• Your active child will enjoy having a special inside space to play in, especially if bad weather prevents outdoor adventures. Playrooms offer a center for productive and enjoyable activities in the home. Choose playroom equipment and decorations to reflect your child's age and interests.
  
  

Games and Technology

• Games are essential for any playroom. Depending on your budget, you can include an old-fashioned arcade game like a pinball machine or a Wii setup that allows your children to participate in activities or exercise with their favorite characters. Don't forget basic games, especially for younger children, such as board games and mats that let kids dance or play hopscotch. Include a television for use with video games like Wii. Secure all electrical outlets for young children's safety.
  
  

A Comfy Area

• Purchase a couple of comfortable chairs, since playtime often requires a break. Look for furniture that matches your playroom's ambiance. For example, you might go retro and use beanbag chairs. Create a layout for your playroom, along with a list of items you need to purchase as you develop your design. Include toys that will be both fun and educational, such as picture books for preschoolers and elementary-age children. For older kids, buy games that allow them to learn facts as they take part in a virtual adventure or play a board game with friends or family. Provide storage areas like toy chests, bins and shelves so your child can help clean up his own mess.
  
  

Wall Art

• Purchase wallpaper with age-appropriate patterns or paint a mural on the walls of your playroom. Design murals of fairytale and cartoon characters your child loves or you can develop your own characters. The mural can tell a story or help imprint basic words, numbers and concepts such as “please” and “thank you.” For older children, select posters of their favorite movies to decorate the walls. Alternatively, create your own poster designs by hand or with a graphics program on a computer.