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
KidKraft Playset Assembly Tips
Playset assembly can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! In addition to the instructions that come with your KidKraft playset, these assembly tips can help make the process quick and frustration-free! Level the Ground First You can begin this step long before your playset is even delivered. In fact, we recommend getting it done in advance so that you can start building as soon as your playset arrives. To make sure you level a large enough area, look at the instructions for your playset online – simply find the product page for your playset model on our website and download the PDF. The instructions will include the exact measurements for the playset and the measurements for the recommended safety zone that should surround it. For tips on leveling the ground and a helpful how-to video, check out our full Guide to Installing a Backyard Playset! Look at the Forecast Most of your assembly will happen outdoors, so try to schedule your assembly days when the weather is nice. If you’ve got a week full of rainy days, it’s best to just wait to get started. Budget Enough Time Depending on the size of your playset, assembling a KidKraft Playset can take anywhere between 4 to 26 hours when you’ve got two people working. (You can find the estimate for your playset in the instructions.) So set aside a weekend or a few evenings to give yourself enough time to get the job done well! Read All the Instructions You’re way less likely to make frustrating mistakes if you read all the assembly instructions before you get started. And don’t worry, it won’t take that long. Just reading through quickly will give you a strong idea of what pieces will go where and the order in which you’ll complete each step. Remember, if you lose your paper copy, you can find full instructions for all of our current products online. Inventory and Organize We always recommend taking inventory of all your pieces and organizing them before you get started. Your instructions will have a detailed list of everything that’s included. Make sure you have everything you should before you start and organize them all into designated spots. Since you’re likely working outdoors, you may find it helpful to organize all of your pieces on a porch, deck, or tarp to help ensure no hardware or small pieces get lost in the grass. Bowls and buckets can help with this too. On the off chance that you are missing a piece or something is damaged, get in touch with us right away, and we’ll send you a replacement part ASAP. Have the Right Tools & A Friend With your instructions read and your pieces organized, you’re ready to get started! Most KidKraft playsets require at least two people for the assembly process, so make sure you’ve got some help lined up before you start. A few extra hands won’t hurt either, especially if you have a larger playset. And if you don’t have your own power drill, make sure to borrow one from a friend. Reach Out Again, if you have any missing or damaged pieces, let us know ASAP so we can make it right! If you have any other questions, email us at customerservice@kidkraft.com or call us at 1-800-933-0771. We’re always here to help!
Modern Playhouse Decor Ideas
We firmly believe that a kid’s playhouse does not have to be an eyesore. Whether the playhouse is in your backyard or in your playroom, you should love looking at it as much as your kids love playing in it! To help you achieve that Insta-worthy modern playhouse we’ve gathered some of our favorite playhouse design ideas from parents like you! Plants & Wreaths Adding greenery is one of the simplest and most common interior design tips – and it works wonders for a playhouse too! Try arranging a few potted plants around the door or on the windowsill, hanging a wreath on the door, or adding flowers to the planter boxes beneath the windows. Whether they’re real or artificial, the plants will give the playhouse a bright, inviting vibe. For inspiration, see this greenery glow-up of our Forestview II Playhouse from @allisonmannella. Go Bold & Bright There’s no doubt that white and pastels are having a moment in modern design, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for bright, bold colors with your playset. This blue and lime green paint job on our Modern Outdoor Playhouse still looks exceptionally modern thanks to the black trim and simple accessories like the mailbox, address sign, and door handle. Plus, what kid doesn’t love bright colors? Or Bright & White If bright, bold colors don’t exactly fit your decor tastes, opt for bright and white instead. A white paint job provides a clean, crisp background for your decor ideas, and it photographs beautifully! You can paint most wooden playhouses, or just opt for our Modern Outdoor Playhouse in white if you’d rather skip the painting altogether! Make the Door Your Own We get it – a full-out paint job is not everyone’s thing. But you can still make your playhouse look like a DIY masterpiece by adding a quick coat of paint to the door. The door itself is so small, we promise painting it will feel like a breeze. You can customize it even more by installing a new door handle, a knocker, or address numbers. We love this rosy pink door with a sleek gold handle on our Modern Outdoor Playhouse! Start with a Playhouse You Love Giving your little one’s playset a modern, trendy vibe is a lot easier if you start off with a playset that already has a modern design in mind. That means skipping loud plastic and opting for more natural materials that can be painted and customized. KidKraft’s outdoor wooden playsets are perfect both for ambitious DIYers and those who’d rather keep their decorating simple and quick. By starting with the sleek, clean lines and natural wood finishes of KidKraft playhouse, you already have a trendy, modern base for your decor ideas. Some of our top choices for parents looking for modern decor are the Modern Outdoor Playhouse (no surprise there!), the Scenic View Playhouse, and the new Hobby Workshop Wooden Playhouse. Be sure to browse all of our playhouses before you decide, and keep an eye on our Instagram for even more modern decor ideas from parents like you!
