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.

Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers That Encourage Learning Through Play

The Benefits of Playing With a Dollhouse: Inspiring Imagination and Building Confidence

How Kitchen Toys Support Cognitive Development in Young Kids

Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers That Encourage Learning Through Play

Toddlers are little explorers. They’re experimenting with words, testing boundaries, making messes, and expressing big emotions (sometimes all before lunchtime). It’s exciting, exhausting, and endlessly rewarding to watch them grow more independent each day. That’s where the benefits of play come in. Because the right toys can turn all that energy and curiosity into meaningful learning. For children ages 1–3, toddler toys that focus on development add joy to playtime while offering safe ways to practice motor skills, expand language, and strengthen social connections. Learning in Disguise: The Importance of Developmental Toys Developmental toys invite exploration and creativity, giving your toddler stepping stones for lifelong learning. They help little ones: Strengthen fine and gross motor skills Explore language and early math concepts Practice problem-solving Build social-emotional awareness through pretend play and sharing Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers by Age and Skill So which toys are best for toddlers? To make play both fun and purposeful, opt for toys that match your child’s age and stage. Early Learning and Development Toys Perfect for 1-Year-Olds At this stage, discovery is all about textures, sounds, and movement. Some ideal toys for 1-year-olds include: Activity cubes: With colorful bead mazes, gears, and shape sorters, these cubes keep the tiniest hands busy while building fine motor skills and problem-solving fun. Soft stacking rings and cups: These classic sets are perfect for practicing hand-eye coordination and learning about size and order. Slide: Bring the playground home with a toddler-sized indoor or outdoor slide. Climbing up and sliding down nurtures gross motor development, balance, and confidence. Simple musical instruments: Equip your future rock stars with shakers, tambourines, and mini drums. You may want to cover your ears, but they’ll love exploring rhythm and sound. The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds Life with a 2-year-old means lots of “I do it myself!” moments. At this stage, toddlers want to solve problems, copy everything you do, and test their independence through play. The following are some great toy choices for 2-year-olds: Activity tables: Give toddlers a space to build, draw, and explore. Activity tables encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and cooperative play. Pretend-play kitchens: Little chefs can cook up big imaginations in their own toddler café, building language skills and creativity with every “meal” they make. Chunky puzzles: Support cognitive skills and patience while improving dexterity with puzzles that have just-the-right-size pieces for holding. Sandbox: Toddlers love the mess and magic of sand. Digging, pouring, and shaping sand help them develop fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory awareness. Encourage Skills With Play Sets and Imaginative Toys As toddlers grow, creativity takes center stage, and social skills begin to bloom. Two- and three-year-olds especially enjoy toys that let them tell stories, explore feelings, and play side by side with friends or family. Dollhouses, farm sets, and animal figurines: These toys encourage toddlers to create their own scenarios and characters, sparking imagination, emotional awareness, and opportunities for cooperative play. Easels and art supplies: Support your budding artists with easels, paints, crayons, and modeling dough—just don’t forget the smock! They let toddlers doodle, dab, and shape their ideas while nurturing fine motor skills and learning about colors. Climbers and tunnels: Turn your space into a play zone with climbers and tunnels. These indoor and outdoor structures give little ones safe ways to crawl, climb, and explore while building strength, balance, and confidence. Simple board games: Memory or matching games teach turn-taking, attention, and following directions—plus, they’re fun for the whole family. Tips for Choosing the Best Developmental Toys for Your Toddler With so many toddler toy options, it can be hard to know where to start. But a few simple guidelines can help you choose toys that are safe, engaging, and made to last. Safety first: Select sturdy, non-toxic toys designed for your child’s age, so playtime is safe and worry-free. Go open-ended: Blocks, play sets, and dolls can be played with in endless ways, keeping play fresh day after day. Think long-term: Pick toys that grow with your child, offering new challenges and uses as they reach each stage. Encourage togetherness: Toys that bring siblings, parents, or friends into the fun help build social skills and family memories. Inspire Learning Through Play With the right toys, play becomes a joyful way to explore, learn, and grow. From painting to hosting pretend tea parties, each moment builds essential skills. They give all that toddler energy a purpose… at least until naptime hits.

