Made for Play
Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.
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Creative Play Activities for Toddlers
We all want to encourage our toddlers’ creativity, and play is the best way to do that! But when we try to come up with creative play activities for our toddlers, we can sometimes get focused on our own creativity rather than theirs. What Is Creative Play? Creative play encompasses any type of play where your toddler is taking the lead in making something, pretending, or creating their own rules or guidelines for a game. The key here is that we want the kids’ creativity to be what is directing the play session, not our own. When we think “creative play,” we often focus on ways that we as adults can get creative and come up with new activities for our kids. And there is definitely a time and place for those types of activities! Kids love the novelty, and seeing our creativity can inspire them to come up with their own creative ideas in the future. But we should also be aware that kids’ creativity thrives when we give them the space to explore their own ideas instead of doing things our way. Think of it like this: we might feel the most creative when we think of a really cool craft for our toddler. We save cardboard tubes, cut out triangles, tape together a construction paper cone, and show them how to craft a rocket ship. But when we let kids take the lead and simply provide the materials and opportunity, they’re likely to produce something totally different. The end result may not be as Pinterest-worthy, but it will be something crafted from their own vision rather than ours. (And just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with either example! Kids learn from a mix of both adult-directed activities and creative play opportunities!) Why Does Creative Play Matter? Creative play builds confidence and well, creativity, in kids. They get to take the lead without being concerned about doing things the “right” way by adult standards. Since creative play is such a broad term, it includes activities that help our toddlers develop in nearly every area. Creating things with blocks, play dough, or craft materials builds fine motor skill and lays foundations for early math skills. Creative pretend play with dolls and toys helps kids develop empathy as they think from multiple perspectives. When they use one object to represent another (i.e.e pretending a block is a car), this symbolic thinking helps lay the foundations for logical reasoning later on. Creative social play with their peers is incredibly important for developing social skills. In short, creative, child-directed play of nearly any type benefits our kids’ minds, bodies, and social development. Creative Play Ideas for Toddlers Remember, you don’t need to go overboard with the planning of creative play activities. Over-structured play where the adult determines the “right” way to do things is actually the opposite of creative play for toddlers! Instead, these creative play ideas are all about providing opportunities and materials for your child to explore and play with as they choose! You can model some fun way to use those materials and then let them follow their own instincts! Open-ended Art Sessions Don’t get us wrong – we love cutesy Pinterest crafts as much as anyone, but we also love the totally unique crafts our toddlers come up with on their own. In this case, we can help get our toddlers’ creative juices flowing by modeling ways to use the materials but not showing them a final product they need to copy. We can glue sequins, string beads, scribble with sidewalk chalk, and paint with watercolors. The toddlers will no doubt want to join in, and without a final product to work towards, they’ll get to explore their creativity and enjoy focusing on the process rather than the product! Simply demonstrate, leave all materials within their reach (unless your child would rather dump them all out), supervise for safety, and let them go! You can also incorporate things that aren't usually used as art supplies to see how your child uses them. Sponges soaked with water can add fun effects to paintings; natural objects like rocks and sticks can be painted or incorporated into their crafts; empty spice jars can become shakers for glitter, paint rollers, or circular stamps. The possibilities are endless when you let them explore! Peer Playdates Unstructured play with peers is essential for kids’ development. This is how kids learn social norms and engage in complex pretend play. And don’t assume that kids who attend preschool or daycare always get enough of this type of play. They might be engaged in adult-led activities for much of the day with relatively few opportunities for unstructured play. Setting up some playdates can ensure that they get to interact with peers without adult instruction.Of course, remember that unstructured doesn't mean no boundaries. You can and should intervene to manage inappropriate behavior and conflict. And don’t be discouraged if your young toddler seems more interested in toys than their friends. This type of play is known as “parallel play” and it’s a stepping stone towards more interactive social play. You can read more about the stages of social play in our guide, How Kids Should Play by Age! Nature Play Kids can’t help but engage in creative play in the great outdoors! Take advantage of the temperate fall weather to visit local municipal, state, and national parks. Trails through a forest, small rock formations, creeks and ponds are all filled with opportunities for physical play, imaginative play, and discovery. If you’re having trouble finding suitable natural locations, check out some local parent groups on Facebook. You can ask for recommendations or search past posts to learn which parks have the most natural features. And remember that even a little nature – like small parks or your own backyard –can still spark wonder and creative play! Prepared Play Environment The increasingly popular Montessori method is all about the “prepared environment” – a setup that lets kids choose which activities they want to do and encourages them to focus. Even without all the details on the Montessori philosophy, you can easily apply a few of the same principles in your home to encourage creative play in your toddlers. Aim for an environment that lets kids easily see what activities are available and doesn't overwhelm them with choices. Try to minimize the clutter and focus on offering just a handful of developmental toys that promote pretend or constructive play. (Our tips on organizing your playroom and choosing developmental toys can get you started!) Try to minimize distractions like screens and overstimulating toys, and just follow your toddler’s lead! This setup enables focused, child-directed play that allows their creativity to flourish.Remember, when it comes to true creative play ideas for toddlers, our job is to give them time, opportunity, and a few simple materials and toys. They’ll provide the creativity all on their own! Explore our entire collection of creative play toys now.
