Play Kitchens Older Kids Can Enjoy Too

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Play is an essential part of a child’s development (especially those fine motor skills!), and imaginative play is one of the most important forms of play for kids (no, really).

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Play kitchens have been a popular toy for young children for decades, but many parents may not realize that older kids can still benefit from them.

Play kitchens provide a fun and engaging way for older kids to develop social skills, enhance creativity and imagination, and even learn basic cooking skills like writing grocery lists and meal planning( on a much smaller scale than you ofcourse!)

So let’s explore the different types of kitchens and what kind of things to watch out for like counter height, small spaces, modern look and feel and even kitchen utensils.

You wouldn’t think there was much to picking out a kitchen for kids, because they’re all the same right? WRONG.

There are SO many things to look for..like a coffee station, cordless phone, four-burner stove, farmhouse-style sink or even wooden food..you know…stuff that older kids love!

So let’s chat about the best toy kitchens asap so you can get to playing with your little one.

top 3 Play Kitchens for older Kids

Step2 Grand Walk-in Wooden Kitchen – Best Large Space Kitchen

This is undoubtedly one of the largest wooden play kitchens on this list. Its measurements are 33 x 50 x 46.75 inches. The counter is 22 inches high. So, if you don’t have a lot of room, this can be a little difficult to fit.

If you do manage to squeeze it in, you’ll be providing your child with a memorable experience because this play kitchen has many fun interactive features. Everything has a lot of detail and is really realistic. The graphics are also really sharp.

Its doors open to make the game more enjoyable. The lights are there to give the whole thing a more realistic feel. And it works quite nicely in this case. The sink is a unique design. A goose-neck faucet is included. They’re just like the ones you’d see in the real world with a modern design. You can add your own pretend appliances to keep on the ample counter space.

Your child can enjoy this great kitchen for many years to come. The stove is of excellent quality, is a great size and well-constructed.

This one is significantly superior than other tall play kitchen sets that are shaky. There’s even a storage area for your children’s cooked meals and play food. The rooms are spacious and serve a practical purpose. Hello storage- we all need storage solutions when it comes to toys!

They can also store a cookbook if they so desire. The set’s design and dimensions make it very easy for older children to play comfortably. There is, of course, an age limit.

This one, on the other hand, is ideal for a 10-year-pretend old’s kitchen. I also recommend this great play kitchen for children aged 4 to 10 for hours of fun and imaginative play.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Toy Kitchen – Best quiet kitchen with No Lights / Sounds

Melissa and Doug doesn’t make a lot of kitchens for kids. But when they do, you’ll notice it’s high quality. Even though there are no realistic lights, it’s still a good choice for 4-10 year olds.

The Wooden Chef is a work of art. It has received a lot of positive feedback from parents since its release in late 2018. This toy kitchen is not only suitable for older children, but also for children as young as two years old. If you have little kids of various ages at home, this is a benefit.

When it comes to cleaning, big toys are a mother’s worst nightmare. The Wooden Chef is not one of them. It’s designed in such a way that cleaning this kitchen play set is a breeze.

This pressed-wood playset will make a statement in any room it is placed in. Charcoal, cloud, and pink are three kid-friendly colours for the Wooden Chef pretend kitchens.

The interactive design of the Wooden Chef is one of the things that appeals to older children. The microwave plate rotates in the same way that a conventional plate does. Realistic ice cubes are dispensed by the ice maker. There’s also a movable faucet and handle on the sink so it really feels like the real thing.

In comparison to other large kitchen play set, this top pick is easier to put up thanks to well-illustrated thorough directions.

KidKraft Natural Wood Play Kitchen – Best Natural Wood Kitchen

The kidkraft ultimate corner play kitchen has an edge over the other pretend kitchens on this list in that it is made to endure knocks and kicks from children while they engage in creative play and has a realistic look.

The kidkraft uptown kitchen kid’s set is designed to survive through multiple generations of children which is one of the most important things if you’re going to have a large family.

This is a toddler’s kitchen where an older child can have a lot of fun. It’s a wooden set with a few kitchen accessories thrown in for good measure.

The Uptown Natural Kitchen is a solid little kitchen that won’t easily topple over, which is a feature to look for in kitchen playsets for busy kids. It also has much storage space on the counter tops which makes it the perfect place to add extra appliances.

The Uptown Set can generally survive whatever a 5-year-old can throw at it due to it’s build quality.

It’s also a perfect kitchen for boys because of this. It is also a potential tool for school-age children because to its superb role-playing features and toy devices.

The realistic design is one thing you can’t take away from this set and your little chef will love it and all of it’s realistic features. If you are looking for something that’s a smaller size in your search for the right toy that will play an important role in your child’s life, read some more of the reviews below.

