19+ Simple Cooking Activities for Kids

Let’s get real: The most epic adventures happen in the kitchen. No, we’re not talking about microwave dinners and takeout boxes. We’re talking about transforming your kitchen into a culinary playground for your mini-mes! 

These easy cooking activities for kids encourage you to ditch the pressure and embrace the flour-dusted chaos. We’re here to show you how to turn even the simplest recipe into a bonding experience filled with laughter, learning and a sprinkle of creativity. So, grab your whisks and spatulas because it’s time to cook up some serious fun with your little sous chefs!

1. Playful pizza

Ages: 2+

What they’ll learn: Following directions, portion control, creativity

This all-ages pleaser is a sneaky way to teach your little ones about portion control (because more toppings aren’t always better), following directions, and the joy of creative self-expression. (Pineapple on pizza? You do you, kiddo.) Let your little ones choose their favorite toppings like:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni
• Onions
• Olives
• Peppers
• Bacon
• Pineapple
• Spinach 

 Get ready for some messy smiles and some truly unique pizza combos!

How to do it: 

• Whip up a batch of pizza dough or buy yourself some time with store-bought crusts. 
• Supervise your kids as they roll out the dough, spread the pizza sauce and arrange their toppings.
• Bake your pizzas according to the instructions.

Tips: 

• Prep chopped veggies beforehand to avoid knife work for younger kids.
• Provide small spoons for easy spreading and portion control.

2. Pancake playtime

Ages: 2-5

What they’ll learn: Mixing, pouring, basic shapes

Making pancakes with your kids can be a fun and educational activity that introduces them to essential kitchen skills, like practicing hand-eye coordination and portion control as they carefully pour the batter onto the griddle.

And who doesn’t love getting creative with fun shapes? Kids can use cookie cutters or squirt bottles to make pancakes in all sorts of shapes and sizes!

How to do it: 

• Use a pre-made pancake mix or a simple pancake recipe. 
• Let your little ones help pour the batter onto a griddle (supervised, of course!). 
• Get creative with spoons or cookie cutters to create pancakes in fun shapes and sizes.

Tips: 

• Invest in a kid-friendly, easy-grip pouring spout for the batter. 
• Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking and frustration. 
• Provide fresh fruit, peanut butter, and whipped cream so kids can be even more creative with decorating their own pancakes!

3. Kid’s charcuterie board

Ages: 2-8

What they’ll learn: Fine motor skills, color recognition, building balanced bites

Charcuterie boards aren’t just for adults! Helping your kids arrange cheese slices, grapes and crackers into rows or patterns can help strengthen their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The vibrant colors provide a natural opportunity to talk about color recognition and sorting. Perhaps most importantly, a charcuterie board empowers kids to build balanced bites by choosing different textures and flavors from each section.

Fun themes can add another layer of excitement. Try a “dive under the sea” board with fish-shaped crackers, seaweed snacks and mini cheese wheels, or a “rainbow” board with an array of colorful fruits and veggies!

How to do it: 

• Provide a variety of kid-friendly finger foods and help your child arrange them on a tray.
• Let your little ones use tongs or small forks to create their own mini charcuterie masterpieces.

Tips: 

• Use cookie cutters to cut cheese or lunch meat into fun shapes. 
• Add a small bowl of yogurt with granola and berries for a sweet and healthy option. 
• Cut grapes in half to avoid choking hazards for younger children. 
• Introduce new foods to picky eaters in a fun and visually appealing way.

4. Trail mix tastings

Ages: 3-6

What they’ll learn: Measuring, portion control, healthy fats and protein sources

Elevate your child’s next snack time into a mini cooking project. Making custom trail mix lets kids measure ingredients, explore portion control and build balanced bites with protein, healthy fats and a touch of sweetness. Bonus points if they name their creation! 

Here are a few ideas for kid-friendly trail mix ingredients:

• Different types of nuts (if safe for allergies)
• Seeds
• Dried fruit
• Whole-grain cereal
• Popcorn
• Mini pretzels
• Chocolate chips
• Raisins
• M&M’s 

How to do it: 

• Set out a variety of dry ingredients.
• Let your kids measure out their own portions and mix them together in a bowl.
• Portion out the mix and place about half a cup in individual snack bags.

Tips: 

• Use measuring cups or spoons with fun shapes or colors to keep them engaged. 
• Make it ahead for an easy snack for school lunches.

5. Monster mash potato

Ages: 3-7

What they’ll learn: Mashing technique, creativity, following directions

Monster mashed potatoes are a spooky-fun way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, especially if you’re looking for fun Halloween food ideas! They’ll learn basic mashing with a potato masher, transforming boiled potatoes into a fluffy base. 

But the real fun comes with creating the monsters. Following your lead, they can use chopped broccoli florets for hair, peas for eyes and bell pepper for mouths. It’s a great way to encourage creativity while sneaking in healthy veggies. 

How to do it: 

• Cook up a batch of potatoes until soft. Older kids can help cut and cook the potatoes with supervision.
• Help your kids mash cooked potatoes with a fork or potato masher and follow an easy mashed potato recipe. 
• Let your kids add fun ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped chives or steamed broccoli florets to create “monster” faces on their mashed potatoes.

Tips: 

• Use cookie cutters or a piping bag to shape the mashed potatoes into fun shapes before adding the toppings.

6. Smoothie sensations

Ages: 3-8

What they’ll learn: Combining flavors and textures, healthy eating

Transform your blender into a flavor lab! This activity is a win-win for both taste buds and tiny tummies. You’ll be sneaking in important vitamins and nutrients while letting your kiddos become the flavor architects. 

Encourage them to experiment with different flavor combos. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Tropical fruit
• Banana + strawberry
• Mango + honey
• Orange Creamsicle
• Banana + yogurt + honey

How to do it: 

• Pick a base like yogurt or milk.
• Let your kids choose fruits and veggies to add in.
• Blend, serve and enjoy!

Tips: 

• Get colorful with a variety of fruits and veggies.
• Sneak in some greens like spinach or kale for a hidden nutrient boost. 
• Let older kids help with pouring and pressing buttons on the blender.

7. Holy guacamole!

Ages: 4-8

What they’ll learn: Simple knife skills (with adult supervision), following a recipe

Guacamole is a perfect recipe for introducing your kids to the kitchen! Cutting and slicing the avocado with a butter knife or plastic knife is a safe way for them to practice basic knife skills and hand-eye coordination. They’ll love helping you squeeze the lime, sprinkle the cilantro and taste-test for the perfect balance of flavors.

How to do it: 

• Help your child cut ripe avocados in half with a butter knife or plastic knife. Scoop the inside of the avocados out with a spoon and remove the pit.
• Mash the avocados with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice — let your kids help mash with a safe utensil. 
• Add chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro, and have your child stir to combine the ingredients.
• Season your guacamole with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips: 

• Choose ripe avocados that are soft to the touch. 
• Start with a small amount of citrus juice; you can always add more for flavor.
• Serve guacamole with veggie sticks or tortilla chips for a complete and healthy snack.

8. Taco pancakes with fresh fruit

Ages: 4-8

What they’ll learn: Following a recipe, portion control, creativity

Taco pancakes are a fun twist on breakfast that doubles as a lesson in portion control and creativity. Folding the pancakes into a “taco” shape lets kids experiment with different serving sizes, ensuring they don’t overload their plates. 

The real fun comes with the fillings! Encourage your kids to try new foods and experiment with flavor combos with chopped fruits and toppings like:

• Strawberries
• Mangoes
• Bananas
• Kiwis
• Yogurt 
• Whipped cream
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts 
• Maple syrup

How to do it: 

• Make a batch of pancakes using your favorite recipe or a pre-mixed pancake batter. 
• Let your little ones help you pour the batter onto a griddle to cook thin pancakes. 
• Once cooked, prepare a variety of fun “taco” fillings.
• Set out a plate of warm pancakes and let your kids build their own taco creations, folding the pancakes in half and adding their favorite fillings.

Tips: 

• Prep chopped fruit beforehand to avoid knife work for younger kids. 
• Provide small bowls or spoons for easy portion control of fillings. 

