How do you keep the kids entertained when you can't send them outside? Why not cook up some fun in your kitchen? These recipes may not necessarily be edible, but they are sure to please and will teach a bit of science and measuring skills in the bargain.

Make rock candy

Making rock candy is a lesson in science in and of itself, and you can eat the results! You can make the crystals different colors, if you wish, simply by adding a bit of food coloring.

Crystals suitable to eat will form in an hour and continue for several days to a week. Pieces can be broken off and eaten after the first hour. (But, try to hold out for big crystals!) Although you may see quick results in small measure, the larger rock candy crystals you're accustomed to seeing in the candy store will take some time to form.

Rock Candy Recipe

Make a gingerbread house

We tend to think of gingerbread houses as a holiday activity, but you can create any theme you want. Make mini-houses out of graham crackers and canned frosting and let the kids use their imagination to decorate as a dollhouse, doghouse, fire station, or other structure. This is a great idea for parties as well.

Gingerbread House Recipes

Make cinnamon applesauce cut-outs

These are really fun to make and they smell so good! You can use them for tree decorations during the holidays, or treat the dough like clay and make whatever you wish as a decoration for the kid's room or your home. Cookie cutters work great or use blunt scissors to cut out free-form shapes. They are natural air fresheners and will last a long time once they are dry.

Cinnamon Applesauce Cut-outs Recipe

More Kitchen Fun

Once you get your children interested in the kitchen, they'll probably want to help you cook. This is a good thing! Helping to make meals will also often soften up even picky eaters into trying new foods, simply because they helped to make the dishes. Don't miss the Junior Chef article with safety tips and simple recipes the kids can make for Mother's Day, Father's Day or just as a special thank-you for parents. These recipes can be made with minimal supervision.

Junior Chefs Cook

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