While cooking usually falls on Mom or Dad’s “plate,” what if kids were invited into the kitchen in a more meaningful way? In recent years, kid-focused meal kit subscriptions have grown in popularity. After all, they help put dinner on the table, and they turn cooking into a shared activity and learning experience. While those kits offer convenience and creativity, they often come with a hefty price tag.
Families don’t need a box on their doorstep to cook together with intention. We’ve put together a simple menu of recipes designed specifically for kids to take the lead in the kitchen. This Kitchen Adventure offers a DIY alternative to kid-focused meal kits, using familiar ingredients, clear steps, and hands-on roles that make cooking feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Consider choosing one night each week as Kids’ Kitchen Night or setting aside special one-on-one cooking time between a parent and child. These shared moments won’t just result in a meal, they’ll create connection, build confidence, and help kids learn skills they’ll carry with them long after dinner is over.
Why Cook Together?
Cooking with kids builds more than meals. In the kitchen, children naturally practice:
- Following directions
- Measuring and counting using various methods
- Taking turns and respecting sequence
- Patience and responsibility
- Independence and the confidence that they can cook for themselves
- Appreciation for fresh food and the process of creating a home-cooked meal
For many kids, predictable routines and shared responsibilities help build confidence and a sense of belonging. The kitchen becomes a place where they feel capable, needed, and valued.
5 Kitchen Adventure Meals to Try This January
Here are a few recipes to try out. Each meal uses easy-to-find ingredients, incorporates some all-important veggies, and allows kids to take an active role.
Rotisserie Chicken Empanadas
Using store-bought dough and rotisserie chicken keeps this meal simple while still feeling special. Folding and sealing empanadas feels more like crafting than cooking, making it a favorite for kids. They can help prepare the filling, seal up each little meat pie, and once the baked empanadas come out of the oven, kids can dip into their favorite sauces!
Why families love it:
Fun to assemble and easy to customize with veggies.
No-Boil Pasta Bake
This recipe feels almost magical: raw pasta, sauce, and liquid go into the dish together and come out as a warm, comforting meal. No Boiling Required! Change it up with different pasta shapes, sauces, and added veggies, for a new twist each time.
Why families love it:
One dish, fewer steps, and minimal cleanup.
Italian Wedding Soup
This classic soup is a hit. Made with chicken broth and a few simple ingredients, everyone will love it. Kids can help with the prep and will love finding mini meatballs and pasta inside their soup!
Why families love it:
Easy ingredients create this comforting meal. This one is a winner for all ages.
Meatball Subs with Frozen Meatballs
This one couldn't be easier, and kids are going to love it. Using frozen meatballs keeps prep simple while still allowing kids to help assemble a hearty, satisfying meal. These comforting and cheesy sub sandwiches are packed with protein and come together in no time. We're pairing it with roasted broccoli for extra nutrition.
Why families love it:
Familiar flavors, hand-held fun, with room to add vegetables.
Build-Your-Own Taco Bowls
Assembly-style meals are perfect for kids. Kids can help lay out the buffet of ingredients and everyone builds their own bowl, choosing what works best for them!
Why families love it:
Customizable, veggie-friendly, and low stress.
A Simple Way to Start
You don’t need to try all five meals in one week or aim for perfection in the kitchen. Start small by choosing one night a week, inviting kids to help in age-appropriate ways, and focusing on participation rather than the final result. What matters most isn’t how the meal looks, it’s the shared time, the skills being practiced, and the sense of belonging that grows when families cook together. With simple ingredients and intentional moments, your kitchen can become a place of learning, connection, and warmth all month long.
