I've always wanted a home with a formal living room AND a family room, since at times my kids completely take over the living room with all their toys and legos and stuffed animals...and I thought it would be wonderful to have a formal living area where guests could come, and it would always be beautiful and clean. But, alas, I've never had both, and yet I am so thankful for what we do have.
We have tried organizing different play areas:
Over a year ago, I showed the room my two youngest were sharing while we did some remodeling.
We have also set up a gaming station in a closet.
Closet Gaming Station
We had a playroom area set up in the basement, but the kids always fussed about going down there.
Basement Play Area from 3 years ago.
We created an Indoor Active Play Area especially for winter, but
I thought I would also show you our newest addition to keep the kids entertained.
Since they were always drawing pictures on their dry erase chore charts that are on the refrigerator,
we purged some toys, and took out one set of shelves in the bedroom,
and hung a giant magnetic dry erase board.
They've had a blast drawing pictures and playing games on it, and the reason I wanted it to be magnetic, was so they could use these colorful magnetic letters on it too!
They are colorful and inexpensive, and the options for spelling and messages are fun!
My kids are enjoying this new option for entertaining themselves, and with one set of shelves gone, it gives them more space to play as well!
I'm sure if you have children, you can relate to the fact, that many rooms, if not all, turn into play areas for our children, and that's ok. There is a season for everything, and you know what, I am noticing as the kids get older, it does get easier to manage, and let them help manage, keeping the living room and other rooms somewhat tidy, and if the kids like to be wherever mom is, in a lot of ways, that's a good thing.
Trish says
Hi Margo,
What a great idea. My granddaughter would love a board like this. Thanks for sharing this.
Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal says
I love the dry erase board idea! We have one in our play area but no basket so you helped me figure out a solution to our problem. The kids could never use it because the markers were always somewhere else.
Theres Just One Mommy says
I was lucky enough to find a large, classroom sized whiteboard that we have in our play area downstairs. Gets lots of use!
Love that rabbit picture!
Margo says
It's a great addition to a play area isn't it! That rabbit picture is still on our board! 🙂
Clare says
We spent a lot of money converting our garage into a playroom for our kiddos and some days they still prefer to play in the kitchen! I like the idea of a metallic white board. I'm hosting a party if you'd like to stop by and link up your post http://www.supermommyclub.com/super-mommy-club-week-3/
Margo says
I can relate, the kids want to be wherever my hubs or I are, but I guess that's a good thing, although at times I long for a few minutes of peace and quiet and no clutter! 🙂
Clare says
Good morning lovely - just dropping by to let you know that I featured your post at my party this week - come by and collect your badge 🙂 Toot Toot! #supermommyclub http://www.supermommyclub.com/super-mommy-club-party-week-4/?utm_source=promo&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=party4
Margo says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Jen says
Where is this magnetic whiteboard from? I love the spacious size of it.
Margo says
I purchased it at Staples, but any office supply store should have them! 🙂