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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The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids
Ready for a fun summer with your kids? In between vacations and perhaps some camps, there’s still plenty of time to fill over the summer break. For these times, having a summer bucket list to refer to can be a lifesaver. This list will ideally have activities you can do together without having to do too much planning in advance.We’ve put together a list of some of our top summer bucket list items to give you some activity ideas to start your own list. Refer to this list whenever you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids, pick an activity from the list, and have fun! Outdoor Adventures Outdoor activities boost kids' physical health and instill a deep appreciation for nature. Outdoor adventures can range from beach days to park explorations. Visit the Beach Heading to the beach is an essential addition to any kids' summer bucket list, promising endless fun in the sun, splashing in the waves, and treasure hunts for seashells along the sandy shores. If a trip to the beach is not possible, don't worry! You can still create beach-like fun by finding a nearby place with sand or using your sandbox at home to build sandcastles and have your own seashell treasure hunt adventure. Go Camping Whether you prefer camping, glamping, or something in between, you’ll find a camping destination that matches your camping style. Enjoy bonding time with your family while spending a couple nights under the stars, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories by the campfire.If you’re just dabbling in camping or planning a camping adventure later in the summer, consider a night of backyard camping to do a trial run. Backyard camping is also a fun alternative if travel isn’t feasible. Go on a Hike Hiking is an excellent physical activity that will enable your kids to get plenty of movement. And they’ll discover hidden gems and beautiful scenery along the way, such as birds, trees, and even waterfalls.For rookies and younger children, gentle trails will be the most rewarding. Play at Every Park in Your City Explore all parks in your area, discovering various playsets and vibrant environments. Make it a fun challenge, visiting a new park each week throughout the summer! Cultural and Educational Experiences Cultural and educational activities provide an enriching experience over the summer, combining fun with learning. Museums, zoos, and libraries offer great ways for kids to satisfy their sense of curiosity outside the classroom. Visit Your Local Zoo A trip to the zoo allows kids to see animal habitats and learn about conservation. To make your trip even more meaningful, choose one creature to research deeply when you get back home. Visit Your Local Aquarium See underwater marvels and engage in aquarium educational programs that will be sure to delight your kids. Visit Your Local Library Libraries are treasure troves for summer reading adventures. Consider signing up for a summer reading program at your local library to provide some loose structure to your summer reading plans. Explore A Nearby Museum Visiting museums during summer months can ignite a love for art, history, and science in your kids. Look for engaging exhibitions or children's programs at nearby museums. Watch A Matinee at the Theater Enjoying a matinee is a great way to have an entertaining respite from the summer's sweltering heat. Visit a National Park Visiting a national park will introduce your kids to some of our country's natural splendor and rich biodiversity. Read 100 Books Set a goal to read 100 books! This is a great way for your kids to entertain themselves while also fortifying their minds, weaving threads of imagination and knowledge together. Include books your kids read on their own, ones you read together, and ones you read on your own in your count. Be sure to have a bookcase or bookshelf to store your summer reads! Creative and Artistic Activities Creativity and art play important roles in fostering a child's imagination. Engaging in simple, achievable art projects not only fills their days with fun but also encourages them to explore their creative boundaries. Make Art in the Park Bring art supplies to the park and set up an area where you kids can paint or draw while being inspired by their surroundings. Enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae Making homemade ice cream or a sundae is always a treat for kids of all ages. To elevate the experience, set up a toppings bar so kids can create the sundae masterpiece of their dreams. Host or Attend a Barbecue Organize or attend a barbecue with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal with the company you enjoy. Include your kids in meal preparation, whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to a BBQ. This is also a great time for your kids to socialize with their friends or cousins over the summer. If you host your barbecue in your backyard, be sure to have one or more picnic tables for kids so they can enjoy eating in their own special area. Movie Night Under the Stars Bring cinema magic to your own backyard and enjoy watching a movie under the stars. All you need is a projector and blankets to create a cozy ambiance. And be sure to have everyone’s favorite movie snacks on hand! Family Bonding and Fun Summer provides a lot of opportunities for family and fun. These shared experiences become the stories you’ll recount and cherish for years. Go on a Road Trip Planning a road trip lets you explore new places or visit family you don’t get the chance to see often. This can become a new summer tradition and it can be fun to get the kids involved. Show them the route on a map and, if time allows, plan some fun stops along the way. Learn Something New Together Learning something new as a family is a wonderful way to spend time together. Consider signing your family up for a cooking or baking class, learning a foreign language, tackling a gardening project, or learning a new card game. The options are endless! Volunteer in Your Community Another fun and rewarding activity to add to your summer bucket list is finding a local community service project and volunteering as a family. There are many local parks or beaches that need help to clean up litter. If you love pets, consider visiting an animal shelter and spending some time with the animals.Make this summer unforgettable! Check off every item on our ultimate bucket list for kids and add some of your own to create memories that will last a lifetime.
