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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