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.
Latest Articles
5 Tips to Beat the Heat This Summer
If your kids are like most, they love playing outside in the summer… even when you feel like you’re about to bake to a crisp in the summer sun. But even if the kids don’t seem to mind the heat, it’s still important to keep them hydrated, cool, and protected from too much harmful UV rays. We’ve got you covered 5 easy, fun ways you and the kids can beat the heat this summer! Wear sun shirts Putting on sunscreen is probably every kids’ least favorite part about playing outside in the summer. A good sun shirt or two will help you cut down on the time you spend slathering on the sunscreen while still protecting your kiddos from sunburns. And even though long sleeves seem like they’d make you feel way hotter, just the opposite is true with these babies. They’re breathable, and because they keep the kids’ skin from being warmed up by the sun, they’ll stay a bit cooler. You just might want to get a couple for yourself! Make your own healthy popsicles Popsicles are basically the official snack of summer, and they’re a great way to cool down. The only problem? All that sugar. But with a few popsicles molds, you and the kids can easily make your own with just fruit. They’ll have fun blending and pouring their favorite ingredients, and you can even sneak in a science lesson on the states of matter! If you need a little inspiration, we love this popsicle recipe roundup. And if you love the idea of sneaky learning activities in the summer, check out these 6 Easy Recipes for Kids to Facilitate Learning in the Kitchen. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate “Stay hydrated” seems like pretty simple advice… but when it comes to kids, it’s easier said than done. Whether they just can’t be bothered to stop playing even for a second or they insist that water is “boring,” sometimes it’s tough to get them to drink enough on those hot summer days. Fruit-infused water, new water bottles, and fun ice cube shapes can all entice them to drink more. And don’t forget that food can be hydrating too! Try to load up their lunches and snacks with water-rich fruits and veggies like watermelon, grapes, celery, and cucumbers. Stay inside during peak sun hours Get outside in the mornings and evenings, and spend the peak temperature hours (12 - 4 PM in most places) staying cool inside. This is also when harmful UV rays are the strongest, so you’ll avoid sunburns too. Our indoor summer activities for kids are perfect for keeping them busy while you’re all inside or keep them learning all summer long with these tips. Do all the water play Splashing around in cool water from the garden hose is every kid’s favorite way to beat the heat. Whether it’s a kiddie pool, sprinkler, water table, or one of these creative water play ideas, add a little H2O to your playtime next time you start breaking a sweat! Pro tip: the water in hoses can get seriously hot, so always be sure to purge the hose until the water is cool before letting the kids play with it!
Back to School Furniture Guide
It’s all fun and games until that summer heat really kicks in. Then, the kids will definitely need some shady getaways and safe outdoor play areas if you want to keep playing and picnicking in the backyard all summer long. And if you can make those shady spots kid-sized and kid-approved? Even better. Our kids’ chaise lounges, outdoor table and chair sets, and outdoor playhouses are perfect for resting and recharging while catching a break from the sun. Here are some of our favorites this season! The Double Chaise Lounger If you need two equally shady, equally comfy spots for your kiddos, a Double Chaise Lounger has them covered (literally). Comfy cushions and thick shades make it perfect for a quick break from the heat. Find it in Espresso or Gray. Oh, and when they realize it has cup holders for their favorite summertime drinks? Keeping hydrated will be no problem during those fierce summer heatwaves. Outdoor Table with Benches and Umbrella Whether it’s a family BBQ, a backyard picnic, or a summer birthday party, summer means eating outdoors a lot. So whenever possible, try to make sure the kids have a little shade while they’re getting their grub on. Our Outdoor Table with Benches and Umbrella fits the bill, and even after mealtime is over, this kid-sized table will fit right into your kiddo’s worlds of pretend play. If you’ll need room for a few more, check out the longer benches on one of our other favorite kids’ table and chair sets! Outdoor Playhouses Okay, so outdoor playhouses aren’t exactly lounge sets, but they definitely provide a cool, shady spot for your kids to hide out from the sun as they play. Plus, when winter hits, they’re great for blocking those chilly winter gusts too. Any of our, wooden playhouses will offer some serious shade inside, but some of our bestsellers this summer are the Modern Outdoor Playhouse, the Savannah Swing Playhouse, and the A-Frame Hideaway and Climber. And because kids can’t hide out in those shady spots all day, be sure to check out our other tips for beating the heat this summer!