Building Confidence and Creativity Through Outdoor Play
As parents, we’re always keeping tabs on our kids’ developmental milestones and looking for ways to support their growth. From snuggling up with a stack of library books to trips to the children’s museum, there are a ton of ways to support our little ones as they learn and grow. But one activity that stands out from the rest is outdoor play. Time in the outdoors not only provides new and exciting ways to play but also offers valuable opportunities for building confidence and fostering creativity. In this post, we’re diving into the benefits of outdoor play for our kids’ self-confidence and creativity and providing tips for maximizing your family’s outdoor playtime! Benefits of Outdoor Play for Confidence Open-ended, child-led outdoor play provides endless opportunities for children to boost their confidence levels. Why? Outdoor environments are never quite as predictable as indoor play spaces. From dealing with the weather to climbing trees, when kids play outside, they encounter new challenges and learn to overcome them. Whether it's finishing a hike, discovering a new-to-them plant or insect, or learning to ride a bike, each achievement builds their sense of confidence. Specifically, here are a few of the key ways outdoor play helps our kiddos feel competent and confident: Physical Competence Outdoor play is critical for helping kids develop gross motor skills, strength, and coordination. As our littles master activities like running and jumping, they gain confidence in their physical abilities and become more willing to try new things… like climbing, hanging, and somersaulting. While babies and toddlers can get plenty of gross motor practice indoors as they learn to walk or try to get on the couch, the older kids get, the more they need outdoor spaces that let them move in a variety of ways. From wide open spaces that are perfect for sprinting to trees and playsets that are great for climbing, there truly is no replacement for the great outdoors when it comes to supporting your child’s physical development. Risk Assessment By now, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of risky play. And if you’re like most of us, you likely fall into one of two camps: you’re all in on risk-taking play…orrrr you shudder at the thought. If you’re in the latter camp, don’t worry. Letting your kids take risks doesn’t mean you leave them unsupervised or let them take inappropriate risks that could result in major injuries. Instead, it’s all about giving them the chance to assess situations and discover their own limits. Outdoor play is one of the best ways we can offer these opportunities. When children engage in activities such as climbing or balancing, they learn to evaluate their abilities and make decisions based on their own judgment. This process enhances their problem-solving skills and self-confidence, and because they’re more aware of their own limits, they’re more likely to self-regulate and make safe choices as they gain more independence. Independence Speaking of independence…outdoor play is great for helping your child become a little more self-sufficient. As they venture into nature (with you nearby, of course) or engage in group play at the park, they learn to rely on themselves, make decisions, and solve problems independently. These experiences contribute to their sense of autonomy and confidence in their decision-making abilities. Nurturing Creativity Through Outdoor Play From enchanted forests to dragon lairs hidden deep in the mountains, our favorite fairy tales are nearly always set, at least in part, in nature. And there’s good reason for that! After all, it’s easier to believe in magic when we’re staring at the sun setting over the ocean or watching the fireflies light up the forest at dusk, right? Without getting too sentimental here, we do want to drive home the point that nature helps grow our kids’ sense of beauty and wonder… and in the process inspires their creativity. Plus, the open-ended nature of outdoor environments provides endless possibilities for imaginative play and creative exploration. Here's how outdoor play stimulates creativity: Natural Inspiration The beauty of nature serves as an abundant source of inspiration for children (and adults too!) From observing plants and animals to discovering different textures