Cupcake Decorating Fun: A Sweet School Holiday Activity for Kids

With school holidays in full swing and the Perth summer heat soaring, finding ways to keep kids entertained indoors can be a real challenge. When it's 36 degrees outside, messy, creative activities are the perfect solution — and today, we decided to tackle cupcake decorating!

Sure, I may have had a few moments of panic watching the sprinkles fly, but seeing the kids beam with pride over their colourful creations made every bit of mess worth it.

If you're looking for a fun, affordable, and creative school holiday activity to do at home (or at Faire & Co), cupcake decorating is a winner.

I always use Play Bake Smile as my recipe go to, mainly because their recipes are all converted to #thermomix instructions (which I love), plus their photos are so scrummy to look at, you can't help but bake them!

Check out the recipe we used today for the cupcakes here

This was the end result - a colourful mess of course, but an hour of not one sound (except for a little blip when they were arguing over the #malteasers)

#stickyfingers #sugarhigh #makewithfaire #vanillacupcakes #playbakesmile #boredombusters

Why Baking and Decorating with Kids Is the Perfect Holiday Activity

Baking with your children isn't just about making delicious treats — it’s a full sensory experience that comes with loads of hidden benefits:

• Encourages creativity and imagination: Let them run wild with colours, patterns, and toppings.

• Teaches basic maths skills: Measuring ingredients sneaks in a little learning.

• Develops fine motor skills: Scooping, pouring, mixing, and decorating all help growing hands.

• Builds confidence: Kids feel proud showing off what they made "all by themselves."

• Strengthens connection: Working side-by-side in the kitchen is a beautiful bonding opportunity.

And the best part? They get to enjoy the (sweet) fruits of their labour when they're done!

Tips for Stress-Free Cupcake Decorating with Kids

Before you break out the icing and sprinkles, a little preparation can make the experience smoother (and less overwhelming for you):

• Create a decorating station: Lay down an old tablecloth or baking sheet to catch stray sprinkles and icing.

• Use small bowls for toppings: Mini marshmallows, edible glitter, smarties, sprinkles — give kids a variety to choose from.

• Have extra cupcakes: Expect a few oops moments — they’re part of the fun!

• Relax and embrace the chaos: Remember, it’s about the process, not the perfect Pinterest-worthy cupcake.

Cupcake decorating is a wonderful way for kids to express themselves creatively — without needing a paintbrush!

Why You Might Want to Leave the Mess to Us at Faire & Co

As much fun as it is to cook and create at home, let’s be honest cleaning up icing footprints from your floor isn't everyone's idea of a relaxing holiday.That’s where Faire & Co comes in.

At our North Perth and Kalamunda studios, kids can get their hands messy, creative, and colourful and you don’t have to lift a finger (or a sponge)! Our School Holiday Workshops are designed exactly for this kind of joyful, uninhibited creativity painting, slime-making, clay crafting, and so much more.

You’ll get the same big smiles, proud masterpieces, and excited storytelling at pickup time — without the sprinkles embedded in your carpet.

Discover More Creative Fun at Faire & Co

Looking for more screen-free activities to keep your kids happy (and your house clean) these school holidays?Join us at Faire & Co for a range of hands-on art workshops for kids aged 2.5 to 12 years.Each session focuses on the joy of creating, experimenting, and expressing — without worrying about the mess.

Spots fill fast, so check out our School Holiday Program here and let the creativity begin!