17 Exciting Activities to Embrace Screen-Free Week
In a world dominated by screens, it's crucial to carve out time for screen-free activities, especially for children. Whether it's to foster creativity, encourage physical activity, or simply to reconnect with loved ones, Screen-Free Week offers the perfect opportunity to unplug and engage in fun-filled activities. KidKraft has 17 engaging ideas to make the most out of your screen-free time: 1. Indoor Treasure Hunt: Create a map with clues leading to hidden treasures around the house. It's a thrilling adventure that sparks imagination and problem-solving skills. 2. DIY Science Experiments: Dive into the world of science with hands-on experiments using household items. From making slime to creating homemade lava lamps, there's no limit to the fun and learning. 3. Play Kitchen Cooking Show: Let your little chefs take center stage by hosting their own cooking show with their play kitchen. Encourage creativity as they whip up delicious dishes with pretend ingredients. 4. Arts and Crafts Session: Break out the paints, glue, and glitter for a day of artistic expression. Whether it's painting, sculpting, or crafting, arts and crafts unleash creativity and build fine motor skills. 5. Indoor Camping: Set up a cozy indoor campsite complete with tents, sleeping bags, and storytelling by flashlight. It's a perfect way to experience the joy of camping without leaving the comfort of home. 6. Baking Together: Get your aprons on and bond over baking delicious treats. From cookies to cupcakes, baking together creates lasting memories and teaches valuable life skills. 7. Family Game Night: Dust off the board games and gather the family for a night of friendly competition. Whether it's classic favorites or new discoveries, game night is guaranteed fun for all ages. 8. Obstacle Course: Transform your living room or backyard into an exciting obstacle course. Get creative with obstacles like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, and balancing on makeshift beams. 9. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Explore the great outdoors with a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find or clues to follow, and let the adventure begin as you search for hidden treasures in nature. 10. Sidewalk Chalk Art: Take creativity to the streets with sidewalk chalk. From hopscotch to intricate murals, sidewalk chalk art allows kids to unleash their artistic talents while getting some fresh air. 11. Nature Walk: Lace up your sneakers and embark on a nature walk to explore the beauty of the outdoors. Take time to observe plants, animals, and natural wonders along the way. 12. Outside Picnic: Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and head outdoors for a picnic in the sunshine. Enjoy good food and great company surrounded by the beauty of nature. Or simply take your lunch to your backyard and let the kids enjoy their lunch at their picnic table or on a blanket in the grass. 13. Plant a Garden: Get your hands dirty and plant a garden together. Whether it's flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and the natural world. 14. Swing Set Olympics: Turn your backyard into an Olympic arena with a series of swing set challenges. From the highest swing to the longest slide, it's a fun way to promote active play and friendly competition. 15. Visit a Local Library: Explore the world of books by visiting your local library. Spend the day browsing shelves, reading together, and discovering new literary adventures. 16. Volunteer Together: Give back to your community by volunteering together as a family. Whether it's cleaning up a park, serving at a soup kitchen, or helping at an animal shelter, volunteering teaches empathy and compassion. 17. Sandcastle Building Contest: Head to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and friendly competition. See who can build the most impressive sandcastle and enjoy a day of beachside fun. No beach? A sandbox in your own backyard is a great solution if a beach isn’t nearby. Screen-Free Week is the perfect opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the world around us. By embracing these 17 engaging activities, you can make the most out of your screen-free time and create lasting memories with loved ones. So put down the devices, step away from the screens, and dive into a world of fun and adventure!
