DIY Play Spaces: Creating a Playful Environment at Home

Playing with your kids fosters a deep parent-child connection. It shows you are present for them, knowing what they need through playful interactions. Moreover, kids become curious and creative when they play, further promoting holistic development. These interactions will help develop their cognitive skills, language skills, and interest in learning.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to cultivate a safe and playful environment at home. They should find this space comfortable and engaging. To help you facilitate the creation of such an environment in your home, here’s a guide we have prepared for you.

Things to Incorporate in Your Home

To help your kids take ownership of their space, you must incorporate things that would encourage them to learn and explore. Some materials you can purchase are as follows:

● Play Mats

If you have firm flooring like wooden or concrete tiles, it is recommended to install a wipe-clean playmat for your kids’ safety in the play space. You may buy colorful mats for different play zones. Click to Discover The Memo’s Baby Play Mat Range and pick play mats that will suit the theme of your play space.

This will help them familiarize themselves with the activities they can do in a specific playspace area. Make sure to buy anti-bacterial and non-slip play mats to create a safe space for your kids.

● Interesting Seating

You can consider many playful seating ideas for your indoor play space. For instance, you may add carpet comfy floor cushions that you can tuck away when not in use. You may also have a couch for two, which you can use during storytelling sessions.

If there’s a floor-to-ceiling window in the play space, you may add a sunbed where your kids can lay during nap time. A reading chair can also be a great addition to your indoor play space.

● Wood Toys

Teach your kids to be eco-conscious while they are young. Encourage the use of wooden toys and learning materials made of wood. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, these items promote open-ended play, ideal for your kids’ cognitive development.

● Labeled Bins

To be organized, putting labeled bins in the playspace is recommended. Toddlers won’t be able to read the labels, but babysitters and older siblings can quickly locate and return the things within the playspace. Moreover, it’s satisfying on your part to find everything in the right places every after-play.

● Grownup Elements

It’s enjoyable for kids to experience the everyday life of adults. This is why you must include grownup elements in the playspace. You may add cash registers, doctor kits, tool chests, teapots, coffee servers, and toys for cooking, among many other items that could simulate the activities of working adults.

● Natural Elements

You may also add natural elements like indoor plants for a more eco-friendly set-up. Some beautiful houseplants you can place inside are African violet, Peace Lily, Snake Plants, and String of Pearls. Besides adding aesthetics to the playspace, these plants can also help maintain good air quality inside your home.

Quick Tips to Follow

To encourage active play inside your house, here are some simple tips to consider:

Look for a Space

Find a space inside the house for your child’s playful learning space. Make sure it works well for your family. You can dedicate a nook in their bedroom, an area in your living room, or a corner next to your kitchen. Regardless of the size of that dedicated area, you can make the most of the space by adding toys, learning materials, and some familiar objects that your kids will love.

Think of Your Intention

Before putting anything in that space, think about your intention. Consider your goals of putting up that playspace. Envision what it will look like once completed. Doing this allows you to continue cultivating an environment supporting your child’s development. You will never tire of upgrading and ensuring the space remains a cultivating environment for your kids.

Moreover, this would enable you to build a functional and practical play environment. Thus, encourage kids to seek answers to their questions and continue learning as they explore the environment.

Purchase Items from Brands You Trust

When buying essential items for the play space, choose non-toxic objects. This way, you can look after your family’s well-being and the environment’s welfare as well. In addition, purchase items that meet and support your kids’ interests.

Of course, the very first item you should tick off your list is a table. This is where your kids would write, read, and draw. Pick a kid-size table and chair so your kids can independently settle there.

Also, add shelves or containers at their eye level so they can easily locate and reach the materials. You may use baskets or trays so they can just quickly grab something without asking for your help.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of playspace ideas you can try. You just have to research by browsing the web or asking your fellow parents. Besides encouraging your kids to explore and learn, teach them to maintain a clutter-free environment. Ask them to return everything to their right storage bins after playing. This way, you can unload a task from your routine and train your kids to be organized.