And while we love shiny things as much as the next person, remember that the more a toddler kitchen set does in terms of lights and sounds, the less pretending your kid has to do. A wooden play kitchen might offer more aesthetic appeal, if not higher quality. Opt for a kids’ kitchen set that’s small enough that it won’t take over your living space. Some tips: choose a play kitchen that’s relatively easy to put together, but has enough realistic features to mimic what kids see in the real world.
“As toddlers engage in pretend play, they are learning a new language, seeing the perspective of others, negotiating and taking turns, and solving problems that arise,” says Rebecca Parlakian, the senior director of programs for Zero to Three. The best play kitchen sets encourage children to use their imagination as they cook dinner, work together to figure out who serves and who does the dishes, and safely explore foods (rutabaga, anyone?) that may seem daunting or unappealing. Shop our entire selection of clubhouse swing sets and backyard playsets to find the one that will be used and loved for years to come. All of our backyard playsets are simple to set-up and built to last.
Kids’ kitchen sets are a great option for toys that encourage learning. Our heavy-duty swing sets feature high quality construction and years of outdoor fun and safety for your children. Kids are natural observers who act out (or at least try to) the same things they see adults doing, like flipping pancakes, roasting a chicken, or baking a cake. Toddlers have a lot in common with celebrity chefs: They can be demanding at mealtime, difficult on the staff, and temperamental in public - but they can also be truly inspired when it comes to unusual food combinations.