Active Play Ideas for Toddlers
If your toddler had their own anthem, it would probably be “I Like to Move It” on repeat. Even the chillest-of-the-chill toddlers still have a natural instinct to run, climb, jump, and move a ton throughout the day. While those wiggle-worm tendencies can be exhausting for us grownups, all that activity develops your toddler’s gross motor skills, improves their sleep, and helps regulate their mood. So don’t fight it – embrace it! These active play ideas can help your toddler get the movement their bodies crave in a way that’s safe, non-destructive, and fun for both of you! Outdoor Active Play Ideas Simply being in open outdoor spaces is a great way to encourage active play! If they need more inspiration, get moving with these easy active play ideas! Capture the Flag (The Toddler Version) A competitive team game of capture the flag is probably out of your toddler’s wheelhouse, but they’ll love a toddler-modified version! Use play silks or kitchen towels as your flags and tie them throughout your yard for your toddler to retrieve. Place them in places that encourage different types of movement (stretching, squatting, climbing, etc.). Then have them race to get them as fast as possible! Bubble Chase An easy but oh-so-fun classic! Blow bubbles. Chase. Pop. Repeat. Climbing Games Climbing engages all the major muscle groups, so it’s a great way to tire your toddler out and help them develop gross motor skills! Pretend to be mountain explorers on your little one’s playset, slide or toddler climber. Or play rescue by tossing a toy onto the playdeck of their playset, “rescuing” it by climbing up, sending it down the slide, and repeating! Indoor Active Play Ideas When the weather or your to-do list leave you stuck inside, these play ideas can still help your tots stay active! Bear Hunt Put a spin on the classic hide and seek by hiding a favorite teddy bear stuffie for each other to find! Make it extra fun by adding binoculars and flashlights and coming up with silly hiding places! Shopping List Have your little one take a shopping “trip,” filling up their favorite wagon with items from around the house. You can give them ideas for things to grab or even print out a visual list if you’re feeling extra motivated. To make it more engaging, end the trip by playing check out on the coffee table or at their Shop Doctor Pop-Up. Floor Tape Courses For a simple, mess-free version of an obstacle course, grab some painters tape and make various lines, paths, and shapes on the floor. You can come up with specific activities to do for each shape (jump in the triangles, spin around in the circles, hop between dotted lines, etc.) and then race through the course together! Hallway Bowling Empty water bottles or paper towel tubes make great bowling pins! Have your little one set them up, grab a ball, and bowl away! They’ll get plenty of movement throwing and going up and down the hall to reset the “pins.”Indoors or out, active play is great for your toddler’s mind and body – and your sanity! If it’s the summer heat that’s keeping you indoors, our 6 Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers can help you pass the time too!
Space Saving Furniture Ideas for Kids
Kid-sized furniture is having a bit of a moment thanks to increasingly popular parenting/ educational philosophies like Montessori. The thought is that child-sized tools and furniture help foster independence and give kids ownership of their own spaces. You’ve probably seen a few pint-sized tables, desks, and wardrobes on your favorite parenting accounts! But if those kid-friendly spaces feel out-of-reach for you because square footage is low, don’t give up on the tiny furniture dream just yet! We’ve got some space-saving kids’ furniture ideas that can help! Floating Wall Desk Desks are one of the most popular types of kid-sized furniture for good reason. They perform a task that couches and dining room tables just can’t: giving your child their own space to work and focus! Unfortunately, they’re also a relatively large item that doesn’t work for every space. That’s where the Arches Floating Wall Desk can save they day! This innovative desk folds completely flat against the wall, leaving it completely out of the way when not in use. If you need ideas that work for small kids rooms, this desk is the perfect solution! Fold it away for play time, and set it back up when it’s time to craft or tackle homework! Expandable Table & Bench Set If you have more than one child in need of a homework space, the Arches Expandable Table & Bench Set has room for four to six kids, but takes up way less space than you’d think! The fold out benches easily flip over and out when kids need them and then neatly back under the table when they don’t. Included storage bins add even more space-saving power, making it easy to store craft or school supplies. Grow Together Adjustable Desk The streamlined profile of the Grow Together Adjustable Desk is a great space saver on its own – but the slim, minimalist design is far from the coolest benefit. This desk and chair set adjusts to grow with your child, so it can last from the preschool years all the way to the homework years! Book Nook & Tent If you love the idea of a play teepee or reading nook for your kiddo’s room but can’t spare the space, this cute little book nook just might do the trick. Built-in shelves mean you can ditch the book shelf to make room for this cozy reading-nook-and-play- tent in one! Bookcase with Reading Nook If the tent’s shelves won’t fit all of your child’s books but you still love the cozy vibes, this bookcase with reading nook can give you the best of both worlds: a great place to curl up with a book and plenty of storage. For more ideas for kids furniture for small spaces, check out our Toy Storage Ideas for Keeping Playtime Mess Free. Want to shop for kids’ furniture by age? Check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds now!