Survival Guide for Road Trips with Toddlers
Fun road trips with toddlers are possible… but it’ll definitely take some planning on your part. We’re here to make that easier for you with some of our favorite tips, toys, and road trip activities for toddlers. With any luck, they’ll keep meltdowns to a minimum and make the journey almost as fun as the destination! Schedule some sleep This probably goes without saying, but naps are a lifesaver on road trips. Schedule some of your travel time around naptime, and bring a few sleep aids like a portable white noise machine, window shades, and your little’s favorite plushies. If you have a super long trip ahead of you, you might consider departing ridiculously early while it’s still dark out or driving into the night. Of course, just make sure you’re not getting sleepy too! Create a toddler-approved playlist Queue up some of your tot’s favorite songs to keep them happy or help them sleep...whatever the situation calls for. Songs from their favorite movies or TV shows are always perfect for peppy sing-a-longs! For something more lullaby-ish, we love the Disney Piano playlist on Spotify. Talk about what you see Your toddler might be a bit too young for family road trip activities like I Spy, but you can still have fun talking about what you see through the windows. Tell them what types of trees you’re passing, what’s in those cool buildings, etc. Ask them about what they see too, and try to keep the conversation going! You might be surprised how interested they really are! Make some mess-free art Crayola’s Color Wonder line of markers and paint pens are perfect for mess-free art on the go. They’ll only color on Color Wonder paper, so you won’t risk any stains on your car’s interior. Twist-up crayons are another relatively mess-free art option, as are colored pencils. Surprise them with some new coloring books to make it more fun! Use a clipboard for coloring Don’t be surprised if they get frustrated trying to use those new coloring books on their laps though. It’s a pretty tough balancing act for a toddler, so pack a clipboard to give them a better drawing surface! Read all the books Pack a mini-library to take on the road. Even if no one can sit in the backseat to read them, your little one can still flip through the pictures and “read” to themselves! Listen to kids’ books on Audible There’s a ton of great kids’ books on Audible, and you can probably find a few of your toddler’s favorites. They’ll probably love recognizing the same story from a new voice! Get a headrest holder for the iPad Even if you usually set strict limits on screen time… road trips are definitely a time to make an exception. These deluxe car seat organizers can hold everything from iPads and art supplies to toys and water bottles, but they’ll only work for kids in a forward-facing car seat. For littles who are still rear-facing, these simple headrest holders will let you set up their favorite show without giving them unrestricted access to the iPad. Pack easy, bite-sized snacks Hangriness and road trips are a bad combo for anyone but especially for toddlers. Plan ahead and pack plenty of toddler-friendly snacks. Go for a mix of fun treats and substantial snacks that actually keep them full, and be extra sure to avoid choking hazards. Plan your rest stops A thirty-minute romp in a park can completely turn things around when it’s turning into tantrum-town in the car. Look up good places to stop ahead of time so you can make the most of your meal and potty breaks. Put them in Pull-Ups If your toddler is already potty trained, you might want to consider using Pulls-Ups for the road trip anyway. You never know how far you’ll be from a bathroom when that gotta-go feeling strikes! Surprise them with new car-seat-friendly toys When even their favorite toys aren’t keeping them happy in their car seat anymore, surprising them with something new can buy a few more hours of tear-free travel time. Our On-the-Go Building Block set is *the* road trip toy for ages 3 and up, and bead mazes and shape sorters are great for younger toddlers.A few meltdowns might be inevitable (they are toddlers after all), but your attitude and prep can make all the difference. Just do your best to have fun and make all the hum-drum road trip stuff seem exciting, and your little travel companion will probably follow suit!
