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Spring Break in our house means a little less structure, a little more noise, and a lot more time together. As a mom of four, I’ve learned that one of the easiest ways to bring everyone into the same space, without screens and without conflict, is the kitchen.
All of my kids love to help cook, but their skills look very different depending on age. One can confidently crack eggs and measure ingredients. One is still working on stirring without spilling. Another prefers arranging toppings or pressing the blender button. Instead of trying to control the process, I’ve learned to build meals around what they can do.
Cooking together during Spring Break isn’t about perfection. It’s about participation. It’s about letting them sprinkle cheese unevenly, roll wraps too loosely, or proudly present slightly lopsided muffins. When kids are involved in preparing food, they’re more curious about what’s on their plate... and more willing to try it.
These recipes are designed with that in mind. They’re simple, flexible, and nourishing. They allow younger kids to pour, mix, and assemble, while older ones can measure, chop (with supervision), and manage basic steps. Most importantly, they turn an ordinary week at home into something collaborative and hands-on.

If you’re looking for a way to make Spring Break feel intentional and sneak in some nutritious wins along the way, this collection is a great place to start.

Recipe by Megan Horsley
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Oat Breakfast Cookies are the kind of Spring Break staple you’ll be glad you made; quick, portable, and actually satisfying. The “dough” is a one-bowl mix of mashed banana, oats, almond butter, maple syrup, and a boost from vegan chocolate protein powder. Kids can mash, pour, and stir, then use a scoop to portion cookies onto the tray (minimal mess, maximum pride). They bake in 10 minutes and work as breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a lunchbox add-on. Cozy, chocolatey, and way more nourishing than they taste.

Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These are easy Spring Break dinners that feel like a cooking “project” without a ton of effort. Ground beef is seasoned simply, then layered with cheese inside tortillas and baked until golden and crunchy. Kids can help measure spices, sprinkle cheese, and assemble tacos on the baking sheet. This is one of those recipes where everyone can participate at their own skill level. The best part is how flexible it is: swap in turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles, and load them up with salsa, guac, and veggies for a balanced, family-friendly meal.

Recipe by Megan Horsley
These muffins feel special enough for Spring Break baking but are simple enough for kids to help with every step. Buckwheat flour adds fibre and a nutty depth, while dark chocolate and juicy cherries make them feel like a treat. Younger kids can whisk wet ingredients and sprinkle chocolate on top, while older ones can measure flour and fold everything together. They’re gluten-free, lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or packing for a family outing during the week.

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Homemade pizza is one of the easiest ways to bring kids into the kitchen. This one layers savoury mushrooms, fresh basil pesto, and mozzarella on a crisp crust for a balanced, flavour-forward dinner. Kids can help tear basil, spread pesto, sprinkle cheese, and arrange mushrooms across the dough. It’s a great opportunity to introduce new vegetables in a hands-on way, and the high-heat bake keeps things quick, a simple vegetarian meal that feels interactive, nourishing, and just a little elevated for Spring Break.

Recipe by Fran Allen
This tasty treat brings nostalgic comfort with a more balanced twist. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and boosted with Greek yogurt for added protein, it’s creamy without being overly rich. Kids can help whisk the stovetop pudding (with supervision), slice bananas, layer cookies, and assemble jars or dishes. The layering process makes it feel like a fun project rather than just a dessert. It’s ideal for Spring Break gatherings, movie nights, or make-ahead treats that sit in the fridge until everyone’s ready for something sweet and satisfying.

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Quick, protein-rich, and easy to assemble, this loaded tuna sandwich is a practical Spring Break lunch that still feels fresh. Finely chopped celery, red onion, lemon, and dill add texture and brightness to classic tuna salad. Younger kids can help stir and layer ingredients onto bread, while older ones can practice careful chopping. It comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days at home. Serve on whole-grain bread with sliced veggies or fruit for a balanced, no-fuss midday meal.

Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These chicken strips are a wholesome take on a kid favourite. Coated in spelt breadcrumbs and baked instead of fried, they offer a crisp texture with a boost of fibre and minerals. Kids can help mix the seasoning blend, dip the chicken, and coat each strip before baking. The hands-on breading process makes dinner feel interactive, while the simple ingredient list keeps things manageable. Serve with roasted vegetables or homemade fries for a balanced, family-friendly meal during Spring Break.