Guide to Starting Kindergarten
You blinked, and your baby is almost a kindergartener! But before you get all misty-eyed at drop off, you’ve got to make sure your little learner is set up for success! Our tips for starting kindergarten will help make sure your kiddo feels prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally, so when it’s finally drop off time, the only tears are yours. Find the Perfect Bedtime You likely already have a set bedtime routine, but you may want to move it earlier in the evening before the big first day! Five year olds need about 10-12 hours of sleep each night, and with early school mornings, they may need to be in bed as early as 6:30 to get the sleep they need! If you think they’ll benefit from hitting the hay a little earlier, start moving their bedtime up in 15-minute increments in the weeks before school until you’ve reached your target time. Master Your Mornings While you’re working on bedtime, it’s also a good idea to practice your morning flows as well! A week or two in advance, start waking them up at the same time they’ll wake up on school mornings. Go through the entire process of getting ready each day, and by the time the real first day rolls around, they won’t be groggy or stressed from rushing to get ready. Prepare Them for a Typical Kindergarten Day Of course, one of the best and easiest things you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten is simply talking about it. Let them know what they can expect and try to build excitement for meeting their teacher, making new friends, and learning new things! If your child has never been to preschool, they may truly not know what to expect, so offer plenty of details – story time, sitting at a desk, playgrounds, the cafeteria, etc.Kids who have already attended preschool will be familiar with most of the basics, but they might still be surprised by some things in kindergarten. Prep them for things like longer days, longer periods of focused instruction, and larger class sizes. Frame it positively – these changes mean they are a big kid, after all!And be sure to listen as well – if your child is expressing nervousness about kindergarten, you can help by dispelling any unnecessary fear and refocusing on the positives while still empathizing with their feelings. Read Books about Going to Kindergarten If talking isn’t enough to build excitement or calm fears, try reading some books about kindergarten as well. They’ll help normalize the school day and make it seem extra fun! Many books feature characters who are nervous about their first day, which may be helpful if your little one has been feeling apprehensive too. And there’s no need to go buy new books – just search “goes to school” or “goes to kindergarten” in your local library’s catalog, and you’re sure to get plenty of titles! Don’t Miss Meet the Teacher Even just a few minutes to see their classroom and meet their new teacher before the first day can help your kiddo feel more confident and prepared on their first day! Create a Kid Study Space Creating a kid-friendly study space isn’t just about homework – it’s about helping your child actually enjoy and feel ownership over studying and reading. So even though kindergarten homework assignments are usually quick and easy, take advantage of the chance to create positive study habits in a space your child enjoys! A study space should be tidy, distraction-free, and ergonomically correct for kids’ smaller bodies. That means a kids’ desk or a booster seat at a regular desk or table.We find that kid-sized furniture definitely adds to the cool factor and helps kids feel like the space is totally their own. Our tips for How to Create a Kid-Friendly Study Desk will encourage them to get involved in decorating and organizing their space. If you don’t have room for a desk, try our Ideas for Setting Up a Kids Reading Corner, or check out our new space-saving Arches Floating Wall Desk and Chair. No matter where they’re working, our 5 Tips to Keep Kids Organized and Focused can help keep the space organized and free from distractions. Make Extra Time for Play & Rest the First Weeks Even for kids who are used to preschool or daycare, the first week of kindergarten is exhausting! They’re meeting new people, learning new rules, and focusing for longer periods of time. Keep your evening and weekend plans to a minimum so your little one can catch up on the rest they need. And while it may seem counterintuitive, they may also crave more time to move around and get active. All that sitting and focusing is tough, especially for very active kids, so pencil in some time to let them get outdoors for child-led play. Check In & Observe With any big change, it’s always a good idea to ask your child how they’re doing and observe them for signs that something isn’t right. Kids who are having a hard time adjusting may act out more, get more reserved or sullen, or have emotional outbursts. While a small adjustment period is normal, if your child just isn’t themselves for more than a few weeks, check in with their teacher to see if they’ve noticed any problems in the classroom. And of course, talk to your child to get their take on how kindergarten is going! With any luck (and these tips!), starting kindergarten will be smooth sailing!
