high chair and putting them to sleep in a cradle. They’ll gain more than just entertainment too; research suggests that doll play helps kids develop social skills and empathy. Best Toys for Three Year Old Boys: Adventure Tracks Dino World T-Rex Tremor Cave $28.38 Only at Walmart Where do we even start when it comes to the benefits of toy train sets? The constructive play of building tracks is great for cognitive development as well as fine motor development. Pushing trains helps develop dexterity, fine motor skills, and grip strength. And that doesn’t even touch on the elements of pretend play – especially when you have themed train sets like the Adventure Tracks: Dino World line. The T-Rex Tremor cave is an ideal, budget-friendly introductory train set that ideal for your dino-loving little guy. For even more dinosaur fun, upgrade to the Dino World Rumble & Roar Complete Set. Want more gift inspiration for the three year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Toy of the Year Award

Have you heard? We’re up for Innovative Toy of the Year for the KidKraft Amazon Alexa Enabled 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market, and we couldn’t be more excited!The Toy of the Year Awards (TOTYs) recognizes the year’s best new toys in a variety of categories from dolls to plushies to playsets. As you might have guessed, the Innovative category honors toys that are truly creative, new, and well… innovative. To land a nomination in this category, a toy must do something that’s never quite been done before. To say that we’re honored to be included in such a list is a huge understatement, but we can’t help but agree that the Alexa Enabled 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market deserves the attention. What Can You Expect From The Alexa 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market? This is a play wood kitchen like you’ve never seen before. The KidKraft kid skill for Alexa allows kids to interact with Alexa through games, recipes, jokes, and more as they play. Alexa can recognize and “read” from over 24 recipe cards, building real-world cooking skills even for pre-readers. Games provide new ways for kids to interact with their play kitchen, and of course, those kid-friendly jokes are delightfully cheesy and fun even for the adults in the room. Even without KidKraft kid skill for Alexa, the 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market offers plenty in the way of innovation. Interactive food items and dishes enhance realistic play through sensors. Kids can ring each item up at the store and receive a grand total based on what they bought. Plus, the innovative 360° design lets kids switch back and forth between kitchen play and grocery shopping, providing an even richer play experience from a single toy.People’s choice voting is open now, so be sure to cast your vote and register to watch the TOTYs for free on February 12 to find out who the winners are!

How Long Do Kids Play With Dollhouses?

Dollhouses are more than just cute (though they are that) — they’re also a wealth of developmental play opportunities. Most importantly, dollhouses facilitate imaginative play that helps kids grow their social skills and make sense of the world. Kids act out social situations, imagine multiple perspectives and personalities, and perform practice runs of social conflicts. The benefits of dollhouses go beyond the playtime experience! But how long do girls play with dolls? Do 10-year-olds play with dolls? Do 11-year-olds play with dolls? Find out the best age for a dollhouse and the ideal type of dollhouse for different age groups below. What is the best age for a dollhouse? Is there an appropriate age for a dollhouse? How old is too old to play with dolls? We find that dollhouse play aligns best with the developmental needs and play preferences of kids ages 3 to 9. At these ages, kids love to engage in imaginative and pretend play and act out social scenarios. The beauty of dolls and dollhouses is that they can grow with kids as their imaginations become more complex. Toddlers will love simply reenacting everyday activities in their dollhouses, while older kids will create elaborate storylines and characters. Each child is different, of course, but in general, here’s how you can expect kids of different ages to play and learn with their dollhouse. 1-2 Years Those chubby-cheeked toddlers are just starting to engage in pretend play. They may hug and brush the hair of a baby doll, but most kids under two won’t really understand the concept of pretending their dolls live in a dollhouse. But that doesn’t mean they won’t still have fun with them! Toddlers love exploring the features of a dollhouse, like sound effects and doors that open and close. They’ll also enjoy rearranging furniture and finding all the different ways they can fit dolls and accessories into the dollhouse’s various rooms. At this age, dollhouses are often more about spatial exploration, fine motor skills, and cause and effect than they are about pretend play. As children inch closer to 3 years old, you’ll start to see them engage in simple pretend play, such as putting dolls to bed or making them sit at the kitchen table. Their ideal dollhouse: Is very durable Contains no small pieces that can be choked on Has doors or accessories to open and close 3-5 Years You’ll really see the fun begin here! Around these ages, kids will begin to create storylines with their dolls and act them out in the dollhouse. And no, those stories don’t always make sense, but that’s OK! Just by imagining conflicts and scenarios — no matter how silly they are — your child is still gaining so much understanding of the world and other people. Their ideal dollhouse: Is big enough to play with friends Isn't so tall that they can’t reach the top floors Has simple, sturdy furniture that they can move around without breaking 6-9 Years Yes, 6-9-year-olds play with dolls! And we really love these years for dollhouse play. The creativity you saw earlier only begins to grow, and you may be surprised at just how developed their pretend worlds are. You may also notice that your kiddos’ interests shift to different types of dolls in these years. They may become less interested in a family set of dolls and more interested in Barbies or dolls that look like teenagers. Unfortunately, at this age many boys experience social pressure that prevents them from playing with dolls and dollhouses, or they simply gravitate more toward other kinds of toys. Because dollhouse play can be so beneficial for developing empathy and social skills, consider providing similar toys that match your little boy’s interests like the Everyday Heroes Play Set. Their ideal dollhouse: Is big enough to play with friends Fits the type and size of doll they enjoy Has more detailed accessories and furniture 10-12 Years The golden days of the dollhouse may be winding down at this point, but even those precocious preteens still have fun with dolls and dollhouses. Though at this age, you can expect that play to look different than it used to. For some older kids, playing with their dollhouse becomes a top secret activity. If friends and classmates have stopped playing with dollhouses, your child may start to be self-conscious about still enjoying dollhouses. Though there’s a decent chance their friends are doing the same thing. For others, dollhouses begin to become more of a tool for social play and less an activity they do by themselves. In other words, when your child has a friend over, they may love world-building and playing out complex social situations with dolls and dollhouses, but you may notice that they enjoy dollhouses less when playing alone.So what age is good for a dollhouse? Almost any child pre-teen or younger can benefit from dollhouse play, but the sweetest spot is often between four and nine years old. Their imaginations are going full steam, and they’re always looking for new ways to pretend. Discover our dollhouses for 2-to-4-year olds, 3-to-5 year olds, and 5 years and up now.Trying to find the perfect dollhouse? Check out our collection of dollhouses and dollhouse accessories! FAQs What type of dollhouse is best for a toddler? The best dollhouse for a toddler is sturdy, simple, and designed for little hands, with large, easy-to-grasp furniture and characters. Look for wooden dollhouses with engaging designs, minimal small parts, and open sides for easy access to encourage imaginative play. What are the benefits of dollhouse play? Dollhouse play encourages creativity, storytelling, and social skills as kids act out real-life scenarios and make up their own adventures. It also helps develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. What size dolls fit in a KidKraft dollhouse? KidKraft dollhouses vary in size, but most are designed to fit dolls between 5 and 12 inches tall, such as Barbie dolls (11.5 inches) or smaller figurines. Be sure to check the specific model’s dimensions to find the best fit for your child’s dolls!