Summer is the Perfect Time to Get Kids Cooking

Between pool days, picnics, and popsicles, summer brings more than just sunshine it brings opportunity. It’s the perfect season to start a cooking together as a family. At National Heritage Academies (NHA^®), we believe learning can happen anywhere even in your own kitchen!

When kids help prepare meals, they’re not only building life skills like measuring, following instructions, and making healthy choices, they’re also learning confidence, teamwork, and responsibility. National Heritage Academies Manager of Food and Nutrition services says children who cook are more likely to try new foods and eat healthier.

“Getting kids involved in making their own meals is fun for the kids and helps them learn to make healthier choices and they’re more likely to eat what they help prepare. These hands-on moments are a great opportunity to teach kids that eating well doesn’t just keep their bodies strong, it also helps their brains stay sharp and supports better learning.”

Here’s why you should make cooking a family affair this summer:

1. It Builds Independence and Confidence: Helping in the kitchen gives kids a sense of accomplishment. Whether they’re stirring, chopping (with supervision!), or setting the table, kids learn they can contribute in a meaningful way. Over time, they’ll gain the confidence to make their own meals.
2. It’s a Sneaky Way to Practice Math, Reading, and Science: From reading a recipe to measuring ingredients cooking reinforces school skills in a hands-on way. Your child won’t even realize they’re learning because they’ll be having fun doing it!
3. It Creates Time to Talk and Bond: Cooking together gives you a chance to talk, laugh, and connect in a screen-free zone. You’re not just preparing dinner you’re creating memories.

3 Easy Recipes to Cook with Your Kids

Here are a few fun and simple meals that make great starter dishes for young chefs:

English Muffin Pizzas

• Whole wheat English muffins
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Toppings: pepperoni, chopped veggies, olives

Instructions: Split muffins in half, add sauce, sprinkle cheese, and top with your favorite ingredients. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Taco Bar Night

• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream

Instructions: Cook meat with seasoning. Set out shells and toppings buffet-style. Let kids build their own tacos their way!

Rainbow Pasta Salad

• Cooked pasta
• Chopped veggies: red pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, broccoli
• Cheese cubes
• Italian dressing

Instructions: Combine pasta, veggies, and cheese in a large bowl. Pour in dressing and toss to coat. Chill before serving.

Getting kids involved in cooking doesn’t just teach them how to follow a recipe it teaches them as life skill. So, grab the aprons, turn up the music, and let your kitchen or your backyard become a classroom filled with laughter and learning.