If you’re looking for fun ways to get kids involved in the kitchen (and have a great time doing it), look no further! There are so many fun things to do in the kitchen that will help kids learn about their food and where it comes from. From learning how to cook something you typically buy premade to learning how to make a recipe all by themselves, there is something fun for every age to do in the kitchen. Don’t know where to start? These helpful tips and kid-friendly recipes will have your kids learning and engaging in the kitchen before you know it!
Children under 2 years of age
For the little ones in the family under 2 years of age, have them sit in their highchair or playpen and observe you cooking. Let them taste and smell the different ingredients you are using. Even give them a few measuring cups and spoons to play around with. It is incredible what their little minds can absorb and learn. Simply talking them through what you are doing in the kitchen can spark their interest and get them helping in the kitchen when they are old enough to do so. An easy way to do this is by making something from scratch that you typically buy premade from the store.
Homemade Pizza with Pepperoni and Veggies
Budget Friendly, Dinner, Pasta & Pizza, Pizza
40M
4
This recipe is a great way for kids to try new ingredients and watch a recipe come to life from start to finish. It also makes a great lunch or dinner option for any day of the week.
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Desserts, Produce
30M
6
Whip up this recipe with fresh fruit for a sweet treat the kids will be fascinated by and the whole family will love!
Children ages 2-5
Toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-5 can help in the kitchen by washing and ripping up lettuce, measuring ingredients, mixing things together and even decorating some sweet treats. Take the opportunity to practice counting skills, learning colors, and identifing different shapes.
Berry Cereal Bars
15-Minute Breakfast, 5 Ingredients or Less, Back to School, Breakfast, Health & Wellness, Kid Friendly
10M
12
Let their imagination run wild when decorating their own cereal bars with their favorite berries. You can even practice counting when adding berries.
Fruity PEBBLES™ Tropical Crunch Smoothie
15-Minute Breakfast, Smoothies & Shakes
10M
2
Unleash their creativity by decorating and adding ingredients to this recipe. They will be happy to make the creation their own and get to eat the finished product that they helped bring to life.
Children ages 6-9
Kids ages 6-9 can start to make meals of their own! They can also help more by reading the ingredients in the recipe, measuring out dry and liquid ingredients, and stirring ingredients in a bowl.
Apple Sammies
15-Minute Breakfast, 5 Ingredients or Less, Health & Wellness, Produce
10M
4
This delicious snack kids can help put together in 15 minutes or less. Let them practice coring the apples with a small cookie cutter and spreading Schnucks peanut butter and their favorite jelly in between two slices.
Mediterranean Pita Pocket
15-Minute Lunch, 5 Ingredients or Less, Back to School, Kid Friendly, Lunch, Sandwiches, Tacos & Wraps
10M
2
Let your kids fill the pita pockets with their favorite veggies, cheeses and hummus for a healthy lunch or snack that will leave them feeling full and fulfilled.
Children ages 9 and above
Older kids ages 9 and above can learn in the kitchen by using fractions to measure ingredients, reading the recipe instructions aloud to you as you fix it and helping set the timer to determine when the meal will be finished cooking. To keep them engaged even until the next day, try making a recipe that will transform overnight.
Chobani Fruit and Yogurt Pops
Back to School, Desserts, Kid Friendly, Snack
2H
6
Kids will love helping you fix this delicious treat before bed and waking up the next morning excited to see how their creations turned out.
Peachy Overnight Oats
Back to School, Breakfast, Kid Friendly
6H
6
This recipe makes a great, easy breakfast and will have them excited to wake up and get their day started.
Getting your kids involved in the kitchen and having fun has never been easier. There are so many delicious, kid-friendly recipes that are easy to make and can help teach many valuable skills. The next time you are looking for a fun, engaging activity to do with your kids, head to the kitchen and whip up a delicious meal or snack that will create memories to last a lifetime.
