How to Make Your Event Menu Friendly for Kids and Adults Alike!

Planning a special event like a birthday party, bat mitzvah, or family celebration can be tricky when your guest list includes the pleasing the palates of kids and adults. 

The secret to success? A menu that caters to all ages, combining fun, interactive options for kids with delicious, sophisticated choices for adults. 

Whether hosting a themed event or looking for universal crowd-pleasers, here’s how to make your event menu a delight for all guests.

Keep It Interactive with Build-Your-Own Stations

Interactive food stations are a game-changer for events with kids. They keep the little ones engaged and allow picky eaters to customize their meals just as they like. Adults love them, too, for the creative, hands-on experience.

Ideas for Build-Your-Own Stations:

  • Taco Buffet: Offer a selection of proteins (chicken, beef, veggie), toppings (cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole), and sides like nachos or rice.
  • Pizza Station: Provide personal-sized pizza bases and toppings ranging from classic cheese and pepperoni to veggies and gourmet options.
  • Slider Bar: Mini burgers with various toppings, such as bacon, caramelized onions, and sauces, are available for adults, and more straightforward options are available for kids.

Rainbow macarons are an irresistible treat any time of year.

Incorporate Fun Themes

A themed menu can bring truly elevate and create a memorable ambiance that will go down in history as uniquely yours. Match the theme to the occasion or your child’s interests for a sweet and personalized touch.

Theme Ideas:

  • Carnival Foods: For a fun, nostalgic vibe, think corn dogs, fries, cotton candy, and caramel apples.
  • Sports Stadium Snacks: Serve jumbo pretzels, nachos, mini hot dogs, and a DIY popcorn seasoning bar.
  • Tea Party Delights: Crustless sandwiches, fresh baked scones and breakfast pastries with jams and clotted cream, and dainty desserts like macarons or petite fours. Pair the foods with a fancy selection of teas for the adults and warm apple cider for the kiddos. 
KTC Brunswick Bierworks

One bite Nachos

Go Handheld for Easy Eating

Handheld foods are a win for kids and adults, as they’re easy to eat and perfect for mingling. Make sure to include a variety of options to suit all palates.

Ideas for Handheld Foods:

  • Spuds of all kinds: Serve baked potatoes with all the fixings, a poutine bar or a classic French fry bar with various dips and sauces.
  • BBQ Burgers & Hot Dogs: with gourmet toppings for the young at heart
  • Pizza Party: A no-brainer!
  • Kid Friendly and fancy skewers: You’ve probably had a corn dog, but have to tried a lobster corndog?

Offering simple and gourmet variations will satisfy kids who love the classics and adults who appreciate a more elevated option.

KTC Brunswick Bierworks

Mini chicken and waffles anyone?

Make It Mini – Bite-Sized Is Always a Hit

There’s something irresistible about mini-sized foods, and they’re perfect for kids who like smaller portions and adults who want to sample a variety of flavours.

Mini Food Ideas:

  • Mini Burgers & Hot Dogs: Level up and serve flights of burgers with flights of beers for the folks of age. 
  • Mac & Cheese Bombs: Bite-sized portions of creamy mac and cheese coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. Add some shaved truffles for the adults to elevate the experience. 
  • Satay’s: Chicken, beef, shrimp, veggie – oh my! Endless possibilities for all preferences.
  • Grilled Cheese Bites: Chefs add to the entertainment by making these fresh. Serve those sammies with small cups of tomato soup for dipping and mini gherkins. 

Mini foods look adorable and make it easier for guests to try a little of everything. 

KTC Brunswick Bierworks

KTC at Brunswick Bierworks

Create a Special Kids’ Menu

Kids love to feel like they’re getting something designed just for them. A dedicated kids’ menu with creative, fun options can make them feel included and excited about the food.

Ideas for a Kid-Specific Menu:

  • Chef Led Pasta Bar: Serve an array of pastas with simple sauces and customizable ingredients. People of all ages love to customize. 
  • DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Watch the kids light up with excitement as they add their favourite toppings, from sprinkles to whipped cream.
  • Fun Shapes: Serve foods shaped like animals, stars, or other fun designs. 
  • Themed Drinks: Offer colourful, non-alcoholic “mocktails” to make kids feel grown-up. Shirly temple anyone? 
KTC Dishes

Fresh made pasta

Don’t Skimp on Dessert

Dessert is a highlight of any event; kids (and adults!) expect something sweet and special. Go beyond the usual cake with a mix of treats that appeal to all ages.

Dessert Ideas:

  • Cupcake Decorating Station: Provide plain cupcakes with frosting and toppings for a fun, hands-on activity. Have some prepared one’s too, for anyone that doesn’t feel like playing with their food. 😉
  • Dessert Shooters: Mini glasses with layered desserts like mousse, cheesecake, or tiramisu. Yum! 
  • Chocolate Fountain: Pair with dippable items like fresh fruit, marshmallows, and cookies. 
  • Mini Pies, Squares & Tarts: Individual-sized treats that are perfect for sampling. Sea salt Caramel Brownie anyone? 
KTC Variety Dishes and Promotional Shoot

KTC Variety Dishes and Promotional Shoot

Make Your Event Memorable with a Tailored Menu

A kid-friendly menu doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. 

Your event will satisfy every guest with the right balance of fun, interactive options for kids and plenty of choices for adults. 

At Kiss the Cook Catering, we create custom menus for all ages and event types. 

From bat mitzvahs and birthday parties to family celebrations, our team can help you plan a menu that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

Ready to plan your next event? Contact us today to learn more about our kid-friendly catering options and let us help make your celebration unforgettable!

P.S. Don’t forget to kiss the cook!

#muah!