I love to bake, and I’ve already started to pass this passion on to my little ones. What I love about baking is that even when money’s tight, I usually already have the ingredients for something in my kitchen. It’s also a great way to sneak in some lessons on things like math, science, and reading comprehension which is why baking is a favorite activity for many homeschoolers. Kids don’t even realize they’re learning – they’re far too busy having fun and getting messy!

Another reason baking is such a great activity is it doesn’t get old the way other activities can. Baking can be adapted for different seasons and holidays so every time you bake, you’re doing a new project. Here are some great ways to have fun with baking:

Make some cookies to welcome fall. Mix up a batch of sugar cookies, cut the dough using autumn-themed cookie cutters (check yard sales for seasonal cookie cutters or pick some up for $2.25 and under at The Cookie Cutter Shop), and have your kids help decorate them with icing in all the colors of autumn.

Have a cookie decorating party. Make a big batch of cookies, and invite some of your child’s friends over to help decorate them with icing, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and anything else you can think of. Not sure what to do with all those cookies? You can send some home with each of your guests or you may want to consider donating them to charity.

Make your own pizza. You can turn your ordinary dinner into a make-your-own pizza party. Start by making pizza dough earlier in the day. When you’re ready for dinner, you can make one big pizza for everyone or make smaller, individual pizzas that each person gets to decorate with their favorite toppings.