Summer is the perfect time to get kids involved in fun, hands-on activities—and what better place to start than the kitchen? Cooking with kids is more than just a way to keep them busy on a hot afternoon. It teaches useful skills, builds confidence, and creates sweet memories (sometimes literally!). If you’re living at Crosswinds, you’ve got the space to spread out and let your young chefs experiment with new flavors and ideas—right at home.
Here are five easy, kid-approved recipes that are perfect for summer—and simple enough for little hands to help with.
1. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Colorful, fun, and packed with vitamins, fruit kabobs are a perfect introduction to kitchen fun. Let kids choose their favorite fruits—think strawberries, grapes, blueberries, melon, or pineapple—and thread them onto wooden skewers. You can even make it a pattern game by helping them arrange the fruit in rainbow order. Serve with a yogurt-honey dip on the side for an extra treat. No cooking required, just chopping and assembling (with adult help for slicing)!
2. Mini English Muffin Pizzas
This one’s a dinner win for everyone. Toasted English muffins make the perfect base for personal pizzas. Set up a DIY topping station with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, pepperoni, chopped veggies, and anything else your family loves. Let each kid customize their pizza, then pop them in the oven for a few minutes until melty and golden. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
3. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Looking for a cool-down snack? Frozen yogurt bark is a healthy, hands-on option that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Spread vanilla or strawberry yogurt in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then let your kids sprinkle it with toppings—think sliced strawberries, granola, mini chocolate chips, or even rainbow sprinkles. Freeze for a few hours, then break into pieces and enjoy poolside or as an after-dinner treat.
4. No-Bake Cereal Bars
These easy snack bars are a great way to let kids mix and measure. Combine cereal (like Cheerios or Rice Krispies), nut butter (or sunflower butter), honey, and a few extras like raisins or mini marshmallows in a big bowl. Mix well, press into a pan, and refrigerate until firm. They’re easy to grab on the go, perfect for park days or backyard picnics, and they don’t require turning on the oven.
5. DIY Lemonade Slushies
For a fun summer drink that feels like a special treat, try making homemade lemonade slushies. Kids can help squeeze fresh lemons, add a bit of sugar or honey, then blend it all up with ice. Add strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist, or use a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz. Serve with silly straws and enjoy on the porch or patio after a day of playing outside.
Cooking Together at Crosswinds
At Crosswinds, homes are built with families in mind—which means open kitchens, roomy counters, and layouts that make it easy to cook together. Whether it’s baking cookies on a rainy afternoon or trying out a new smoothie recipe, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home—especially during summer.
Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few ingredients and a little imagination, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into something creative and fun. Plus, your kids will love getting to show off their “creations” and feel like part of the team.
So roll up your sleeves, let them wear the aprons, and get ready to taste what your little chefs can do. From kabobs to slushies, summer cooking is a great way to bond—and maybe even discover a new family favorite.