DUKTIG Play kitchen

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The DUKTIG Play Kitchen by IKEA is a fantastic choice for older kids, and here’s why. While it’s designed primarily for toddlers, it offers unique benefits for older children as well.

Firstly, the DUKTIG Play Kitchen encourages imaginative play. Older kids can use their creativity to cook up elaborate make-believe meals, fostering cognitive development and honing problem-solving skills. It’s an ideal tool to stimulate storytelling, whether they’re hosting a restaurant or embarking on culinary adventures.

Secondly, the DUKTIG Play Kitchen can be an excellent learning platform. It teaches older children about basic kitchen safety, hygiene, and organizational skills.

They can practice measuring, sorting, and combining ingredients, laying a foundation for future culinary pursuits.

Lastly, the DUKTIG Play Kitchen promotes social interactions. Older kids can invite friends over for collaborative cooking sessions, fostering teamwork, communication, and sharing.

It’s a great way to develop essential life skills.In sum, the DUKTIG Play Kitchen is not just a toy but an educational and creative hub for older children, making it a valuable addition to any home.

Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset

The Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset is an excellent choice for older kids, offering several features that make it an appealing option:

• Realistic Design: This playset mimics a real kitchen, complete with a stove, sink, oven, and ample storage. Older kids can immerse themselves in imaginative scenarios, refining their storytelling and role-playing skills.
• Educational Benefits: The Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset fosters practical life skills. Older children can learn about kitchen organization, food preparation, and cleanliness, which are essential for their future independence. It’s an interactive way to introduce them to the basics of cooking.
• Social Interaction: Just like the DUKTIG Play Kitchen, the Costzon playset encourages group play. Older kids can engage in cooperative cooking activities, promoting teamwork, communication, and sharing among peers and siblings.

Durability: The playset’s sturdy construction ensures it can withstand the more energetic play of older kids, providing longevity and value for parents.

14 More Kitchen Playsets Kids Enjoy

Amazon Basics Kids Corner Wooden Kitchen

Teamson Kids Little Chef

Lil’ Jumbl Kids Kitchen Set

Canadian Cedar Wood Kids Play Kitchen

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen

Tiny Land Store Play Kitchen

Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen

Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Playset

KidKraft Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen

Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen

KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen

Wooden Toy Kitchen Set for Kids

Little Tikes First Market Kitchen

Step2 Timeless Trends Kitchen

Gift Ideas For Kids Who Love Their Play Kitchen

Complementary gifts and accessories that pair beautifully with play kitchens can enhance the play experience and inspire creativity in children. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

Toy Groceries and Food Sets: Stocking up the play kitchen with realistic toy groceries, fruits, vegetables, and packaged food items allows children to mimic real cooking and meal planning. It encourages imaginative play while teaching them about different food items.

Aprons and Chef Hats: Gift your little chef an adorable apron and matching chef hat to make them feel like a professional cook. It not only adds to the role-playing experience but also protects their clothing during play.

Play Utensil Sets: Miniature cookware, utensils, and kitchen gadgets like pots, pans, spatulas, and rolling pins provide the tools necessary for realistic culinary adventures.

Play Recipe Books: Kid-friendly recipe books with simple, safe, and imaginative recipes tailored for play kitchens can inspire your child to create their culinary masterpieces. This gift encourages reading, creativity, and fine motor skills.

Tea Sets and Dishware: Toy tea sets, cups, saucers, and dishes allow children to host tea parties and serve their favorite meals with style. This promotes social interaction and teaches table manners.

Market Stand or Cash Register: A play market stand with play money and a cash register can complement the kitchen by turning it into a full-fledged restaurant or store. This extends the imaginative play possibilities.

Child-Sized Table and Chairs: A child-sized table and chairs set provides a cozy dining area next to the play kitchen, creating a complete dining experience for your child and their friends.

Puppet Puppets and Plush Toys: Incorporating puppets or plush toys can add characters and personalities to playtime. These companions can be “customers” at the restaurant or engage in conversations with your child’s chef character.

Chalkboard or Whiteboard: Install a small chalkboard or whiteboard near the play kitchen. This serves as a menu board, allowing your child to display their daily specials and practice writing.

Child-Safe Kitchen Tools: Consider gifting child-safe kitchen tools like plastic knives, cutting boards, and measuring cups to supplement the play kitchen’s accessories.