and colors, the outdoor environment sparks their curiosity and encourages imaginative thinking. And don’t feel like you need to live in a National Geographic-worthy location to help your kids appreciate nature. Mountains and canyons are awesome, but to your kids, the dandelions and beetles in your own backyard are pretty cool too. Role-Playing and Pretend Play Remember what we said about fairytales? Chances are your kiddo already loves to engage in pretend play. Outdoor settings can help foster that creativity even more, inspiring new ways to role-play and pretend. Sensory Stimulation If making DIY sensory bins isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you can provide just as much sensory play simply by taking your kids outside! They can feel the wind, smell the fragrance of flowers, hear the chirping of birds, and touch various natural elements. This sensory stimulation enhances their cognitive development, their natural curiosity, and their imagination. Tips for Maximizing Outdoor Play Experiences While having the right outdoor play equipment is important, it's equally crucial to maximize the overall outdoor play experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your child's outdoor playtime: Set Aside Regular Outdoor Play Time Try to establish a routine that includes dedicated outdoor playtime. We know – easier said than done. But by making it a regular part of your kiddo’s schedule, you’ll ensure they get the outdoor time they need to play, expend energy, and explore. Take a look at your schedule and see if there’s room to cut back on screen time or even clubs and classes if your child is enrolled in several organized activities. And remember that something is always better than nothing – even 15-20 minutes in the backyard benefits your child! Encourage Unstructured Play Structured play, like organized sports or camps, has its place, but unstructured, child-led play is what really helps kids grow in independence and confidence. This type of play encourages them to follow their own interests, be creative, and develop problem-solving skills independently. So take a trip to the park and let your child make new friends, or try to find local playgroups that meet up specifically for child-led play. Explore Natural Environments Venture beyond the playground, and look up some local state or city parks, forests, nature trails, or beaches to explore the wonders of nature. These settings can be a nice change of pace from your usual park spots and may help your child discover new interests! Join in the Fun If you really want to include more outdoor play in your routine, it needs to be fun for you too! Join in and play chase, go for a bike ride, or have a picnic together. Your involvement not only strengthens your bond with your child but also encourages them to explore new activities with confidence. Embrace Messy Play Outdoor play often involves getting a little messy, and that's perfectly fine! Encourage activities like splashing in puddles, digging in the dirt, or playing with sand. These experiences provide sensory stimulation and allow children to explore their world freely. Make Your Yard Play-friendly Getting out the door with kids can be tough, so having outdoor play opportunities at home is super helpful for the days when an outing just isn’t going to happen. Try to include a few different play opportunities in your own backyard. Smaller outdoor toys like balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and bug-catching kits are all great for encouraging active play and exploration. But if you’re hoping to truly transform your yard into an inviting, exciting playable paradise, you’ll want to add some larger, permanent structures like mud kitchens, sandboxes, swing sets, and playhouses. At KidKraft, we specialize in high-quality wooden outdoor toys that help your kids want to spend more time outside and encourage different types of play from active play to sensory play to imaginative play. Outdoor play is a powerful tool for fostering our children’s development. By providing opportunities for outdoor play, you help spark your kiddos’ sense of wonder and curiosity, help them learn through rich experiences, and help their confidence and creativity flourish! Start creating your backyard play space today, and shop KidKraft’s line of outdoor playsets, sandboxes, climbers, and more!
