Made For Play Blog
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
Why Dollhouses are the Ultimate Holiday Gift
If you're searching for a holiday gift that will truly spark joy and fuel creativity, look no further than dollhouses! Classic wooden dollhouses have been captivating kids’ imaginations for centuries. Why? Other than looking magical underneath the Christmas tree, dollhouses offer endless fun and a ton of developmental benefits. Let’s dive into why dollhouses spark such wonder and how you can find the perfect one for your little one this holiday season! The Allure of Dollhouses: Why Dollhouses Make the Ultimate Holiday Gift Kids have a natural desire to act out everyday life through pretend play, and dollhouses provide the perfect opportunity to do just that! As the dolls wake up, do chores, and “interact” with each other, kids get a chance to make sense of the daily routines and interactions they have in real life. And of course, kids don’t stop with “real life” pretend play. They love to get creative and come up with some seriously wacky scenarios and magical adventures. All that pretend play has major developmental benefits, boosting creativity, social skills, empathy, and storytelling skills. Finally, dollhouses are a slow-paced, imagination-powered toy in an age where kids are inundated with screens and stimulation. Dollhouses provide a chance to engage in meaningful, child-led play, offering a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the digital age. Exploring Enchanting Dollhouses: Finding the Perfect One for Your Child With so many options available, finding the perfect dollhouse for your kiddo might feel overwhelming. To narrow your choices down, consider their interests, personal style, and the worlds they dream of exploring. Whether it's a treehouse or a grand dollhouse mansion, there's a dollhouse waiting to bring their dreams to life this holiday season! Let's take a closer look at some of our most popular KidKraft dollhouses, so you can find one that sounds just right for your child! Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: Where nature meets imagination Discover the ultimate holiday gift for sparking boundless imagination: the KidKraft Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse. Standing at over 4 feet tall, this luxurious wooden dollhouse offers endless play possibilities. With a garage, penthouse, dining room, kitchen, living room, spa bathroom, and top-floor bedroom suite, it's a dream home come to life. Outdoors, a pergola, grill, and built-in pool await. So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse: Simple, chic, and open The natural wood finish and open-air design of the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse offer a pleasing aesthetic that looks just as good in your living room as it does in a playroom! Kids love that they can play on all four sides of this large dollhouse, creating tons of room for friends and siblings to play together. Holiday Magic in Miniature: Shop Dollhouses for Every Imagination! Choose from our favorites for this holiday season above, or browse our full line of KidKraft dollhouses. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to create big smiles and hours of play on Christmas day!
KidKraft Parents: Favorite Holiday Traditions
KidKraft Parents: Favorite Holiday Traditions This time of year, we tend to feel a little like Santa’s elves – we work hard all year making toys, especially for the big holiday rush! Of course, even the elves take a break and slow down to make memories with the ones we love. While we all celebrate differently, we’ve all found that the traditions that mean the most are often the simplest – those little things that mean a lot. So from our families to yours, here’s a peek at a few of the traditions that make the holidays feel like the holidays in our homes. Tell us about yourself! What’s your name, position here at KidKraft, and ages of your little ones? TAYLOR HERRERO: I’m Taylor Herrero, Director of Digital Marketing, and I have a 7-year-old daughter. HELEN ADAPPA: My name is Helen Adappa, and I’m Director of Brand and have a 3-year old and 5-year old! JUSTIN VICTOR: Justin Victor, Director of Brand, and dad to a 2-year-old son! What is your favorite family holiday tradition? TAYLOR: Christmas is big in our house, and we have so many little traditions. My favorite is that we make cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning. It's nothing big or fancy, but there's something so comforting about the smell of those cinnamon rolls in the oven while we open presents. HELEN: We play "Lottery" at christmas. We use hong bao (red envelopes) and put in cards that list out cash prizes or fun prizes like picking the next restaurant. But beware! There's also punishments in there like doing the dishes or jumping up and down 10 times while saying "Daddy the Great!” JUSTIN: For our family it is all about the stockings! From silly prank gifts, or little keepsakes from places we have visited or memories we have made that year, to our favorite sweets and a gift card or two for our favorite eateries. And after gifts and stockings, it's time to stuff our faces and watch lots of sports from basketball to football, there is always some game going on in the background as we visit and share. When or how did the tradition start? TAYLOR: I think it started when my dad was a kid, and we've done it my whole life and have kept it going with my daughter. When my daughter was four, I got the cutest picture of her with a big cinnamon icing smile, and then my dad found a picture just like it of me from the same age and it was just one of those simple and special memories. HELEN: We started it when I was a teenager, and now it's one of the traditions we look most forward to every year! One year, it was kind of a scavenger hunt and led to the reveal of a big KidKraft kitchen for my daughter! She still talks about it to this day. JUSTIN: It’s one of those things that you can’t really remember where it started – it’s just always been our rhythm as a family. With a 2-year-old, we do a little more gifting for him as he's too young to understand the meaning of the stockings, but we already have his hanging from the fireplace when he's ready! Want to know how we’re celebrating this year? Whether it’s watching your favorite Christmas movie for the millionth time, lighting the menorah as a family, or sipping on your grandma’s famous hot chocolate recipe, we hope your traditions bring joy to you and your family this year. And while the traditions may stay the same, we know that the gifts change from year to year… and can be tricky to get just right! If you need some inspiration, you can check out Taylor, Helen, and Justin’s favorite holiday picks for their kids this year!