9. Cookie cutouts

Ages: 4-8

What they’ll learn: Fine motor skills, following instructions, patience

Shaping and decorating sugar cookies is a great baking activity for kids and parents alike. This activity is a blast for little hands, teaching them fine motor skills as they roll out the dough, cut their cookies and get creative with frosting and sprinkles. Plus, they’ll need to follow directions and practice patience while they wait for their cookies to bake!

How to do it: 

• Use a kid-friendly sugar cookie recipe or a pre-made dough. 
• Let your kids roll out the dough (with adult supervision).
• Choose fun cookie cutter shapes and help your kids cut their cookies.
• Bake according to instructions.
• Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with frosting and sprinkles.

Tips: 

• Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent sticking. 
• Let kids practice their decorating skills on paper before diving into the frosting.

10. Simple and healthy fruit kebabs

Ages: 4-10

What they’ll learn: Healthy eating, knife skills (for older kids with adult supervision), color recognition

Making fresh fruit kebabs is the perfect summer cooking activity for little eaters! This refreshing snack is a feast for the eyes and a smart way to teach your kids about healthy eating. Provide a variety of colorful fruits like:

• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew melon
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Apples
• Grapes (cut grapes in half for younger kids)

They’ll be threading vibrant fruits onto the skewer while learning about color recognition and building those fine motor skills. (Those tiny blueberries can be tricky!) 

How to do it: 

• Provide a variety of pre-cut fruit and let your kids thread it onto skewers in a fun pattern. 
• Add a drizzle of chocolate or honey for a sweeter treat!

Tips: 

• Use large, blunt skewers for easier handling by young children. 
• Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. 
• Older kids can help with careful cutting under adult supervision.
• Make them ahead of time and toss into your toddler’s lunch box for a healthy treat.

11. Safe scramble

Ages: 5-7

What they’ll learn: Heat safety, basic cooking techniques (whisking), following directions

Whipping up a fresh batch of scrambled eggs is another fantastic cooking activity that’ll allow kids to focus on essential kitchen skills, like coordination and heat safety. Here are a few key points to cover when introducing your little ones to the stove: 

• Explain the “hot zone”: Point out the stovetop burners as the “hot zone” and explain that they get very hot when turned on. Let them know they should never touch the burners or pots and pans on the stove without an adult’s help.
• Stay a safe distance: While you’re cooking, encourage your child to stay at a safe distance from the stove. This could be a designated spot on the counter or a chair a few feet away.
• Adult supervision is key: Always emphasize that you’ll be handling the hot items like the pan and the spatula. This way, they can observe and learn without putting themselves at risk.
• Let them feel the warmth (carefully): Once you’ve removed the pan from the heat, it might be safe for them to feel a little bit of the warmth on the outside (depending on how hot it is). Let them do this briefly while you hold the pan and closely supervise to avoid any burns.

How to do it: 

• Have your kids help crack the eggs and whisk them together in a bowl with a splash of milk. 
• Supervise your little ones as they carefully pour the mixture into a pan over low heat. 
• Let them help with gently stirring the eggs with a spatula until cooked through.

Tips: 

• Use a nonstick pan for easy cleanup. 
• Add shredded cheese, chopped veggies or cooked meats for a more substantial scramble. 

12. Classic Rice Krispie treats

Ages: 5-8

What they’ll learn: Following a recipe, teamwork

Rice Krispie treats are the perfect introduction to recipe-following for little chefs! This nostalgic recipe features just three ingredients — butter, marshmallows and crisped rice cereal — with simple steps even young children can grasp. Witnessing the transformation from ingredients to yummy treats teaches them the importance of each step and the joy of working together in the kitchen.

How to do it: 

• Supervise your little ones as you melt marshmallows and butter together. 
• Let them help you stir in the rice cereal and press the mixture into a baking dish. 
• Once cool, they can decorate their treats with sprinkles or frosting.

Tips: 

• Use a nonstick baking dish for easy removal. 

13. Birds in a nest (spaghetti and meatballs)

Ages: 5-8

What they’ll learn: Fine motor skills, creativity, portion control

Look for fun cooking projects for elementary students? Birds in a nest — a cute spin on spaghetti and meatballs — turns mealtime into playtime as kids learn essential cooking skills. 

