Kid friendly dinner ideas are a huge help when you’re trying to keep everyone happy at mealtime without spending hours in the kitchen.
The recipes need to check all the boxes: easy to make, budget-friendly, and a hit with the kids.
I put together a list of some of my favorite kid-friendly dinner ideas that make dinnertime easier and way more fun.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just looking for meals the whole family will enjoy, these ideas are here to make dinner a breeze!
5 Simple Tricks to Make These Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas
- Keep it easy: No need to get fancy—stick to simple meals with just a few ingredients to make dinners your kids will love!
- Use flavors they love: Most kids love things like cheese, pasta, and tacos. Adding a small twist keeps things fun without adding a lot of effort.
- Get the kids involved: Let them add their own toppings or help build their plates—it makes dinner more fun and gets them excited to eat.
- Sneak in the veggies: Hide veggies in pasta sauces or casseroles for extra nutrition without them even noticing.
- Prep ahead when you can: Prepping meals in advance makes weeknight dinners so much easier and gives you more time to relax with the family.
39 Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas That Make Mealtime Easy and Fun
Dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle! Here are 39 easy, kid-approved dinners that’ll keep everyone happy. These ideas are perfect for family nights around the table. Dig in!
1. Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy taco sticks offer a fun twist on taco night! Perfect for little hands and packed with cheesy goodness, they’re easy to dip in salsa or guacamole. It is a win for both parents and kids!
2. BBQ Bacon Chicken Pizza
This BBQ bacon chicken pizza is a favorite because of the crispy flatbread and sweet and smoky flavors. The kids love pizza night, and this version makes it feel extra special.
3. Grilled Cheese Rollups
Grilled cheese rollups are a fun spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. They are perfect for dipping in tomato soup. They’re a quick and easy weeknight dinner, ready in under 10 minutes.
4. Enchilada Stuffed Shells
Enchilada stuffed shells blend the best of both worlds—enchiladas and pasta. The cheesy, saucy filling is sure to be a hit with kids.
5. Baked Cheeseburger Tacos
Baked cheeseburger tacos are a mash-up of two dinner classics. The crunchy taco shell stuffed with cheesy beef is a guaranteed kid-pleaser, and I love how easy they are to make ahead.
6. English Muffin Pizzas
These mini pizzas are a go-to on busy nights. My kids love picking their own toppings, and I love that they’re budget-friendly and come together in minutes.
7. Chicken Pillows
Chicken pillows are a family favorite. They have a creamy filling wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. They feel like a special treat, and my kids always ask for them at dinnertime.
8. Crescent Roll Taco Ring
Crescent roll taco ring is always a crowd-pleaser at parties or family get-togethers! But it’s also fun and super easy to whip up for a quick and delicious dinner that the kids will love.
9. Cheeseburger Macaroni
Cheeseburger macaroni is the perfect mix of two favorites—mac and cheese and burgers! It’s a quick, one-pot meal that’s hearty and always gets gobbled up by the kids.
10. Mummy Hot Dogs
Mummy hot dogs are always a big hit with kids, not just for Halloween! The crescent roll “bandages” make them fun to eat, and they’re super easy to throw together.
11. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Mini chicken pot pies are perfect for little hands and filled with tender chicken and veggies. They’re a fun, all-in-one meal that the kids love and I feel good about serving.
12. Chicken Crescent Rolls
Chicken crescent rolls are a simple dinner idea that always hits the spot. The kids love the buttery, flaky crust and cheesy chicken filling, and I love how easy they are to bake!
13. Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Crockpot chicken and noodles are comfort food made easy. I throw everything in the slow cooker, and by dinnertime, we have a warm, cozy meal that the kids gobble up!
14. Baked Spaghetti Carbonara
Baked spaghetti carbonara is a creamy, cheesy pasta that my kids absolutely love. It’s a quick-to-make family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
15. Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese Cups
These mac and cheese cups are great for sneaking in veggies! They’re fun to eat and easy to hold, and the cheesy flavor keeps the kids coming back for more.
16. Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders
Honey mustard ham and cheese pretzel sliders are a fun, bite-sized dinner that my kids can’t get enough of. The soft pretzel buns and melted cheese make these sliders a great go-to for an easy, kid-friendly meal.
17. Chicken Tenders
Homemade chicken tenders are always a favorite with my kids. They’re crispy and juicy. Plus, they are perfect for dipping in their favorite sauces—so much better than the frozen kind!
18. Chicken Breast Fritters
Chicken breast fritters are light, crispy, and a healthier alternative to fried chicken. They’re great for little hands and pair perfectly with any side dish you have on hand.
19. White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is a hearty, protein-packed dish that the whole family enjoys. It’s mild enough for picky eaters but still full of flavor.
20. Kielbasa Pasta
Kielbasa pasta is a quick, one-pot meal that’s always a hit at our house. It has a savory sausage and creamy sauce that is super easy to throw together on busy nights.
21. Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup
Instant Pot turkey noodle soup is a wholesome meal that’s ready in a snap. The tender turkey and veggies make it filling, and it’s perfect for those nights when you need a satisfying dish without the fuss.
22. Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air fryer fish sticks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like the store-bought version, but healthier. They’re perfect for busy weeknights!
23. Air Fryer Tuna Bites
Air fryer tuna bites are a fun way to get more fish into your kids’ meals. They’re crispy, packed with flavor, and perfect for dipping into sauces like ketchup or ranch!
24. Hidden Veggie Pasta
Hidden veggie pasta is my go-to for sneaking in extra nutrition. The kids just see it as delicious pasta, but it’s packed with veggies they don’t even notice—total mom win!
25. Hot Dog Casserole
Hot dog casserole is a cheesy, comforting dish that’s easy on the budget. It’s a hearty, kid-approved meal that feels like pure comfort food.
26. Easy Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are a simple, filling dinner that my kids love. The cheesy meatballs make it feel like a fun treat, and it comes together so easily on busy nights!
27. Taco Casserole
Taco casserole takes traditional tacos to a whole new level. It’s a one-pan meal that’s full of flavor and easy to customize with your kids’ favorite toppings!
28. Crunch Wrap Supreme
Crunch Wrap Supreme is like taking fast food and making it even better at home! The kids love the crunchy layers, and it’s a great way to switch up taco night.
29. Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s always a hit in my house. It’s comfort food at its best and easy to throw together on a busy night.
30. Meatball Sub Cupcakes
Meatball sub cupcakes are bite-sized versions of a classic favorite! The kids love the novelty of eating these mini-subs, and they’re perfect for portion control.
31. Beef Taquitos
Beef taquitos are a favorite in our house! They’re crispy, packed with seasoned beef, and fun to dip in salsa or guacamole. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
32. Corn Dog Muffins
Corn dog muffins are a playful twist on a classic favorite. Kids can’t get enough of the mini cornbread muffins with hot dogs tucked inside and they are a quick-fix dinner for busy nights.
33. Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Your kids will love these Chicken Parmesan Sliders! The crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a soft slider bun make them a family favorite. They’re easy to make and great for little hands!
34. Cheeseburger Biscuit Bombs
Cheeseburger biscuit bombs are bite-sized treats that pack all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a flaky biscuit. They’re perfect for dinner or as a fun appetizer!
35. Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tot casserole is a comforting, kid-approved dinner that’s easy to put together. With its cheesy filling and crispy tater tots on top, it’s always a hit at our table. It checks off all the kid friendly dinner ideas boxes for being easy to make, budget friendly, and the kids love it!
36. Korean Pork Tacos
Korean pork tacos are a fun take on taco night! The pork is so tender and packed with flavor. My kids love putting together their own tacos. It’s a fresh twist on our usual dinner routine.
37. Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade Hamburger Helper is a great take on the boxed stuff. It’s so easy to make in one pot. Perfect for a busy night when you want something quick and delicious that the whole family loves!
38. Baked Ravioli Casserole
Baked ravioli casserole is a great dish to make on hectic nights. Just layer the cheesy ravioli with sauce, pop it in the oven, and you have a warm, bubbly dinner with barely any work.
39. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Crockpot stuffed peppers is one of the best kid friendly dinner ideas. I just throw everything into the crockpot, and by dinnertime, the peppers are tender and packed with flavor. It’s such a win for busy days when I want something healthy and filling without a lot of fuss!
You’ll Also Love This Dinner Ideas!
If you’re looking for more ways to keep dinner simple and tasty, check out these awesome recipes and meal ideas that make family dinners a breeze.
- For those nights when you just want something comforting and effortless, these 25 Easy Family Dinner Casseroles are the answer.
- Air fryers are a busy family’s best friend! From crispy veggies to quick mains, these Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer rounds up the tastiest, easiest air fryer meals you’ll want to try.
- When time’s tight, but dinner still needs to wow, these Easy Family Dinner Recipes have your back!
FAQs
What’s a quick dinner that’s also fun for my kids?
Try one of the kid friendly recipes – DIY Mini Pizzas! Give them mini pitas, English muffins, or tortillas as crusts, and let them add their favorite toppings. Bake for a few minutes, and dinner’s ready—plus, they’ll feel like little chefs!
Any ideas to make dinnertime more interactive?
Try a DIY wrap or burrito night. Set out tortillas with fillings like grilled chicken, shredded cheese, veggies, and sauces. Kids can roll their own creations, and the best part is, they’re more likely to eat it if they made it!
Is there a way to make dinner feel like a treat?
Yes! Try Snack Boards! Put together a board with things like small sandwiches, cheese cubes, crackers, fruits, veggie sticks, and a few treats. Kids can try different foods—they’ll think it’s a special occasion!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something easy to make or a fun twist on a favorite dish, these kid friendly dinner ideas will keep your kids happy and make your evenings easier.
From cheesy tacos to mini sliders, these kid friendly dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights and won’t break the budget.
A little planning with kid friendly dinner ideas goes a long way, helping you serve up meals the whole family will enjoy—without spending hours in the kitchen.