KidKraft Parent Series: Best Toddler Toys from A KidKraft Parents
Best Toddler Toys from a KidKraft Parent For the parents who work here, KidKraft is more than just a job – it’s part of their daily life at home with their own kids. That’s why there’s no better experts on KidKraft toys than our very own KidKraft parents! As part of our KidKraft parent series, we talked with our own Christine Olsen about which KidKraft toys have meant the most to her kids in the toddler years and beyond. Here’s what she had to say about play, creativity, and the best toddler toys! Tell us a bit about yourself and your family! I've recently joined the KidKraft marketing family but their products have been part of our family for years. How old is your little one or little ones? My son is now 9 and my daughter is 7 but they still LOVE KidKraft and think I work at the "funnest" place in the world. They always offer to come and "test out the toys." What's your favorite KidKraft toy? Our favorite KidKraft toys are the activity tables. Our son is on the spectrum as well as dyslexic and the train tables were absolutely THE favorite in our house. Thousands of hours of building, moving, lining up and taking apart trains and cities were an integral part of his toddler years. As he got older, he transitioned to the brick tables, and these are still part of our daily family life. Everyone that comes to our house is fascinated by the HUGE and intricate city scape with carefully designed tableaus in every nook and cranny. What makes it your favorite? Everyone, child or adult, deserves to have an escape or passion that allows them to escape reality for a little bit and feel like their best selves. For our son, that is the activity of building and engineering his own world where his imagination can run free and he can truly be himself. When he was a toddler, that looked like creating his own worlds with the train tables; now, it’s the same thing on a more advanced level with the brick tables. As a parent of a child who faces additional challenges in everyday school, it's such a gift to have a place in the home that he can always go to that soothes his mind and soul. Looking for a toy that unlocks your toddler’s passions and creativity? Browse our activity tables, train sets, toddler play kitchens, and outdoor toddler climbers to find the perfect fit for your little one’s unique interests.
How to Develop Motor Skills in Toddlers
The toddler years are a time of rapid growth in kids’ cognitive and physical abilities. Within a few years, those once-wobbly toddlers have the motor skills necessary to run, jump, get dressed, feed themselves, and more! There’s plenty of things you can do to support your toddler’s motor skill development, and fortunately they’re all as simple as playing and performing everyday tasks together! What are toddler fine motor skills? Fine motor skills refer to the development of strength and coordination in small muscle groups, usually in the hands and fingers. Kids work continually throughout their toddler years to develop the dexterity and strength they’ll need for everyday fine motor tasks like writing with a pencil, buttoning buttons, and opening jars.Fine motor development also happens in the muscles around the mouth and the tongue as kids learn to do things like drink from cups and straws and pronounce certain sounds. How to develop fine motor skills in toddlers Observe a toddler for a few hours, and you’ll notice that they’re driven to develop their fine motor skills all on their own! These little explorers have a natural desire to handle new objects, figure out how they work, and master tasks they see adults performing. Helping your toddler develop their fine motor skills can be as easy as providing a few simple toys and activities. Here are some activities you can offer immediately with materials you probably already have: wooden blocks and building with building bricks Clapping and performing motions to simple songsOpening an closing different types of containers with lidsPlaying with shape sortersColoring with pencils and crayonsDigging and building with play sand, writing on vertical surfaces like chalkboards, whiteboards, and easels (This helps kids develop shoulder stability and the correct pencil grasp).Using craft supplies like glue sticks and safety scissorsPracticing with forks, spoons, and open cups at meal timesPouring from small pitchersPlaying with play dough, especially with tools like rolling pins and cuttersPracticing everyday tasks like brushing teeth, combing hair, and getting dressed What are toddler gross motor skills? Gross motor skills refer to the development of strength and coordination in large muscle groups needed for balance, walking, running, climbing, lifting, jumping, etc. How to develop gross motor skills in toddlers Just as toddlers naturally gravitate toward fine motor activities, they definitely have a natural instinct to explore gross-motor-building activities as well! Just ask any parent who’s ever tried to stop a toddler from climbing the furniture or jumping on the bed! You can help support your toddler’s gross motor development by offering toys and activities that let them move and get active (and you just might save your couch cushions in the process!). Here are some ideas to help them burn some of that toddler energy and boost their gross motor skills: Take trips to parks and playgrounds Install outdoor toys like swing sets and climbers Ride balance bikes or training bikes Play catch with balls Play chase and other running activities Offer chances to lift, push, and move heavier objects (i.e. moving laundry baskets, arranging garden stones, or carrying buckets of water) Spend time outdoors where kids have room to run, jump, and play! Overall, there’s no need to stress about developing your toddler’s motor skills. Their own desire to play will help them develop both fine and gross motor skills all on their own! You can support them by providing simple toys and activities and limiting screen time, which can distract them from the motor-skill-building play they need. Still, if you’re worried that your child isn’t reaching their Developmental Milestones, always ask their pediatrician about your concerns!
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play Sandboxes are a summer play staple. They let kids get imaginative and a little messy outdoors while providing numerous benefits in the process! Get the most out of your sandbox this summer with these easy backyard DIY sandbox ideas for creative play. 1. Fossil Dig First, have kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paintbrushes! 2. Sandbox Volcano Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox (be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle). Then, pour in the baking soda, followed by colored vinegar, to create a volcano explosion! 3. Ice Fun Ice cubes in the sand box—simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play! 4. Colorful Sand It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water and gallon zipper bags. Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag. Add sand and shake! Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun or just add it back into the sandbox wet and start playing! 5. Sand Letters Finger drawing letters in a medium such as sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity. It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write. By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they’re ready to write for real. Simply provide some printouts of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words. 6. Construction Site Sandbox If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand. Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys. 7. Sensory Sandbox Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour and build. Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox. Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy and big enough for some major digging adventures! Once you have your sandbox, determine how much sand you need for your sandbox and the best way to keep your sandbox clean. DIY Sandbox FAQ Looking to take the DIY route and build a sandbox? The below FAQs will help you get started. How to build a sandbox? When making a DIY sandbox, choose a level spot, then use wooden boards (like 2’ x 6’ or 2’ x 8’ lumber) to frame it and secure the corners with screws or brackets. Line the bottom with landscape fabric for drainage, fill it with play sand, and consider adding a cover to keep debris and animals out. How do I find sandbox plans? You can find sandbox plans online by searching DIY websites, Pinterest, or home improvement stores. Look for free printable plans or video tutorials that match your space, budget and skill level.
The Benefits of Wooden Toys
Stroll through any toy aisle, and as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, you’ll find yourself “inundated with all kinds of sensory-stimulating noise and light toys.” With all the flash of electronic toys, it’s easy to overlook the simpler choices. But classics like wooden toys boast clear benefits that continue to make them a great choice for kids and parents alike. Here are a few reasons we make wooden toys a priority here at KidKraft: They’re Not Overstimulating Toys with sound effects and flashing lights will definitely grab your toddlers’ attention – but maybe not in the best way. These types of toys are entertaining for a moment but can cause kids to passively observe what the toy does rather than actually engaging in play themselves. They can also overwhelm your child with too many sensory inputs, making them more irritable and less focused. The AAP put it best when they encouraged cargives to “choose toys that are not overstimulating and encourage children to use their imaginations.” They’re Open-ended & Multifunctional The simplicity of wooden toys is their strength. Kids have to engage and get creative when they play with them, whether that means building with wooden blocks or playing pretend with a wooden play kitchen or dollhouse. Unlike electronic toys, wooden toys don’t simply entertain. They promote child-directed play, allowing kids to play on their own terms and discover multiple uses for a single toy. These are exactly the type of “simple toy” the AAP says “may be best” for kids. They’re More Durable When it comes to durability, quality wooden toys have an edge over most of their plastic counterparts. They’re sturdier and more likely to survive through years of play with your kids. That means less money spent for you and fewer toys in the landfills. Our tips on cleaning your wooden toys can help them last even longer! They’re Aesthetic There’s no doubt that wooden toys tend to blend better with your home’s decor than bright plastics – especially when it comes to large toys like dollhouses, play kitchens, and outdoor playsets. While choosing toys shouldn’t be about what looks best on the ‘gram… it doesn’t hurt when a great open-ended toy also happens to look great. Speaking of the ‘gram… you can check out ours to see how parents incorporate KidKraft’s wooden toys into their home’s aesthetic!At KidKraft, we’re devoted to creating beautiful, durable toys that let kids play their way! That’s why wood is our material-of-choice for nearly all of our toys.
