Family-Friendly BBQ Ideas for Your Next Cookout

As a dad who loves BBQ and spends plenty of time with the family, I know how important it is to create meals that everyone—especially the kids—will enjoy. Whether you’re firing up your Big Green Egg for a weekend cookout or planning a backyard gathering, having kid-friendly options on the menu is key to keeping everyone happy. Here are some fun and easy BBQ ideas that will make your next family cookout a hit.

1. Build-your-own grilled pizzas

One of the best ways to get kids excited about BBQ is by letting them create their own meals. Grilled pizzas are perfect for this. Set up a pizza station with flatbreads or naan, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a variety of toppings like pepperoni, veggies, and grilled chicken. Let the kids assemble their own pizzas, then pop them on the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Not only is this fun for the kids, but it’s also a great way to introduce them to grilling.

2. Grilled quesadillas

Quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re even better when cooked on the grill. You can keep it simple with cheese quesadillas or add some BBQ meat like pulled pork or grilled chicken for extra flavour. The crispy tortillas and gooey cheese are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to eat with little mess—perfect for an outdoor meal.

3. Kid-friendly kebabs

Kebabs are another fun way to involve kids in the cooking process. Let them help build their own skewers using bite-sized pieces of chicken, beef, or even veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also make fruit kebabs as a sweet alternative by grilling pineapple, peaches, or watermelon slices. The combination of smoky flavours from the grill and the sweetness of the fruit makes this a refreshing treat that’s hard to resist.

4. Grilled corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is a BBQ classic that’s easy to prepare and loved by kids. Grill the corn right in its husk for a smoky flavour, then let everyone customize their own ears with butter, salt, or even some grated cheese. For an extra twist, try brushing the corn with honey butter or sprinkling it with chili powder for those who like a bit of spice.

5. Sweet potato wedges

If you’re looking for a healthier side dish that’s still kid-approved, grilled sweet potato wedges are a great option. Slice sweet potatoes into thick wedges, toss them in olive oil and seasoning, then grill until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can serve them with ketchup or a homemade dipping sauce like honey mustard. I would suggest parboiling first, otherwise, you may not get them fully cooked before they are black.

6. BBQ s’mores

No family BBQ is complete without dessert. S’mores are always a hit with kids, and you can easily make them on the grill. Simply sandwich marshmallows and chocolate between graham crackers (or rich tea biscuits), wrap them in foil, and place them on the grill for a few minutes until everything is melted and gooey. It’s an easy treat that’s sure to end your cookout on a sweet note.

7. Homemade lemonade bar

While not grilled, having a homemade lemonade bar adds extra fun to your BBQ setup. Let kids squeeze fresh lemons into pitchers of water and add their own sweeteners like sugar or honey. You can also offer fresh berries or mint leaves as mix-ins for personalized drinks that will keep everyone refreshed during those hot summer days.

So what will it be?

BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated or adult-centered—there are plenty of ways to make it fun and family-friendly. By incorporating interactive dishes like build-your-own pizzas or kebabs, you’ll keep your little ones engaged while ensuring they enjoy every bite. So next time you fire up your Big Green Egg, try out these family-friendly ideas to make your cookout memorable for everyone.

Happy grilling.