The Benefits of Playing With a Dollhouse: Inspiring Imagination and Building Confidence

If you’ve ever seen a child lost in arranging tiny furniture or inventing whole worlds for their dolls, you know the quiet magic a dollhouse holds. Maybe you even had one of your own as a child. There’s something timeless about those miniature doors and little chairs. Dollhouses open up endless role-playing and storytelling possibilities, and it’s through that kind of play that children build skills they’ll carry far beyond childhood. Let’s explore how a dollhouse becomes a stage where a child’s imagination thrives and their confidence grows. How Playing With a Dollhouse Supports Child Development Children can reap some big benefits from those mini homes and mansions. Beyond the fun, dollhouse play helps kids develop important skills in a natural, hands-on way: Fine motor skills: Moving small furniture, opening doors, and arranging figures strengthen coordination. Empathy and cooperation: Role-playing encourages kids to see different perspectives and practice getting along with others. Language and communication: Storytelling builds new vocabulary and helps children express ideas clearly. Emotional growth: The dollhouse becomes a safe place for exploring feelings and working through emotions. Social skills: Playtime with siblings or friends teaches sharing, problem-solving, and collaboration. The Best Age for Dollhouse Play Most dollhouses are designed for children three and up, once small pieces are safe to handle. Preschoolers and early elementary ages are especially ready for this type of play, as their imaginations are expanding rapidly and they’re eager to create social scenarios. Always check the suggested age range on the dollhouse to make sure it’s age-appropriate. How Dollhouses Encourage Imaginative Play Because dollhouse play is open-ended, kids decide what happens next, giving them continual opportunities to experiment with routines and relationships. Observe a child playing with a dollhouse, and you might notice the dolls preparing dinner, putting a baby to sleep, or getting ready for work and school. Minutes later, the scene could shift completely. Suddenly, the dolls are at a dance session, hosting a tea party, or facing a dinosaur stomping through the kitchen. In a dollhouse, everyday life and make-believe live side by side. How to Enrich Dollhouse Play Parents and caregivers can enrich dollhouse play with gentle prompts: “What’s for dinner tonight in your dollhouse?” or “Where will your dolls go on vacation?” Questions like these empower children to take the lead in storytelling, nurturing both creativity and confidence. Choosing the Right Dollhouse and Accessories When choosing a dollhouse, start with your child’s age and personality. Do they dream up stories with pets and families, or are they aspiring interior designers who love rearranging the dollhouse furniture again and again? Sturdy materials and thoughtful touches mean the house will keep up with big adventures, while details like working elevators and moveable staircases make playtime extra exciting. Play evolves with age, and a well-designed dollhouse with interactive features can keep kids engaged, spark new stories, and feel fresh for years. Style counts, too. You might prefer a soft, neutral look that blends with your living room, while your child might be drawn to a cheerful pink mansion or a breezy beach house with vacation vibes. The best dollhouse choice is one that makes a child’s eyes light up, keeps parents happy, and is built for safe, long-lasting play. Inspire Imagination With Dollhouses Encourage imaginative play, growth, and self-expression. Explore our dollhouse collections and choose the perfect one to inspire your child’s creativity today.