Recipe by Fran Allen
These high-protein pancakes are a Spring Break breakfast win: fluffy, filling, and easy for kids to help make. The batter blends buttermilk, cottage cheese, and eggs into a smooth base, which means less measuring drama and more “I helped!” moments. Younger kids can press the blender button and fold in blueberries, while older kids can portion batter and watch for bubbles before flipping (with supervision). They’re hearty thanks to whole-wheat flour and naturally sweetened with fruit, making them a smart, satisfying start to a busy day at home.

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
When Spring Break days get busy, this noodle dish is the comfort of takeout, without the wait. Ground pork gets browned until crisp, then tossed with quick-cooking noodles, kale, mushrooms, and an easy tamari-mirin sauce. It’s a great “everyone helps” dinner: kids can tear kale, stir sauce ingredients, and sprinkle sesame seeds, while an older kid can help toss noodles with tongs. It’s high-protein, fast, and flexible (swap turkey, use gluten-free noodles, or switch greens), making it a practical weeknight meal that still feels fun.

Recipe by Megan Horsley
This is exactly what you want during Spring Break: kid-friendly comfort food that also sneaks in real nourishment. The “cheese” sauce is blended from potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic, then boosted with nutritional yeast for that classic savoury flavour. Kids can help chop softer veggies (or rinse and add them to the pot), press the blender buttons, and stir the final pasta-and-sauce combo. It’s allergy-aware, creamy without dairy, and surprisingly satisfying, a great option for picky eaters and families navigating common allergens.

Recipe by Megan Horsley
If you want a Spring Break baking project that feels festive, these cupcakes deliver. Shredded beets add a naturally vibrant colour (no dyes) plus fibre and micronutrients, while almond flour and eggs help keep them more protein-forward than a standard cupcake. Kids can help shred the beets (or you can prep them), measure the dry ingredients, and watch the batter turn that signature red as it blends. Top with the cashew “cream cheese” frosting for a fun decorating moment. Perfect for birthdays, playdates, or a just-because treat.

Recipe by Julia Gibson
These doughnuts are a hands-on Spring Break treat that doesn’t require frying, just a doughnut pan and a little excitement. The batter is warm with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and gets its apple flavour from cider and applesauce. Kids can help whisk the dry ingredients, spoon batter into the pan, and brush the tops with melted butter before dusting with cinnamon sugar. They bake quickly and feel bakery-level, but with a more nourishing flour blend. Great for weekend mornings, snack boards, or an afternoon baking activity.

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Stuffed Shells are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that doubles as a hands-on Spring Break kitchen activity. The filling comes together fast with sautéed spinach, ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, and a little heat from red pepper flakes. Kids can help tear spinach, zest the lemon, stir the filling, and (best part) spoon or pipe it into the pasta shells. Once everything’s tucked into marinara and topped with mozzarella, the oven does the work. It’s vegetarian comfort food that feels special, but still totally doable on a busy family night.

Recipe by Julia Gibson
If you want a Spring Break baking project that feels a little bakery-style but stays approachable, these scones are it. They’re tender, warmly spiced, and packed with diced apples for natural sweetness. Kids can help whisk the dry ingredients, stir in the apples, and drizzle the simple coconut butter glaze once the cake has cooled. Older kids can practice using a pastry cutter or gently shaping the dough rounds (no perfection needed). They bake quickly and pair perfectly with yogurt, nut butter, or a glass of milk for a snack that feels special without being over-the-top.

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Taco night is one of the easiest ways to get everyone involved, and these Hanger Steak Tacos make it feel fresh and exciting. The steak marinates with lime, cumin, and oregano, then gets seared and finished with a bright garlic-cilantro drizzle. Kids can help squeeze limes, mash avocado, warm tortillas, and build their own tacos with red onion, cheese, and optional crema or hot sauce. It’s customizable for different comfort levels (and different ages), and the protein-forward base makes it a satisfying dinner that still feels fun and interactive for Spring Break.