Best Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools for Cooking with Kids
When cooking isn't a nightly chore, it can be something better: quality time. The right tools make the kitchen a place where kids build confidence, curiosity and healthy habits - and have fun doing it. Here we share our favorite kid-friendly kitchen tools.
Get them to counter height
A learning tower is perfect for toddlers - it keeps them steady while they stir, pour and wash produce. A sturdy step stool is great for older kids.
Dress the part
An apron signals that your child has a real role in the kitchen. We love Hedley & Bennett’s kids’ aprons - it’s the brand favored by professional chefs, too.
Get kid-safe knives
Kids love using real tools. Nylon knives are great for young kids - they can cut food but not their fingers. When your kids are ready for the real thing, this knife comes with a rounded tip and finger guard - or Wusthof makes a proper chef’s knife scaled for smaller hands and not as sharp. Teach your kids how to hold food safely while they cut: use the “bear claw” grip to hold food in place, so that their fingertips are kept away from the knife.
Experiment with fun shapes
These tools make eating more fun!
Crinkle cutter: cuts veggies into wavy shapes kids are more likely to eat.
Mini shape cutters: turn food into stars and hearts.
Jobs kids love
Citrus juicer: kids love using their muscles to squeeze oranges, lemons and limes.
Masher: kids can mash the avocado to make guacamole.
Salad spinner: kids can wash, spin and dry the lettuce.
When it’s time to eat
Anything eaten on a stick is more fun!
Bamboo skewers for DIY fruit and veggie kabobs (take care because they are sharp).
Kid-friendly serving pieces (so many fun options from Constructive Eating!), flatware, and cups.
Pretend play
Pretend cooking builds kitchen confidence and supports healthy habits.
Melissa and Doug play food
Foodie Faces book
Want more on building healthy habits and supporting picky eaters? See our Science-Backed Tips for Raising Healthy Eaters and Feeding Picky Eaters: The Division of Responsibility Approach.
With Easyfeast, dinner is handled instead of stressful - so when you do cook, you can involve your kids and actually enjoy it. See how Easyfeast works.