Kids will have a blast using their fine motor skills to carefully twirl cooked spaghetti into nest shapes, strengthening their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. They can unleash their creativity, arranging the nests and decorating with veggies or cheese to personalize their feathered friends.

How to do it: 

• Prep and cook meatballs according to your favorite meatball recipe, or use pre-cooked meatballs. 
• Prepare spaghetti according to package directions. 
• Let your little ones help you twirl the cooked spaghetti around the sides of greased muffin tins, forming nests. 
• Place a meatball in the center of each nest and top with your favorite spaghetti sauce and shredded cheese. 
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once they’ve cooked, let kids get creative with veggies or chopped herbs to create faces and feathers for their birds.

Tips: 

• Use easy-grip tongs to help younger kids handle the cooked spaghetti. 
• Prep veggies and herbs ahead of time, or have older kids practice their knife skills while the nests bake. 

14. Magic mini muffins

Ages: 5-10

What they’ll learn: Following a recipe, measuring ingredients, teamwork

Mini muffins are the perfect bite-sized baking activity for kids! Scooping flour, sugar and chocolate chips into the bowl becomes a fun exercise in measuring while mixing the batter fosters teamwork. 

As your kids watch the batter transform into fluffy muffins, they’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and learn the importance of each step in the recipe. 

How to do it: 

• Choose a kid-friendly muffin recipe like blueberry or banana nut. 
• Let your kids help with measuring and mixing the ingredients, pouring batter into muffin tins and adding fun toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
• Bake according to instructions.

Tips: 

• Use muffin liners for easy cleanup. 
• Let older kids practice their reading skills by following the recipe steps.

15. Parfait paradise

Ages: 5-10

What they’ll learn: Layering ingredients, portion control, creativity

Yogurt parfaits are a great way to get kids excited about healthy eating. Layering yogurt, fruit and granola together teaches them about building and separating flavors. As they scoop and pour, they’ll practice portion control, making sure each layer is just the right size. 

But the best part is the creativity. Kids can arrange colorful fruits and crunchy toppings to make their parfaits look like works of art. In the end, they’ll have a healthy and satisfying snack that tastes as good as it looks!

How to do it: 

• Set out a variety of yogurt flavors, granola, chopped fruits and nuts (if safe for allergies). 
• Let your kids build their own parfaits in layers, encouraging them to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Tips: 

• Prep chopped fruits and nuts beforehand to avoid knife work for younger kids.
• Use small bowls or cups for portion control. 
• Make ahead for breakfast or as a refreshing after-school snack.

16. Balanced breakfast burrito

Ages: 6-10

What they’ll learn: Building a balanced meal, creativity

Once your little ones have mastered the scrambled eggs technique, take it a step further by helping them build their very own breakfast burrito. This hands-on experience teaches kids how to build a satisfying and nutritious meal, all wrapped up in a yummy, portable package.

Scrambled eggs and cheese provide protein, while chopped veggies like peppers and onions add vitamins and fiber. Let them explore different options — maybe black beans for extra protein or avocado slices for healthy fats. 

How to do it: 

• Prep your burrito ingredients — have older kids help with cutting and dicing. 
• Scramble eggs with your little ones and place them in a whole-wheat tortilla. 
• Let them build their own breakfast burritos with the provided ingredients, encouraging them to build a balanced meal.
• Carefully help wrap the burritos. (You may need to cut them in half for little hands!)

Tips: 

• Prep chopped fillings beforehand to save time. 

17. Cozy tomato soup

Ages: 8-10

What they’ll learn: Following a recipe, basic chopping skills (with adult supervision), teamwork

Turn up the warmth (and the fun!) in your kitchen with a cozy tomato soup recipe alongside your little chefs! This kid-friendly cooking activity is a gateway to essential skills, like how to navigate a simple recipe and how to hold a knife safely (with your guidance, of course!). 

How to do it: 

• Choose a simple tomato soup recipe or use canned diced tomatoes. 
• Let your kids help with tearing or chopping vegetables like celery or carrots (with adult supervision for older children). 
• They can add the ingredients to the pot and stir with you. 
• Once the soup is simmering, let them help you pour it into bowls and add a dollop of yogurt or cream for a finishing touch.

