17 Fun Recipes to Make with Kids on Summer Break

Summer break hits a whole new level when the kids actually have something fun and delicious to look forward to, and getting them into the kitchen is honestly one of the best ways to fill those long slow afternoons. Mixing, decorating, shaping, and assembling are all part of the fun, and the payoff of eating something you made together makes it even better. There are plenty of sweet and savory ideas in this lineup to keep everyone busy and happy all season long.

A close-up of round chocolate chip cookie dough balls in a brown bowl. — Quick No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough Bites. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Mixing up a sweet treat doesn't get much easier than this. Little hands will love helping roll these soft, doughy bites, and the whole project comes together in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough Bites

Easy Carnival-Style Funnel Cake Bites

Three donut holes on a white plate, one cut open, with powdered sugar and more donuts in the background. — Easy Carnival-Style Funnel Cake Bites. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Light, golden bites bring all the fun of a fairground favorite right into your kitchen. Kids will have a blast helping create these sweet treats and dusting them with their favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Funnel Cake Bites

Classic Dirt and Worms Dessert Cups

Glass cup filled with layered cookies and cream dessert, topped with gummy worms and crushed chocolate cookies. — Classic Dirt and Worms Dessert Cups. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Layers of creamy pudding and crushed cookies turn into a playful dessert that always gets a smile. Adding gummy worms is the best part and makes this a fun kitchen activity for younger helpers.
Get the Recipe: Dirt and Worms Dessert Cups

Soft Pink Lemonade Cookies

Bright citrus flavor and a pretty pink color make these cookies feel extra special. Filling and decorating them together is a great way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pink Lemonade Cookies with Raspberry Lemon Filling

Creamy Lemon Berry Coconut Pudding

Glass jars filled with yogurt, berry compote, toasted coconut, and fresh fruit on a light surface. — Creamy Lemon Berry Coconut Pudding. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Smooth, creamy spoonfuls are filled with sunny citrus flavor and bursts of sweet berries. It feels like a cheerful summer dessert that looks impressive without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Berry Coconut Pudding

Refreshing Frozen Berry Yogurt Bark

Yogurt bark topped with frozen strawberries and blueberries on a white plate, with bowls of fruit in the background. — Refreshing Frozen Berry Yogurt Bark. Photo credit: The Immigrant's Table.

Cool, creamy layers topped with colorful fruit make this a fun treat to prepare together. Kids can help arrange the berries, then enjoy breaking the finished dessert into snackable pieces straight from the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Berry Yogurt Bark

Easy No-Bake Oreo Truffle Bites

A plate of white chocolate-covered truffles with chocolate drizzle, one showing a dark cookie center. — Easy No-Bake Oreo Truffle Bites. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Only a handful of ingredients are needed to create these rich, chocolatey treats. Decorating the finished bites with sprinkles or drizzles makes the process even more fun.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Oreo Truffle Bites

Sweet Strawberry Cake Balls

A bowl of white chocolate-covered truffles drizzled with pink icing, placed on a white plate. — Sweet Strawberry Cake Balls Inspired by a Coffee Shop Favorite. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Soft cake, creamy frosting, and a sweet coating come together in bite-sized treats everyone gets excited about. Rolling and decorating them is a simple activity that feels more like play than baking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Cake Balls Inspired by a Coffee Shop Favorite

Gooey S'mores Rice Krispie Treat Bars

A Rice Krispies treat topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and pieces of graham cracker. — Gooey S'mores Rice Krispie Treat Bars. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ll email it to you for later, and periodically send recipes and updates.

Everything people love about campfire treats gets packed into one easy dessert. Sticky marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and melted chocolate make every bite a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Rice Krispie Treat Bars

Fresh Watermelon Lemonade for Summer Days

Sweet fruit and tart citrus create a refreshing drink that's perfect for warm afternoons. Blending everything together is an easy task that kids can help with from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Watermelon Lemonade

Creamy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream

Rich scoops filled with sweet berry flavor make this a summertime favorite worth sharing. Watching fresh berries transform into a frozen dessert adds a little extra kitchen magic.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream

Light No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

Fluffy layers and fresh fruit come together in a chilled dessert that's perfect for warm weather. Kids can help assemble the layers and watch it transform into a crowd-pleasing treat.
Get the Recipe: Light Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Snack

A baked pepperoni pizza casserole garnished with basil leaves, next to a striped towel and a serving spoon. — Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Snack. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Warm, cheesy bites make this savory recipe a guaranteed favorite for family snack time. Pulling apart the finished loaf is every bit as fun as helping put it together.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pull-Apart

Gooey Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats

A colorful marshmallow cereal treat topped with Lucky Charms and sprinkles on a white plate. — Gooey Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Colorful cereal and plenty of marshmallows create a playful dessert that's hard to resist. Adding the finishing touches makes this recipe especially fun for kids to help make.
Get the Recipe: Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats

Creamy Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles

Fresh fruit and creamy yogurt freeze into a refreshing treat that's perfect on hot days. Pouring the mixture into molds and waiting for them to freeze builds plenty of anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles Recipe

Fun Mini Lunch Box Pizzas

Personal-sized pizzas give everyone a chance to customize their favorite toppings. Kids love creating their own versions and seeing their creations come out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lunch Box Pizzas

Warm and Buttery Homemade Pretzel Nuggets

Soft, chewy bites with a golden exterior make a satisfying snack any time of day. Serving them with dipping sauces turns an already fun recipe into an interactive treat.
Get the Recipe: Warm Homemade Pretzel Nuggets