An easy, affordable and fun kids’ activity that will keep them engaged is planning a cupcake-decorating project. It’s great for a kids’ party or even family time. So, when the temps soared into the 90s at a family party we hosted, I knew the little ones would welcome a project and air conditioning break.

My grandkids and I are no strangers to decorating cupcakes together. I started making kits during the early days of the pandemic when socializing was limited to our family bubble. Our first one was an Independence Day theme; I still cherish those memories and photos.

Cupcake-decorating ideas are endless with so many flavor combinations, toppings and themes. I’m already thinking about a wintertime motif on a snow day.  

Make It a Contest

For this decorating session, I decided to add in a twist by making it a party event and challenge for the kids. With prizes.

My three grandkids were joined by their cousin and my grandniece Livia who lives far away, so having her with us made the project even sweeter. Of course, with the kids ranging from 5 to 8 years old, the plan was everyone would get a prize based on their uniquely designed favorite cupcake. From that, we came up with the “most” and “best” superlative-style winners. As a bonus submission, the kids also suggested team collaboration entries.

Fun for Adults Too!

As much fun as watching the kids make their creations was wordsmithing the winning names for each entry. Sending the kids away for the “judging” process, my sister-in-law amicably agreed to be the judge (as she’s not a parent or grandparent of the littles), and together the moms and grandmoms brainstormed award-winning cupcake names with her. With my other sister-in-law’s insightful suggestions as an educator and wise to the ways of young minds, we chose names that were inspired, fun and meaningful for them.

Feel free to simplify this step with basic categories like: most colorful, best use of toppings, best rainbow, prettiest flower, most artistic, etc. I put labels with their winning entry names on gift bags and presented each with their prize.

Basics of What You’ll Need

This is a easy project so don’t overthink it. I keep it simple using cake mixes to bake the cupcakes and prepared frostings that I’ll mix in some food color. I like to have at least three different colors, and for this challenge I made five: green, blue, purple, red and yellow. I used a confetti cake mix, but go with what you have on hand or the kids’ favorite.

For toppings, before heading to the store, check your cupboards for sprinkles, chocolate chips, colored sugars and candy. Using small candy pieces like M&Ms, Reece’s pieces, gummy bears and Skittles is a win-win; kids enjoy snacking on them as part of the creative process!

Organizing Your Ingredients

I like putting the frostings and toppings in inexpensive four-ounce plasticware containers available at the supermarket, such as Gladware or Ziploc. They’re handy if getting ready ahead for a party or transporting to another location. Plus, they’re just the right size for freezing homemade pesto (see recipe).

Other options are using muffin pans or creating a painter-style palette with dops of frosting and small piles of toppings on paper plates. I like using plastic utensils because they’re safe for the littles and easy cleanup.  

These basic tools and ingredients work perfectly right now while the kids are young. However, as the they grow a little older, get more proficient in the kitchen and their flavor profiles change, I’ll need to put on my baker’s hat and bake from scratch and invest in some piping bags and tips! I’m already looking forward to it!