Uncovering the Benefits of Playing with Sand
Whether it’s in a sandbox, at the beach, at a playground, or at a sand table, playing with sand can provide a lot more than a good time! Check out the many benefits of playing in sand below. Engaging the Senses in Sand Play Sand play taps into an array of senses, laying a foundational platform for sensory development in the early years. Sand sensory play is significant for a child’s growth and development, enabling them to gain sensory input while exploring their world. Texture, Temperature, and Tactile Learning Through sensory play with sand, kids encounter different texture and temperature experiences that build their tactile learning. This sensory play nurtures cognitive growth, laying the foundation for an enriched understanding of the world. Creative Exploration Sand play has been a cornerstone in the realm of sensory play, fostering an environment where imagination and creativity can be freely explored. Sand is a medium that serves as a canvas for the developing minds of children, with every scoop of sand having the potential to become something extraordinary.Many benefits of sand play in early childhood have been observed, one of the top ones being the nourishment of creative thinking. As children explore sand sensory play, they are not just playing with sand; they are architects of their own imaginary worlds. This act of creation is pivotal and lays the groundwork for innovative thinking that will remain with them far beyond the sandbox. Fine Motor Fun Sand sensory play, with activities like pouring, scooping, and shaping, hones toddlers' fine motor skills. This foundation aids in preparing them for academic tasks such as writing. Pouring Skills The simple act of pouring sand encourages toddlers to develop precise hand movements, an essential aspect of coordination and motor control. Through pouring, children refine their ability to manipulate objects with accuracy, laying a strong foundation for future tasks requiring delicate handwork. Scooping Skills Scooping sand provides an excellent opportunity for toddlers to refine their motor skills while fostering the development of hand-eye coordination. This activity encourages children to coordinate their hand movements with visual cues, enhancing their ability to perform tasks that require synchronized actions. Shaping Skills Shaping sand not only sparks creativity but also hones problem-solving abilities in toddlers. The tactile sensations of pressing and molding sand offer a sensory-rich experience that stimulates imaginative play. As children experiment with different shapes and structures, they develop spatial awareness and critical thinking skills, laying the groundwork for future cognitive development. Social Sandboxes Engaging in sandbox play fosters essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, collaboration, and cooperation. These social skills set the foundation for future interpersonal success both at school and work. Sharing and Turn-Taking Sharing and turn-taking are foundational skills that are developed in sand sensory play while jointly building a sandcastle or taking turns with the shovel. Setting up sand playdates and encouraging cooperative projects that necessitate teamwork is a great way for parents to enrich social interactions for their kids and provide valuable learning experiences through play. Teamwork, Collaboration and Cooperation Teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation flourish as children engage in sand sensory play. Constructing sandcastles or organizing relay races with buckets promotes confidence and many more vital skills. KidKraft Sandboxes As you can see, there are so many benefits of sand play for preschoolers and even school aged children! If you’d love to provide your kids the opportunity to play with sand in your own backyard and not have to rely on always going to the park or beach, then you’ll want to check out the variety of sandboxes available at KidKraft. Once you have the perfect sandbox for your space, be sure to figure out how much sand you’ll need for your sandbox.Bring the Beach Home! Explore Sand Play Essentials for Boundless Creativity at KidKraft.
Exploring the 7 Benefits of Swinging
Have you ever wondered why swinging is calming or if the benefits of swinging extend beyond just being fun? It turns out, the swinging benefits reach far into a child's development, impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and even their cognitive functions.Unpacking the benefits of swinging exercise reveals how impactful this simple activity can be. It is so much more than simple fun, serving as a foundational pillar in nurturing healthy, happy children.In addition to outdoor play building confidence and creativity, there are several other swing benefits below. 1. Muscle Development Swinging actively engages muscle groups throughout the body, including the core, arms, and legs, contributing to enhanced physical health and activity levels among children. 2. Enhanced Coordination and Motor Planning Swinging requires coordination, balance, and precise movement planning, fostering the development of motor skills crucial for overall growth. 3. Improved Body Awareness Swinging heightens children's awareness of their body's position and movement, facilitating skill mastery and injury prevention during play. 4. Emotional Regulation Swinging serves as a calming activity, aiding in stress reduction and promoting emotional regulation through rhythmic movement. 5. Enhanced Focus The repetitive motion of swinging helps improve children's focus and attention, benefiting academic and personal achievements. 6. Sensory Enrichment Swinging enriches sensory experiences, supporting sensory integration and processing, particularly beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities. 7. Mood Elevation Swinging stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being, and contributing to improved mood and social interactions.Swinging offers multifaceted benefits that positively impact children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, making it a valuable component of playtime activities. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Swinging Calming? Swinging is often considered calming due to its rhythmic motion, which can provide a sense of relaxation. Is Swinging Good for Children? Swinging is generally recognized as beneficial for children, as it encourages physical activity and sensory experiences, and can support social interactions. What are the Sensory Benefits of Swinging? Sensory benefits of swinging may include proprioceptive input and vestibular stimulation, potentially enhancing body awareness and coordination. What are the Developmental Benefits of Swinging? Developmental benefits of swinging may include improvements in motor skills, spatial awareness, and posture, as well as opportunities for sensory integration. What are the Psychological Benefits of Swinging? Psychological benefits of swinging may include feelings of relaxation and enjoyment, potentially contributing to stress reduction and emotional well-being. Swing Sets at KidKraft With the many remarkable effects swinging has on both physical and neurological growth, this activity lays a solid foundation for future development and growth. It also promotes a child's overall psychological well-being, leading to growth and happiness.Get your child to experience the wonders of swinging right in your own backyard with a quality, durable swing set from KidKraft. Get Swinging and Smiling! Discover the Perfect Swing Set for Endless Fun!While you’re shopping, you may want to check out other items that are great for cognitive play and active play.