How to Prepare for Back to School
It might seem impossibly soon or way overdue – either way, the first day of school is just around the corner. If that leaves you feeling a little unprepared, no worries. Our back to school tips are here to make sure the first day is all good vibes and minimal stress for kids and parents alike! Bring Back Bedtime Later-than-usual bedtimes are a summer rite of passage, but you’ll want to start gradually winding it back before the start of school. Most school-age kids need about 10 -12 hours of sleep per night, so start pushing bedtime up by 15 minutes every 2-3 nights until they’re back where they need to be. Read A Ton Reading is a great way – maybe the way – to help your kids beat the summer slide and be ready to pick up where they left off learning-wise when school starts back up. And the material doesn’t have to be educational per se – just something that your child enjoys reading with you or on their own if they’re already reading. So if you haven’t had a book-filled summer so far, make a trip to your local library and spend these last few weeks reading at least 20 minutes per day. If they’re a little resistant, you can make it more fun by setting up their own cozy reading corner and savings a few special snacks for reading time only!If you have time, try working in a few of the activities from our 8 Way to Keep Kids Learning Over Summer Break too! Practice (or Read About) the School Day Little ones who have never been to school may have no idea what to expect. You can help them shake those jitters by practicing some activities they’ll do on a typical school day. Circle time to read stories and practice songs, craft time, and playground time, are all standard for most preschools. There are also plenty of picture books about going to preschool or kindergarten that will make the first day seem more fun and less scary! Rosie Goes to Preschool, The Queen of Kindergarten, and Preschool, Here I Come! are popular picks you can probably find at your local library. Avoid the School Supply Shopping Rush When we were kids, there was usually only one option to check off that school supply list: brave the ridiculously crowded stores and scramble for the goods. Thankfully, you can avoid that mess if you order them online. Pro tip: school supplies actually tend to be a little more expensive on Amazon than in stores – who knew! Do your shopping online from a nearby store and place the order for pickup – you’ll get the ease of online shopping and the best prices. Create a Kid Study Space Even if your kiddo’s “homework” is basically just a coloring sheet, they’ll still benefit from having a dedicated homework space. Working on the couch, in bed, or at the kitchen table makes it a bit harder to focus since those spaces are usually where they relax and eat. A kids’ desk can be a great investment, especially as your kid’s homework gets more complex and they need to focus for longer periods of time. If you don’t have the space, the dining table or any child-sized table can still work just fine! Clearing them off beforehand and adding something like a pencil cup or small study lamp can help differentiate between meal or craft times and study time. Overall, you’ll want whatever space you use to be ergonomically correct for kids (which may mean a booster seat at the dining room table), organized, and clutter-free. Practice a Morning Routine There’s no denying that getting the kids out the door on time can be tough. To make the first day of school a little less stressful (and therefore a more positive experience for the littles!), try to get your morning routine down pat a week or so before school starts. That means waking up at the right time, getting dressed, eating breakfast, – the whole nine yards. If it feels a little hectic at first, at least you know you have a few more days to work out the kinks and make it run smoother before the big day! See the School Most schools offer orientations, open houses, or meet-the-teacher nights before the start of school. If at all possible, make it a priority to be there! Seeing their new classroom and meeting the teacher (and maybe even a few friends) beforehand can make the first day way less intimidating for your little learners. Get that First Day Swag Despite the huge marketing push for back-to-school clothes, you really don’t have to shell out money for a whole new wardrobe if your kids still have plenty of clothes that fit. But, wearing something they love can help kids feel confident and shake those first-day jitters. That might mean a cool new outfit, their old favorite t-shirt, or their lucky light-up shoes. Whatever it is, try to give them a say in their first-day outfit so they can feel just as excited about it as you are…because we know you’ll be snapping first-day pics like crazy!
Outdoor Water Play Ideas for Kids
Have a grumpy kiddo on your hands? Just add water. Seriously, water play = instant happiness for kids. Plus, outdoor water play is a sensory-rich activity that comes with Vitamin D and hands-on learning. And no, you don’t have to go through the trouble of blowing up the kiddie pool every time your little one wants to splash around outside. Here are 5 simple kids’ water play activities to try out this summer! Nature Soup Gather up some cool natural finds from around the yard or a favorite park and you’ve got (almost) everything you need for Nature Soup! Rocks, twigs, leaves, flowers, moss, and plain old dirt are all fair game. From there, you’ll just fill a mixing bowl, water table, or other containers with water and let the kids add and mix to their hearts’ content. Though it may seem super simple to us, your littles are getting a variety of sensory experiences and rich vocabulary about the natural world. Pouring Station Grab some measuring cups, pitchers, anything else your little one can use to pour and head outside. Pouring is great for developing fine motor skills and toddlers can’t get enough of it. We love Busy Toddler’s idea of adding food coloring to some of the containers to make it even more fun! Colored Water Speaking of colors, set out several clear containers of water and let your littles help add some natural food coloring to each one. They’ll love squeezing in the drops and mixing the colors. Add some fun tools like basters, spoons, scoops, etc. to let them transfer water from one container to another to mix the colors. Water Shaker Bottles All you’ll need for this one is some old water bottles or spice jars, a few fun fillings, and of course, water! You’ve probably made shaker bottles for the sound effects before – these water-filled versions won’t be quite as musical, but your little one will love watching how the different materials float, swirl, and sink in the water. Plus, they’ll love adding all the fun things to the bottles. Fill a bottle about ½ to ¾ of the way full with water and then add in simple materials like dry rice, beans, glitter, etc. Some oil and food coloring make for a fun lava lamp effect! (If you have some older kiddos too, have them experiment by adding different amounts of salt to each bottle to see how it affects the buoyancy of the fill objects.) Pom Pom Squish & Squeeze You’ve probably seen those little craft pom poms used in tons of toddler activities. They’re great for sorting, gluing, pouring, and scooping...and they’re great for water play too! After the pom poms have soaked up some water, your little one can squeeze them out into various containers or just have fun squishing, shaking, and throwing! Splash away and have fun!