How Kitchen Toys Support Cognitive Development in Young Kids

When it comes to supporting early learning, the right toys can help kids build real-life skills while having fun. Among the most beloved and beneficial are kitchen playsets. These imaginative mini-kitchens spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and support key developmental milestones in young children, from toddlers to preschoolers to school-aged kids. Discover how toys, especially play kitchens, support cognitive development and why they’re a staple in so many homes and classrooms. Do Toys Help Child Development? Toys do help child development. While a source of entertainment, they're also tools that help little ones understand the world around them. Through play, kids experiment, problem-solve, and develop social and cognitive skills naturally. And toys that invite open-ended play, like kitchen sets, promote creativity, independence, and confidence. When children engage in play that mimics real-life activities, such as playing kitchen, they build essential brain connections that support memory, decision-making, and language development. What Are the Cognitive Benefits of Playing Kitchen Games? Playing with kitchen playsets provides a wide range of benefits that go far beyond “cooking.” Pretend play like this encourages thinking, planning, and storytelling, which are all crucial pieces of cognitive development in the early years. Play kitchens are toys that help with cognitive development in the following ways: Imagination and Role-Playing Skills Kitchen playsets for kids transform into whatever your child dreams up, from a busy bakery to a five-star restaurant. This type of pretend play helps kids explore roles, emotions, and social situations in a safe, low-pressure environment. They practice empathy and problem-solving just by “cooking” dinner for a teddy bear or serving pancakes to a sibling. Language and Communication Growth Kitchen playsets are excellent developmental toys for toddlers, particularly in building language and communication skills. From naming foods to describing cooking steps, they encourage rich vocabulary and conversation. Whether your child is narrating their actions or pretending to take an order, they’re building these skills in a way that feels completely natural. Memory, Sequencing, and Task Planning Making “meals” in a toy kitchen encourages children to remember steps and follow sequences, such as putting toast in the toaster before serving it. These activities help cognitive development in areas like working memory, task completion, and organizational thinking, all of which are building blocks for academic success down the road. Which Kitchen Toys Help with Early Childhood Development? Look for kitchen playsets that are designed with realistic details and interactive features. Functional doors, light-up stovetops, turning knobs, and built-in sounds all support cause-and-effect learning. Accessories like play food, utensils, and cookware let kids personalize their play and expand their stories. Modern kitchen sets that mimic real appliances give kids a relatable, immersive experience that naturally encourages learning through exploration. The more lifelike the toy, the more likely kids are to get deeply involved in pretend play and have more opportunities to grow their cognitive muscles. Can Toys Increase Intelligence Through Play? While toys themselves don’t increase IQ, the right kinds of play can absolutely support brain development. Engaging, imaginative toys like kitchen playsets stimulate areas of the brain tied to decision-making, memory, language, and problem-solving. They help kids develop executive functioning skills like planning, self-control, and flexible thinking. Overall, one of the benefits of playing with toys that encourage creativity and critical thinking is that they can lay the groundwork for emotional intelligence and academic readiness. See How KidKraft’s Kitchen Playsets Got a Modern Makeover At KidKraft, we believe that when pretend play feels real, the learning comes naturally. That’s why we’ve reimagined our kitchen playsets with updated designs, modern finishes, and thoughtful details that both kids and parents will love. Our latest kitchens combine fun and function to create an engaging experience from toddlerhood and beyond. Before: A Classic Favorite Our original kitchen playsets had all the charm of a timeless classic—soft colors, sturdy construction, and all the essentials for endless make-believe cooking fun. They’ve been a beloved part of countless childhoods, sparking creativity for years. After: A Fresh Take for Today’s Kids (and Interiors) Our updated design keeps the timeless charm and sturdy construction of the original, while introducing a lighter, brighter feel. This beloved play kitchen now comes in white and natural wood, offering versatile options to complement any space. It features upgraded materials, a warmer color palette with soft brass accents, and realistic finishes that bring extra charm to playtime. Thoughtfully placed interactive features invite imaginative play, while its clean, modern style blends easily into your home. Explore the Full Collection From compact corner kitchens for small spaces to deluxe sets for imaginative chefs-in-training, there’s something for every little learner in our redesigned lineup. Each set is built to inspire storytelling, skill-building, and—of course—big-time fun. Bring home a kitchen where learning is always on the menu when you shop KidKraft. Here, pretend play meets real learning. Discover our updated kitchens today.

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Play Kitchen Features to Look for by Age

