Cooking with Kids: Five Tools You Need for a Fun and Safe Experience

Cooking with your child isn’t always the most convenient option—it’s messy, time-consuming, and, let’s be honest, it can seriously test your patience. Add that to the fact that most parents are already stretched thin, and it’s easy to see why it might not feel like a priority. But hear me out: the benefits are more than worth it.

Cooking with kids goes far beyond just making a meal

It’s an opportunity for children to learn new skills: from pouring, stirring, and kneading which help work on fine motor skills and prepare their hands for bigger tasks like writing or drawing - to working on gross motor skills (standing in the tower, reaching, rolling dough), cognitive skills, language, sensory development and much more. Cooking teaches patience, teamwork, and resilience, as they follow steps and see how effort leads to results. Plus, the time spent together creates memories and strengthens your bond.

And here’s the best part: when kids get involved in cooking, they’re naturally curious about the food they’re working with. They touch, smell, and more likely than not even taste the ingredients —getting familiar with flavours and textures in a non-pressure environment. This hands-on process can make them more open to trying new foods and even enjoying things they’d normally avoid.

Top 5 kitchen tools for cooking with children

Setting your child up for success in the kitchen starts with equipping them with the right tools. The key is to provide items that make tasks appropriately challenging—engaging enough to keep them interested but not so difficult that they feel discouraged. When kids have the right tools, they can build their skills, gain confidence, and truly enjoy the process.

Here are the top 5 kitchen tools that can help your child thrive as they learn to cook:

1. Safe Knives and Tools

   
   

   

   
   

   Toddler-friendly knives and kitchen tools are very important. Easier to handle for the little hands, these are versatile and can help your child do a variety of tasks - from chopping fruit and vegetables to whisking, stirring and rolling. While there are many options available out there, we love a non-toxic, BPA-free set, avoiding the plastic elements found in many others.

   
   

   Here's the safe kitchen tools set that we like

   
   

2. Peelers

   
   

   

   
   

   Peeling might look simple but it's quite a complex task - and very enjoyable for young children. Opt for peelers with ergonomic handles and safety features to keep those little hands protected. Carrots, cucumbers, and potatoes are all great starter veggies for peeling practice. There are plenty of peelers for children available - please make sure to check age eligibility when purchasing it, take time to demonstrate to your child how it works and always supervise young children using kitchen tools including peelers.

   
   

   We use a simple plastic peeler for children but if you are ready to splash out, there is a fantastic set linked below.

   
   

   Here's the peeler for children that we like

   
   

3. Pouring Jugs

   
   

   

   
   

   Pouring is a favorite activity for kids and a great way to develop coordination and motor skills. We’re big fans of glass jugs—not only are they non-toxic and sustainable, but they also help children get used to the real weight of items early on. Start with the smallest jug to make it manageable, and gradually increase the size as your child gains practice and confidence.

   
   

   That said, every child is different, so it’s up to you to decide what’s best. If a smaller, lightweight plastic jug is easier for your little one to handle at first, go for it. The most important thing is to match the tool to their ability so they feel successful and stay engaged.

   
   

   Our favourite pouring jugs

   
   

4. Measuring Cups and Spoons

   
   

   

   
   

   Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons are durable and safe - measuring cups and spoons a great way to introduce early math concepts in an engaging, hands-on way. If you would like to go an extra mile, opt for the cups that display fractions.

   
   

   Measuring cups and spoons - stainless steel

   
   

5. Learning Tower

   
   

   

   
   

   A learning tower might feel like a big investment, but it’s one you won’t regret. This sturdy, rail-protected step stool allows your child to safely reach the counter and fully participate in the action. In our house, it’s been a daily staple for years!

   
   

   Our favourite learning tower

   
   

Cooking with your child is as much about the process as it is about the result. Truly, it’s a learning curve — for both the child and the parent. ;) Your child is developing new skills, building confidence, and learning important life lessons along the way. The extra time and mess that comes with cooking together may feel overwhelming at first, but the benefits far outweigh the chaos.

With the right tools, you’re setting your child up for success in the kitchen and beyond. You’re giving them the chance to practice patience, resilience, and independence while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Do you have a favorite kitchen tool that we didn’t mention but has been a game-changer for you and your child? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips!