How to Set Up a Children's Play Area

Have your kids select the toys for their play area.

Dedicating an area of your home for your children to play in can be beneficial in more ways than one. It can help make your home more organized and it can help encourage your child to play independently. It does not take much to set up an area for kids to play in. With a few safety measures, some input from your kids, toys and a little organization you can make a top-notch play area your kids will love.

Things You'll Need

• Area rug or folding screen (optional)
• Safety devices
• Storage containers
• Shelf
• Toys

Instructions

1. Select an area of your home for a child's play area. Naturally an entire a room is preferable, but an area in the living room, dining room or bedroom can work too. If you are using an area of a room use an area rug or screen to distinguish the play area from the other parts of the room.

2. Childproof the play area. If your kids are little you will want to cover electrical sockets with plastic stoppers, use child safe window treatments, tuck wires and cords out of sight and secure appliances and furniture to ensure they do not tip.

3. Decorate your play area. Have your child help select decor. Consider child friendly curtains, paint, wall hangings, posters, area rugs and furniture. Bean bag chairs, mini recliners, shelving, toy boxes and child sized tables are all good for a play area.

4. Select toys for your child's play area. Allow him to help choose the toys for the play area. Things to consider may include blocks, art supplies, a play kitchen, doll house and books.

5. Organize your play area to make it easier for your kids to play and clean up. Use storage containers to organize toys, crafts and accessories. Label the containers to make them easier to use. Label them with a marker or put a photo of the contents on each for kids that don't read yet.

References

• Apartment Guide: Creating an Apartment Play Area
• "How to Organize Just About Everything;" Peter Walsh; 2004