When shopping for a play kitchen set, it's essential to consider the unique features that match your child's age and developmental stage. A well-chosen play kitchen can inspire imaginative play, improve motor skills, and encourage social interaction. Understanding what features to prioritize by age ensures that your investment grows with your child, providing endless hours of creative fun. How Does a Play Kitchen Help a Child's Development? Imaginative play is instrumental in a child's development. Play kitchens offer a safe space for kids to experiment and engage in imaginative scenarios. By simulating real-life activities, children can make sense of the world around them, enhancing their sense of independence and understanding of everyday tasks.When kids engage in activities like cooking in a play kitchen, it sparks their creativity and problem-solving skills. Through these experiences, children learn to communicate and collaborate, which helps develop essential social skills. What are the Best Ages for a Play Kitchen? While the ideal age for play kitchens varies, children generally show interest in role-playing and imitating adult activities around the age of two. For toddlers, play kitchens are ideal for imaginative play, fostering essential skills like creativity, social interaction, and problem-solving. As they grow, children continue to benefit from play kitchens, refining their motor skills, cognitive abilities, and understanding of everyday tasks.Observing your child's interest in mimicking kitchen tasks, using toy utensils, and engaging in pretend cooking can indicate readiness for a play kitchen. Keep in mind that each child's development is unique, so look for cues like curiosity about food preparation, setting up pretend meals, or even mimicking conversations from the kitchen. What Play Kitchen Features to Look For Suitability of play kitchen features varies by age. Choosing the right features can enhance the play experience and support appropriate developmental challenges. For example, for younger children, simplicity and safety are key. Kitchens with simple knobs and fewer small parts are ideal since these components are safer and easier for toddlers to manipulate.On the other hand, older preschool and early elementary school children may benefit from more interactive elements and realistic accessories like microwave doors and additional storage space. These features can encourage advanced play and create a more engaging play experience. Storage Size Play kitchens with smaller storage areas can help little ones develop organization skills by requiring tidiness and creativity in arranging kitchen items efficiently. This is ideal for toddlers just starting to engage in imaginative play.Play kitchens with larger storage spaces allow for more extensive play setups, ideal for older preschool children and younger school aged children. They also accommodate a variety of kitchen accessories and encourage diverse role-playing scenarios. Functional Elements Functional elements add a realistic touch to the play experience, making a play kitchen set more engaging and fun. For example, turning knobs allow children to imitate cooking actions, while opening cabinets provide a sense of exploration and discovery.The inclusion of sounds further enhances the play experience, allowing kids to interact with the kitchen as if it were real. These elements not only foster imaginative play but also facilitate the development of fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.Toddlers need play kitchens with large, easy-to-manipulate components to ensure their safety and enjoyment. A minimalistic design with simple knobs and fewer small parts is ideal for not only fostering their motor skills but also providing a safe environment for exploration.Older kids might enjoy play kitchens with more intricate features that can encourage more advanced play. Features like microwave doors and extra storage can stimulate creativity while providing a better understanding of real-world kitchen environments. They also offer opportunities for interactive play, allowing kids to develop social skills through role-playing with friends or siblings. Play Kitchen Accessories When choosing play kitchen accessories, consider a mix of utensils, food items, and other kitchenware. By incorporating a variety of accessories, you can create a dynamic and immersive play environment that encourages exploration, socialization, and learning. Best Play Kitchen Sets When shopping for a play kitchen set, be sure to get one made with material that’s durable and safe for kids and has features that add interest and spark curiosity and imagination. For more tips on what to look for in a play kitchen set, check out our buying guide.Shop KidKraft’s quality play kitchen sets online. We have options available to suit various ages, space considerations, and budgets.

