With children moving more and more indoors for play, Mums and Dads are looking for ways to engage them in outdoor activities.
According to Dr Dimity Williams, the benefits of outdoor play for children in their early years are innumerable. Being immersed in nature helps to reduce stress and anxiety in children and lift their mood. Improvements in motor skills, eye muscles, Vitamin D levels, problem solving and sensory development are all experienced, as well as important opportunities for risk-taking, adventure-seeking and better focus when they return indoors to live and learn.
Australian community organisations such as The Kids Nature Network, are working in initiatives designed to increase the opportunities for kids to play outside, including the recent Nature Play Week.
From home-made, adapted, upcycled and renovated to stunning off-the-rack versions, mud kitchens are an achievable DIY project for parents and kids to work on together and a plethora of Mums have shared their stunning success on social media.
Here’s just a taste of inspirational outcomes (mud pie anyone?!):
1. Mud kitchen-come potting shed
Now this mud kitchen has seen some action! Artificial grass keeps mess somewhat manageable underfoot and a quirky downpipe contraption stimulates further exploration. Doubles as a pizza cafe (see below)!!
2. Sweet and simple
Super-portable, this could be made from an upcycled palette.
3. Double trouble
Two sinks for twice the fun! Cleverly positioned next to the sand pit.
4. Palette pride
This one was made from palettes by Grandad in two hours!
5. Mud kitchen university
This mud pie kitchen is newly installed in a pre-school and brings loads of fun and functional inspiration to the table.
6. Work in progress
Built in a weekend, this one offers a step-by-step cheat sheet to show just how simple the structure can be. What are you doing this weekend?
7. Vintage vibes
Play out your own decorating dreams and live vicariously through your little one's outdoor mud kitchen!
8. Scandi style scoops
For the budding retail entrepreneur... love that paper roll dispenser!
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