Feeding Children: What to Feed Them and When

Feeding Kids Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If you’ve ever tried to keep kids happy and fed at an event, you’ll know it’s not always smooth sailing. Between picky eaters, short attention spans, and sudden hunger outbursts, children bring their own set of challenges and joy to the table.

At Good 2 Eat Catering, we’ve fed children at weddings, school camps, family gatherings, and everything in between across the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland. Here’s what we’ve learned about what to feed them, when to feed them, and how to make mealtime fun.

1. Timing Is Everything

Children’s energy levels rise and fall fast, especially when food is involved. If the event runs for several hours, plan to feed kids early.
Serving their meal within the first hour helps prevent hunger meltdowns and keeps them in good spirits while the adults mingle.

• Offer simple snacks as soon as guests arrive, fruit skewers, sliders, or veggie sticks.

• If you’re having a sit-down meal, consider serving kids’ plates first.

• For weddings or large functions, a kids’ meal station works brilliantly.

When little bellies are full, they’re much more content to play, explore, or sit quietly during speeches.

2. Keep the Menu Simple (and Familiar)

While adults may love adventurous dishes and bold flavours, most kids prefer the classics.
Think comfort food with a healthy twist, familiar, tasty, and easy to eat.

Some of our go-to crowd-pleasers include:

• Mini cheeseburgers or sliders

• Crumbed chicken (daddy fried chicken with mayo slaw)

• Cheesy pasta 

• Ham & cheese pizza

Keep seasoning light, avoid spice, and limit sugar to dessert time to keep energy levels steady.

3. Always Consider Allergies and Dietary Needs

Kids’ meals should be fun, but also safe.
Always confirm allergies or intolerances ahead of time — especially when it comes to dairy, gluten, and nuts. We recommend:

• Labelling dishes clearly

• Separating serving utensils

• Keeping an eye out for special dietary plates

At Good 2 Eat, we’ve built a strong reputation for managing dietary requirements carefully, ensuring that every child can eat safely and confidently.

4. Create a Kid-Friendly Space

Food is only half the equation, the atmosphere matters too.
If you want parents to relax and everyone to enjoy themselves, set up a space just for the little ones. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; a few thoughtful touches go a long way.

Here’s how to create a calm and inviting kids’ zone:

• Low tables or picnic rugs for eating and playing

• Colouring-in sheets or craft supplies to keep hands busy

• Outdoor games like giant Jenga, bubbles, or hula hoops

• A movie corner for late-night weddings or indoor venues

If you have a larger group of children attending, consider hiring a babysitter or childcare attendant for the duration of the event. It’s an easy way to ensure they’re supervised, safe, and having fun, giving parents peace of mind to truly enjoy the celebration.

5. Keep It Playful

Children eat with their eyes first, so presentation counts.
Fun shapes, bright colours, and interactive elements make food more exciting. The more fun it feels, the less coaxing it takes to get them eating well.

6. A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

When you’re planning your event, talk to your caterer about your guest list early, especially if kids are attending.
We can help you design a balanced, affordable children’s menu that fits seamlessly alongside your main catering service. From outdoor weddings to backyard parties, it’s all about creating a space where kids feel welcome and cared for.

Final Thoughts

Feeding children at events doesn’t need to be stressful. With a little planning, the right food, and a space just for them, kids can have a great time — and so can the adults.

At Good 2 Eat Catering, we believe that when the kids are happy, the parents relax, and the whole event runs smoother. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate family day, or community gathering, we’ll help you plan a family-friendly catering experience that everyone will love.