As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “the environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” Additionally, some kids may want to climb on a mud kitchen or can just be a little rough with their toys, so you'll want something sturdy.

Chat to your child about what they'd like to see in their mud kitchen but remember they can add their own extras and that's all part of the creative play. A mud kitchen is a play kitchen to be used outside, where children can use their imaginations to role-play and pretend to cook. These mini outdoor kitchens replicate real culinary spaces, complete with sinks, stovetops, and shelves, and invite kids into a world of imaginative exploration and delightful messiness. They’re designed for outdoor play and generally made from wood with removable elements that are easy to hose down between play times. Where indoor play kitchens usually focus on role-playing and imaginative cooking scenarios with pretend food and utensils, mud kitchens are designed for messy outdoor play using natural materials like wood or recycled materials. Organic topsoil followed by organic potting soil are some of the best dirt options for mud kitchens thanks to its soft feel and gut friendly organic material.This fantastic kitchen has a clever working tap, two large chalkboards, a realistic four-ring hob and ample storage space. It also comes with robust stainless steel accessories that are fun to use and can be hung from handy hooks.

Once the two end pieces are complete, attach the floor and table boards between the two and screw them into place. Members of the Mumsnet community agree that a sturdy mud kitchen with lots of fun accessories is a great way to keep their children playing happily in the garden. So, we weighed the toys their toddlers have played with and loved, which they wholeheartedly recommend. Their experiences, including weatherproofing and cleaning advice and the mud kitchens which suit children of all ages, have informed our choices of the outdoor toys you should invest in. Expert opinions Of course, you want to make sure there aren't splinters and your mud kitchen is in good shape (no rusty nails/screws coming loose). Additionally, you want to make sure young toddlers aren't eating things they aren't supposed to. They are easy enough to make if you have the time and are DIY orientated.” suggested by Mumsnet user onedsrightnowImaginative play: Found some pebbles? Perhaps they're sprinkles now! Are you making a mud birthday cake? Or running a mud restaurant? The imaginative play and role play situations are endless with a mud kitchen and nature at your child's disposal. Studies have shown that playing outdoors is fantastic for a child’s physical and mental well-being. Research by scientists at the University of Bristol has also suggested that getting their hands dirty can boost children's immune systems and makes them happier and more relaxed. What to look for when choosing a mud kitchen You can attach a garden hose to the tap - hours of fun!" (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user DownWhichOfLate) Our verdict

So, making mud pies and crawling through mud increases our happiness and relaxation levels. Although, certainly most children don't need convincing that mud is fun and good for you.The Chad Valley Wooden Mud Kitchen is an attractive toy with rustic styling and thoughtful features. It has two small metal sinks that can be removed easily for draining and cleaning and are great for two children playing together side by side. Mud kitchens are a great way of encouraging imaginative play in your kids. We have mud kitchens with working taps & sinks, our splash & play range. This range comes with their very own mud kitchen water dispensers & a working tap, adding extra play value. We have small mud kitchens for toddlers and larger garden mud kitchens for older children. Our mud kitchens come with pots & pans as accessories for little chefs looking to create messy mud masterpieces. If you’re relatively DIY savvy like the Mumsnet users below, you may prefer to make your own mud kitchen, creating a truly bespoke and personalised play area for your child.

Research has proven that playing in the mud can make you happy. LiveScience.com reported on a study by the University of Bristol, which showed that 'exposure to friendly soil bacteria could improve your mood by boosting the immune system just as effectively as antidepressant drugs'. There is also additional evidence that microscopic bacteria in mud can increase serotonin levels in our brains – the chemical that helps us relax. Language skills: Playing in a mud kitchen offers ample opportunity for communicating wants, needs, emotions, and working on new descriptive words Mud kitchens do exactly that. They provide children with the freedom to explore and interact with a prepared environment rich with sensory and learning materials. Afterall, children learn through play. Additionally, Dr. Montessori was a huge proponent of children spending lots of time in nature, which mud kitchens provide compared to a traditional indoor play kitchen.Fine motor refinement: Depending on the tools you provide and features of your mud kitchen, kids can work a variety of fine motor skills Stain-sealant combo:If you'd like to add some color, this combo finishes and seals the wood with a beautiful waterproof coating to increase longevity. Depending on your sealant you may need to re-seal every few years TP Toys Muddy Maker Mud Kitchen is one of the most popular mud kitchens on the market thanks to its moderate price point and thoughtful design. It loses one star just because it doesn't come with running water and is unfinished; but you can DIY that or opt for their “ deluxe” version which comes with a water basin and counter extender. Gross motor skills: For younger toddlers, standing and manoeuvring around a mud kitchen can offer a chance to build your child's larger muscle groups and balance