5 Sensory Bin Ideas for Fall

Heard about sensory bins but aren’t quite sure what they are? Essentially, a sensory bin is a shallow container that you fill with materials that stimulate a toddler's senses and create a hands-on experience. They’re designed to ignite imagination and learning through tactile exploration.Sensory play is important for early childhood development, as it enhances cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. With a wide array of textures and elements, sensory bins provide a dynamic platform for interactive, experiential sensory learning. What You Will Need to Make a Sensory Bin There are numerous possibilities when creating sensory bins, as they can contain a variety of items with different colors, shapes, and textures. It’s also fun to create theme-based bins around holidays, seasons, or your child’s interests (such as dinosaurs or trains).To get started, some basic items you’ll need to create a sensory bin for toddlers include: Container: A plastic tub, box, tray, or bucket makes a great base for a sensory bin. Sensory bins vary in size; however, you’ll want to choose a large enough container to fit a variety of fillers and for your child to have room to comfortably play. Fillers: Materials like uncooked rice, pasta, and beans, kinetic sand, and water beads. Toys and tools: Scoops, funnels, cups, and small toys. Accessories: Items for thematic sensory bins, such as leaves or fake snow. Sensory Elements: Textured materials, scented items, or colorful objects. Creating a sensory bin is an open canvas, allowing everyday items to be used in unique ways. The versatility of materials and the opportunity for creativity means that sensory bins can be tailored to match any theme. Fun Fall Sensory Bin Ideas Whether you’re just getting started creating sensory bins or need some inspiration for creating a new one, check out some fun fall-themed sensory bin ideas below. 1.Pumpkin Sensory Bin To set it up, you'll need a large plastic tub, dried black beans or orange lentils, plastic mini pumpkins, small scoops, and containers for transferring items back and forth. 2.Fall Colors Sensory Bin Use dried colored pasta in various autumn hues (red, orange, yellow) as the base. Add droppers and colored water to encourage color mixing and fine motor skill development. Consider adding seasonal items like small decorative pumpkins or acorns for a multi-sensory experience. You can also introduce tools for scooping and sorting, enhancing the learning aspect and prolonging engagement. 3.Farmyard Sensory Bin Create a mini farm scene with small plastic or wooden farm animals, hay, and sensory-friendly “dirt” made from cloud dough. This allows kids to engage in imaginative play while exploring different textures. 4.Halloween Themed Sensory Bin For the main filler, use orange dyed rice. You can make this by pouring 1-2 cups of rice into a large plastic Ziploc bag and adding 5-10 drops of orange food dye and a tablespoon of vinegar. Seal it tight, shake, then pour on a baking tray to dry. After adding the fully dried colored rice, toss in a mix of Halloween goodies you have on hand or from your local dollar store. Skeletons, spider rings, plastic eyeballs, and cauldrons are some fun add-ins. As with any bin, just be sure to get age-appropriate items for safety.Finally, provide some scoops, tongs, measuring cups, funnels, and bowls for scooping and pouring to encourage fine motor skill development, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. 5.Thanksgiving Themed Sensory Bin For a Thanksgiving themed base, you can use dry corn kernels, regular popcorn, dry beans, or split peas. Non-food sensory bin fillers can include shredded paper, feathers, fake leaves, or real leaves from outside. Then, add Thanksgiving and fall items such as: Fabric scraps Acorns Gourds Decorations Turkey figures Wheat sprigs Pinecones Of course, be sure to include tools to scoop, pour, and sort.Explore KidKraft's collection of toys to find the perfect additions to your sensory bin creations. Shop activity tables to find the perfect space to place sensory bins or provide additional types of sensory play activities for your kids.

At-Home Kids Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Family Favorite Pretend Play Activities Scavenger hunts for kids are more than just a fun and engaging activity - they also help kids hone developmental skills and understand the value of teamwork. Whether designed for indoors or outdoors, scavenger hunts provide a good blend of education and entertainment, making every find a step towards improved cognitive abilities and social skills. Kids scavenger hunts provide several benefits, such as:Improving problem solving and critical thinking skillsScavenger hunts for kids challenge them to think on their feet. Deciphering clues pushes kids to leverage their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. For instance, finding an object based on a riddle requires quick decision-making. This is a fantastic way to nurture their intellect in a fun, engaging setting. Sparks a sense of adventureScavenger hunts ignite a sense of adventure in kids, nudging them to look beyond the obvious and turning everyday settings into places for exploration. As they hunt for items, whether nestled between books on a bookshelf or hidden beneath a slide in a park, their curiosity blooms.These activities invite kids to see their world through a lens of wonder, making every found object a victory in their search for knowledge and discovery.Builds teamworkParticipating in scavenger hunts fosters teamwork and enriches social skills among kids. They learn that success often hinges on a collective effort and diverse strategies, rather than going solo.For instance, deciphering clues together reveals varied perspectives. This collaboration teaches compromise and celebrates each child's contribution, paving the way for friendships built on mutual achievements, respect, and shared excitement. At-Home Scavenger Hunt Ideas There is a wide array of possibilities for at-home kids scavenger hunt ideas, both indoors and outdoors. The scavenger hunt ideas below will not only keep little ones entertained, but also cater to age-specific curiosities and preferences of older kids, ensuring everyone involved has a blast.Indoor Scavenger Hunt IdeasInventing a scavenger hunt for kids doesn't require a treasure map or anything extravagant. All you need are clever ideas and a tad bit of creativity. Below are some simple but fun indoor scavenger hunt ideas to get you started. Color Quest:Ask them to gather objects that match specific colors. Theme Adventure:Create a story and have them find items that fit the theme. Memory Lane:Encourage finding objects related to a fun family memory. All it takes is a little imagination to turn your home into an exciting place to explore!Outdoor Scavenger Hunt IdeasEngaging kids in your backyard or local park has never been easier with at-home kids scavenger hunt ideas. Creating scavenger hunts that involve natural elements are extremely easy to execute and kids always love them. For example: Identifying different types of leaves Collecting various rocks Spotting unique bird species You get the idea. Each activity is not only fun but transforms into an educational journey through outdoor exploration!Explore KidKraft's collection of toys to find the perfect additions to enhance your at-home kids scavenger hunts!

