There is no doubt about it that a mud kitchen is one of the best toys that you can have in a children’s garden. You often wonder why there are so many articles about mud kitchens and we can really see why. The benefits of mud play are quite substantial.

Albeit a small wooden structure, children are able to create so much imaginative play and also be exposed to many more skills to aid your Child’s development. Personally, we have seen our mud kitchen give hours of endless play in the garden and it is amazing just to watch from afar.

Playing with Mud

However, we have needed to invest in a small amount of equipment to get them started so that they are really able to get the best out of the experience and to help with the imaginative play. It is quite similar to us in our own kitchens. And believe it or not, I am amazed at the amount that he has taken in from just being in the kitchen and watching us cooking.

What equipment a mud kitchen needs

It’s actually quite a difficult question. A mud kitchen really is what you make it. However, there are certain accessories that should be in every mud kitchen that can really make a difference to the experience that children will get from their imaginative play. Here is our round up of what we believe makes a truly brilliant mud kitchen experience:

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans really are an essential for any mud kitchen. Whether it be one in your garden or one that is being built at a pre school or gardening club. This is where the imagination starts and children really will come up with some exciting recipes. If there was one piece of equipment where you shouldn’t hold back, this is it. It is important to buy equipment that is safe for them to use outside and ones that will stand the test of time. As a mud kitchen is generally open to the elements, it is best to store any equipment somewhere dry so that you maximise the life of it. Here’s some of our favourite pots and pans to complement your mud kitchen.

Melissa & Doug – Let’s Play House, 8 Piece Stainless Steel Cook Set

Every kitchen needs some tools and the mud kitchen should be no exception. Melissa & Doug are world famous for the quality of their toys. This set is extremely well made and is of a size that is suitable for children between 3 and 8 years old.

Check out this cook set on Amazon


Children's pots and pans for a mud kitchen

John Lewis – Children’s Pots and Pans – 10 piece set

John Lewis is renowned for its quality and this is certainly true when it comes to children’s toys. This set comes with pots pans and utensils and will look great hanging in any mud kitchen. Made from stainless steel, this product will certainly stand the test of time. It’s also quite vintage looking.

Available through John Lewis

Mixing Equipment

Mixing equipment is certainly where the creative work comes in along with the development of fine motor skills. By having a great selection of utensils in the mud kitchen, children really will be able to cook up a storm. There are a large amount of utensils that you can buy but we have put together what we see as the real essentials to get started and get children engaged.

Melissa & Doug – 7 Piece Stir & Serve Cooking Utensils

Mixing and mashing is a great activity in the mud kitchen. From mud burgers through to worm spaghetti, this is an amazing set from Melissa & Doug. This set is made from stainless steel and will certainly stand the test of time. Best of all, it can go in the dishwasher to keep it squeaky clean!

Check out these utensils on Amazon


10 Piece Silicone Utensils

Silicone utensils are great for use in the mud kitchen. For one they softer than metal utensils which makes them better for younger children. This set has pretty much all of the utensils that you could want in a mud kitchen and they are really good value.

Check out these utensils on Amazon


Wooden Spatula Set

If you are looking to stick with a natural looking mud kitchen, then these value utensils will be perfect. Plus, who doesn’t recognise the famous wooden spoon? They are made from beechwood and will be fairly hard wearing. Keeping them clean and dry after use will help keep them looking brand new.

Check these out on Amazon


Colourful Mixing Bowls – Set of 4

Mixing is a very important part of play in the mud kitchen. And what better than to mix and serve up a feast in these multicoloured bowls to add a bit of contrast. Child safe and will stand the test of time living outdoors. 

Check out these bowls on Amazon

 


Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl

As mixing is an extremely important part of a mud kitchen, you may like to try using some of these stainless steel mixing bowls. These bowls are available in various sizes and make a great sound when making those mud pies!

Check out these bowls on Amazon


10 Litre Water Dispenser

Mud play certainly comes to life when you add water to the mix. This is a great dispenser that hold a good amount of water to place near the mud kitchen so that children can add it to their dishes and also wash their hands if they get a little muddy. As a camping dispenser, it is durable and long lasting.

Check out this item on Amazon


Children’s Watering Can

Metal watering cans are just iconic and this children’s version will be the perfect addition for creating all sorts of dishes and washing down the tops of the mud kitchen. Children can also use it to care for plants around the garden.

Check out this item on Amazon

 

Decorative Items for a Mud Kitchen

A mud kitchen really comes to life when it is personalised. There are quite a few items that you can add to a kitchen that will set it apart from the rest. Quite often you will see pictures of kitchens and you think WOW! Here’s some of our picks that will help you really create a magical space in the garden.

Mud Kitchen

Personalised for a Mud Kitchen

No mud kitchen is compete without a sign. We love this one from Etsy as it can be personalised to the child’s name or children. Hang it from the top to make it known it’s theirs.

Order through Etsy


 10 Coloured Metal Hanging Pots

Most mud kitchen have some shelves above the cooking area and these look wonderful when planted with some small flowers. Why not put some garden herbs in them to really bring the cooking experience to life? A great sensory experience too.

Check out these pots on Amazon

 


 Welcome to the Mud Kitchen Sign

A great sign to put up in the mud kitchen area. At least as an adult you know that you will be entering the ‘mess’ zone! This sign is made from plastic so will stand the test of time living outdoors.

Check out this sign on Amazon

 


 

We’ll continue to update this page as and when we come across new and exciting items for the mud kitchen. What do you use in your mud kitchen?

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