Guest Picks: Playful Ideas Inspired by the Outdoors
Swings, grass, flowers and more can work inside when it's too cold to leave the house
There are times when you just can't get enough of the outdoors — particularly in the dead of winter. Instead of waiting for a warm, sunny afternoon, bring some spring into your home. Let's cure our Cabin Fever with ideas inspired by the outdoors that work indoors as well. — Mari from Small For Big
The proof is in the picture — this kiddo loves having a swing inside, and so do I! It adds the "play" to playroom.
Plastic Grass Mats
What is the best way to bring the outdoors in? Add some grass. These plastic grass tiles are the perfect answer.
Ikea PS Svinga Hanging Seat
If you can get to an Ikea, this kid-sized swing is perfect for the indoors. I have the larger version, and the shape keeps it from swinging as wide as a regular swing, making it safer. Plus, it's comfortable.
Perch! - Plantorb
I can't bring the outdoors in without some plants. Store them in a modern planter like this; not only does it look good, it will keep grabby toddlers away!
Wheely Bug
My girl loves ladybugs, and we love our WheelyBug. With this roller, we can get our cute bug fix year round, even on the darkest, dreariest days.
Hut Hut By Kalon Studios
Rockin' and rollin' is a lot easier for me to stomach when it's on a rocker as modern and kick-arse as this one. It's also available in gorgeous wood.
Wooden Horse Swing
I wish we'd had this adorable wooden swing when my daughter was younger. It looks like it belongs in a natural setting, unlike those ubiquitous plastic toddler swings you see everywhere.
VIRRE Slide with Ladder and Guard Rail
This wooden wonder is super classic (and not made of ugly primary-colored plastic). It's the best indoor slide I've seen. Score!
I Want to Ride My Bicycle Small Screenprint by Monorail Studio
My 3 year old has been saying this particular phrase all the time lately: "I want to ride my bike."
Handmade Bamboo Stools
I'd choose the plain option, but boy, a toadstool is a pretty awesome find for a kid's room. I'd love to see a couple paired with a really modern white crafting table.
Silly Soft Seating, Tias by P'kolino
What's springtime without an adorable frog? This plush pal is furniture and oversized pal all in one. I can hear my daughter now, "Froggy, I looooves you."
Tau Seesaw
This seesaw is a handmade wonder. If we had a play room, a gorgeous seesaw like this would be the perfect pièce de résistance.
Löva Bed Canopy
Ikea's leaf canopy is still the best way to bring some bright green jungle time into your boring old kids' room. These things are large; I just want to snuggle underneath it with a stack of my girl's favorite books (and her!).
Grass Ottoman by G H Design
This faux grass ottoman is exhilarating enough to inspire an entire playroom.
Silk Fantasy Bowers
When I was a kid, my favorite thing to do was build forts from blankets, or branches outside. This canopy combines the best of both, with a lot less fuss.
Power Off Print by Laura George
I need to take heed of this poster more often, let's all "turn off the computer and go outside!"
Fairy Tale Garden Tin
Kids love seeds and plants anyway, but this kit takes it to the next level: Fairy Tale seeds based on your favorite fairy tales! What a great way to bring a story to life.
There are loads of canvas tipis out there now, but I love seeing how people incorporate them into an actual room. This tipi looks so cozy!
Sunny Day, Cloudy Day
Need some sunshine in your life? I'm betting these brightly colored puzzles will add just the right dose.
Hand Carved Footstools
Beautiful flowers that will bloom year-round, these hand-carved stools will add a little whimsy. I wonder if they'd work in the bathroom by the sink?
Next: Backyard Play Spaces That Put Kids Front and Center
Next: Backyard Play Spaces That Put Kids Front and Center