7 Playtime Theme Ideas

Need some help coming up with some playtime ideas your kids will love? Thinking of themes often makes it easier to create fun play activities since a theme helps to shape the general idea and then specific activities that relate to the theme become easier to come up with.By adopting themes, such as space travel or restaurant, kids get to exercise their creativity while working on various developmental skills. This theme-based approach to coming up with playtime ideas enriches their experiences and makes both indoor play and outdoor play an adventure. Creative playtime activities also help support emotional wellness, foster skill development, and expand the imagination. Creative Playtime Theme Ideas Playtime themes make coming up with activities that spark creativity for kids fun and simple. From pretend indoor classrooms to outdoor firefighter play, there’s a playtime idea to match every child’s interests. Below are just a few theme ideas your kids are sure to love engaging in. 1. Ice Cream Shop Kids will love taking turns being ice cream store shopkeepers and customers, with scoops of pretend ice cream filling colorful bowls. This activity helps them hone their math skills through playful transactions while also giving them the opportunity to practice social interactions. 2. Restaurant Similar to ice cream shop pretend play, in a restaurant scenario, kids can also add in the roles of a host, waiter, and chef. This activity introduces them to basic cooking and hospitality skills. Depending on their age, they can even work on math skills by calculating tips! 3. Classroom Children mimicking a classroom setting lets them switch roles between the teacher and student. This play scheme fosters an early love for education, nurturing future leaders and learners alike. 4. Breakfast Smoothie Station Engaging children in setting up a Breakfast Smoothie Station will spark into their culinary creativity as they come up with delicious, healthy breakfasts for themselves and others. They’ll love tossing in all the pretend fruit and veggies, pouring in some juice, and pressing the button on the blender. 5. Space Travel A space travel theme fuels a child's imagination towards space travel. It enlightens them about the mysteries of planets and stars, fostering an excitement for exploring the unknown. 6. Firefighter Pretending to be firefighters enables kids to role play bravery and responsibility. It also shows them the importance of teamwork and the critical role rescue workers have in our world. 7. Laundry Day A laundry day playtime theme is a perfect activity for kids to mimic what they see you doing in the home. Having their own pretend washer and dryer set enhances the fun. You can even use this activity to have them help with your actual laundry, turning daily chores into an engaging adventure! This is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and the fundamentals of laundry tasks - all while having a blast. These playtime theme ideas, along with some favorite family pretend play activities, will keep your kids engaged in playtime fun for quite some time! Shop KidKraft’s indoor toys for any specific theme-related items to enhance your child’s themed play.