From Yard to Living Room: Transforming Outdoor Playhouses into Indoor Adventures
Transforming an outdoor playhouse into an indoor playhouse takes creativity and keen space management but will be well worth the result! The dynamics of an indoor playhouse makes an intriguing space for kids and surprisingly be set up to seamlessly blend with your home’s aesthetics.Get tips for how to turn an outdoor playhouse into an indoor sanctuary your kids will absolutely love. Embracing Versatility Taking an outdoor playhouse from your yard to the living room isn’t just about moving a wooden playhouse from one space to another - it’s about reimagining its potential. Embrace versatility and consider how an indoor playhouse with a slide could work in your playroom or other area, or how a playhouse with a picnic table can provide your child with various creative play opportunities right inside your home. The Indoor Playground An indoor playground serves as a haven for kids, with elements to climb, slide, and explore in the safety of your home. The specific components will vary from simple to complex structures, depending on the indoor-outdoor playhouse model you get.At KidKraft, you’ll find a variety of types to choose from, including simple indoor playhouses for toddlers and expansive indoor-outdoor playhouse designs that beautifully blend with home decor while offering a realm of adventure. Benefits of an Indoor Playground for Kids Children’s indoor playhouses foster creativity and active play, providing many benefits such as: Safety - An indoor playhouse for kids ensures children play in a controlled, hazard-free environment. They eliminate the risks outdoor environments might pose. Year-Round Play - Regardless of weather, an indoor wooden playhouse for kids offers endless fun that’s accessible all year long. Developmental Advantages - Engaging with various elements, like an indoor playhouse with a slide, boosts both physical and cognitive growth in toddlers and older kids. These indoor playgrounds stimulate imagination and foster learning through play. They’re also a fantastic way to encourage physical activity indoors! Choosing the Right Playhouse Selecting the perfect indoor wooden playhouse involves several factors. You'll want to consider the size, ensuring it fits comfortably in your living space. Also, the material of the playhouse plays a crucial role in its longevity and safety. You’ll also want to think about what your child enjoys. For example, an indoor playhouse with a slide might spark their imagination more than a traditional setup.Always prioritize safety features and durability to create a secure play environment. This thoughtful approach will ensure your indoor playhouse becomes a cherished space for creativity and fun. Creative Design Ideas for Playhouses Transforming an indoor wooden playhouse into a world of wonder requires creativity. Perhaps a playhouse with a built-in kitchen can inspire your kids to hold an imaginary mini-market. A model with an attached picnic table can encourage indoor picnics and celebrations throughout the year. Or your kids may love a two-story model (also in navy) with a deck and opportunities to climb and slide!If you’re concerned about an indoor playhouse not fitting in with your home’s design aesthetic, our white playhouse may be perfect for you! The blank slate lets you paint over it with any color you desire to match your home. Of course, you can also keep the color as is and attach different decorations and accessories throughout the year to fit various themes and holidays.No matter which playhouse design you get, your indoor playhouse will be more than just a play area but also a haven for growth and imagination. Practical Considerations When Transforming Outdoor Playhouses into Indoor Ones Space requirements demand thoughtful planning for indoor playhouses. Adjustments might be necessary to ensure it's suitable for indoor use, prioritizing your child's safety. Just like when the playhouse is assembled outside, we recommend a 6' safety zone around all sides. More information can be found in the assembly instructions or at our Help Center.Additionally, maintenance will keep the playhouse in top condition. KidKraft Playhouses While our outdoor playhouses are designed to withstand the outdoor elements and rough play, they are also beautiful enough to live inside your home and meet your indoor play needs.Step into a World of Imagination! Shop Now for Playhouses.