12 Playhouse Decor Ideas
Playhouses are just too cute to not want to decorate them a little. I mean, who can resist tiny wreaths and picket fences? And the interiors? Tiny furniture? Cozy reading nooks? We’re all about it. Here are some of our favorite playhouse decorating ideas for swoon-worthy playhouses: For the exterior Planter Boxes & Wreaths Tons of our favorite KidKraft playhouse DIYs feature adorable tiny wreaths and planter boxes. They’re an easy, inexpensive way to add a lot of extra cheer to the playhouse. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJbH8KpbES/ Mailboxes Sure, the mail person isn’t coming to visit, but tiny mailboxes just look so precious – plus, they give you the chance to sneak sweet notes to your kiddos as they play. If your playhouse didn’t come standard with a mailbox, adding a little letterbox like this one is easy. Custom Paint Job If you’re up for a bigger project, a custom paint job can give your playhouse the exact vibe you’re looking for – from storybook cottage to farmhouse to modern. We’ve been so inspired by all of the custom KidKraft playhouse paint jobs we see on Instagram that we made a playhouse just for that purpose: the Modern Outdoor Playhouse in White is the perfect blank slate for whatever color scheme you or your littles can think up. String Lights Now that daylight hours are getting shorter, outdoor twinkle lights are a fun way to add a little magic to evening play. We especially love the look of Edison bulbs for lining the edge of your playhouse. Just be sure to use lights made for the outdoors! Welcome Mat Simple, precious, and practical, adding a welcome mat to your kiddo’s front door is a cute way to keep it clean and welcome friends inside for a playdate. Holiday Decorations If you’re like us, you have a little too much fun decorating for the holidays, and you might have just a few too many decorative pumpkins and snowmen in the attic. So spreading some holiday fun to the playhouse every season is a no brainer. We love these cozy fall decorations on our Hobby Workshop playhouse and these not so spooky Halloween decorations on our Country Vista model. If you do decorate your KidKraft playhouse for fall or Christmas this year, be sure to share and use #kidkraftkids. We’d love to see what you come up with. For the interior With the outside looking inviting and adorable, next comes the question: what do you put in a playhouse? After all, this is where all the magic and make believe really happen! Curtains Decorative and super fun for kids to open and close, curtains effortlessly dress up your little one’s own personal hideout. Café curtains are usually just the right size for playhouse windows. Kid-sized furniture Depending on the size of your playhouse, a piece or two of kid-sized furniture could be a great addition. While you don’t want to overcrowd the space, furniture can add to the realism of the playhouse and help facilitate more imaginative roleplay. Shelves While you might be tempted to fill the shelves yourself, you’ll have more fun seeing what your littles decide to put on them. Some favorite toys, their own artwork, a collection of pinecones or feathers… the possibilities are really endless with kids. Cushions & pillows Even as an adult, cuddling up in a personal getaway with your favorite book sounds amazing, doesn’t it? A few fluffy cushions or pillows can turn the playhouse into a cozy outdoor reading nook. Of course, to avoid mold or mildew, make sure to use outdoor cushions. Rugs Rugs are another playhouse accessory that can up the coziness factor. Again, be sure to go for outdoor rugs to avoid mold and mildew. Outdoor toys & games The playhouse can be an ideal place to store a few outdoor toys. It will (mostly) protect them from the elements, and kids will have easier access to them than if they were stored in a shed or garage. While big toys like basketball hoops will take up too much space, smaller things like miniature golf sets, balls, and gardening or sandbox tools make for fun additions to playhouse time. For more playhouse decorating and accessory ideas, keep up with us on Instagram. Parents are always wowing us with the way their playhouse DIYs, and we’re sure you’ll find plenty of inspiration too. And if you’re still searching for the perfect playhouse to decorate, our quality wooden playhouses have classic, aesthetic designs and “great bones” for any projects you have in mind.