How Long Do Outdoor Playsets Last
Before you invest in a playset, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth with a playset that lasts! It’s probably no surprise that we think quality wooden swingsets and playsets are the way to go. They outlast metal playsets and are significantly less expensive than vinyl playsets, making them the perfect combination of durability and affordability. Here’s what you can expect when you choose a KidKraft playset: How Long Do Wooden Playsets Last When Properly Maintained? When wooden outdoor playsets are made with quality lumber and are properly cared for, they have a very long life span – usually long enough to see your kids through all their playing years. From our tiniest toddler outdoor playsets to our largest, deluxe models, we’re proud to say that every KidKraft playset is made with premium cedar. This naturally rot-resistant wood can stand up to the elements for years without the need for dangerous chemicals that are sometimes used to pressure treat cheaper, less durable types of wood. We’re so confident in our materials that we offer a five year warranty for the structural integrity of our lumber against factors like rot and insect damage. With proper care, we expect our playsets to last even longer. All playset accessories such as slides and swings are covered under a one year warranty, though we would expect them to remain in great condition far longer than this. How to Maintain Wooden Playsets to Increase their Lifespan Ensure proper installation Making sure that your playset is properly installed is important not only for your kids’ safety but for the lifespan of the playset itself. Installing the playset on an uneven surface could lead to uneven weight distribution, stressing certain parts of the wood more than others. Follow our quick tips to make proper installation a breeze. Also, be sure to choose an installation area that doesn’t collect standing water during rain as this could make the base of your playset more prone to rot. Apply a yearly water-repellent stain This simple maintenance step is the best way to extend the life of your playset.. By applying a coat of water-repellant or stain once per year, you’ll protect the integrity of the wood from rot and water damage and keep it looking like new. If possible, remove plastic pieces during freezing temperatures All accessories and plastic pieces on KidKraft playsets are extremely durable, but like all plastics, they can become more brittle due to freezing temperatures. Now, a few freezing days or even weeks won’t ruin the structural integrity of your slides and swings – not by a long shot. But overtime, prolonged freezing temperatures can shorten the lifespan of those plastic pieces. Whenever possible, we recommend removing and storing plastic pieces during freezing temperatures to prolong their life, especially if you live in a cold climate with weeks or months of freezing temperatures. Overall, the exact lifespan of wooden playsets can vary according to quality of materials, climate, and maintenance habits. At KidKraft, we stand by our products with a five year warranty, and with proper care, we expect our quality cedar playsets to last two to three times longer depending on your climate. Shop our full line of wooden outdoor playsets, and be sure to check out our Comprehensive Swing Set Care Checklist to make sure yours lasts for years (and years and years) to come!
7 Sandbox Ideas
DIY Sandbox Ideas Sandboxes are a summer play staple, perfect for letting kids get creative and a little messy outdoors! Get the most out of yours this summer with these easy backyard sandbox ideas! Fossil Dig First, have the kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paint brushes! Sandbox Volcano Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox – be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle. Then, pour in the baking soda followed by colored vinegar to create a volcano explosion! Ice Fun Ice cubes in the sand box – simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play! Colorful Sand It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water, and gallon zipper bags. Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag. Then, add sand and shake! Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun, or just add it back into the sandbox wet and starte playing! White play sand takes dye the easiest, but if your sand is darker, no worries! Try this epsom salt-based colored “sand” recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose. Sand Letters Finger drawing letters in a medium like sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity! It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write. By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they are ready to write for real! Simply provide some print outs of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words! Construction Site Sandbox If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand! Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks, and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys. (P.S. Our Adventure Tracks: Dino World set comes with construction- themed dinosaurs!) Sensory Sand Box Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour, and build! Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox. Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy, and big enough for some major digging adventures!
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!
How to Maintain Your Wooden Swing Set
The excitement of unveiling a brand new wooden swing set to your over-the-moon kids is tough to beat. But over time, the elements can do a number on your kids’ swing set. Fortunately, you can preserve that brand-new look and feel with a little routine maintenance. Here are the most common questions we get when it comes to caring for your outdoor swing set: What amount of weathering is normal? As a natural material, the wood on your swing set will show a little weathering as it’s exposed to the elements. The most common types of weathering are checking (i.e. cracks in the surface along the grain), warping, and fading. This type of weathering is totally normal and won’t affect the safety of your swing set, so keep on playing! We recommend applying a stain or water repellant each year to keep weathering to a minimum. What about splinters? It’s also normal to see some minor splintering on the surface of the wood over time. Simply sand those splinters down to save you and the kiddos the first-aid-fuss later on. . How often should I check my playset for safety? At the beginning of each play season, we recommend doing a thorough sweep over the play set to check for splinters, loose or rusted hardware, damaged plastic pieces, and loose or damaged anchors. If you do find any issues, here’s what you should do: Sand down any rusted hardware and repaint with a lead-free paint Tighten loose bolts or screws, but do not overtighten as this will cause the wood to splinter If any bolts are protruding on the other side of the wood, add more flat washers under the top of the bolt until it no longer protrudes. Sand any splintered wood until smooth and reapply water repellant or stain If the playset isn’t secure (i.e. wobbly/ sinking), resecure or replace ground stakes and anchors if necessary. Refer to your manual for instructions. Lubricate squeaking hardware on swings with WD-40 Replace chains, swings, and other attachments that show excessive rust or damage Continue to check the swing set once a month during play season to keep playtime safe! Do I really need to apply water repellent/stain to my wooden swing set each year? Please do! This keeps the wood from absorbing too much moisture, which is the main cause of weathering. This is one of the simplest ways you can keep your playset looking like new for years to come. How do I care for the plastic pieces on my swing set? The plastic swings, slides, and other accessories on your swing set are tough and built to last. Their only enemy? Freezing temperatures. Temperatures below freezing can make the plastic brittle and more prone to breaking over time. If it’s freezing outside, we recommend removing and storing these pieces to prolong their life. How do I keep my swing set from sinking or wobbling? The best way to prevent sinking or wobbling swing sets is to make sure they are installed properly. Swing sets that are installed and anchored properly on level surfaces rarely have these issues. If you do notice some sinking, check your anchors and ground stakes to make sure they are secure and undamaged and resecure or replace them if necessary.