Earth Day Activities for Kids
Earth Day is on the horizon, and it's the perfect time to instill a love for our planet in our littles. We’ve rounded up some fun and eco-friendly Earth Day activities to help you teach your kiddos about the importance of caring for the Earth! What is Earth Day and Why Do We Celebrate It? The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 in response to growing concern about environmental pollution and its effect on human health. Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes inspired 20 million Americans, especially college students, to show up for Earth Day events across the country. The momentum from this event quickly led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and policies that helped put environmental protections in place. Today, Earth Day carries on the same legacy, drawing our attention to current environmental issues and how we can help! When is Earth Day? Earth Day falls on April 22nd every year! What is the Theme for Earth Day 2024? The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics! This year, EarthDay.org’s goals are to raise awareness of plastic’s impact on human health, advocate for phasing out single use plastics, promote a UN treaty on plastic pollution, and fight against fast fashion. Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Kids 1. Earth Day Crafts for Kids Get those creative juices flowing with recycled bird feeders, egg carton seed starters, or nature collages. Reusing household items with your little artists is a great way to teach them about recycling and waste reduction…and create some eco-friendly masterpieces in the process! 2. Earth Day Movies for Kids Cuddle up for an Earth Day movie with classics like Wall-E, FernGully, The Lorax, or Happy Feet. These films are kid favorites and help kids understand the impact of waste, pollution, deforestation, and climate change. 3. Earth Day Books for Kids Most local libraries will have a bookshelf or display table of Earth Day-related books. Or you can plan ahead and reserve titles like Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glaser, Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals, Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel, The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, or The Earth Book by Todd Parr. 4. Earth Day Projects for Kids Want some hands-on activities for Earth Day that make a difference or help grow your child’s love for nature? Look for local community cleanups, start a garden (even if it’s just a single potted plant!), set up a recycling station together, create a nature scavenger hunt, or just play outdoors! 5. Earth Day Activities for Toddlers Even the littlest kids can still learn to love and care for our planet! Take a nature walk, create a sensory bin with natural materials, have an Earth Day storytime, play simple recycling sorting games, or enjoy a picnic outside. It's never too early to start instilling a love for our planet.Happy Earth Day!
6 Activities for National Sibling Day
Want to go beyond a cute Insta post and really do something to celebrate National Sibling Day with your kids? We’ve got you covered with 6 super simple, super sweet sibling activities for a happy National Siblings Day! What is National Siblings Day? National Sibling Day falls on April 10th each year. How Do You Celebrate National Siblings Day? We recommend keeping it simple and focusing on ways you can foster sibling connection. Here are some ideas for sweet sibling bonding activities to help your littles enjoy time with their brothers or sisters! How Do You Celebrate National Siblings Day? We recommend keeping it simple and focusing on ways you can foster sibling connection. Here are some ideas for sweet sibling bonding activities to help your littles enjoy time with their brothers or sisters! National Siblings Day Activities 1. Siblings Photoshoot Capture the magic of siblinghood with a cute little photoshoot. Professional sessions will give you some beautiful photos, but creating your own DIY photoshoot at home can be just as cute and even more fun for your littles. If you want to go all out, treat it like a photobooth and provide props like hats, funny glasses, or a makeshift backdrop. They’ll love hamming it up for the camera together, and you may get a few silly shots that perfectly sum up their relationship. 2. Play a Game Together Carving out some time for play on National Sibling Day is super simple but still meaningful. And after all, what’s more central to their relationship than playtime? Whether it's a classic board game, a round of "the floor is lava," or inventing their own game, social play is the ultimate form of quality time for kiddos. If your kids are old enough, try a game of “Which Sibling?” where you sit the kids back-to-back with each holding one of their own shoes and one shoe of each of their siblings. Ask them questions like “Who is the best dancer? Who loves pizza the most? Who gets the most excited for Grandma’s visits?” They’ll raise the shoe of the sibling they think fits the best and then turn around to see each other’s answers! 3. Collaborative Arts and Crafts Project From handprint murals to drawings of each other, arts and crafts projects are a great way to get your kids collaborating and thinking about each other on National Sibling Day! One of our favorite ideas is a photo collage. Print out pictures of them together; give them a large poster board, some glue sticks, and stickers for decoration; and let them sort through their favorite photos as they create their collage! Include recent pics as well as older photos that might spark sweet memories. If your littles tend to bicker (as all siblings do at times!),the older photos can be a subtle way to remind them of how excited they were when their little brother came home from the hospital or how much fun they had on vacation last summer. 