Kid’s Slide Buying Guide
Upgrading your backyard playset with a high-quality kid’s slide opens the door to thrilling new adventures for kids of all ages. Find tips for how to choose kid’s slides and learn about the key features and unique benefits of our various slides for kids so you can find the perfect one to complement your existing wooden swing and slide set. How to Choose a Kid’s Slide When choosing a kid’s slide, the first thing to consider is your child’s age and stage. For toddlers, a shorter slide with gentle slopes and raised sides provides a fun and safe introduction to sliding. Older kids, on the other hand, love the thrill of longer, twisty slides, tube slides, or even dual-lane options for racing their friends! Keep an eye on weight limits and recommended ages to ensure the slide is a perfect fit now and for the next few years. Also consider the material and maintenance requirements. Plastic slides, for example, are lightweight, weather-resistant, and stay cooler in the sun—perfect for backyard use. Safety features like non-slip steps and handrails are also important and add extra peace of mind. Buying Guide: KidKraft Kids Slides From classic straight slides to exciting wave and tube options, we’ve got a variety of kid’s slide styles to suit every adventure level. Whether you're shopping for toddlers or thrill-seeking older kids, one of these 5 kid’s slides should match your needs. Cool Wave Slide Available in a variety of colors, the Cool Wave slide adds vibrant fun and unique excitement to playgrounds. This innovative wavy design provides an extra thrill as kids surf the ripples down. Engineered for safety and built to last with robust polyethylene construction, the Cool Wave slide delivers endless all-weather play. Key Features: Sloped side walls for added grip and sliding security Durable material withstands outdoor elements Meets ASTM standards for trusted quality Adds color and delight with a wavy shape Turbo Tube Slide Energize backyard playtime by turbocharging it with this bold tube slide. The smooth spiraling tunnel delivers twisting, racing thrills kids love. This turbo tube is built to last for seasons of action. Key Features: Spiraling tube design provides twisting rides Durable plastic construction made for outdoors Supports up to 250 pounds Complements standard playset deck heights Super Scoop Slide Swooping excitement awaits with the Super Scoop slide. Glide through the smooth scoop-shaped tunnel as you speed up for a fun ride. With multiple size options, it fits varying backyard setups. Quickly mount it yourself using the included hardware for a simple playset upgrade. Key Features: Available in different sizes to fit deck heights Curved scoop slope for enclosed thrill rides Durable polyethylene construction is weather-resistant Comes with all required hardware for DIY install Super Wave Scoop Slide Make a splash with the Super Wave Scoop slide. With its green curving waves, this slide delivers uniquely thrilling ripples. Kids will love riding the wobbly waves down. Designed for ages 3 to 10, its durable plastic construction means years of safe use. Mounts easily to any 5' deck. Key Features: Curved green wave design for visual and riding thrills Safely enclosed for kids ages 3 to 10 Made from weather-resistant polyethylene Transforms playsets fast with 5' deck compatibility Super Summit Slide Trusted American quality meets safety and smiles with the Super Summit slide. Built-in the USA from sturdy polyethylene plastic, this green slide withstands regular use for years. The smooth slope helps little ones feel secure. Key Features: Proudly made in the USA for trusted quality Designed for kids ages 2 to 10 Open entrance with enclosed side walls Meets safety certifications for carefree play Compatible with standard 5' deck heights Importance of the Right Slide Choosing the right slide isn’t just about fun—it’s also essential for your child’s safety and overall play experience. A slide that’s too steep or long for younger kids can be intimidating, while a slide that’s too small for older children may not hold their interest. Finding the right fit helps kids feel secure and excited to play, encouraging physical activity and boosting coordination skills as they climb, slide, and repeat. The right slide can also grow with your child and complement the rest of your outdoor play area. Durable, age-appropriate slides reduce the need for frequent upgrades, saving you time and money in the long run. Kid’s Slide Safety Safety is a top priority when choosing the perfect slide for your little ones. Look for kid’s slides made from high-quality, durable materials to withstand outdoor elements without fading or cracking. Rounded edges and smooth finishes reduce the risk of scrapes, while sturdy, non-slip steps and handrails provide extra support during climbs. Here are some quick safety tips: Place the slide on level ground and anchor it securely. Add soft ground cover beneath the slide, like mulch or rubber mats, to cushion falls. Always supervise young children and teach them to slide feet-first. Follow the manufacturer’s weight limits and recommended age ranges to ensure a safe play experience for every child. Regularly inspect the slide for cracks, loose bolts, or other signs of wear. No matter which one you choose, our kid’s slides will deliver fun adventures to your backyard play space. Built with safety, durability, and easy installation in mind, they transform wooden swing sets into thrilling playtime perfection. Shop our full selection swing sets online.
