Tis the season for rainy, dreary weather. And with all the rain comes mud. And with gooey mud comes mess. Every kid’s favorite! IYKYK. Messy play for kids is the ultimate way to have fun, feel free, strengthen fine motor muscles, and, well…. be a kid! And from a parent’s perspective, outdoor messy play is the best way to make a mess. Why? Because there’s virtually no cleanup required, and nature soup from a mud kitchen is delicious. (Okay, maybe not the second one so much). But it does lend itself to hours of independent play. This post shares everything you need to know about mud kitchens.
Table of Contents:
- What is a mud kitchen?
- What can playing in the mud teach my kids?
- DIY outdoor mud kitchen
- A dreamy mud kitchen alternative
- Supplies
- Fill the afternoon with muddy pretend play
- Craving a calmer morning?
So, what’s the best way to have fun and make a mess in the mud outside? In a mud kitchen, of course!
It is the love of a play kitchen with a lot more creativity. With these fun ideas, your kids will love having permission to play outside making mud pies and stone soup until the sun goes down. And if you have been following Days with Grey for some time, you know having a mud kitchen doesn’t require a fancy price tag. (But I do have a dreamy one I found at the New York Toy Fair, linked below.)
RELATED: Spring is a great time to get outside and get messy! Try out some of these fun spring activities for preschoolers this season.
What is a mud kitchen?
A mud kitchen is an outdoor space for kids to play and create with nature’s messiest sensory material: MUD! Mud kitchens can have no frills and are simple to set up with a mixing bowl, bucket, and garden hose for water. They can also have elaborate designs that include running water. (whoa!) The perfect addition to your backyard.
I know what you’re thinking—there’s no way I will tell my kid to play in the mud!
But if the idea of a mud kitchen is on your radar, let me tell you, once you witness your kids playing with so much enthusiasm and imaginative play in the mud all afternoon, you will wonder why you had never allowed this before.
Mud kitchens are designated spaces for kids of all ages to make ALL the mess they want. Watch your kids explore sensory play, get creative, use their imaginations, and have endless fun while playing pretend outside.
RELATED: This muddy water sensory play is another fun outdoor activity for mud-filled days!
What can playing in the mud teach my kids?
When children are given the space, tools, and permission to engage in messy play, they flourish! Playing outdoors is fantastic for kids of all ages. Young kids get the party started, and older children tend to join in. Especially in a neighborhood where multiple ages and stages play together.
FUN FACT: You don’t need mud in a mud kitchen! Just add water and see where your child takes the play.
Mud play has so many learning benefits for your kids:
- Boosts creative play
- Builds independent play skills
- Encourages outdoor nature play
- Enhances imagination and pretend play
- Increases sensory play awareness
- Introduces water play (the best thing!)
- Strengthens fine motor development (mixing, pouring, scooping)
- Supports socialization skills
Studies have shown that playing in the mud is developmentally appropriate and healthy for kids.
RELATED: There are so many fun ways to play outside! Don’t miss our 50 outdoor activities for kids.
DIY outdoor mud kitchen
Mud kitchens don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Let’s be honest; they’re going to be covered in mud. I’ve seen many plans on the internet for building a DIY mud kitchen with scrap wood or store-bought lumber from Home Depot. But this can be tricky if you don’t have a craftsman at home. (Don’t worry; I have an incredible alternative below.)
The best part about embracing a mud kitchen for your kids is that you can set one up quickly and easily with what you already have.
Mud kitchens also don’t even need a wooden counter space! Imagine that?!
- Find an outdoor space that looks like a good home base for a mess. Tree stumps make great tables for mud kitchen accessories.
- Place a folding table (like the white party tables) in the space. No folding table? No problem. Put some supplies on the ground to get started. There is always room to upgrade later.
- Add a few mixing and pouting essentials. Kitchen utensils are a must!
Trust me. Kids can do the rest. They will likely have a vision that will outsmart ours.
RELATED: Some children LOVE messy play. I have some excellent messy play ideas in this post if this is your child.
Outdoor areas to consider:
- Backyard playset
- Driveway or patio
- Grassy area
- Old outdoor playhouse
- Outdoor sensory table or bin
- Somewhere with a water source
Once you have your designated mud kitchen space, grab your outdoor kitchen supplies and get to mud-baking!
RELATED: Not ready to embrace the rainy weather outside? Check out our list of rainy-day activities for kids.
A dreamy mud kitchen alternative
Some of you are reading this, loving the idea and hating the execution. If this is you, I have the best wooden mud kitchen that can be shipped to your door. (Minimal power tools required.)
I discovered this mud kitchen at the NY Toy Fair this fall, and it is DREAMY! When I look for the best toys for kids, I want them to grow with my child. This is an example of open-ended play!
Hape makes this mud kitchen out of anti-corrosive wood for ages 3+. This set includes a pot, ladle, bowls, flowerpots, sieve, water tank, sink, faucet, oven plate, and menu blackboard. After setting it up, all you need to do is add water and nature!
Days with Grey participates in Hape’s affiliate advertising program. As an Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in mydisclosure policy.
Hape Outdoor Kitchen
Use CODE: dayswithgrey to receive 15% off! I love the removable sink and stainless steel bins.
Supplies
Regardless of what type of mud kitchen you have set up for your toddlers and preschoolers, there are some simple supplies you will want to add. This outdoor sensory play supply list is our go-to for all things related to outdoor play. It’s the Dollar Tree and thrift stores plus anything you are looking to upgrade in your kitchen.
Kids don’t care about formal, expensive, or fancy things. They care more about the experience, so fill your setup with fun outdoor kitchen supplies. The kitchen tools and supplies are really what make the mud kitchen come to life!
Add some old kitchen tools or outdoor sensory supplies to your setup. Mud kitchens might include simple tools a real kitchen may have, such as:
- Buckets
- Cooking utensils
- Cups
- Faucet
- Ice cube trays
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowls
- Old pots and pans
- Plates
- Recycled materials such as washed syrup containers
- Spoons
- Water
Fill the afternoon with muddy pretend play
Embrace all things messy with mud kitchens this fall! Your kids will love playing pretend in all the mess. Playing in the mud is developmentally appropriate and important for building fundamental independent play skills in young children. If you have been trying to get your kids interested in sensory play, this outdoor messy, muddy play will surely reel them in and keep them busy and having fun all afternoon on those long, dreary fall days ahead!
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
I WANT TO GET STARTED!
What age is best for mud kitchen play?
Mud kitchen play is good for all ages! Kids aged 1-7 years old love muddy sensory play. That said, anytime is the best time to get your kids outside playing in nature.
What can kids make in a mud kitchen?
Kids can make anything in a mud kitchen! When given the space and tools to create, kids will create various ways to mix, pour, and play pretend in the mud.
How do you set up a mud kitchen?
Mud kitchens don’t have to be built or bought. It can be a simple DIY setup that involves sensory bin containers or old outdoor playhouses. Toss in some old kitchen tools or outdoor sensory play supplies, and let your kids play for hours!