4 Tips to Keep Playhouses Bug Free

Kids outdoor playhouses are a fun way for little ones to tap into their creativity while enjoying playtime outside. But, like anything else, playhouses need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to last and continue to be a safe environment for kids.One of the biggest challenges with being outdoors is keeping the bugs away – and this is no different with kids playhouses. A fun playtime experience can quickly become frustrating if bugs decide to crash the party!So, instead of letting bugs ruin the playhouse fun, you can be proactive by learning how to clean your outdoor playhouse and keep it bug free. How to Clean Outdoor Playhouses Cleaning kids outdoor playhouses is necessary for keeping them safe and germ-free, and – you guessed it – bug free! Check out a simple step-by-step process for cleaning your kids playhouse below. Step-by-Step for Cleaning Outdoor Playhouses 1. Before you get started cleaning, remove all toys and movable objects to make it easier to access every corner. 2. Prepare a natural, child-safe cleaner. You can use gentle soap or a baking soda solution to scrub down any dirt. This will stop your playhouse from eroding with harsh chemicals and be kinder to children's skin if they come into contact with it. 3. With a soft brush or sponge, gently wash all surfaces to tackle dirt and grime. Pay special attention to nooks and crannies where bugs might hide. 4. After washing, rinse the playhouse with clean water. 5. Lastly, dry the surfaces with a clean towel. Alternatively, you can let them air-dry. How Often Should You Clean Kids Outdoor Playhouses A kids outdoor playhouse should be cleaned at least once a month. But during seasons where it’s being used frequently, you’ll want to clean it more often. To stay consistent, add it to your regular cleaning schedule. Other Tips to Keep Kids Outdoor Playhouses Bug Free Keeping your kids outdoor playhouses free of pests doesn’t have to be a burden. Besides the most important step of regularly cleaning it, these additional tips will help your kids playhouse remain bug free without a ton of effort on your part! Use diatomaceous earth Consider sprinkling this natural, non-toxic powder made from fossilized algae around your playhouse It acts as a deterrent for bugs, dehydrating them upon contact. Diatomaceous earth is an eco-friendly solution, offering a way to keep playhouses bug-free without harming the environment or little ones. Place insect repelling plants around the playhouse Strategically placing certain plants that naturally repel insects can create a barrier, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical repellents. For instance, lavender, marigolds, and lemongrass not only deter unwanted pests but also enhance the playhouse's aesthetic appeal. Don’t leave food behind Don’t leave food lying around. Clean up all crumbs and spills right away – and have your kids help with clean up too.Shop KidKraft's outdoor playhouses and other outdoor toys to create a magical space in your backyard that your kids will love.

How to Keep a Sandbox Clean

If you have a kids sandbox or are thinking of getting one for your backyard, you may be overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning it. You may even be wondering: How do you even keep a sandbox clean? How often should it be cleaned? Do sandboxes really need to be cleaned?We’ve got the answers to these questions and are here to reassure you that keeping a sandbox clean is nowhere near as time-consuming or complicated as you may think. It’s actually quite simple! Why It's Important to Keep Kids' Sandboxes Clean Maintaining a clean kids sandbox isn't just about aesthetics; it's important for warding off bacterial growth and creating a healthy play space for your little ones. Dirty sandboxes can become breeding grounds for bacteria and bugs, posing some health risks. But regular upkeep is easy and will give you peace of mind knowing your kids can play happily for hours in a safe, healthy sandbox. How to Keep a Sandbox Clean Maintaining a clean kids sandbox will extend the life of the sandbox and ensure it remains a safe place for play. While it takes some extra time and attention to maintain a clean sandbox, none of the tips below are difficult or extremely time-consuming – and they’re well worth the little bit of extra effort.From keeping sand fresh to using a protective sandbox cover, every step below contributes to lasting fun and hygiene. Use a Sandbox Cover A sandbox cover will keep unwanted critters out and keep debris from getting inside, while helping to preserve the sand’s integrity. But the best thing about getting a cover for your sandbox is that it will drastically cut down on cleaning time! Choosing a sandbox cover that's durable and can withstand the elements will make a world of difference. Keep Sand Fresh Refreshing the sand in your kids' sandbox periodically is important, as it prevents the sand from compacting and becoming contaminated. At a minimum, the sand should be changed once a year, but how often you change it will depend on how often it's used and how much outdoor exposure it gets. In between changes, keep it pristine by using the best sandbox cleaners that won't harm its quality. Have Kids Wash Hands Before Using Sandbox Making sure kids wash their hands before diving into play can dramatically reduce the number of germs that get into the sandbox. If feasible, think about setting up a handwashing station nearby. Check Toys Weekly and Remove Broken and Unused Ones ake doing a regular check on toys in the sandbox part of your weekly routine. Remove any broken items to avoid potential injuries and declutter the sandbox by removing toys that don’t get used often or at all. This task will help catch any damage or uncleanliness that could compromise the sand's purity. Use a Natural Pesticide This will ward off pesky bugs that love making homes in kids' play areas while keeping the sandbox a safe environment to play in. Laying a Weed Barrier Putting a weed barrier under your sandbox will block unwelcome growths from underneath. Teach Your Kids Educate your kids on the essentials of sandbox cleanliness. One of the best ways they can help is to not bring food or drinks into the sandbox, as these will attract unwanted guests. Take these steps to keep your sandbox clean and you’ll benefit from the longevity of your sandbox and your kids will enjoy wholesome fun for years to come. Shop sandboxes at KidKraft today to add this classic outdoor toy to your backyard.

