35 Kid-Approved Ways to Spice Up Your Next BBQ

These incredibly realistic cupcake burgers are the genius product of Pardon My Crumbs and would be perfect for your Labor Day barbecue.

This one is only an option for the absolute bravest of parents . . . a condiment gun ($14) that squirts ketchup or mustard onto your burger or hot dog — or, if you're not careful, straight across the room!

Obsessive testing (a remarkable eight batches!) went into developing this creamy, s'more-studded ice cream, so rest assured knowing it's bound to be a success.

Sure to get a lot of laughs, these Pick Your Nose Animal Paper Cups ($20) feature the noses, snouts, or beaks of 12 different animals. Hold them up for a sip, and your face takes on that silly form.

Nothing says Summer like homemade ice cream! If you've got an old-fashioned crank ice cream maker, then Labor Day is the perfect time to drag it out and get everyone involved in churning this sweet treat. Or have fun making individual bags of ice cream that only take minutes to make.

The basic dog has come a long way over the years, with tons of different varieties to choose from. You can find chicken hot dogs, kosher dogs, and vegan dogs at most grocery stores. Spruce your hot dogs up with handmade sides to make them a bit more special. Toss together your own homemade ketchup and mustard, easier-than-you-think sweet pickle relish, or tangy mango and avocado salsa.

Watch out for those bees on your plate! ($17) Oh, wait . . . never mind. These melamine plates play multiple tricks on the eye — they look like paper but are actually reusable, and those bees? Luckily, they're just part of the design.

Gimme Some Oven's s'mores pops turn marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker coating into a bite-sized, no-mess treat.

Boulder Locavore's root beer float popsicles use just two ingredients — vanilla ice cream and root beer — transforming the iconic float into something new.

Get your kids a healthy serving of fruit with these peach-mango popsicles made with fresh pureed peaches and mangoes.

Keep your cool with a (sort of) realistic-looking portable ice cream cone fan ($8). Note that the soft foam blades are safe for all ages, making these a fun party favor for little ones.

There's nothing like a dripping-with-sauce rack of ribs on a lazy day off. Looking for a bit of grilling inspiration? Why not try this sweet and savory recipe for ribs from YumSugar? But, be warned, make sure to offer your guests lots of napkins! Looking for something with a different flavor? Try your hand at grilled Korean short ribs or honey-chipotle glazed ribs.

This home-style macaroni salad is Summer's version of your little one's favorite dish. It directly translates to creamy, cheesy goodness with a (healthy) catch. The cream is actually made with Greek yogurt making the dish lighter and bumping up the protein factor.

What's wonderful about a big pot of baked beans is that you can let it simmer all day in a slow cooker, which keeps the heat out of your kitchen. Start your sweet and savory beans the night before so they're wonderfully tender when your Labor Day guests arrive. Here's an easy recipe for smokey bacon baked beans, or go vegetarian with this version of Boston baked beans.

Crispy and tangy, barbecue chicken is a crowd favorite. Kids love the sweet wings, making grilled birds a great addition to your Labor Day menu. Marinate the cut sections in a water brine that will keep your meat moist. Mix together one gallon of water, one cup of kosher salt, and one half-cup of sugar. Pour over the chicken, and let the meat brine for up to three hours before grilling. Baste with your favorite sauce or make your own — it's easier than you think! Here's a quick and easy barbecue sauce recipe from YumSugar.

Macaroni with a kick of protein — what could be better? Unlike most macaroni salads, this dish is healthy, leaving the creamy mayo behind. With the addition of chickpeas, it's a great option for meatless Mondays!

Uni-Corn Corn Holders ($8) may look like toys, but they definitely serve a function as well. Stick one into either side of an ear of corn for a less messy (and more fun) eating experience.

Imagine the looks on your kiddos' faces when you tell them to wash their hands, and there's a melting ice pop ($4) where the soap should be! Pick up one of these vanilla ice cream-scented soap bars for your next BBQ — it'll only enhance your reputation as the coolest mom in town.

Here's a recipe for a family favorite pasta salad from Iowa Girl Eats that will please the kiddies. Full of salami and tangy black olives, it's a flavorful side that pairs well with grilled meats. Or go more traditional with an easy macaroni pasta salad.