The huge trend taking over kids’ cubby houses

Castle & Cubby

Outdoor mud kitchens are taking the internet by storm as parents create a dedicated play space in back yards for kids to engage in educational, messy play.

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.

kidsinnaturenetwork View Profile

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)!!

abaysidecottage View Profile

2. Sweet and simple

Super-portable, this could be made from an upcycled palette.

pottlyntubby View Profile

Our OUTDOOR MUD KITCHEN 💚💚💚 Built with a lot of hardwork and love, this outdoor mud kitchen is for little ones and parents who would love to encourage their kids to play outdoors once again. . Life in the city has become to focused on staying indoors and playing in indoor centers, that we miss so much of the fun and imaginative play our kids can experience outside. . This mud kitchen is for them to get messy! Play with what they foraged around them. Cook some soil, ground up some leaves, make a flower soup. And really to just play. Disengage from screens and apps and just play. We parents might need this too 🤗🤗🤗 . . . #outdoorkitchen #mudkitchen #outdoorplay #playkitchen #outdoors #playoutside #letsplay #letsplayoutside #forage #cook #minicook #minikitchen #montessoriathome #montessori #waldorf #waldorfhome #waldorftoys #mudkitchens #playtime #playdates #letsplay #outdoorfun #outdoorcooking #kidscooking #kidscook #minichefs #minichef #playoutdoors #summer #summerplay

3. Double trouble

Two sinks for twice the fun! Cleverly positioned next to the sand pit.

montessorieffect View Profile

Our DIY mud kitchen is ready for play! We are huge lovers of outside play so we thought a mud kitchen will be appreciated by Jessi. It offers endless imaginative and role play possibilities, sensory experiences through combination of natural materials and exploring outdoors and playing freely is always fun! Do you guys like mud kitchen? Or maybe do you have one or are you planning to build/buy one? _ #mudkitchen #matschküche #outdoorkitchen #kidsoutdoors

4. Palette pride

This one was made from palettes by Grandad in two hours!

arlene_cornish View Profile

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.

cosmosmontessoriforskola View Profile

Our new MUD KITCHEN at my school is now finished! The kids (and teachers) just love it! Inspirational play and opportunities for communication, sharing, learning and playing! 👫❤️🥄🥣🍽🍳 ... År nya utekök/ MUD KITCHEN är klar! Så otroligt roligt! Barnen och de vuxna älsakar den! Inspiration till lek, kommunikation, samarbete, empati och lärande! 👏🏻😍🙏🏻 ... #mudkitchen #childrensplay #outdoorkitchen #playarea #playkitchen ##montessori #förskola #swedishpreschool #preschool #montessoripreschool #barn #lärande #lärandelek #lpfö #läroplan #children #learning #montessorilearning #jagkan #tropåbarnet #believeinthechild #karlstad #bästaförskolan #barnsinflytande #lekochlär #playandlearn #www.cosmoskids.nu

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?

mjcmaintenance View Profile

7. Vintage vibes

Play out your own decorating dreams and live vicariously through your little one's outdoor mud kitchen!

littlehipsterkitchens View Profile

8. Scandi style scoops

For the budding retail entrepreneur... love that paper roll dispenser!

casieliving View Profile

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Diana Moore

Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.