Mud Kitchen
Dirt, water, old pans. The most reliable hour of outdoor play there is.
- Ages
- 2–10 yrs
- Play
- 30–90 min
- Prep
- 8 min
- Mess
- messy
- Energy
- lively
- Where
- outside
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- old pans and bowlsDon’t have it? Amazon
- water
- spoons and scoops
Optional
- a trowelGet it on Amazon
- a sieve and funnelDon’t have it? Amazon
- cutters and a rollerDon’t have it? Amazon
- play plates to serve onGet it on Amazon
How to play
Before you start: Find a corner of the yard you do not mind being dug. Set out old pans, a bucket of water and some spoons.
Show them the water and the dirt and say nothing else.
Let the recipe be entirely theirs, however unappetizing.
Ask what they are making and take the answer seriously. Order something from the menu.
Sieve dry soil into a bowl and let them feel how different it is wet.
Eat the imaginary cake with enormous enthusiasm.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Check the soil is not from anywhere pets use, and not freshly treated with anything.
- Hands washed properly afterwards, before eating anything.
- Standing water in a bucket needs supervision with under-3s.
Make it different next time
- Add a few petals and leaves as ingredients.
- Set up a stall and take orders from whoever is in the yard.
Cleanup: Hose everything at the door. Old clothes only — this is not an activity for the good ones.
Three more like this
Learn something
Kitchen Pouring Station
15–30 min 18 mo–4 yrs Some mess- cups and a measuring cup with a spout
- a tray with a rim
- water or dry rice
- Good for siblings
