Play Kitchens for Older Kids: 19 Fun Picks They’ll Love in 2025
Looking for the best play kitchens for older kids that go beyond toddler toys? These larger, realistic, and durable sets are perfect for kids ages 5 and up who still love imaginative play.
These play kitchens for older kids are bigger, sturdier, and more exciting than toddler sets — perfect for 5, 6, 7, and even 8-year-olds who still want to cook up some fun. Whether you’re tight on space or want something ultra-durable, this list has a perfect match for your family.
💡 Tip: Pair your kitchen with a pretend market stand or shopping cart to level up the imaginative fun.
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🏆 Best Overall Play Kitchens for Older Kids
1. KidKraft Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds
- Age Range: 3–8
- Why It’s Great: Tons of interactive features (lights, sounds, hooks, turning knobs), and it’s huge — great for bigger kids.
- Buy it on Amazon
2. IKEA DUKTIG Play Kitchen
- Age Range: 3–7
- Why It’s Great: Clean lines, adjustable legs for height, and super hackable if you love a DIY moment.
- Find it at IKEA
3. Little Chef Chelsea Modern Play Kitchen
Why It’s Great: Sleek, modern look with storage, sound features, and a compact footprint.
Age Range: 4–8
🍓 Best Play Market Stands for Older Kids
4. Melissa & Doug Grocery Store / Lemonade Stand
- Why It’s Great: Dual-use stand with working conveyor belt and realistic cash register.
- Perfect Pairing: Great with any kitchen set to mimic a full grocery experience.
5. Tender Leaf Toys General Store
- Why It’s Great: Wooden shelves, blackboard, and a sweet vintage vibe.
6. Pottery Barn Kids Farmers Market
- Luxury Pick: High-end design, solid wood, and beautiful aesthetic for open-ended play.
If your child still loves pretend cooking, these play kitchens for older kids are perfect for extended imaginative play.
🔧 Best Wooden Play Kitchens That Will Last Years
7. Teamson Kids Little Chef Series
- Beautiful colors, wood finish, and storage for accessories.
8. Hape Gourmet Kitchen
- Compact, simple, and durable.
👨👩👧👦 Play Kitchens That Siblings Can Share
10. KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen
- Fits in a corner, allowing two or three kids to play at once.
11. Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen
- More plastic-style, but roomy and full of accessories.
12. B. toys by Battat Chef’s Cook & Store
- Colorful and compact, perfect for shared spaces.
💡 Unique Picks With Realistic Features
13. Smoby Tefal Studio Bubble Kitchen
- French-made, realistic boiling water feature!
14. Wood & Hearts Montessori Kitchen Helper Station
- Not a toy — a real kid-sized kitchen helper for Montessori homes.
🛒 Bonus Picks: Mix & Match Fun
15. Melissa & Doug Fridge & Freezer Set
- Add to any basic kitchen for more realism.
16. Play Circle Shopping Cart & Groceries Set
- Perfect add-on for pretend store play.
17. Jupiduu Market Stand + Play Cash Register
- Aesthetic and functional.
18. Tiny Land Wooden Play Kitchen
- Natural wood look with open shelving.
19. Lalo Pretend Kitchen (New!)
- A new contender in the market — ultra modern, super cute.
🛍️ How to Choose a Play Kitchen for Older Kids
- Height matters – Look for kitchens 35” or taller for big kids
- Materials – Wood is sturdy and grows with kids
- Realistic features – Think lights, sound, hooks, and turnable knobs
- Room to grow – Market stands and fridges are great extensions
🧠 Educational Benefits of Pretend Play
Play kitchens aren’t just cute. They help with:
- Problem-solving
- Cooperative play
- Speech and vocabulary
- Motor skill development
Learn more about pretend play benefits from HealthyChildren.org
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Play Kitchens for Older Kids
These play kitchens for older kids can grow with your child — especially with added accessories like market stands or play fridges.
🧑🍳 What age is appropriate for a play kitchen?
Play kitchens are typically suitable for children ages 2 to 8, but many older kids (ages 5–7) still enjoy them — especially when the sets are larger, more realistic, or come with add-ons like market stands or cash registers. Look for kitchens that are tall enough and offer features like lights, sounds, or extra storage to appeal to older children.
📏 What size play kitchen is best for older kids?
For older kids, look for play kitchens that are at least 35 inches tall. Taller units offer better ergonomics for bigger kids and provide more space for creative pretend play. Corner kitchens, modular designs, and deluxe sets like the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Kitchen are ideal for growing kids.
🛍️ Can older kids enjoy market stands and grocery play too?
Absolutely! Many older children enjoy pretend shopping, role-playing as cashiers, and running a “store.” Market stands like the Melissa & Doug Grocery Store or Jupiduu Market Stand pair well with play kitchens to create a full imaginative experience. Add a play money set or toy scanner for extra fun.
🎁 What are some good accessories for older kids’ play kitchens?
Great accessories include:
Wooden food sets
Mini pots and pans
Play microwaves, fridges, or dishwashers
Shopping carts and reusable grocery bags
Cash registers with play money
These items make the experience more immersive and engaging for older kids who enjoy detailed play.
🧼 Are wooden play kitchens better than plastic ones?
Wooden play kitchens tend to be more durable, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing — especially for long-term use by older kids. However, plastic kitchens like those by Step2 often come with built-in sound effects and are easier to clean. It depends on your space, play style, and budget.
🛠️ Do I need to assemble these play kitchens?
Yes, most large play kitchens require some assembly, especially the wooden ones. IKEA, KidKraft, and Tiny Land all include detailed instructions, and the process typically takes 1–2 hours. It’s a great weekend project — and totally worth it once the kitchen is up!
🎉 Are play kitchens a good birthday or holiday gift?
Definitely. Play kitchens and market stands make amazing gifts because they combine imaginative play, fine motor development, and endless role-playing opportunities. They also offer a screen-free way for kids to stay entertained independently or with siblings.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying for a curious 5-year-old or a creative 7-year-old who still loves cooking shows, these 19 picks will keep the magic of pretend play alive. From realistic wooden kitchens to fun little market stands, the right setup can spark hours of screen-free fun.
🎯 Want non-toy gift ideas too? Check out our favorite non-toy gifts for kids!
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