10 Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking with Kids

Cooking with kids can be one of the most rewarding—and sometimes chaotic—activities you’ll do together. If you’ve ever had flour explode across the counter or an egg cracked a little too enthusiastically, you know what I mean! But the right tools can make all the difference, turning the kitchen into a fun, stress-free space for learning and bonding.

With these 10 must-have kitchen tools, your little chefs will feel empowered to take on any recipe while building essential cooking skills. Let’s dive in!

Kid-Safe Knives

Safety is always the top priority, and kid-safe knives are designed with that in mind. These knives are sharp enough to cut through fruits, veggies, and bread but have rounded tips and safety features to protect little fingers.

I’ll admit, I was nervous the first time my child wanted to chop something, but these knives eased my mind—and now, they feel so grown-up cutting up their own strawberries for breakfast!

Don’t miss our detailed guide on How to Teach Kids Knife Skills: A Safe and Fun Guide for Parents,

Step Stool or Kitchen Helper Tower

A sturdy step stool or kitchen helper tower gives kids the boost they need to reach the counter safely. It allows them to feel included and independent, whether they’re mixing batter or rolling dough.

My youngest calls our helper tower their “chef’s perch,” and it’s the perfect spot for them to supervise the action—or sneak a taste when I’m not looking!

Silicone Baking Mats

Silicone baking mats are a game-changer when it comes to easy cleanup. They’re non-stick, reusable, and perfect for rolling out dough, cutting cookies, or roasting veggies.

Let’s be honest—anything that makes cleaning up faster is a win in my book. Plus, kids love how “magical” it feels when nothing sticks to the mat!

Whisk with a Small Handle

A whisk with a small, ergonomic handle is perfect for little hands. Whether they’re beating eggs, mixing pancake batter, or making a sauce, this tool is easy for kids to grip and use effectively.

There’s something so satisfying about watching kids whisk for the first time—it’s like they’ve discovered a new superpower! My child even insists on being the “Official Whisker” for family breakfasts.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Brightly coloured measuring cups and spoons are both practical and fun. They help kids learn about fractions, counting, and portion sizes while making them feel like they’re part of the cooking process.

Pro tip: Turn measuring into a game! My kids love guessing how many ¼ cups it will take to fill up 1 cup—it’s a sneaky way to practice math without them even realising it.

If you’re looking for tips on how to make this process fun and foolproof, check out our guide on How to Measure Ingredients with Confidence.

Mixing Bowls with Non-Slip Bases

Non-slip mixing bowls are a lifesaver when cooking with kids. They stay put on the counter, no matter how enthusiastically your little chef stirs the batter.

I used to hold the bowl steady while my kids mixed, but these bowls freed up my hands—and saved us from a few close calls with spilled batter!

Kid-Sized Aprons

Cooking can get messy, and kid-sized aprons are both practical and adorable. They protect clothes from spills and splatters while making your child feel like a real chef.

My kids love picking out their own aprons—they each have one with their name on it, and putting them on is like a little pre-cooking ritual.

Rolling Pins

Kid-sized rolling pins are perfect for little hands to roll out pizza dough, pastry, or cookies. Look for lightweight options that are easy for children to maneuver.

Rolling out dough is one of my kids’ favourite activities—especially when they get to sneak a little taste of cookie dough when they think I’m not watching!

Small Tongs

Small tongs are fantastic for tasks like tossing salad, flipping bite-sized foods, or serving snacks. They’re easy for kids to handle and help develop hand-eye coordination.

My kids treat tongs like a tool from a spy gadget kit—it’s all about the “grab and go” mission, whether it’s picking up cheese cubes or flipping mini pancakes!

Silicone Spatulas

Flexible silicone spatulas are ideal for scraping bowls, folding ingredients, and stirring on the stovetop. They’re heat-resistant and gentle enough for kids to use without worrying about scratching pans.

The first time my child used a spatula to scrape every last bit of brownie batter out of the bowl, they declared, “I’m saving the best part!” And honestly, they weren’t wrong.

Bonus: Tools That Make Cooking Extra Fun!

While the essentials are great, a few “just-for-fun” tools can take your cooking sessions to the next level:

• Cookie Cutters: Perfect for shaping dough or even cutting sandwiches into fun shapes.
• Mini Muffin Tins: Great for making kid-sized treats.
• Sprinkle Shakers: Because adding sprinkles makes everything better!

I like to think of these as the “special effects” of cooking—they add a little extra magic to the experience.

Tips for Cooking with Kids

1. Start Simple: Choose recipes with just a few steps to keep things manageable.
2. Embrace the Mess: Cooking with kids can get messy, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve learned to keep a damp cloth nearby for quick cleanups—and to let go of perfection.
3. Celebrate Their Efforts: Whether it’s a perfectly cracked egg or a slightly lopsided cookie, praise their work and encourage their creativity. Their pride in their creations is the sweetest reward.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with kids is about more than just making food—it’s about building confidence, creativity, and memories that will last a lifetime. Some of my favourite moments in the kitchen aren’t about the end result but the laughter, the teamwork, and the joy of simply being together.

With these 10 must-have tools, you’ll set your little chefs up for success while making the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone. So grab your aprons, pick a recipe, and get ready for some delicious fun!

We’d love to hear about your favourite kitchen tools or see pictures of your family cooking adventures—share them with us and inspire other little chefs to get started!