Swing Set Buying Guide
A backyard playset doesn't feel complete without a swing—and kids know that! You simply can't beat the feeling of flying high on a high-quality swing. It’s the kind of classic outdoor fun that never gets old and that kids will remember for a lifetime. Knowing swings are the star of the show, we offer several types of swing sets for kids, so you have plenty of options to choose from when shopping for a kids swing set for your yard. Discover how to choose a swing set and learn about the different options and features available in this swing set buying guide. How to Choose a Swing Set When choosing a swing set, consider your child's age and interests. Toddlers benefit from bucket swings with secure seats, while older kids love swing seats that let them fly higher. If you have multiple kids or frequent playdates, opt for sets with different swing types, like gliders or nest swings, so everyone can join in. Be sure to check weight limits and age recommendations to ensure the set grows with your kids. Also, think about your yard space and the type of materials. Compact frames work well for smaller areas, while larger sets with extra features—like slides or monkey bars—offer more play options. Weather-resistant finishes are a must to keep your swing set looking great and ready for years of outdoor fun. Buying Guide: KidKraft Kid’s Swing Sets From cozy child seat swings for the littlest ones to high-flying swing seat for older kids, and more, we offer a variety of options to suit every age and adventure level. Explore our collection to find the perfect swing for your backyard playset. Swing Seat This swing is the classic option. It's flexible enough to adapt and bend to every body shape while still being super comfortable and durable. Featuring a 58" zinc-plated steel chain that comes with vinyl coating for a pinch-free grip, this seat makes swinging fast both safe and easy. Thanks to its steel quick-link connections, you'll easily attach this swing seat to almost any wooden swing set. Its curved, cozy design it allows for all year fun and is sure to be a staple of your kid’s outdoor play. It is perfect for afterschool playdates with all your kid’s friends or for quick breaks from homework. This seat holds up to 115 lbs. and you can attach it to any standard swing hanger. Every one of our swing seats meets or exceeds ASTM standards, and this swing seat is no exception. Child Seat Want a great way for even the littlest member of the family to join in the outdoor excitement? The child seat is the perfect combination between safety and swinging fun. It supports up to 55 pounds and, like the classic swing seat, you can attach it to any standard duty swing hanger. It’s the perfect no hassle, no stress option and makes outdoor play a breeze. Our motto is safety first, and because of that, this child swing seat comes with a nylon rope that provides a pinch-free grip, so you know your kid will never get their fingers caught. Plus, this swing is specifically designed for comfort so your little one can swing to their heart's content. The perfect place to mount this seat is high enough off the ground for fun yet low enough for safety. Feel free to fit more than one seat on each frame and have multiple kids having fun together at once! Glider Swing Are you ready for a two-for-one? The dual ride glider swing is the go-to choice for kids to bond while they swing and fly high. This design can hold up to 150 lbs., making it perfect for two little friends who want to swing together and for families with two siblings who want to sit in the swing seat at the same time. It’s also great for promoting cooperation and building friendships. The best part is they will never pinch their hands on any chains! Trapeze Bar Do you have a little gymnast in the family? Maybe just a guy or gal who loves a little adrenaline rush in the morning? Having a trapeze bar right in their own backyard is the ideal way to scratch that itch while promoting healthy habits. Plus, it’s a great for adding variety to your swing set by giving your kids even more safe ways to play. This incredible package includes plastic hand grips that are super durable, and a super safe trapeze bar. The trapeze bar can hold up to 250 lbs. when you match it with Extra Duty Swing Hangers, which we offer separately. You can install the trapeze bar without much hassle or having to change the structure of your swing set. It's the perfect gift for the little ones with lots of energy! Nest Swing Out of all our swings, the nest swing has become one of the most popular designs. This swing seat can fit multiple kids at once, making it a fun, social experience for everyone involved. Not only that, but it also teaches kids about sharing and taking turns. This swing seat can also become super relaxing when used by one child. Kids can lay down and unwind under the