4. Story Time A fun twist on your usual story time could be letting the kids choose a story from the bookshelf they think each sibling will love. It’s a simple way to encourage thoughtfulness and to help each child feel loved by their siblings. Or you could choose picture books that showcase strong sibling relationships. Check your local library to reserve a copy of All Things Bright and Beautiful by Helen Lanzrein (for sisters and brothers), Maple and Willow Together by Lori Nichols (for sisters), Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick (for brothers) for inspiring stories of sibling relationships. For older kids, longer read-alouds like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan feature timeless sibling adventures (though you won’t be able to finish them in one day, of course!) 5. Picnic at the Park Take the sibling activities outdoors with a little picnic. Pack some favorite snacks for all the kiddos and head to the backyard picnic table , park, or even a nearby zoo for extra adventure! If the weather isn’t cooperating, picnics on the living room floor can be just as fun! The focus is on sharing a meal and creating a relaxed atmosphere for siblings to connect. 6. Movie Night Turn National Siblings Day into a cozy movie night complete with popcorn and a sibling-focused movie. Some ideas include Frozen Despicable Me The Incredibles The Goonies The Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe Mary Poppins The Sound of Music Race to Witch Mountain The Aristocats Yours, Mine, & Ours Cheaper by the Dozen Choose an option that’s age appropriate for your littles and is closest to their sibling dynamic! Make it extra memorable by setting up pallets or a blanket fort to snuggle up in as you watch the film.Your National Siblings Day celebrations don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Setting up simple activities and communicating your own excitement about the day and its meaning can help your kids feel love and gratitude for their brothers and sisters and look forward to National Siblings Day each year!
Caring For Outdoor Toys in the Summer
Between the heat, the sun, and the extra play, your kid’s outdoor toys may need a little extra TLC in the summer. Here are our best tips for keeping them safe, clean, and damage-free all summer long! How to Store Outdoor Toys Proper storage is the best way to keep your outdoor toys in great shape and avoid the wear and tear that comes with the summer sun. Plastic toys in particular can be faded by sunlight and weakened by extreme heat. Whenever possible try to keep outdoor toys in a dry, shady area when not in use such as your garage, shed, or covered porch. Just be sure they aren’t stored near dangerous chemicals. If toys have been stored for a long time, double-check for any bugs or spiders and wipe them down before use. No space in the shed? Outdoor storage boxes are a great solution for weather-proof protection and easy access to your kids’ favorite toys. For large toys that can’t be moved like swing sets and playhouses, try to install them in shady areas whenever possible, and opt for durable materials that can handle the summer heat. How to Clean Outdoor Toys Wooden toys Wood is naturally antimicrobial, so it’s a low maintenance material that’s less prone to mold and bacteria than plastic outdoor toys. Large wooden toys like playhouses and swing sets can usually just be cleaned with a garden hose and spray nozzle. If some dirt and grime have built up, try a scrub brush and a bucket filled with a 1:4 solution of gentle soap (like Castile or dish soap) and water. See all of our tips for cleaning wooden toys here! Plastic toys Most plastic outdoor toys are easy to clean but can be prone to mold growth, so be sure to keep them dry and properly stored when not in use. Some small toys may be dishwasher safe. For everything else, soak it in a 1:4 mixture of vinegar and water as needed (the kiddie pool is great for this!). Spot clean larger toys with the same solution and rinse with a garden hose. For especially grimy spots, try a scrub brush with dish soap or baking soda paste, or a Mr. Clean magic eraser. Water toys From water tables to kiddie pools, any outdoor toy that involves water is especially prone to grime and mold. To prevent mold build-up, try to ensure toys are completely dry before storing them away. Pour out as much water as possible, leave the toy in the sun to sanitize and dry, and then store it out of the elements. then At the first sign of mold, clean the toy with a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. If mold persists, it’s probably safest to discard the toy. How to Keep Outdoor Toys Safe During Yard Maintenance Summer is the peak season for lawn care and weed and insect control. Make sure all outdoor toys are stored safely out of the way when chemicals of any kind are being used in your yard. If you have large outdoor toys that can’t be moved, such as swing sets or sandboxes, take extra care to only use products that are safe for kids, follow all label instructions, and avoid contact with the toys as much as possible. Even most kid-safe products will recommend that children avoid the area until the product has dried. Ultimately, a little dirt isn’t the enemy when it comes to outdoor toys. But proper storage and a little maintenance will help you avoid mold, sun damage, and extreme grimy buildup, prolonging the life of your toys and keeping playtime safe and clean (well...clean-ish anyway).