10 Picnic Ideas for Your Toddler
Summers are for picnics! They’re a low-cost way to have fun outdoors and make your toddler’s normal routine a little more exciting. And while packing up lunch, diaper bags, and a toddler might seem tough, you’ll be a picnicking-with-a-toddler pro in no time with these 10 tips! Let Them Help Out With Prep Whether it’s pouring ice into the ice chest, putting lids on containers, or stirring up some potato salad, your toddler will probably jump at the chance to help out – especially if they know it’s for the picnic! Let Them Pack Their Own Pretend Picnics This is another great way to get them excited for the real thing… or a way to relive the fun after your picnic is over! You can cook and prep in their play kitchen, pack a blanket and pretend food into a picnic basket, and then set off for a pretend picnic in another room of the house! Invite Some Toys What’s cuter than a toddler on a picnic blanket? A toddler and a few of their favorite stuffed animals on a picnic blanket. Pack a few favorite dolls and plushies to enjoy the picnic with you. It’ll make for adorable pictures and great pretend play opportunities to keep your little one entertained. You can even pack them their own meal with pretend food from your toddler’s play kitchen! Make Frozen Grape Freezer Packs Frozen grapes are delicious and refreshing on a hot summer’s day, and they’ll double as an ice pack to keep the rest of your food cool! Of course, be sure to cut them in half or quarters before freezing to avoid the choking hazard! Get Fancy with Finger Sandwiches For your toddler, picnicking is probably much more about the novelty of the experience than about eating, so don’t feel pressure to make a gourmet spread. Their everyday favorite foods will do just fine! Still, it’s fun to make your usual snacks a little extra fancy for your picnic. So instead of your typical, PB&J or ham-and-cheese try cutting them into finger sandwiches. They’ll look cute enough for afternoon tea but they’ll still be the same sammie your kid knows and loves – perfect for picky eaters! Kebab Everything Kebabs are another great way to add some fun to foods your kids already love. Get a pack of skewers and load them up with fruit, cheese cubes, even chicken nuggets… the possibilities are really endless! This is definitely one of those prep activities your toddler will love to help out with. Of course, pointy skewers in toddler’s hands can be scary, so be sure to supervise as your toddler is helping or eating. Make it a Breakfast Picnic We usually associate picnics with lunch, but there’s no reason you can’t plan a breakfast picnic instead. The weather will be a little cooler, and you won’t be too close to nap time! Plan Some Outdoor Play Activities You know that getting a toddler to sit down for more than a few minutes is a challenge, so plan some fun outdoor activities to do after the picnic. A few of our favorite outdoor play ideas for kids are perfect for picnics and require zero prep or packing!
Country Vista Playhouse DIY with Jessica Haw
KidKraft partnered with @haw_haus for a playhouse DIY. All materials and opinions are her own.Hands down, our favorite thing about social media is getting to see all the gorgeous DIY designs that parents create with KidKraft products. Not sure what we mean? Check them out for yourself! One of our recent favs comes from Jessica Haw of @haw_haus. After taking on tons of projects to update her 1948 home, she’s become something of a DIY-extraordinaire, and that expert touch definitely came in handy when she wanted to customize her sons’ new KidKraft Country Vista Playhouse.The Country Vista’s unique double doors and dual benches make it a favorite for DIY makeovers and family photo ops. But if you’re brand new to the DIY world (or to assembly projects in general), those Insta-worthy playhouses can be intimidating. But never fear – Jessica’s here to guide you through the process. Read our Q&A with the DIY diva to learn all about her experience assembling and customizing her KidKraft playhouse. (Plus, why her boys love it!) We know parents have a ton of choices when it comes to toys. Why was an outdoor playhouse a good product for your kids? With the pandemic, we have been spending the most time ever at home. I believe in buying products that are open ended which means kids can find different ways to play with it over the years. Adding an outdoor playhouse will cultivate imaginary play which is so important for young kids. Would you recommend other parents try an outdoor playhouse for their kids? Yes! An outdoor playhouse for us means more time we can spend outdoors getting fresh air and allows the kids to use their imagination. One day they may use the playhouse as a house, and the next, it may be their school. Having the physical space for the kids will allow them to transform it to whatever they’d like! Tell us about unboxing the Country Vista Playhouse. When I unboxed the playhouse, I was pleasantly surprised that there weren’t as many pieces as I thought since some were already connected. It is important to carefully take out each piece. Parents who are new to DIY projects are sometimes nervous about the assembly process. Tell us about putting together your playhouse! My husband and I put the playhouse together. He did an inventory check to make sure everything was there. There