bright sun during a summer afternoon, or even use it as a unique study space. The best thing about this swing is its versatility since there are so many ways to enjoy it! The structure is made with a steel frame and heavy-duty fabric: it's where secure sturdiness meets comfort to provide countless hours of fun. The nest swing can hold up to 200 lbs. and will hold up to three children at once. Importance of the Right Swing Set Choosing the right swing set is key to creating a safe, engaging space where kids can play, grow, and make lasting memories. A well-matched swing set keeps children active, helping to build coordination, strength, and confidence with every push and swing. It’s important to select a set that fits your child's age and abilities; bucket swings provide security for toddlers, while older kids enjoy more freedom with swing seats. The right swing set also ensures your investment lasts as your family grows. Adjustable or multi-use swing options can adapt to your children’s changing needs, reducing the need for upgrades. Swing Set Safety Safety is essential when choosing and maintaining a swing set. Look for sets made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials like treated wood to ensure durability through all seasons. Smooth edges, secure fasteners, and sturdy chains or ropes reduce the risk of injuries during play. Here are a few key safety tips: Install the swing set on level ground with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber mats underneath. Regularly inspect for loose bolts, worn ropes, or damaged parts and repair them promptly. Teach children to sit properly on swings and avoid standing or jumping off mid-swing. Supervise younger kids during play to prevent accidents. Always follow the manufacturer’s weight limits and recommended ages to make sure the swings are a good fit for your kids. At KidKraft, you can find anything from classic swing seats to comfortable and brand-new nest swings. Choose one or many to make your kid's playground experience more exciting than ever! Shop our collection of swing sets to create an amazing backyard experience for your kids.
The Importance of Music and Play
While music and play may only seem like fun activities for kids, they offer incredible benefits that help shape a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. From improving language skills to boosting creativity and motor development, incorporating music and play into your child’s daily routine is important for growth, development, and learning. Let’s explore why music and play matter, and how you can easily incorporate them into your child’s day to support their development in a fun, engaging way. Benefits of Music in Early Childhood Music is a powerful learning tool that can positively impact various areas of development. One of the biggest benefits of music in early childhood is language growth. Singing songs or listening to music helps toddlers learn new words, understand rhythm and patterns in speech, and can even help improve pronunciation. Music boosts memory, as repetition in songs helps toddlers remember important concepts, such as numbers and letters. It also encourages physical development when kids dance, clap, or play simple instruments, which all help to improve coordination and fine motor skills. Emotionally, music helps toddlers express themselves and gives them a safe way to explore different feelings. It’s also a great way for them to connect socially when singing and dancing with others in a group. Music and Movement for Toddlers Incorporating music and movement into your toddler’s day is easier than you might think, Here are a few simple ideas to try: Dance parties: Play your child’s favorite songs and have an impromptu dance party in the living room. Let them jump, twirl, and move however they like. Dancing helps with coordination and burns off some of that energy! Musical freeze game: Similar to musical chairs but with dancing! Play a song and have your little ones dance, then pause the music and say “freeze!” They have to stop moving until the music starts again. This game is fun but also helps with listening skills, self-control, and timing. DIY instruments: Create simple instruments with household items. For example, fill empty containers with rice to make shakers or use pots and wooden spoons as drums. To add to the fun, have a mini “parade” around the house with their new instruments. If you want to add to their instrument collection, get them their very own kids’ guitar! Morning song routine: Whether it's a simple “Good Morning” song or something you make up, starting each day with a song is an upbeat, joyful way to get going in the morning while promoting language skills. These small, easy activities can make music and movement a fun part of your child’s daily life while supporting their growth and development. Shop our toys!
