Getting picky eaters to try new foods can feel like an uphill battle, but turning mealtime into playtime is a great way to make eating more enjoyable. With some creativity, you can encourage your little ones to explore different foods without stress. Here are some fun food games to try:
1. Food Rainbow Challenge
Create a rainbow on your plate! Challenge your child to pick and arrange foods of different colors to match the rainbow. For example:
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Red: Strawberries or cherry tomatoes
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Orange: Carrot sticks
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Yellow: Banana slices or sweet corn
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Green: Cucumber or broccoli
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Blue/Purple: Blueberries or grapes
Once the rainbow is complete, they can taste each color! Make it exciting by cheering them on for every new color they try.
2. Taste Test Adventure
Set up a mini food tasting station with small bites of various foods. Cover their eyes and let them guess what they’re eating! Include a mix of familiar favorites and new options. Keep it lighthearted and celebrate any correct guesses. For added fun, have them rate each food with a thumbs up, down, or sideways. This is one of the best Fun Food Games for Picky Eaters children to try new things in an exciting and engaging way!
3. Dip and Dunk Fun
Kids love dipping! Offer a variety of dips like hummus, yogurt, ranch, or peanut butter, and pair them with fruits, veggies, or crackers. Let your child experiment with different combinations to find their favorites. It’s a great way to sneak in new flavors while making it playful.
4. Build-Your-Own Plate
Turn mealtime into a DIY project by letting your child build their own plate. For example:
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Make mini pizzas using whole-grain crackers, tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings.
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Create silly faces on toast with spreads, fruits, and veggies.
Kids feel more involved and are often more willing to eat what they’ve helped create.
5. Food Safari
Turn trying new foods into an adventure! Pretend you’re on a safari exploring foods from different “lands.” Each food can represent an animal or plant they discover on their journey. For example, broccoli can be a “mini tree,” or grapes can be “jungle berries.”
6. Food Art
Let your kids play with their food (just a little). Use fruits, veggies, and other small items to create fun shapes and pictures on their plate. They can make animals, flowers, or even faces. Once they’ve finished, they can eat their masterpiece!
7. Chew and Count
Turn eating into a counting game. For example, ask your child to count how many carrot sticks or apple slices they can chew. It’s a simple way to make eating feel like a game while encouraging them to finish what’s on their plate.
8. Food Bingo
Create a simple bingo card with different foods or food groups. Each time your child eats a new food, they can mark it off. When they get a bingo, reward them with a non-food treat like extra playtime or a sticker.
Tips for Success
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Keep the atmosphere relaxed and positive.
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Avoid pressuring your child to eat. Let the games spark their curiosity naturally.
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Be patient. It might take several tries before they warm up to a new food.
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Celebrate small wins—even a single bite is progress!
Making mealtime fun can turn picky eating into an opportunity for discovery. With these games, you’re not just feeding your child; you’re creating memories that make trying new foods something to look forward to!
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