It’s never too early to learn your way around the kitchen, and the skills can last you a lifetime, so help your kids discover an appreciation for cooking with this list of 10 cooking classes in NYC for kids.
New York City may not seem like the most welcoming place in the world for kids as it is known for its nightlife, cuisine, fashion, and culture. Surprisingly, finding fun activities for little ones (including ones that their parents might enjoy taking part in too) is not as difficult as you might think in The Big Apple. If it isn’t known for anything else, New York City is known for its food. You can pretty much find any cuisine you’re looking for when it comes to New York’s thousands of restaurants. From legendary hot dogs and pretzels from sketchy street vendors, to halal delicacies and fusion tacos from food trucks, and even Michelin Star awarded high-end restaurants, there is something for everyone in this amazing city. But how can kids break into the food scene? By learning how to cook even simple dishes from a young age, kids can learn to love food and the processes that go into making it!
Parents, if you want to also learn a few skills in the kitchen, check out our list of 5 free or cheap cooking classes in Brooklyn.
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Kids cooking classes are popping up all over the city and are a great, hands-on way to get children involved in nutrition. When coming up with our list of 10 cooking classes in NYC for kids, we consulted the Class Curious database, which is a great resource for finding and learning more about the wide variety of classes offered in and around New York City. After finding programs that cater to young cooks, we arranged them in our list in no particular order.
Let’s get the pot stirring and learn about 10 cooking classes in NYC for kids.
10. Tiny Turnips Kitchen
Location: Manhattan
Age: 3 and up
Tiny Turnips Kitchen will come to your kitchen to work with your child, teaching them the importance of nutrition, while teaching them to cook. They also strive to introduce new and fun (while still healthy) foods to those picky little eaters. They even provide market and grocery tours to introduce new recipes and foods to the parents of those little ones. Whether it’s an individual lesson, birthday party, or playdate, Tiny Turnips will have your child excited about cooking.
9. Freshmade NYC — Soho
Location: Soho
Age: 2 and up
If you’re looking for a class that is available during daytime hours, for toddlers to take with their parents, caregivers, etc., then Freshmade NYC is perfect for you. Kids will get to learn beginner’s skills while bonding with their adults. There are also plenty of after school classes for older children, and even special topics lessons taught on Fridays; think pizza and sushi! If you want to host a party, up to 15 kids can come together to enjoy an all-inclusive menu and activity schedule that is sure to please.
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8. Homecooking New York
Location: Soho
Age: 11 and up
If your chef-in-training is a bit older, and a bit more on the sophisticated side, give them the treat of a class at Homecooking New York. There are options to take one-time classes or week-long camps. Regional cuisines are the focus of most classes, from French to Italian to Mexican. Cooking Camp for Kids is an experience not to be missed, which includes basic skills from safety to ingredient exploration, and ends with a Food Network “Chopped”-style finale.
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7. Institute of Culinary Education
Location: TriBeCa
Age: 8-18
The poshest kids will get a kick out of getting to study at ICE like the pros. Families are encouraged to participate in kid and parent courses, which delve into knife skills, kitchen sciences, and of course, cooking and eating delicious foods that you will prepare. For serious kid chefs, many classes are available that focus less on family fun, and more on cultivating individual skills in the kitchen.
6. Taste Buds Kitchen
Location: Chelsea
Age: 2 and up
Variety is the name of the game at Taste Buds. With a semester-long class rated best kids’ cooking class in New York Magazine, this place really delivers. Whether you want to enroll your mini chefs in a complete culinary workshop focused on tasting the rainbow, a fun one-time class in princess cupcakes, a cultural exploration of food through an Around the World session, or a family session, there is something for you at Taste Buds.
5. The Art Farm In the City
Location: Upper East Side
Age: 2-8
If your kids love critters, this might be a great place to start their culinary journey. This company is farm-focused, and kids can learn anything from how to care for animals to science lessons. But if it’s a cooking class you’re looking for, stop by for the Farm Foodies course, which is based around seasonal organic foods. You can also throw a party on the grounds, complete with farm time, food, favors, etc.
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4. Allergic to Salad
Location: Multiple locations in Brooklyn
Age: 2 and up
We are continuing our list of cooking classes in NYC for kids with Allergic to Salad that is all about trying new things. Perfect for the pickiest of eaters, classes here will encourage students to taste everything, and it is ok if they don’t like it. For parents and children with dietary concerns, there are vegan, nut-free, and soy-free offerings. Classes focus on local seasonal ingredients and teaching strong kitchen skills. The company will even come out to your location of choice to put on special weekend classes and parties.
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3. Young Chef’s Academy — Forest Hills
Location: Forest Hills
Age: 4 and up
Themed around any festivities or seasonal offerings of the month, Young Chef’s Academy is a great option for kids, regardless of age or level of skill. Parties are offered for groups of four to eighteen, and include cooking instruction, pizza, chef hats, and goodie bags. This is another great option for kids cooking classes in New York.
2. Dough Re Me Kids
Location: Dumbo, Brooklyn
Ages: 3-14
Kids are taught in small groups in a very hands-on environment with Dough Re Me, the next one on the list of cooking classes in NYC for kids. The school uses all organic ingredients, and even include lessons in manners, etiquette, and cleanliness alongside yummy cooking adventures. In-home birthday parties are available for little ones celebrating something special.
1. Butter Beans Kitchen
Locations: Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Age: 5-11
Butter Beans Kitchen offers a sensational array of culinary classes, from after-school programs to extensive camps. Foods utilized are always local and nutritious, and the entire process of food preparation– from planting seeds, to composting– is valued and studied. Camps include excursions to NYC markets, planting edible plants, making delicious meals and snacks, learning about urban farming and foraging, and composting.
Thanks for staying with us through our list of 10 cooking classes in NYC for kids. Who knows, maybe your little ones will be preparing their own lunches— and yours— for the rest of the week after taking one of these courses!