How To Set Up a Toy Rotation System
Feeling like your home is overflowing with toys but your kids still claim they’re bored? A toy rotation system might be just what you need! By organizing and rotating toys, you can keep things fresh and exciting without constantly buying new toys. Find out the benefits of rotating toys and easy steps you can take to set up a toy rotation system that keeps playtime fun and stress-free! Benefits of Having a Toy Rotation System and Toy Rotation Storage A toddler toy rotation system has tons of benefits for both you and your little ones. By keeping only a few toys out at a time, you create a less cluttered play space, which helps kids focus and get more creative with the toys they do have. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, they’re free to dive deeper into their play. And, when you bring out toys they haven’t seen in a while, it’s like they’re brand new again! Wondering how toy rotation storage works for this system? Simpler is better so you don’t have to worry about spending too much time and effort into organizing and setting it up. Find a spot, whether it’s a designated toy rotation shelf in a closet, a few bins under the bed, or labeled storage boxes in the garage, where you can easily tuck away the toys that are out of the current rotation. The goal is to make it easy to swap toys in and out every few weeks without feeling like you’re tackling a huge project. A bonus is that having a good storage system helps preserve toys, keeping them in better shape for longer! How to Do a Toy Rotation Follow this simple step-by-step guide to setting up a toy rotation system and you’ll have yours ready to go in no time: Gather All Toys: Start by collecting all the toys from around your home. This includes any toys in playrooms, bedrooms, and any other spaces they might be scattered. Sort and Categorize: Divide the toys into categories based on type, such as blocks, puzzles, dolls, vehicles, etc. Choose a Rotation Schedule: Decide how often you want to rotate the toys. A good starting point is every 2 to 4 weeks. Select Active Toys: Choose a small selection of toys to keep out during the rotation period. Aim for around 5-10 toys, depending on your space and your child's interests. Store the Rest: Place the remaining toys in storage bins or boxes. Label them if you want to keep track of which toys are in each bin. Set Up a Swap Schedule: When it’s time to rotate, take out the current toys and replace them with the stored ones. You can do this on a designated day of the week or month, making it a fun event! Involve Your Child:Encourage your child to help with the rotation process. Let them pick which toys to put away and which to bring out. Monitor Engagement: Pay attention to how your child plays with the toys during each rotation. If you notice certain toys are being ignored, consider swapping them out sooner or changing the rotation plan. By following these steps, you can create a fun and organized toy rotation system that keeps playtime fresh and engaging! Shop toys to add more variety into your rotation and shop storage for items to help set up your system.
5 DIY Learning Games for Your Toddler
Looking for fun and easy ways to keep your toddler engaged while learning at home? DIY learning games are a great way to help your little one develop important skills like problem-solving, coordination, and creativity—and all without spending a fortune. Below, find out the benefits of learning games for toddlers and get some ideas for budget-friendly DIY learning games you can create with items you likely already have around the house. How Learning Games Benefit Toddlers Learning games for toddlers offer a range of benefits that go beyond just keeping your little one entertained. At this age, their brains are developing quickly, and play is one of the most effective ways for them to learn. Games that involve sorting, stacking, matching, or problem-solving help build cognitive skills like memory, attention, and logical thinking. These activities also boost language development since toddlers learn to follow instructions, ask questions, and expand their vocabulary while they play. Motor skills can also be improved through learning games. Fine motor skills, like grasping objects or manipulating small pieces, are strengthened during hands-on activities. And games involving running, jumping, or balancing enhance gross motor skills. Learning games encourage social skills too. When toddlers play with others—whether siblings, friends, or parents—they practice sharing, communicating, and taking turns. 5 DIY Toddler Learning Games Here are a few easy, affordable DIY learning games you can put together at home to keep your toddler engaged and learning: Color Sorting Cups Grab a few plastic cups or containers and colored pom-poms or buttons. Label each cup with a different color, and have your toddler sort the items by matching the colors. This game strengthens color recognition and fine motor skills. Line Walk Create a "balance beam" indoors by creating a line with painter’s tape on the floor and have your child walk along the tape, trying to keep their balance. Write numbers or letters along the tape and have them say each one as they step on it for more learning. This game helps with both gross motor skills and letter/number recognition. Shape Match Puzzle Cut different shapes out of cardboard or paper and trace the outlines onto a larger piece of paper. Have your toddler match the shapes to the outlines. This helps with shape recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Clothespin Counting Write numbers on index cards. Have your toddler clip the corresponding number of clothespins to each card. This is a great way to practice counting while working on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Pom-Pom Races Set up a "racetrack" on the floor with painter’s tape and use straws to blow pom-poms from start to finish. You can make it a fun competition or encourage your toddler to time themselves. This game encourages focus and helps develop breath control and motor coordination. Plus, it’s fun! These activities are simple to set up but offer big learning rewards. Your little one will likely want to play these over and over! For more fun ways to entertain your toddler while encouraging their growth and development shop toys at KidKraft.
