When we’re rushing to get dinner on the table or running out the door to that next event on the calendar, we don’t always have time to teach children essential cooking skills. But, if they’ve shown an interest, or you want them to have these skills, cooking classes for kids are an excellent option. Read on to learn more about 10 cooking classes for kids across Canada and what they have to offer.
Little Kitchen Academy — Various Locations Across Canada
This franchise features locations across Canada (plus some in the US) and approaches cooking with kids with a Montessori eye. The recipes incorporate local, seasonal, and organic ingredients where possible while teaching children what their bodies need at certain times of the year. They offer programs for ages two to 18, along with special school and camp programs.
Longos — Various Locations Across Ontario
If you’re looking for a one-off class or if you’re looking for a class where you cook something more specific, Longos has you covered. The grocery store chain offers a wide variety of kid and teen-friendly cooking classes at a reasonable cost. Think grab-and-go breakfasts, PA day specials, or classes designed for a parent’s night off. Longos also offers a variety of adult, family, and virtual classes, so there really is something for everybody.
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Rooks to Cooks — Toronto, Ontario
Whether you’re looking for a summer camp or an after-school activity, Rooks to Cooks offers an array of culinary programs geared toward kids of all skill levels. Each class is structured like a professional culinary school, where chefs demo the lesson before kids get their own hands dirty. There are also several locations to choose from, which is a bonus for busy Toronto parents.
The Chef Upstairs — Toronto and Vaughan, Ontario
There are various cooking camps and weekly classes available for kids aged seven and up at The Chef Upstairs (which is a nut-free facility), making it a great year-round option for budding chefs. From baking and pastry to pasta and meats, there are plenty of recipes to tackle. Parents can join in on some classes to make it a family affair!
Dirty Apron — Vancouver, British Columbia
More than 10,000 kids and adults alike take advantage of the educational cooking classes at Dirty Apron each year. Kids aged seven to 17 can learn kitchen essentials during spring break and summer camps. This year, there are new meals and recipes on the agenda as kids get hands-on experience baking and cooking global dishes in small groups, broadening their skills and learning more about fresh ingredients. Registration includes all materials and equipment, plus kids get to take home their dirty aprons at the end of the week.
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La Guilde Culinaire — Montreal, Quebec
There are many kids and child-parent cooking classes available this summer at La Guilde, including day camps and more specific classes that tackle things like cake decoration, basic techniques, Italian cuisine and even sushi. Classes start at eight years old.
Nini’s Cooking Class — Calgary, Alberta
If you’re looking for a cooking class for kids in Calgary, Nini’s offers a wide variety of options: after-school and weekend workshops, winter and spring break programs, and summer camps. You can even book a kid’s birthday party there. At Nini’s, the mission is to provide a safe and empowering environment for youth to learn hands-on skills and develop confidence in the kitchen.
Patricia’s Cooking Classes for Children — Regina, Saskatchewan
Want your kids to learn how to make sweet and sour meatballs? How about a no-bake cheesecake or potato and cheese perogies? Patricia’s cooking classes are designed for kids aged three to 18 years old who want to improve their skills in the kitchen while learning how to make a yummy new dish. Patricia frequently updates her Facebook page with new events, so be sure to follow along so you can sign your little ones up for her next class.
Related: 10 Baking Safety Tips to Teach Your Budding Beginner Baker
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Food Studio — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Help foster cooking skills with Food Studio’s Kids in the Kitchen. These classes teach a wide variety of things, from techniques and knife skills to pairing and healthy meal choices. You can sign up children aged nine to 12 for a whole series or individual classes. Plus, this studio offers camps and birthday parties as well.
Culinary Bootcamps — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Send kids and teens to the ultimate foodie boot camp in Charlottetown, or book a family boot camp for the whole crew. The summer classes are broken into age groups (beginning with grade four) and cover everything from the facility’s kitchen garden to flavours of the culinary world. At the end of the week, each camper will prepare a catered meal for four to take home, plus kids each get their own chef coat and hat.