Your Guide To The Ultimate Easter Egg Hunt for Toddlers
Peter Cottontail is officially hopping down the bunny trail, folks. That’s right, Easter is just around the corner, and we’ve got just the thing to help make it a great one for your toddler. Our Guide to the Ultimate Easter Egg Hunt for Toddlers All About Eggs We like a combo of dyed eggs and plastic eggs – you get the fun of coloring eggs together and the yumminess of chocolate Easter treats! Plus, with a few dozen boiled eggs in the mix, you can give your kid more eggs to hunt without giving them more sugar. Tips for Dying Eggs with Toddlers If you’re getting a dye kit, be sure to get it early before they sell out! Or make your own by filling small bowls with enough hot water to cover an egg and adding 1 tsp of vinegar and 20 drops of food coloring per bowl. Use one of your old t-shirts as a smock for your toddler. It will completely cover their clothes and makes for a cute picture! Go with the flow – even if that means your toddler wants to mix colors and ends up with a dark brown egg. It’s all about having fun, right? Be sure your toddler knows that the water is hot! Tips for Filling Your Plastic Easter Eggs Fill them on Saturday night after the kids are asleep and keep them out-of-sight until it’s time for the big hunt – toddlers are not known for their patience, after all. Candy is the obvious filling choice, but you have plenty of options. Your toddler probably doesn’t have any expectations about what they’ll find in their eggs, so go with whatever you want. Raisins, peanut butter crackers, dark chocolate, you name it... Almost any toy that can fit into an Easter egg is probably a choking hazard for a toddler. Opt for stickers instead if you want some non-food fillings! Remember that many hard or chewy candies are also considered choking hazards for toddlers. Get a Toddler-friendly Easter Basket Keep those tiny hands in mind when you pick their Easter basket. Long handles and large baskets will be tougher for them to handle as they hunt. Time to Hide Keep Count Rotting eggs smell like… well, rotting eggs. Avoid all of that by keeping track of how many eggs you’ve put out and make a basic map if necessary. Keep it simple You have plenty of years for creative Easter egg hiding places that make your kids really work for it… the toddler years are not those years. They’re likely to get bored or frustrated before all of the eggs are found. Eggs scattered out in the open or “hidden” in easy spots are plenty for toddlers! The novelty of the activity and the process of gathering things in a basket are enough to make it fun. If you’ve got older kids too, make sure they know they know to leave plenty of “easy” eggs for their younger sibling. If you do want to add some creativity to your hiding places, go for funny instead of difficult. Leave eggs in silly but obvious places like chairs, flower beds, or doormats, and have a few stuffed animals “lay” eggs in the backyard. Time to Hunt When it’s time for the main event, remember that any amount of fun is a success. Young toddlers may not get the concept, and even older toddlers may be way more interested in the snail they find than the eggs. Lots of hints and help can help keep them interested and focused, but if they decide to plop down and enjoy each treat as they find it, that’s okay too! We have a feeling the Easter Bunny won’t mind.