Benefits of Play Kitchens for Older Kids

As children grow older, their interests and abilities change, but the benefits of imaginative play remain constant. Play kitchens are a perfect toy for older kids because they offer a wide range of benefits that can help children in many areas of their lives. Here are some of the benefits of play kitchens for older kids:

1. Development of social skills: Play kitchens provide opportunities for kids to play together, sharing and cooperating with each other, and taking turns. Through this type of play, children learn how to communicate, negotiate, and solve problems with others. [View Source Here]
2. Enhancing creativity and imagination: Play kitchens allow children to use their imagination and creativity to create new and exciting scenarios, such as planning a special meal or hosting a dinner party. This type of imaginative play helps foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. “The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development” by Angeline S. Lillard is a great source that goes over imaginative play and childhood in more depth.
3. Introduction to basic cooking skills: Play kitchens can introduce children to basic cooking skills and help them develop an interest in cooking. Through play, children can learn about kitchen tools, food preparation, and even meal planning. [View The NAEYC source here]
4. Promoting healthy eating habits: Play kitchens can also help promote healthy eating habits by allowing kids to explore different types of food and learn about healthy eating habits in a fun and interactive way. Here is a great article by Enfamil.
5. Providing opportunities for independent play: Play kitchens offer children a chance to play independently and create their own play scenarios, which helps develop their independence and self-confidence.

Need more sources on childhood play?

“The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development” by Angeline S. Lillard.

This article discusses the benefits of imaginative and pretend play, including the use of realistic props like play food and utensils.

“The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children” by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, FAAP.

This article explores how play, including imaginative play with realistic toys, contributes to cognitive development in children.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP has published articles and guidelines on the importance of play in child development. You can check their resources for information on how realistic play materials stimulate creativity.

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What Age Do Children Outgrow a Play Kitchen?

Parents often marvel at how quickly their children grow up, transitioning from babies to more independent individuals. During this growth process, children’s interests naturally evolve, and they gradually outgrow their toys. However, play kitchen sets are unique in that they tend to capture a child’s attention for an extended period compared to many other toys.

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Introducing Play Kitchens: Play kitchen sets can be introduced to children as early as one year old, although they are more commonly enjoyed by those aged two to three years. At this stage, young children engage in imaginative play and exploration.

Extended Engagement: Unlike some toys that may lose their appeal relatively quickly, play kitchens often continue to captivate children for a longer duration. This extended engagement can be attributed to the diverse and stimulating activities that play kitchens offer.

A Wider Age Range: In fact, many children continue to find joy in play kitchens until they are around 11 years old or even older. This extended period of engagement allows children to create lasting memories and foster their imaginations.

Why Play Kitchens Are Important

Providing young children with stimulating and entertaining toys is essential for their development. Play kitchens, in particular, offer a myriad of advantages that contribute to a child’s growth:

1. Social Development: Most play kitchens are designed to accommodate multiple children playing together simultaneously. This setting allows children to invite friends over and engage in cooperative play. Through these interactions, they develop vital social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and effective communication. These early social experiences are crucial for your child’s overall development.

2. Cognitive Growth: During early childhood, children’s brains are highly receptive to learning and absorbing new information. Play kitchens provide an excellent platform for cognitive growth. Children can explore, experiment, and engage in imaginative play, which stimulates creativity and encourages them to think outside the box. This type of open-ended play allows children to design their own play scenarios, fostering cognitive development.

3. Language Enhancement: Role-playing within a play kitchen environment encourages children to express themselves verbally. As they imitate cooking, serving, and social interactions, they naturally expand their vocabulary and language skills. This imaginative play helps children become more proficient in communication, which is essential for their linguistic development.

4. Organizational and Planning Skills: As children engage with play kitchens, they often sort and categorize play food items, dishes, and utensils. Additionally, they may develop a habit of cleaning up after their play sessions. These activities teach essential life skills related to organization, planning, and responsibility. Learning to keep things tidy and in order is a valuable skill that children should acquire from a young age.

How to Choose the Best Play Kitchen For Kids

When selecting the perfect play kitchen for your child, follow these guidelines to make an informed choice:

1. Prioritize Quality and Durability:

• Instead of fixating solely on aesthetics, prioritize the quality and durability of the play kitchen. Opt for models crafted from high-quality materials designed to withstand years of use. This emphasis on durability is essential because play kitchens often endure rough handling.
• Children possess innate curiosity and an inclination to explore their surroundings, including their toys. Play kitchens constructed from inferior or flimsy materials tend to have a short lifespan. You may find yourself needing to replace or discard such products after only a few months of use.
• To assess the product’s quality and durability, scrutinize its overall construction. Verify that all components are securely fastened and do not disassemble easily when moved. Favor materials like wood and steel over less robust options like plastic.

2. Examine Included Accessories:

• While assessing quality and durability, also consider the contents of the package. Most play kitchens are bundled with an array of accessories and utensils, such as pots, pans, plates, cups, and cooking implements. Ensure that these accessories are child-safe.
• It is advisable that these accessories are crafted from non-toxic materials and are free of BPA (Bisphenol A). Additionally, check if the play kitchen includes storage space for these accessories when they are not in use. An organized storage solution prevents clutter and keeps items off the floor.
• If your child enjoys playing with dolls or other toys, look for a play kitchen that includes doll-sized chairs and tables. This feature enables imaginative play scenarios involving various characters.