Tips: 

• Prep chopped vegetables beforehand for younger kids. 
• Let them choose their favorite toppings like grated cheese, croutons or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Enjoy for a delicious meal on a chilly day.

18. Sushi showdown

Ages: 10-12

What they’ll learn: Knife skills (with adult supervision), following instructions, exploring new cultures

Unleash your inner sushi chef with a kid-friendly sushi recipe! Kids can practice basic knife skills under adult supervision, and following your lead as you assemble the rolls introduces them to a whole new way of preparing food. 

Sushi is also an exciting gateway to exploring new cultures and cuisines. They’ll get to experience the unique textures and tastes of seaweed, soy sauce and kid-approved fillings like:

• Rice 
• Sliced mango
• Cream cheese
• Cucumber
• Carrots
• Imitation crab 
• Shrimp
• Spam
• Avocado

How to do it: 

• Let your older kids practice their knife skills (with adult supervision) by cutting the vegetables into thin strips. 
• Help them spread a thin layer of rice onto a sheet of seaweed (nori) and add their chosen fillings.
• Have them carefully roll up the sushi using a bamboo mat. 
• Once rolled, they can slice the sushi into bite-sized pieces and enjoy it with soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi for the brave ones!

Tips: 

• Invest in a kid-safe sushi knife or use a vegetable peeler for younger children. 
• Follow an online tutorial to visually guide you and your kids through the sushi-making process. 

19. Build-your-own quesadillas

Ages: 10-12

What they’ll learn: Portion control, using a stove, exploring different flavors, following a recipe (loosely)

Looking for easy lunch ideas your older kids can make on their own? Build-your-own quesadillas are a simple cooking project for kids that’ll help build their confidence in the kitchen. Guiding them through tasks like spreading cheese, placing tortillas in the pan and flipping the quesadilla will help them master basic cooking skills.

Let them personalize their creation with different fillings and toppings, like:

• Shredded cheese
• Diced chicken
• Black beans
• Onions
• Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream

How to do it: 

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. 
• Let your older kids cook their own quesadilla by placing a tortilla in the pan, adding their chosen fillings, folding it in half and cooking until golden brown and melty. 
• They can then slice their quesadillas and enjoy them with their favorite toppings.

Tips: 

• Prep chopped vegetables beforehand to save time. 
• This is a great way to clean out leftover ingredients in your fridge and get creative with flavors. 

20. Cupcake decorating challenge

Ages: 10-12

What they’ll learn: Fine motor skills, creativity

Take a page from your favorite reality baking show and host an exciting cupcake decorating challenge with your kids! Whip out the piping bags and help them hone their fine motor skills by decorating with fun and colorful ingredients like:

• Frosting
• Sprinkles
• Mini candies
• Chopped nuts 
• Chocolate drizzle
• Fresh fruit
• Whipped cream

This is a great cooking project for family nights or birthday parties. A little friendly competition can fuel creativity and keep things exciting — set a timer, pick a winner (or just admire everyone’s masterpieces) and get ready for some delicious fun!

How to do it: 

• Bake a batch of cupcakes from scratch, or just make a boxed cake mix better. Have your kids help with mixing the ingredients and portioning out the batter evenly into a greased cupcake tin with cupcake liners. 
• Prepare frosting in a variety of colors and set out a selection of fun decorating supplies.
• Divide your little ones into teams or have them compete individually. 
• Set a timer and let the decorating fun begin! 
• Once time is up, judge the cupcakes based on creativity, overall design and frosting technique (or just for fun!). Award prizes (homemade certificates or small treats) and enjoy your delicious creations.

Tips: 

• Use cupcake liners for easy cleanup. 
• Provide small spoons or piping bags (with adult supervision) for more intricate decorating. 
• Encourage teamwork, friendly competition and, of course, fun!

It’s never too early to get cookin’

Cooking with your kids can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and these fun cooking activities for kids, you can turn your kitchen into a culinary playground.

Ready to whip up some kitchen magic with your kids? Instacart can help! No more scrambling around the grocery store with energetic little helpers in tow — Instacart saves you time and keeps the fun in the kitchen. Shop for all your recipe ingredients with ease and have them delivered right to your door.