are definitely a lot of screws and nails, but following the manual to T was really helpful. The great thing about building this was you really only need a drill to build it! What’s your favorite thing about the Country Vista Playhouse? I wanted a playhouse that resembled modern farmhouses with a twist and this is exactly what I got! What I love most about the Country Vista Playhouse is that it fits several kids. When we have other kids over for playdates, they can all stand comfortably and fit inside. Also, it is easy to move around the backyard. What fun spin did you add to make the playhouse your very own? I ended up painting the entire home to vicariously mimic what my own childhood dream playhouse would look like! I’ve incorporated elements of my favorite colors including pink, green, and gold. The kids have watched us build the playhouse from the beginning and during the process, so we didn’t have a huge “Surprise!” moment. But as soon as it was ready, they started bringing in their indoor toys and already turned it into an ice cream store. The kids are looking forward to warmer weather and being outdoors utilizing the playhouse in every element! Ready to take on your own KidKraft DIY? The Country Vista Playhouse is a great choice, but it’s not your only option – not by a longshot. The sleek, minimalist design of the Modern Outdoor Playhouse make it another favorite, and ultimately any KidKraft playhouses boasts durable, sturdy wood construction that can easily be painted and customized to match your style. Thanks to clear, thorough instructions and EZKraft Assembly (in select products), now matter which playhouse you choose, you can spend less time assembling and more time customizing and playing! On the hunt for more playhouse inspiration? check out these playhouse decor ideas and follow us on Instagram!
8 Ways to Keep Kids Learning Over Summer Break
The dreaded summer slide doesn’t have to be a thing. And intense, boring reviews don’t have to be either. You can keep your kids learning all summer long… but in sneaky ways that feel more like fun than homework. Try these no-sweat summer learning activities to help your crew have fun and stay sharp all summer! Local Reading Challenges Tons of libraries have summer reading challenges for kids. They usually come with a fun chart to check off or put stickers on plus a few prizes once they’ve met their reading goals. Head to your local library to see if they’re offering anything this summer. If not, give the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge a try! Family Field Trips Odds are you have a few spots near your home that are loaded with fun learning opportunities. Think outside of the usual museum spots – kids can learn a ton by touring farms, gardens, factories, state capitols, historical sites, fire departments, etc. Local moms’ groups on social media are a great way to find out what’s available in your area! The Great Outdoors Hikes through natural areas provide a ton of opportunities to chat about plants, animals, ecosystems and conservation. Kids will develop a rich vocabulary and keep their science skills sharp. Resources like the Audobon Bird Guide, Picture Insect App or brochures from state and national parks can help you identify the critters you see on your hike! Raise a Mini Chef Cooking with a recipe helps kids learn to read and follow directions and sharpens math skills with a real-world use for fractions. Whip up some kid-friendly recipes together and be sure to explain why it’s called a quarter teaspoon or half cup. When you aren’t available to cook with them, a play kitchen is the perfect mess-free way for them to practice those skills alone. Just outfit their play kitchen with a few real measuring spoons and cups to beef up pretend play. Build Together Did you know that constructive play (i.e. building things) is associated with improved math and reasoning skills? So while building bricks and blocks may not seem like much of a math review, all that building is helping their brains stay sharp. Write Letters to Family Members Hand-written letters to family members are a perfect learning activity for kids from preschool up! Writing about their favorite summer activities will help kids develop their storytelling skills, and reading and responding to their family members’ letters will help develop critical reading and thought. Even younger kiddoes who can’t write on their own yet will still benefit from the fine motor practice of signing their name! Volunteer Kids learn best through doing, especially if they feel real ownership over what they’re doing. Check to see if local animal shelters, community gardens, and food banks accept kid volunteers (Many do as long as they have adult supervision). They’ll develop critical listening and direction-following skills and learn about giving back to their community! Learn with Movies Even kids’ screen time can be leveraged for learning. Whenever your kiddos finish a movie, follow up with questions that will help them learn about the elements of a story. You can help them master vocab and concepts like antagonist, rising action, conflict, foreshadowing, and tons more! So you see, learning during summer break can be fun! Engage your kids in rich, real-life experiences and provide plenty of fun reading opportunities. Talk about it all together, and you’re good to go!
