Make a Fruity Green Smoothie
Make a fruity green smoothie by blending spinach, banana, berries, and yogurt while practicing measuring, tasting, and kitchen safety with adult supervision.
About this activity
Make a fruity green smoothie by blending spinach, banana, berries, and yogurt while practicing measuring, tasting, and kitchen safety with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds to make them clean and safe.
- 2
Step 2
Gather all the Materials Needed and put them on the counter so everything is ready.
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Step 3
Rinse the spinach leaves and the berries under cold running water to clean them.
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Step 4
With adult supervision prepare the banana by peeling it and slicing it on the cutting board.
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Step 5
Measure 1 cup of spinach and add it to the blender.
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Step 6
Add the banana slices and 1 cup of berries to the blender.
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Step 7
Measure and add 1/2 cup of yogurt and 1/2 cup of milk or juice to the blender.
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Step 8
Put the blender lid on securely and, with adult help, blend until the smoothie is smooth.
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Step 9
With adult supervision stop the blender and remove the lid to check the smoothie.
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Step 10
Taste a small spoonful to see if you want it sweeter or thicker.
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Step 11
If you want it sweeter add up to 1 teaspoon of honey or add a little more yogurt and tell an adult before blending again.
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Step 12
With adult help blend again briefly if you added anything and then pour the smoothie into your drinking cup.
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Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a fruity green smoothie with a child?
First wash hands and set out ingredients. Let your child measure spinach, banana, berries, and yogurt into a bowl or cup. An adult should place items in the blender and secure the lid. Blend in short pulses until smooth, then taste and adjust sweetness with a little honey or milk. Pour into cups and enjoy. Use this time to practice measuring, tasting, and talking about textures while supervising all blender use closely.
What materials do I need to make a fruity green smoothie with a child?
You’ll need fresh spinach, a ripe banana, berries (fresh or frozen), yogurt (dairy or plant-based), and optional milk or juice. Tools: a blender, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, a child-safe knife for soft fruit, a spoon, cups, and napkins. Keep a damp cloth for spills and a trash bowl for peels. Always have an adult operate the blender and handle sharp tools.
What ages is making a fruity green smoothie suitable for?
Suitable for preschoolers through tweens with adult supervision. Ages 3–4 can wash fruit, tear spinach, and pour with help. Ages 5–7 can measure ingredients and use a child-safe knife for soft fruit under watchful eyes. Ages 8+ can follow the full recipe and learn safety rules, though an adult should operate the blender until the child demonstrates responsibility and skill.
What safety tips should I follow when making smoothies with kids?
Always supervise near the blender and sharp tools. Keep hands and utensils out while the blender runs and make sure the lid is secure. Turn the blender off before removing the lid or blade. Cut fruit into small pieces to reduce choking risk and check for allergies. Use a child-safe knife and a stable cutting surface. Teach kids to clean up spills immediately to avoid slips and to wash hands after handling food.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I substitute any hard-to-find ingredients like fresh spinach, berries, or dairy?
If fresh spinach or berries are hard to find, use 1 cup of frozen spinach or 1 cup of frozen berries (no rinsing needed), and swap the 1/2 cup milk for almond or oat milk and the 1/2 cup yogurt for dairy-free yogurt.
What should I do if the blender doesn’t make the smoothie smooth or ingredients stick?
If the blender doesn't make the smoothie smooth, stop with adult help, check that the lid is on securely, add a little more of the 1/2 cup milk or juice or a splash of water, and blend again until smooth.
How can I adapt the steps for younger children or older kids learning to cook?
For toddlers, have an adult peel and slice the banana on the cutting board and let them pour measured 1 cup spinach and 1 cup berries into the blender, while older kids can measure the 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup milk/juice and operate the blender with supervision.
How can we extend or personalize the smoothie once we’ve followed the recipe?
To personalize the smoothie, try adding 1 tablespoon of nut butter or 1/4 cup oats before blending, sprinkle chia seeds on top after pouring, or swap the 1 teaspoon honey for maple syrup and then share your finished creation on DIY.org.