Rainy day cooking projects for kids

1. Crumpet pizzas

It's said that good things come in small packages, and these dainty crumpet pizzas are no exception. Rather than letting the dull weather dampen everyone's spirits, focus on making a fun family lunch using just a handful of ingredients. With a fluffy crumpet base, these mini pizzas are easy for little kids to decorate with toppings of their choice. We've gone for a classic combination of tomato sauce, grated cheese and a colourful array of veg.

Love pizza? Also try these child-friendly puff pastry pizzas, or check out our collection of kids' pizza recipes for more inspiration.

2. Instant vanilla ice cream

So it might be raining outside, but we won't let that deter us from a bit of ice cream – and we're pretty sure the kids won't either. Especially when they see the milk transform into ice cream in front of their eyes! Part science experiment, part recipe, there is no actual cooking involved which means it is great for all ages to get involved with – and it's a fun way to teach younger children about temperature, too. Just try and ensure some of the sprinkles make it onto the ice cream...

The science bit

Under normal circumstances, water freezes at 0C. But adding salt to the ice lowers the temperature to -10C, meaning the milk freezes in minutes.

For special treats, take a look our more of our kids' dessert recipes.

3. Sunshine burgers

The lovely thing about this recipe is you can simply let your kids cook free-style as there is barely any formal weighing involved. Releasing them from the confines of the recipe gives them much more freedom to get creative and use their own judgment in the kitchen. Plus there is lots of good squidgy fun to be had mixing everything up with your hands.

Find more kids' burger recipes to enjoy come rain or sunshine.

4.Vegan Thai green curry

Full of flavour, yet easy on the spice levels, this plant-based Thai green curry is perfect for introducing older kids to cooking a main meal. It's simple and packed with veg, giving kids the chance to perfect their chopping skills, as well as learning how to use tofu as a versatile meat substitute. Ready in just half an hour, this is sure to become a family favourite.

Discover more child-friendly curry recipes. We've also got plenty more vegan kids' recipes, including plant-based mains, snacks and desserts.

5. Chocolate chip traybake

Want a simple baking project which everyone will love? Chocolate cake is always a winner! Ideal for a rainy afternoon activity, this simple traybake is ideal for showing kids how to prepare a cake batter, as well as whipping up a silky chocolate buttercream icing. With just 30 minutes cooking time, it's not long at all before they can tuck into their afternoon efforts.

Browse our kids' baking recipes for cookies, cakes, puddings and more.

6. Layered rainbow salad pots

Bring the sunshine indoors with these cute and colourful tuna pasta salad jars. A super satisfying lunch or indoor picnic idea, these rainbow jars also deliver a whole two of their five-a-day, plus a dose of vitamin C. Firstly, cook all the ingredients for the individual layers, then let your little ones assemble their foodie masterpieces – the more colourful, the better! They can label the jars with their names and keep them chilled for later

Also try our noodle jar salad and red berry granola yogurt pots.

7. Simple stir-fry

Another handy dish to add to any aspiring young chef's repertoire, stir-fries are perfect for using up any leftovers in your fridge as well as packing in lots of nutritious veg. Teach older kids how to whip up this speedy dish using a pack of egg noodles along with mixed veg, ginger, soy sauce and protein (prawns, chicken, salmon or tofu would all work). Once they've mastered the wok, they can experiment with different ingredients. Take inspiration from our collection of easy stir-fry recipes.

Check out more kids' noodle recipes.

8. Baked feta & tomato pasta

This easy, delicious lunch or dinner is sure to become a family favourite. Using simple techniques and just a handful of ingredients, kids can get involved with making it too.

Now try our easy pasta recipes for more simple dinners.

9. Chocolate pizza

For a post-dinner treat, have a go at making this chocolate and hazelnut spread-topped pizza with the kids. Golden marshmallows add a tasty flourish.

Next discover our top family dessert recipes for more irresistible sweet treats.

10. Seedy rosemary soda bread

This recipe has been designed especially for little hands to get stuck into their first bread baking project – it doesn't require proving or kneading. Fresh rosemary and mixed seeds add plenty of flavour, but we've got three other flavour twists if you want to switch things up.

Got the baking bug? Now try our autumn baking projects for kids.

Looking for more ideas to keep the kids busy? Try these guides…

Top 10 easy bakes for kids
Easy recipes kids can make themselves
Activities for kids
Good Food Kids’ YouTube recipes
Amazing space projects for kids
Summer cooking recipes for kids

What do you like to cook with your children? Leave a comment below…