If you're like most parents, you want your home to be a safe and fun place for your kids to play. But when your little ones start growing up, the playroom can become a bit of a challenge. How do you make a fun and interesting for older kids?
Looking for older child playroom ideas?
Play. Learn. Thrive.™ only endorses products we authentically love and use. Some of the product links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. Play. Learn. Thrive.™ is also an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.
Check out these 8 awesome ideas to create a “big kids” playroom that is going to encourage independence and creativity.
Create a learning corner.
A desk or small table with a chair is perfect for completing homework assignments or other learning activities. You can also add a bulletin board or corkboard to the wall for displaying artwork or photos. Kids need space away from distraction in order to focus on academic work.
A learning corner is especially important for older kids, who will have more homework than younger children. You can set up a computer area so your older child has access to educational websites or programs they want to use while doing their work.
Check out my Amazon Storefront for the Perfect Learning Corner Set Up.
Include a reading nook.
Nooks are cozy and intimate, and they're the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Add a comfortable chair, some pillows or floor cushions, and maybe a small table for a cup of tea or coffee. At this age, kids are really into having more alone time and so providing them with something that feels like their own space is a great playroom idea for children.
Reading is something that older children sometimes begin to shy away from, but it's important for us parents to continue to encourage it. A little nook is a perfect place for your older child to relax and get lost in a good story. Having a reading nook is a great idea for a child's bedroom too–you could also consider having the little nook in a family room by having a seating area that is kid-friendly and has dedicated book storage.
Create an art studio.
An art studio can be as simple or complex as you want it to be and will vary depending on your child's interests. Some older kids like to paint, while others prefer drawing or sculpting. Even if your older kid isn't super into art, it's important to provide space that will encourage a creative outlet. Consider adding a drafting table and some stools for older kids who enjoy art projects. Add a cart with craft supplies if your child is into craft projects.
If they are interested in things like animation, video editing, photography, or digital art it's important to provide ways for them to hone their skills. You may consider adding some computer software that will allow them to practice that type of art.
Adding a few wall shelves or another fun way to store and hang their artwork is important. You could make a space on the wall that is a dedicated gallery wall or keep their final arts and crafts out on a display shelf. Using their art as playroom decor is a fun idea that is low cost and gives them a chance to make the playroom their own. Simply add a few of their favorite pieces of art to frames to hang on the walls. This will help in creating a play space that is really individual to the children.
Include a spot for LEGO and other building blocks.
Even older kids are still into these types of activities. Building with LEGO and blocks are amazing STEM activities. They help promote problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. If you have an art table, this can double as a building table. If you have the space and want to add a LEGO-specific table those can be fun too.
You can also purchase older kids some LEGO architecture kits that encourage them to think about the construction of buildings and other structures. These types of activities allow older kids to be more creative with what they build and are a great way for older children who love building blocks but want something more challenging than just regular LEGO sets.
Add a maker space to the playroom.
Looking for a unique playroom design idea? If your older child enjoys building things then adding a maker space to your kid's playroom is a great option that will inspire imaginative play.
A maker space is a space where older kids can experiment with new technologies and create things. It's an area that is devoted to hands-on activities such as building, constructing, or taking something apart.
A maker space can be anything from simple cardboard boxes to high-tech equipment like laser cutters or robots.
Older children may enjoy using tools in this area and it can be a great place for them to explore their creative side. You can also consider adding a small workbench with some tools. This will give them the opportunity to build and fix things like toy cars, furniture, or even models.
Make sure you have good storage space if you do decide to include a maker space in your house as all the tiny pieces and gadgets, while they are an amazing inspiration, they can be kind of a pain to keep organized.
Include a fun video gaming area.
Many older kids love playing video games, so it's good to provide them with a space where they can do that. It's important to note that video games can often become all-consuming for children, so you may want to set some ground rules for how much time they can spend in the gaming area. Having this space in an area you can see also lets you monitor without totally hovering.
Add a sports area.
If your older child is into sports, you can create a space for them to play their favorite sport indoors. This could be as simple as clearing out a corner of the room and putting down a mat or some other soft material so they can practice or do a workout in the playroom.
You can hang a basketball hoop from the wall to provide a fun way for kids to play basketball inside. Or use painter's tape to create a goal on the wall for them to play soccer or practice their throwing accuracy (just make sure they are using a ball that is soft and not an actual baseball!).
You could also add a climbing wall, indoor slide, swing that will allow them to be more active in the play space.
Create a space for board games and cards.
Another fun activity that older kids often enjoy is playing board games and cards. This can be a great way for them to spend time with friends or family. If you have the space. You may also want to add a few storage shelves or cabinets so they can store their games and cards in a more organized way.
Popular games that older kids might enjoy playing are: chess, checkers, Scrabble, Uno, Phase Ten, and Connect Four. Playing games with friends and family is a great way to reconnect.
A few extra notes to create a fun kids' playroom
When thinking about your older kids' playroom it's good to include them in the room design. At this point, they typically have very clear ideas of the kind of decor they like and will want to express their own style. If you let them help decorate and make the room “cool” they will more likely to spend time in there.
Each child is going to have their own style and preference, so make sure that you ask them what they like and incorporate it into the design. You can also add a special touch to older kids' playrooms by personalizing things with their names or adding wall art that shows off their interests.
Here are some must-have pieces of furniture for a kids playroom:
- Bean bag chairs.
- Chaise lounge chair, gaming chair, or couch.
- Ceiling swing.
- Simple wood desk or a table with chairs.
- Bookshelves or other open storage shelves.
When creating a space for older kids, it's important to think about what kinds of activities they like and what will keep them entertained. These eight ideas should give you a good starting point!
