A Summer Mud Kitchen ...

 




Why not set up a Mud Kitchen for the children this Summer ?! 

 Its a magical way to encourage imaginative outdoor play! 

It doesn’t need to be fancy—just thoughtful, sensory-rich, and child-led. 


Here’s a few ideas to creating your own mud kitchen wonderland...


Pick Your Perfect Spot

  •  Shade preferred (under a tree, awning, or umbrella)
  •  Access to natural materials like dirt, sand, leaves, flowers
  •  Near water source if possible (hose, bucket, rain barrel)


Create the “Kitchen” Structure - You don’t need a full play kitchen—get creative!

  • Old table, bench, pallets, or a few crates stacked
  • Add hooks or shelves for tools and pots
  • Wash basins, buckets, tyres
  • Optional: Use stones or bricks to build a pretend stove or oven


Gather Tools + Utensils - use second hand or old kitchen items

  •  Metal or wooden bowls, pots, pans
  •  Spoons, ladles, whisks, strainers, muffin tins
  •  Funnels, jugs, measuring cups
  •  Colanders and sieves for flower tea or water play 
  •  plastic or metal cups, plates, teapots, plastic glasses


Add “Ingredients” - Set out a buffet of natural, seasonal materials

  •  Dirt, sand, and water (the basics!)
  •  Flowers and petals (dandelions, daisies, lavender, rose)
  •  Leaves, bark, moss, pinecones
  •  Grass clippings, herbs, or even fruit scraps
  •  Coloured water in jars (optional—natural dye or food colouring)


Make It Seasonal + Evolving - mud kitchens thrive when refreshed

  •  Add fresh petals or herbs weekly
  •  Have a theme that is relevant to the children's interests
  •  Include seasonal props (sunflowers, seashells, summer fruits)




Water Station + Clean Up

  •  Keep a bucket or jug of clean water nearby
  •  Add a towel or cloth for wiping hands
  •  Optional: Provide a shallow tub for foot rinsing (mud happens!)

 

Extras for the Magic

  •  Chalkboard menu or recipe board
  •  Small jars for “takeaway” potions or mud muffins
  •  Natural “spices” like cinnamon sticks or dried orange peel
  •  Decorate with hanging bunting, shells, or wooden signs



Please Remember...

It doesn’t have to be perfect — just messy and joyful. 

Let your child lead the way.




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