Creating a Kid-Friendly Kitchen in 2025

By Cassie Monroe, Lifestyle & Routine Editor | Daily Life Column | Childcare Standards Council

In many households, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the beating heart of the home. It’s where we start our mornings, refuel after school, experiment with recipes, and gather for everything from birthday baking to family chats over tea and toast.

In 2025, more families are looking to make their kitchens not just functional for adults, but welcoming and practical for children too.

Creating a kid friendly kitchen doesn’t mean transforming it into a soft play area; it’s about designing a space that invites children to be part of daily life.

Whether they’re helping with dinner, fetching their own snack, or just chatting at the breakfast bar while you chop veg, a well set up kitchen can spark independence, safety, learning, and connection.

Let’s explore some simple ways to make your kitchen more kid friendly in 2025, no major renovation required!

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1. Design for Independence

One of the best ways to make your kitchen more child friendly is by encouraging independence. When children can reach what they need, they're more likely to get involved, and feel trusted.

Here are a few easy wins:

• Low shelves or drawers with kids’ cups, plates, and bowls

• A dedicated snack station with healthy options they can access

• A small step stool or kitchen helper tower to reach the counter safely

• A labelled basket for lunchbox bits, reusable water bottles, sandwich boxes, napkins

This setup helps even toddlers get involved with simple tasks like pouring water or grabbing a spoon ,building confidence and life skills from an early age.

2. Safety First (Without Hovering)

A kid friendly kitchen needs to be a safe one, especially as little hands get curious. Fortunately, modern tools and thoughtful systems make it easier than ever to keep safety at the forefront without hovering over their every move.

Try these ideas:

• Use induction hobs that only heat when a pan is present, great for older kids learning to cook

• Fit safety locks on drawers with sharp tools or cleaning products

• Keep handles turned inward when cooking on the hob

• Store heavier items like pots and mixers in lower cupboards to prevent tip overs

• Create a safe zone where children can help or snack away from hot surfaces

You don’t need to bubble wrap the kitchen, just be mindful of where potential risks sit and make simple adjustments that promote safety and freedom side by side.

3. Make it a Learning Space

The kitchen is a natural classroom, one filled with opportunities for learning without sitting at a desk. Measuring, counting, sorting, following instructions, and fine motor skills are all part of the magic of mealtime.

You can encourage learning by:

• Letting children read recipes aloud

• Having a chalkboard or magnetic whiteboard to write meal plans or fun facts

• Giving them safe tools like child friendly knives or measuring cups

• Making cleaning up a shared task, even little ones can wipe the table or sweep crumbs

These small daily lessons build confidence, patience, and responsibility, all in a space they already enjoy being in.

4. Embrace Colour and Accessibility

In 2025, many family kitchens are shifting away from all white minimalism toward warmth, texture, and personal touches. A kid friendly kitchen should feel welcoming, a space that reflects the whole family.

Some cheerful touches to try:

• Bright dishware or lunchboxes with their favourite colours or characters

• A pinboard or fridge display for artwork, photos, and positive reminders

• Fun labels and icons on jars and storage bins, especially helpful for pre readers

• Open shelves or baskets for easy grab snacks like fruit, rice cakes, or oat bars

A space that’s colourful, clear, and open invites children to take part, rather than just hover at the edges.

5. Create a “Kids’ Corner” or Activity Spot

Not every child wants to help cook, and that’s OK. Sometimes, they just want to be near you, and giving them a comfy, purposeful spot in the kitchen lets that happen without them getting underfoot.

Consider setting up:

• A low table with crayons, puzzles, or picture books

• A basket of kitchen themed toys (play food, mini pans, toy utensils)

• A drawer filled with colouring sheets, stickers, or washable markers

• A soft rug and beanbag for quiet time while you’re cooking

This encourages calm presence in the kitchen without needing constant supervision, and keeps them close while you prep dinner or tidy up.

6. Involve Them in Meal Planning

Children are far more likely to eat something they’ve had a hand in choosing. Involving them in meal planning makes them feel included and reduces fussy food battles.

Try:

• Creating a weekly family meal board with everyone’s input

• Letting kids pick one meal a week, even if it’s “funny face sandwiches”

• Taking them shopping and giving them a budget to choose a new fruit or veg

• Asking them to help name meals (“Rainbow Pasta”, “Mum’s Famous Tacos”, etc.)

It’s not just about the food, it’s about creating connection and confidence through collaboration.

7. Keep Things Calm and Connected

Kitchens can be noisy, messy, and busy but, they can also be places of calm connection. With the right setup, you can transform the kitchen into a space for mindful moments in the everyday.

Simple ideas:

• Keep a music playlist going while cooking together

• Add a diffuser with soothing scents like lavender or citrus

• Start a family ritual, like Friday night “pizza and playlist” or Sunday morning pancakes

• Use cooking time as chat time, no phones, just stirring and stories

In a world that’s always rushing, the kitchen can be a space to slow down, even if just for ten minutes.

Final Thoughts: Little Changes, Big Impact

You don’t need a full renovation to create a kid friendly kitchen. With a few thoughtful tweaks, like accessible storage, safety first tools, and a splash of personality, you can design a space where your children feel welcome, involved, and safe.

A child friendly kitchen in 2025 isn’t just about the layout. It’s about the love and laughter shared over spilled flour, licked spoons, and “one more carrot, please!” moments.

So pull up a stool, hand them a wooden spoon, and invite them in. The kitchen is for the whole family, mess and all.