7 Fun Ways to Get Kids Curious About Food Outside the Kitchen

As a dietitian who works primarily with kids and families, I’m constantly reminded that sometimes the best way to get through to a kiddo is to appeal to their natural curiosity. This is true for so many things and that includes food too! 

While kids may be quick to write off an unfamiliar food -- how many times has your kiddo said “I don’t like it” simply by looking at a food? -- they can often be subtly nudged to take another look if their curiosity is peaked. Since this may feel like pressure at the dinner table, keep reading for a handful of ways to get kids curious about food outside of the kitchen. 

The bonus? Each of these experiences count toward the numerous times a kiddo may need to be exposed to a food before they learn to accept it!

Plant a garden 

As a rule of thumb, most kids love to dig in the dirt. So why not give them something to really dig into? Planting a garden helps kids learn about how food grows and to see the process up close. Whether you grow a couple herbs in a pot or plant a full raised-bed of fruits and veggies, watching their food grow inspires many kiddos to become more adventurous eaters!

Eat at a new restaurant

While kids and adults often prefer to stick to what is comfortable, we all need some novelty from time to time. Next time your family is looking to have a meal out, try a new restaurant or simply order a new dish from a favorite restaurant. Seeing and interacting with new foods sparks curiosity in most kiddos. 

Visit a farm or farmers market

Visiting a farm or a farmers’ market is the perfect activity for kids who like to ask a lot of questions, especially if those questions involve wanting to know where their food comes from! Many farmers are more than happy to talk about the food they produce and answer questions about their farming practices. 

Take them grocery shopping

I’ll admit it -- grocery shopping with kids in tow is not for the weak… but it can have its benefits. Bringing them to the grocery store gives kids insight into what it takes to prepare a meal and exposes them to foods your family may not purchase regularly. They may take interest in a new fruit or vegetable or suggest trying a new flavor of yogurt your family already enjoys. While it’s not necessary to bring themevery time, letting them share the task sometimes has its benefits. 

Read food-related books 

Books are one of the best ways to teach kids about topics that are new to them and, perhaps, about topics that aren’t always accessible in day-to-day life. Using books to learn about all types of foods, especially foods from different cultures or countries, is a fun way to expand your kiddo’s culinary knowledge. 

Take a kid-friendly cooking class

Many kids are hands-on learners, so registering for a kid-friendly cooking class in your area could be a really fun activity. Be sure to check out the local park district or library for options. Chances are, your kiddo will learn something new about food as well as get the opportunity to play with food without making a mess in your own kitchen -- win, win!

Use play food or a play kitchen

Playing with pretend food or in a play kitchen is often less intimidating than the real deal. Doing so allows kids to explore food and cooking in a low-pressure environment as well as provides a way for them to stretch their imagination when it comes to food. Pretend food can be a great way to introduce a food before serving it at a meal as well!

Summary: 

There are a ton of fun ways to spark curiosity when it comes to kids and food -- even outside the kitchen! Try hands-on activities such as gardening or a cooking class, and use tools like books or pretend food to explore foods from other cultures.