Must-Have Mud Kitchens & Accessories
I started buying stuff for my mud kitchen a solid 7 weeks before I managed to get it built. This fall we are all trying to find things new things for our toddlers and preschoolers. So, what if you need some instant gratification? Well between Amazon, your kitchen, and a local thrift store, you’re covered. Here are my favorite Must-Have Mud Kitchens and Mud Kitchen Accessories. You can see my Mud kitchen rules from earlier this summer here.
Instant Gratification Mud Kitchens
Sometimes you just need Amazon to deliver. And they have several options from basic to luxe. Too be honest, unless you love DIY and want to customize one for your kids, these are even a good value.
This is called a playhouse, but don’t let labels define you. The Playtime Patio with Canopy has everything you need for a mud kitchen, is a durable and well-made product from Step 2. Plus it has a canopy, which is a huge plus for me.
If you are looking for the best in mud kitchens, check out this beauty. Perfect for daycares or high volume users.
Not everyone has the room for some big set up, but don’t let that stop you. With some encouragement, buckets and water are a mud kitchen.
So are these great ‘working’ sinks. 
Small enough to easily use inside and out, no matter how much space you have. My guys have these sinks and they have been in hard use for 2 years. They are a favorite for miserable weather days.
Must have Accessories
Pots and pans are a great jumping-off point. I really like this set from Melissa and Dougs and this set of measuring cups. But you can also raid the backs of your cupboards and junk drawers for kitchen cast-offs. A great activity would be giving your kids a few dollars each and let them pick things at the local thrift store. Let them make their own choices and see where their imagination takes them (remember that choices are how kids learn to control their world).
Regarding water vessels
I can’t let my guys have free range with the hose. Our well water comes out COLD (56F) so I actually lock them out of the hose without supervision. I don’t care if they are spraying each other with it. But I draw the line at Momma getting sprayed. Also, soaking wet in frigid water shortens their playtime outside – even if it’s roasting out. If hose works for you, do it.
I made a 4 gallon water dispenser using some basic parts and a covered trashcan. And of many picnic dispensers will work, but they usually limit to 1 or 1.5 gallons and kids need some discipline for that much or you are going to be refilling it more than is fun.. for you. Big mud kitchen set-ups use 10 gallon vessels or even rain barrels.
A word on Outdoor Gear for you new Mud Kitchen Chefs
I think a chef’s jacket would be cute AF for a mud kitchen. But not very practical. We have some vinyl aprons that the boys use sometimes. But for the most part, if the weather isn’t beastly, I’d rather them muddy or wet for the sensory experience. That being said, I really want Mud Kitchen to be a year-round activity, and for us, that means sometimes I want them to stay on the drier end of things.
I like a couple of things for rainy weather and mud kitchen play. The Tuffo Muddy Buddy is a hood to toe coverall that is easy on and off. I like putting the boys in it during early spring and late fall when the ground is wet. Again, this is more about preventing them from coming in after 15 minutes complaining about wet butts from sitting on the ground.
For keeping life simple I consider waders a dirty play necessity. These waders from Oaki combine a boot with a chest-high waterproof wader. My twins have spent ages in them, and it’s finally time to go up a size. Even with a big price, we certainly got our money’s worth out of these.
Must have Accessories?
Really, the only thing you need for a mud kitchen is a sense of adventure and some imagination. Your mud kitchen could be entirely from found objects – It’s nice to have easily accessible water, but other than that, don’t feel like your mud kitchen needs to fit into some mold.
I hope you found some ideas and tips for great accessories for your mud kitchens. If you are still on the fence you can see my 25 reasons why you need one. Rules. Along with my DIY Mud Kitchen how-tos.
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