Shop by Skill: Social Play

What is social play? In simple terms, social play is a type of play where children directly interact and share with others – whether adults or other kids. Through this type of play they learn social skills like communication, sharing, turn-taking, and following rules.You may be asking, what is the importance of social skills for kids? In a nutshell, these skills help children interact with the world around them. Social skills help kids build relationships and develop skills that will help them be successful as adults.Providing your child with opportunities to engage in social play is one of the best ways to help them build confidence and develop relationships. In addition to these important skills, social play also helps kids to develop emotional intelligence. Toys for Social Development Engaging in simple social play with other children is important for kids to foster social skills, such as peer group leadership skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and working memory.If you’re wondering which type of activity is considered social play, there’s a variety of activities that fall into this category and KidKraft carries an array of toys for both indoors and outdoors that are great for social playing for toddlers and school-aged children. Toys for Social Development Two classic social play examples are playing with dollhouses and pretend kitchens. Kitchen Play Sets – A play kitchen is a classic toy that continues to delight kids and never gets old. Our play kitchens are designed with unique details and features that foster creativity and keep kids engaged in pretend play for hours. Wooden Dollhouses – Playing with dolls and dollhouses is another classic creative and social play activity. Our dollhouses are designed to be interactive and encourage kids to use their imaginations. Outdoor Social Play Toys Social play toys that are excellent for outdoor play are playhouses and swing sets. Outdoor Kids’ Playhouses – Having a kids’ playhouse in your backyard makes it convenient to combine outdoor play with social play. Our playhouses provide kids with hours of fun as they engage in creative, pretend play with their siblings and friends. Outdoor Swing Sets – Bring the playground to your backyard with our collection of wooden swing sets. They’re durable and have a variety of features to keep kids of all ages entertained together for hours. Shop KidKraft’s toys for social development. Your child will have fun and make memories while developing important life skills!Check out our toys for active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and creative play too!

Shop by Skill: Creative Play

Creative play is a delightful form of play that enables children to have fun expressing themselves and using their active and growing imaginations. Why is creativity through play important? This form of play allows kids to try out different ideas they have while developing a variety of life skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Creative Play Toys for Kids & Toddlers At KidKraft, you’ll find a great array of toys and playsets that foster creative play, making it easy to find activities that match your child’s interests, personality, and age.Does your child love doll play? Then be sure to browse the selection of creative dollhouses we have available. Our 12-inch dollhouses and 18-inch dollhouses are some of the best creative play toys for 4-6-year-olds. We also carry a lovely assortment of doll furniture to add more creativity and variety to the dollhouse play experience. Outdoor Creative Play Toys Is your toddler or preschooler an artist at heart? Then why not take their art supplies outside so they can enjoy creating their masterpieces while getting some fresh air and sunshine.Art supplies are wonderful creative kids toys. Our kids’ easel collection offers standing easels in various sizes. These standing easels feature a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase surface on the other, as well as a paper roll on top. We also carry an art table with drying rack and storage, a tabletop version of the traditional easel design that’s a perfect creative toy for toddlers.Kids’ activity tables are another fantastic option for creative play. From creation stations and chalkboard tables to art tables and more, you’ll find a style your child will enjoy. How Can Creative Activities Impact the Brain? Creative play has a critical role in fostering the development of neural connections, which are essential for enhancing both gross motor skills and fine motor skills. It also provides a way for children to express their emotions through ways other than speaking, such as drawing, painting, and writing.Shop our creative play toys for kids & toddlers. You’ll discover creativity toys your child will love to use again and again. While shopping, be sure to browse our items to inspire active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and social play.