19 Play Kitchens (& Markets) Older Kids Can Enjoy Too

As a mother of three, I’ve navigated the challenge of selecting toys that not only captivate our young ones but also grow with them.

It’s crucial to find the right toy that strikes a balance between fun and development, especially as our kids transition from toddlers to the curious age of 4-8+ years (especially when it comes to an adorable kitchen set).

Today, I’m excited to explore the enchanting realm of play kitchens, a segment that has remarkably evolved to cater to this specific age group…Especially since I’ve owned quite a few of these for my kids!

We’ll look at tall play kitchens that are a perfect fit for growing children, especially the kitchens that don’t have a “top” section, offering much space for creative culinary adventures. The focus is on high-quality kitchen play sets, which are not just toys but tools for imaginative play and learning.

Whether it’s a plastic set with vibrant colors or a more subdued wooden set, each kitchen has been designed to enhance your child’s play experience.

I’m excited to help you find a great kitchen, whether your child is 4 or 8 years old, these are all high quality kitchens that I myself have owned or would buy in a heartbeat.

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What Makes a Good Play Kitchen for Older Kids?

When shopping for a play kitchen for older children, there are several factors to consider. Size is crucial; you want to ensure the kitchen is spacious enough for your child to play comfortably.

The material is another key consideration for durability and safety. Features like realistic cooking sounds or an attached refrigerator can enhance the play experience significantly​​.

Older kids appreciate a play kitchen that mimics the real thing. This includes realistic designs like a four-burner stove, farmhouse-style sink, and pretend appliances.

A KidKraft Uptown Kitchen or KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen are examples of sets that offer a realistic feel and modern design.Older kids appreciate a play kitchen that mimics the real thing.

This includes realistic designs like a four-burner stove, farmhouse-style sink, and pretend appliances. A KidKraft Uptown Kitchen or KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen are examples of sets that offer a realistic feel and modern design.

​For older kids, a taller play kitchen that matches their height is essential. Look for kitchens with appropriate counter height, ensuring they have enough space to play comfortably.

For homes with limited space, there are options designed for small spaces while still offering a great size for play.For older kids, a taller play kitchen that matches their height is essential.

Look for kitchens with appropriate counter height, ensuring they have enough space to play comfortably. For homes with limited space, there are options designed for small spaces while still offering a great size for play.

​High-quality materials like wood or sturdy particle board ensure the kitchen set withstands the active play of older children. A wooden set typically offers better durability compared to a plastic play kitchen.

High-quality materials like wood or sturdy particle board ensure the kitchen set withstands the active play of older children. A wooden set typically offers better durability compared to a plastic play kitchen.

​Features like sound effects, an ice dispenser, or a cordless phone add an interactive dimension that keeps older kids engaged. Educational toys like grocery lists or coffee stations encourage learning through play. 

Features like sound effects, an ice dispenser, or a cordless phone add an interactive dimension that keeps older kids engaged. Educational toys like grocery lists or coffee stations encourage learning through play.

​Ample storage for kitchen accessories and grocery lists helps keep the play area organized and enhances the play experience.Ample storage for kitchen accessories and grocery lists helps keep the play area organized and enhances the play experience.

​Aesthetically pleasing designs with a modern look appeal to older kids. A mini version of a real kitchen with unique features like a coffee station or sound features can be particularly enticing.Aesthetically pleasing designs with a modern look appeal to older kids. A mini version of a real kitchen with unique features like a coffee station or sound features can be particularly enticing.

​The best play kitchen is one that can adapt to different age groups, ensuring it remains a favorite as your child grows. It should play an important role in their development and imagination.The best play kitchen is one that can adapt to different age groups, ensuring it remains a favorite as your child grows. It should play an important role in their development and imagination.

Top Play Kitchens For Older Kids

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen

The KidKraft Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen stands out in the world of pretend kitchens, offering a wealth of features that spark the imagination of little chefs. Its unique curved design not only maximizes space, making it a perfect fit for corners and smaller play areas, but also adds an aesthetic appeal that mimics the feel of a real, modern kitchen. The kitchen’s construction from durable wood ensures it can withstand the energetic play of children, promising longevity and stability.

What sets this kitchen apart are its interactive elements designed to enhance the play experience. It boasts realistic lights and sounds that bring the kitchen to life, from the glow of the stove to the beep of the microwave, creating an immersive environment for kids. The inclusion of a built-in washer adds another layer of role-play, allowing children to extend their play beyond cooking to include doing laundry, which is a great way to introduce them to household chores in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, the play phone and curtains are thoughtful touches that further encourage imaginative play, giving children the tools to pretend they’re running their own home or restaurant.

Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset

The Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset distinguishes itself in the market of children’s toys by striking a perfect balance between playful elements and a sophisticated, realistic design. This blend is particularly appealing to older kids who are outgrowing simpler toys and seeking a more grown-up form of pretend play. It serves not just as a toy but as an immersive platform for children to explore and mimic adult responsibilities in a fun and engaging way.

Central to its appeal are the detailed appliances that come with the playset. Every element, from the clickable stove-top knobs that simulate the sound and feel of a real kitchen to the inclusion of a microwave, oven, steamer, and even a washing machine, is designed to offer a lifelike experience. These features not only captivate children’s attention but also enhance their understanding of daily household tasks. The tactile feedback from interacting with these appliances, such as turning the knobs or opening the oven door, contributes to a rich sensory experience that encourages active learning and cognitive development.

A standout feature of the Costzon Kids Kitchen Playset is its height, standing at an impressive 92.71 cm. This thoughtful design consideration makes it an excellent choice for children up to 8 years old, addressing a common issue with play kitchens that are too small for older children. The taller design ensures that children can engage with the playset comfortably without the need to stoop, promoting good posture and more natural play movements. This aspect is particularly beneficial as it encourages longer and more engaging play sessions, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the role-playing experience without physical discomfort.

WOODMAM Wooden Kitchen Set for Kids

The WOODMAM Wooden Kitchen Set for Kids is a standout playset that brings a realistic culinary experience into the playroom. Unlike stationary models, this kitchen set features a range hood and burner that not only look authentic but also light up and emit realistic cooking sounds, immersing little chefs in the experience of cooking in a real kitchen.

The set is rich with features, including a pot, pan, utensils, chopping board, various food items, salt and pepper shakers, a microwave, a disinfection cabinet, and an oven with openable doors and knobs that produce a satisfying click.

A highlight is the faucet that runs water from the filled sink upon turning the knob, adding an extra layer of realism to the play.

Teamson Kids Little Chef

What sets the Teamson Kids Little Chef Play Kitchen apart is its contemporary style combined with realistic design features, making it an ideal play space for older children.

This playset invites them into a more sophisticated form of pretend play, blending a sleek white finish with elegant rose gold fixtures and detailed illustrations that capture the essence of a modern kitchen.

The play kitchen boasts interactive and lifelike appliances that truly stand out.

Children can enjoy features like turning faucet handles, twisting oven knobs with clicking sounds, and a refrigerator with an ice maker that dispenses pretend ice cubes.

These details not only enhance the play experience but also closely mimic real-life kitchen activities, providing an educational and immersive environment for older kids.

Bruvoalon Wooden Play Kitchen

The Bruvoalon Wooden Play Kitchen stands out as a multifaceted playset, designed to ignite the imaginations of children aged 3 and above. This wooden kitchen set is a treasure trove of play features, equipped with an array of appliances including a freeze ice maker, microwave, stove, faucet, sink, washing and dryer machine.

Role-playing is at the heart of the Bruvoalon kitchen, encouraging children to unleash their creativity and engage in fun, imaginative scenarios.

The kitchen’s dimensions, 35.2L x 38.2H x 11.6W inches, provide a spacious and realistic setting for these activities, making it an excellent choice for a comprehensive toy kitchen experience in one package.

Chef’s Cook N Create Island

The Chef’s Cook N Create Island Play Kitchen stands out with its innovative 360-degree design, offering children a fully immersive and interactive play environment. This unique feature allows for complete access from all sides, enabling multiple kids to play together, fostering social interaction and cooperative play.

Parents will appreciate the EZ Kraft Assembly, a thoughtful addition that simplifies the setup process. This feature ensures a quick and hassle-free assembly.

KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Wooden Play Kitchen

This set has a sturdy construction and includes realistic features like cloth curtains and a metal pot and pan. The overall customer rating is 4.1 out of 5 stars, with many users recommending it. Key feedback includes its sturdy build and beautiful design, although some customers found the assembly instructions challenging and the kitchen height a bit short for older kids​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Teamson Kids Little Chef Cyprus Medium Wooden Play Kitchen

The Teamson Kids Little Chef Cyprus Play Kitchen, with its 33.13-inch height, is perfect for bigger kids. Its realistic design, featuring a light oak finish, faux white marble countertop, and sleek gold accents, encourages imaginative play. Interactive elements like a built-in icemaker and clicking knobs, ample storage, and a variety of accessories, make it a durable and engaging choice for older children.

ROBUD Wooden Play Kitchen Set

The ROBUD Wooden Play Kitchen Set, with its sturdy and durable solid wood construction, is an excellent choice for aspiring little chefs. Its bright and colorful design stimulates imaginative play, helping children grasp the concept of preparing food.

Realistic features like turning knobs with clicking sounds add to the authenticity, enhancing pretend play.

This set not only promotes dexterity and hand-eye coordination but also fosters language development and social skills, making it a perfect gift for kids engaged in creative role-playing.

Le Toy Van Oxford Deluxe Toy Kitchen

The Le Toy Van Oxford Deluxe Toy Kitchen is an elegantly painted wooden kitchenette that serves as a delightful playground for budding chefs. This deluxe set includes an oven with an opening door, a hob with turning knobs, a sink, a microwave, a window, and a clock with movable hands, all crafted to inspire culinary creativity in young minds.

The kitchen is also equipped with essential utensils like a whisk, a spoon, and seasoning shakers, adding to the realism of the cooking experience.

Designed in a traditional style, this kitchen is part of the Le Toy Van Honeybake collection, which is renowned for its emphasis on design, quality, safety, and educational value.

HONEY JOY Corner Kids Kitchen Playset

The HONEY JOY Kids Kitchen Playset, crafted from solid pine wood and MDF boards, is a safe and durable option for young chefs.

This playset includes a range of realistic kitchen appliances like a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and stove, offering a comprehensive cooking experience.

Its non-toxic, environmentally friendly paint ensures safe play, while ample storage space encourages kids to organize and develop good habits.

This playset not only nurtures independence but also enhances creativity and responsibility in children, making it an ideal choice for imaginative play.

KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen

The KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen offers a unique garden-to-plate play experience, perfect for young, aspiring chefs. Made from premium, sustainable materials, this play kitchen not only supports lasting play but also instills eco-conscious values.

It features planters with vegetables that can be ‘planted’ and labeled on a chalkboard, enhancing the realism.

The kitchen’s interactive elements, like vegetables with self-adhesive closures for a realistic chopping experience, an ice maker that dispenses play cubes, and a faucet and cooktop with lights and sounds, add to the fun and learning.

Designed for easy assembly, this kitchen set encourages cooperative building and promises hours of imaginative play.

INFANS Wooden Grocery Store Marketplace

The INFANS Wooden Grocery Store Marketplace is a brilliantly designed playset that offers children a realistic and interactive experience of running their own grocery store.

This wooden marketplace is perfect for young entrepreneurs and imaginative play, allowing kids to role-play as both shopkeepers and customers. With its colorful design, the set includes six storage spaces, six ice creams, scales, chalkboards, and bells, providing a full market experience.

Children can write product names or prices on the chalkboard, enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills.

Melissa & Doug Freestanding Wooden Fresh Mart

The Melissa & Doug Freestanding Wooden Fresh Mart offers a robust and engaging shopping experience for kids. This free-standing wooden grocery store, measuring 32” x 35.5” x 25”, is a sturdy and playful addition to any play area.

It includes realistic features such as a hand-cranked conveyor belt, a beeping “scanner,” a bagging area, a card swipe machine, and a cash drawer, enhancing the authenticity of the shopping experience.

The design allows children to shop on one side and ring up groceries on the other, with ample shelving for display and storage on both sides.

Accompanying play food cartons and packages are crafted to look and feel real, with a slightly smaller scale for easy storage in most play kitchens.

Melissa and Doug Wooden Grocery Store and Lemonade Stand

The Melissa & Doug Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand is a versatile wooden play center that effortlessly transforms from a grocery store to a lemonade stand with a simple flip of the awning.

This multifunctional set includes portable plastic bins, perfect for pretend shopping or storing play groceries, enhancing the realism of the play experience.

Constructed with sturdy wood, this playset promises durability and is easy to assemble, offering exceptional quality and value to parents.

Ideal for children aged 3 to 6 years, this play center not only encourages imaginative play but also helps develop essential social and communication skills.

It’s a wonderful gift that can be further complemented with the Melissa & Doug Classic Play Money Set for a comprehensive screen-free play experience.

Amazon Basics Grocery Store Checkout Counter

The Amazon Basics Grocery Store Checkout Counter is an engaging play set designed for kids aged 3 and up, perfectly capturing the essence of a real grocery store experience.

It features a hand-cranked conveyor belt, a bagging area, a beeping scanner, an electronic balance, and a card swipe machine, offering a realistic and interactive shopping play.

The set includes a cash drawer and play money, complete with 12 paper currency bills, 6 coins, and 2 credit cards, enhancing the educational aspect of the play.

Accompanying the counter is a kid-sized grocery store shopping basket filled with toy groceries, including everyday items like ice cream, milk, vegetables, and boxes.

Costzon Pretend Grocery Store Playset

The Costzon Pretend Grocery Store Playset offers an immersive shopping experience for young minds, perfect for role-playing as customers and cashiers.

This set invites children to browse through snack shelves, fill their shopping carts, and engage in a checkout process with a functional scanner and credit card swipe feature. It’s an educational tool as well, where kids can learn about money handling and basic calculations through playful interactions.

By playing with friends and siblings, children not only enhance their social skills but also improve hand-eye coordination. This playset is a fantastic way to encourage imaginative play, creativity, and foundational financial knowledge in a fun and engaging manner.

KidKraft Let’s Pretend™ Wooden Grocery Store Pop-Up

The KidKraft Let’s Pretend™ Wooden Grocery Store Pop-Up is a uniquely designed playset that brilliantly maximizes play opportunities in limited spaces with its six-sided foldout design. Ideal for homes where space is a premium, it conveniently folds away for easy storage, ensuring a clutter-free environment when not in use.

The playset features a moving checkout conveyor belt, adding a realistic touch to the grocery shopping experience. Accompanied by a cash register, children can enjoy ringing up purchases, enhancing their numerical skills. It includes various sections like produce, bread, meat/seafood, dairy, and canned/boxed goods, along with 18 play pieces such as food items, boxes, cans, a tote bag, a credit card, and a chalkboard.

This versatile and interactive playset not only stimulates imagination and role-playing but also helps in teaching organization and basic math skills, making it a fantastic choice for young, imaginative minds.

Hape Pop-Up Shop

The Hape Pop-Up Shop is an imaginative and versatile playset, ideal for children aged three years and up to set up and manage their own little store.

This wooden toy features a unique swing-out display shelf, offering adjustable space that can be fixed on either side, allowing for a customized shop layout. With a five-layer shelf, it provides ample space for an array of grocery items, and it’s perfect for integrating with Hape kitchen and food sets for a more enhanced play experience.

A highlight of this set is the handheld scanner, equipped with a push-button that emits realistic beeping and flashing lights, adding to the authenticity of the shopping experience.

This feature not only entertains but also helps in developing hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills. The Hape Pop-Up Shop is an excellent choice for encouraging imaginative play, social skills, and a basic understanding of commerce in young children.

When Is The Right Time To Introduce A Play Kitchen

Introducing a play kitchen to a child is a decision that varies depending on their interest and developmental stage. Generally, children as young as two years old can start enjoying the wonders of a little kitchen. 

However, the best time to introduce a taller, more sophisticated play kitchen is when they are about 3-4 years old. At this age, children can fully appreciate the interactive design and realistic look of modern play kitchens. 

These kitchen play sets, like the Little Tikes Cook or other top picks in the market, are designed to grow with your child. They feature elements like an oven door that actually opens, much storage for wooden food, and other fun interactive features. 

Whether it’s a compact mini kitchen set for smaller spaces or a larger family kitchen model, the best kitchen set is one that matches your child’s height and developmental needs, making it a good choice for years to come.

Considerations when buying toy kitchens for older children

When shopping for the best play kitchen for older kids, it’s essential to select a toy that not only entertains but also educates and grows with them. Here are the considerations to keep in mind, integrating your requested keywords for a comprehensive guide:

Height and Size

• Counter Height & Great Size: Look for a play kitchen with a counter height suitable for bigger kids. A great size ensures comfort during play, preventing hunching over a too-small set.
• For Small Spaces: Consider a toy kitchen with a smaller size or modular design that fits well in limited spaces without compromising on play value.

Design and Material

• Wooden Play Kitchen: A wooden set is often more durable and has a high-quality feel compared to a plastic play kitchen. The KidKraft Uptown Kitchen and the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen are top picks for their sturdy construction and modern design.
• Modern Design & Realistic Features: Look for a kitchen with a modern design, complete with realistic lights, sound effects like an ice maker, and pretend appliances for a realistic feel. Features such as a farmhouse-style sink, four-burner stove, and coffee station add to the allure.

Play Features

• Ice Dispenser & Sound Features: An ice dispenser and realistic sound features, such as oven knobs that click or a washing machine that whirs, enhance the pretend play experience.
• Educational Toys & Role Play: The best play kitchens serve as educational toys, encouraging role play, problem-solving, and creativity. Look for sets with unique features like a cordless phone for taking grocery lists or a set of kitchen utensils for little chefs to experiment with.

Accessories and Storage

• Adequate Accessories & Storage Space: Ensure the kitchen comes with plenty of accessories, like play food, pepper shakers, and kitchen accessories, to enrich the playtime experience. Adequate storage space helps keep things organized.
• Wooden vs. Plastic Set: While wooden kitchens offer durability and a more authentic look, don’t dismiss high-quality plastic sets, especially those with unique features that might appeal to your child.

Specialty Features

• KidKraft Kitchens: The KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen and KidKraft Uptown Kitchen stand out as excellent choices with their unique features, including pretend appliances and adorable play kitchen aesthetics that mimic the real thing.
• Unique Features for Older Kids: Consider kitchens with advanced features like a mini version of a real kitchen, complete with a coffee station, ice dispenser, and sound effects for a more engaging and realistic role-play experience.

Space and Flexibility

• Much Space: Ensure you have enough space at home for the kitchen set. A mini kitchen set can be a good thing for smaller spaces, offering the essential components of a kitchen without requiring much room.
• Flexibility for Growth: Opt for a kitchen that offers flexibility for growth, catering to the evolving interests of older children. Adjustable features or the ability to add on components can extend the life of the play kitchen.

Durability and Safety

• High Quality & Safety: Prioritize high-quality materials that can withstand rough play. Avoid particle board if durability is a concern, and look for sturdy wooden or high-quality plastic sets.
• Educational Value: Beyond just pretend play, the right toy kitchen can play an important role in a child’s development, teaching them about cooking, organization, and even basic home improvement.

Does A Play Kitchen Assist In A Child’s Development?

Absolutely, a play kitchen is more than just a toy; it’s a pivotal tool in a child’s development. Engaging with a play kitchen allows children to explore the roles and routines they observe in their own home, enhancing their understanding of the world.

The interactive design of these kitchens, complete with realistic features like dials that turn and doors that open, promotes fine motor skills and cognitive development.

For a younger child, the act of organizing wooden food items or using the kitchen’s features aids in developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Additionally, playing with others around a kitchen play set fosters social and emotional skills like sharing, teamwork, and empathy.

The best toy kitchens also encourage creativity and imagination, allowing children to create their own narratives and recipes, which is a great way to bolster their language and communication skills.

Are There Any Safety Concerns Around Play Kitchens?

While play kitchens are designed with children’s safety in mind, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure that the build quality of the play kitchen is high, with no sharp edges or small, detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard, especially for younger children.

It’s also important to look for play kitchens made from non-toxic materials. Modern play kitchens often come with safety certifications, so look for these when making your selection. Additionally, stability is key; a great play kitchen should be sturdy enough not to tip over easily, particularly if it’s a tall play kitchen.

Regular checks and maintenance of the kitchen play set can also help prevent accidents, ensuring that all parts remain secure and in good condition.

With these safety measures in mind, a play kitchen can be a safe and enjoyable addition to your child’s play area, contributing positively to their development and enjoyment.

FAQ

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References

1. Importance of Size and Scale for Older Children: Research emphasizes the importance of appropriately sized play environments for older children to ensure comfort and sustained engagement in play activities (Frost et al., 2012).
2. Material and Durability Concerns: Studies have highlighted the significance of using durable and safe materials in children’s toys to ensure longevity and safety (Howard et al., 2018).
3. Educational and Interactive Features: Interactive elements in toys, such as realistic cooking sounds or attached refrigerators, have been shown to enhance children’s learning and imaginative play (Singer et al., 2006).
4. Aesthetic Appeal and Child Preferences: The aesthetic design of playsets can significantly influence a child’s interest and engagement in play activities (Goldstein, 2012).
5. Adaptability for Different Age Groups: Toys that adapt to different age groups can provide long-term developmental benefits and sustained interest (Bergen, 2002).
6. Role of Play Kitchens in Development: Engaging with play kitchens contributes to various aspects of a child’s development, including social skills, creativity, and cognitive abilities (Christakis et al., 2009).