Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

Encouraging Imaginative Play: Play Kitchen Inspiration

Imaginative play based on their own life experiences must be one of the most loved forms of play for toddlers and preschoolers. At 15 months, AJ’s has adopted a small doll of Immy’s as her regular companion – she loves to cuddle and kiss it, push it around in her wooden trolley, and pretend to feed and put it to bed. And she has recently started to show interest in role play using our wooden, play kitchen. Both of my girls have loved this type of play from a young age and at five and a half Immy still plays in the home corner area of our playroom.

We didn’t start out with a wooden kitchen, after all they can be quite an investment, but given how popular our DIY cardboard kitchen and buffet unit were with Immy for the sixteen months before we upgraded I am so glad we did. If you have the space I would definitely recommend a play kitchen as a fabulous addition, and if you just aren’t sure whether your kids will play with it – you can always go the DIY route first like we did.

Here are some DIY kitchens from cardboard boxes that might just inspire you to make one of your own…

Childhood 101 | DIY Cardboard Kitchens-Play Kitchen Inspiration
(Clockwise from top left)

Childhood 101: DIY Kitchen for Under $10 and DIY Kitchen Buffet

Teach Preschool: Pizza Box Kitchen (a stove top and sink from pizza boxes! Who would have thought!!)

Kid’s Play Space: Stove Cooker

Or if you are looking for a more permanent DIY version, I love both of these re-purposed cabinet projects…

Childhood 101 | DIY Kitchens-Play Kitchen Inspiration

Paint on the Ceiling DIY Play Kitchen :: A Little Learning for Two Play Oven Stove

And finally, if you are ready to purchase a commercial play kitchen for your kids Feels Like Home offers some great advice to consider before making the investment.

Childhood 101 | Imaginative Play-Play Kitchen Inspiration

Do you have a play kitchen in your home?

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Imaginative, Kids Spaces, Preschool Play, Toddler Play

Previous post: Sanity Tips for Surviving Grey, Cloudy Days
Next post: A Week’s Worth of Boredom Busters: Turn Off the TV and Play!

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Melanie Brammer says

    August 3, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Some awesome cookers there! They make my effort (http://inkspotsandgrassstains.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-transformation-craft-project-to-make.html) look pretty poor. Well done.
  2. Anna Meadows says

    August 6, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    Thanks for sharing our little cooker:-) I love the round up and inspirational ideas you have here! Childhood 101's under $10 cooker looks incredibly slick and professional - I am super impressed - and the pizza boxes are gold! Love home corner ideas:-)

Trackbacks

  1. Snow White Birthday Party: Games and Play Stations | My Little Bookcase says:
    August 9, 2013 at 10:26 PM
    [...] A play kitchen (This could be home made) [...]
  2. TYPES OF PLAY – JAYCEE says:
    March 26, 2018 at 3:45 PM
    […] photo from https://childhood101.com/encouraging-imaginative-play-play-kitchen-inspiration/ […]
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

Best ideas for sensory play for toddlers

20 Best Ideas for Sensory Play for Toddlers

Looking for ideas for sensory play for toddlers? Today we have a super fun list … [Read More...]

Over 55 super ideas for sensory bins

55+ Super Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

We are big fans of sensory play in our house! Since they were small, my girls … [Read More...]

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY