I asked my grandchildren for their favorite cookout foods and used their ideas to create this fun and easy list of kid-approved BBQ favorites.
From classic hot dogs and baked beans to fun treats like tacos in a bag and root beer floats, these ideas are perfect for backyard cookouts, birthday parties, and family gatherings.
Some of their favorite cookout foods are the traditional
Baked Beans and Wieners, Potato Salad, and Deviled Eggs.
TACOS IN A BAG is always a big hit. Even the adults like this treat. My grandchildren like to have this when they have parties with their friends also.
HOT DOGS were a favorite response. Serve with sauce, ketchup, mustard, onions, Cole slaw or plain. They love this:
Homemade Hot Dog Sauce
Sliders are perfect Cookout foods for kids because they are smaller and easier to handle than full-size burgers.
- Make them with hamburger or cheeseburger toppings
- Serve on soft rolls for easy eating
- Great for picky eaters who prefer smaller portions
PULLED PORK BBQ Sliders is a favorite for many of my grandchildren.
- Serve on small buns or slider rolls
- Keep the sauce mild and slightly sweet
- Easy to eat and full of flavor
KABOBS.. My little grandsons in NC and CO tell me they like things on skewers…steak, chicken and fruit. Yum!!
A classic cookout food favorite with kids is corn-on-the-cob.
- Serve with butter and a little salt
- Cut into smaller pieces for younger children
Fruit Tray with Dip
Fresh fruit is always a refreshing option on a warm day.
- Serve with a simple dip
- Try filling the center of a hollowed-out pineapple with a pudding-based dip for a fun presentation
Chips, Dip & Crunchy Snacks
Kids also love simple snack options like:
- Chips and dip
- Cheese puffs
- Crackers
Perfect for grazing while they play.
Kid-Friendly Cookout Drinks
Keep drinks simple, fun, and refreshing:
- Juice pouches
- Bottled water
- Lemonade
- Sweet tea
- Soda pop
Root Beer Floats
A fun treat that doubles as a drink and dessert!
Quick Recipe:
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass
- Pour root beer (or any soda) over the top
- Serve with a colorful straw or spoon
Easy Desserts Kids Love
No cookout is complete without something sweet!
- Cupcakes (kids love helping decorate these!)
- Decorated Sugar Cookies
- Cobbler
- Punch Bowl Cake Cups
- Rice Krispie treats
- Ice cream
The children always enjoying helping with the cookout food.
From my experience, kids love foods that are colorful, easy to hold, and fun to eat. Whether it’s something on a stick, something to dip, or a sweet treat they can help decorate, these simple cookout foods make any summer gathering more enjoyable.
And the best part? These ideas aren’t just for kids—everyone at the cookout will find something they love.
This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.
Even without an actual survey of my grandkids, I can tell you that they love individual servings of things – like sliders and anything laced onto a skewer! Your display looks amazing! No wonder the girls’ smiles are so dazzling!
Your list is a great resource for the rest of us to safely choose from! Thanks!
And Happy 4th of July, to you, Pamela!
Wow they look delicious and the grands are darling.
Great post! Planning a beach vacation with my grandchildren. Will use some of these suggestions!
Thank you. A beach vacation with the grandchildren SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A FUN TIME!!!
My kids would love all of these! Pinning this one so I came make me tacos in a bag this weekend. My daughter had them at girl scouts and will be so excited that I found directions. Thank you for a great post!
Oh you are so welcome. I didn’t post step by step so if you need more details please ask me.
What a wonderful day all of you had cooking together — and the best part was you got to eat it, too! OK maybe being with the grandkids is the best part but those pretend hamburgers look pretty darned good!
Mine love the tacos in a bag! I will have to try some of the others.
The first time I seen the walking taco was at my kids school, it’s def a great and easy idea.
The kids of all ages do love these. We have been doing them here in WV for many years. They are always served at fundraisers and sporting events. A great thing to do at a concession stand. Thank you for visiting.
I’ve always wanted to try the taco in a bag and the popcorn bar sounds so fun! Thanks for sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays!
Thank you and YES you must try it!
This post makes me so hungry! I will have to try to remember to use the pineapple to put the fruit dip in; such a great idea.
Thank you…