3. Consider Your Child’s Age and Developmental Stage:

• Take into account your child’s age and developmental stage when choosing a play kitchen. Toddlers are often intrigued by role-playing as adults and will appreciate miniature kitchens designed for their size.
• Preschool and elementary-aged children tend to enjoy pretending to cook and prepare meals. This imaginative play not only entertains but also educates them about nutrition and health. Children in this age group typically favor interactive play kitchens that foster creativity.

4. Prioritize Safety Features:

• Safety is paramount, especially when purchasing a play kitchen for a child who requires supervision around real kitchens. Look for play kitchens equipped with safety features to ensure your child’s well-being.
• Features like lockable doors or doors that automatically close when shut can prevent accidents by keeping your child within the play kitchen’s confines. Some play kitchens even include timers, allowing you to set playtime limits and ensure your child stops playing when the timer expires.

5. Consult Customer Reviews:

• After conducting a thorough assessment of the product, consult customer reviews to make an informed decision. Many online retailers offer customer feedback on play kitchens, which can assist you in gauging a product’s quality and suitability.
• Pay particular attention to reviews authored by parents, as they often provide practical insights into a play kitchen’s performance, safety, and appeal to children.

Tips For Storing Your Play Kitchen And All The Accessories

Storing your play kitchen and its myriad accessories can help maintain a clutter-free and organized play area.

Begin by designating a specific space for the play kitchen, ensuring it’s easily accessible to your child. Consider using bins, shelves, or cabinets to neatly store play food, utensils, and cookware when not in use.

To prevent misplacement or loss of small items, use clear, labeled containers for easy identification. Regularly encourage your child to clean up after play sessions and reinforce the importance of tidiness.

Additionally, invest in storage solutions that complement the play kitchen’s design, such as mini cupboards or shelves to keep everything within reach and create a more immersive play experience.

With a well-organized storage plan, your child can enjoy their play kitchen adventures while learning valuable lessons in organization and responsibility.

Tips for Encouraging Play with a Play Kitchen

Introducing a play kitchen to your child’s toy collection can be a valuable addition, but motivating play with it may pose a challenge. To facilitate enjoyable play experiences with a play kitchen, consider the following tips:

1. Establish a Dedicated Play Zone:

• Creating a designated play area specifically for the play kitchen can incentivize regular use. This area should be devoid of distractions and other toys, ensuring that the kitchen remains the primary focus and is easily accessible to the child.

2. Provide Realistic Play Food and Utensils:

• Supplying lifelike play food and utensils can ignite your child’s imagination and creativity. Include items like pretend fruits, vegetables, pots, pans, and even a play oven mitt to enhance the authenticity of the play experience.

3. Foster Group Play with Companions or Siblings:

• Encouraging collaborative play with friends or siblings can enhance social development and amplify the excitement of the play kitchen. This provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn valuable skills such as sharing, cooperation, and effective communication.

4. Engage in Interactive Play and Demonstrate Creative Scenarios:

• Actively participating in imaginative play alongside your child can serve as a powerful motivator for them to unleash their creativity and imagination. Parents and caregivers can join in the fun by inventing their unique scenarios and showcasing diverse cooking techniques.

How To Maintain and Clean The Toy Kitchen

Maintaining and cleaning a toy kitchen is essential to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable play space for your child. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

1. Daily Tidying: Encourage your child to clean up after playtime. Teach them to put away play food, dishes, and utensils in their designated storage areas. This helps instill good habits and ensures that the play kitchen remains organized.
2. Weekly Wipe-Down: Regularly wipe down the surfaces of the play kitchen with a damp cloth or sponge. Use a mild, child-safe detergent to remove any dirt, food stains, or spills. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the toy’s finish.
3. Deep Cleaning: Periodically, conduct a more thorough cleaning. Remove any detachable parts or accessories from the play kitchen. Wash these items with warm, soapy water and allow them to air dry. Clean the main structure of the play kitchen by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Pay attention to nooks and crannies, as dust and crumbs can accumulate in these areas.
4. Inspect for Damage: While cleaning, inspect the play kitchen for any signs of wear and tear, loose screws, or broken parts. Ensure that all components are securely fastened and in good condition. Replace or repair any damaged parts promptly to maintain safety.
5. Sanitizing: If the play kitchen has been heavily used or if it’s shared among multiple children, consider using a child-safe disinfectant or a mixture of water and vinegar to sanitize the surfaces. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
6. Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning and sanitizing, ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling and allowing your child to play. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which should be avoided.
7. Child Involvement: Involve your child in the cleaning process as they grow. Teach them how to wipe down surfaces and maintain their play kitchen. This fosters a sense of responsibility and helps them understand the importance of keeping their play area clean.

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Categories: Kitchens