101 Toddler Activities ~ In the Kitchen

Cooking with kids is a great toddler activity that can lead to your child taking a greater interest in what they eat. And helping them expand their picky palates!

Here are some fun and kid-friendly recipes your child can make or attempt with little-to-no help!

1. Jello – if you heat the water, they can enjoy stirring until the gelatin dissolves. It’s a fast and easy recipe they’ll love to eat later that day.
2. Chex mix – You might be hearing crunches underfoot for a few days, but measuring out chex mix can be a great way to have them practice scoop and pouring skills! Maybe counting too?
3. GORP – similar to the chex mix, throwing together some Good Old Raisins and Peanuts (and whatever other goodies you like to include) is pretty much no fail? I mean, can you really add in TOO many chocolate chips?
4. Shape cookies – Bring out the cookie cutters, or have children cut their own shapes with plastic knives. You’ll have to roll the dough out… and this one does have the potential for great mess. But it’s a good supervised cooking activity.
5. Thumb print cookies – Plan to make and drop your own cookies on the sheet. Then call your little one over to smash each ball down with their thumb. You’ll be eating those little love-printed cookies in no time! Older kids might be able to manage the dropping part too!
6. Ants on a log – Shmear a celery stick (deveined) with peanut butter (or substitute). Then let your child plop the “ants (raisins or craisins) onto the “log!” Yummy!
7. Cupcake decorating – Anything goes on top of frosting. Try sprinkles, mini M&Ms or chocolate chips!
8. Apple Shake – put sliced apples, sugar and cinnamon into a Ziploc bag. Have your toddler shake to coat. Eat.
9. Sandwiches – Kids will love to spread jelly onto bread. Or layer lunchmeat. And maybe they’ll even eat their crusts?! If not, they can practice cutting with a dull plastic knife.
10. Mud Balls – Better than a mud pie – you can really eat these. However, I’m SURE they will create some kind of mess. Oh well!
11. BONUS: I just found this cute “Painted Toast” idea! Fun, artistic, and edible!

What other kitchen activities do you recommend for 1-3 year olds?

Have you been keeping up with my 101 Toddler Activity Guides? You might enjoy:

• Water Play
• Summer Reading
• Arts & Crafts
• Rainy Day
• Road Trip
• Kiddie Workout
• In the Kitchen (you are here)
• Life Skills
• Simple Things