Must

A play room can be as simple or elaborate as a budget and space allow, but there are some basics that can help transform even the smallest room into a great play room.

The following basics include a mix of activities, depending on the child’s age, for children of preschool-age, through the primary school years:

SPACE – SIT-DOWN SPACE AND MOVE-AROUND SPACE

Two very important things every play room needs are as much floor space as possible, along with a table and chairs suited to the child’s age. A sturdy rug on the floor makes a cozy room, but toy trucks and small riding toys don’t move well along most carpet. Another disadvantage to carpet is that paint, clay, PlayDoh, and paper glue don’t go well with carpeting.

STORAGE FOR TOYS

Bins make putting toys away easier. Colored laundry bags can be used for toy storage as well. Closets (which can have locked doors if necessary) can house shelves or stackable storage units).

A PLACE FOR “QUIET PLAY”

Some simple, low, shelves for books; or a few rectangular bins in a corner, offer a place for storing books. Puzzles, coloring books, crayons, activity books, paper make this “quiet corner” complete. Paint with water books, watercolor paints, brushes, and a container for water are good to have on hand. (Tip: Before giving children boxed puzzles reinforce the corners of the boxes with strong tape. Puzzles pieces are more likely to be returned to unbroken boxes.) Plastic containers from a dollar store are an inexpensive and stackable way to store small items, like crayons and paint brushes.

BUILDING BLOCKS ARE A MUST

A good set of wood blocks and an age-appropriate set of Duplo or Lego blocks are great for keeping children busy.

OTHER THINGS FOR PLAY

Young children enjoy having a play kitchen with dishes and play food. Dolls and a doll cradle are a must for girls. Barbie dolls, clothing, accessories, and a house are usually something older girls will play with for hours. Older boys, of course, like action figures and sets associated with them.

A doll house with people and furniture can be modified as a child grows. The same is true for train sets. Playing paper dolls is still a nice activity for girls. Sticker books are something kids usually like. Don’t forget some age-appropriate toy cars and trucks (Tonka makes chunky little trucks for younger children. HotWheels, of course, are great for bigger boys.)

Having some classic board or card games offers something