Special to the Recorder
In our house, we’re all about getting kids in the kitchen! When my daughter was little, she always wanted to see what I was doing at the kitchen counter. So I picked her up and had her help from about 14 months old. She started with cracking the eggs, pouring ingredients and stirring. Now at age 4 she pours and flips pancakes, seasons the stew and helps clean up, too. We love the idea of kids cooking classes to get them involved in what they eat and there are many classes in Jacksonville with fun kids programs. Some even host birthday parties! Check out six places for local kids cooking classes in Jacksonville!
Sweet by Holly Deco Parties: At Sweet by Holly, kids can decorate four mini cupcakes, picking from six toppings and six flavors of icing. They then get to pick out a professionally created cupcake from the counter. Just sing happy birthday with your own magnificent creation! Parties start at $90 per person for six children.
Meet Make and Celebrate with Alley Cakes: The girls at Alleycakes Bakery invite kids to join them for “how to” classes featuring items from their menu as well as guest chefs from popular local spots. Kids’ classes include macaroons, cake pops, cupcakes, mini cakes and more! Each child receives a child size apron with markers to personalize and take home, basic decorating tools and take home bakery box. Prices start at $10 per person.
Panera Bakers in Training – Bit Kids: In Panera’s fun-filled culinary experience, children are outfitted with their very own cotton baking hat and apron to bring home. They can try their hand at the craft of bread making by stretching and scoring two French baguettes – one to bring home and one to donate to people in need in your community. They’ll also decorate their own cookie with tips from an artisan baker. Made for groups of 10-15, this is a great activity for your class, scout group, kids club or birthday party. Registration is $20 per child
Maggiano’s cooking classes: Let the fun begin! Maggiano’s has cooking classes for kids! Children ages 6 - 13 are welcome and each child will receive an apron, chef’s hat, and make various homemade Italian dishes, one per class! Admission is $40 per child and one parent eats for free. Each additional adult is $20 each.
Junior Chef Classes at Williams-Sonoma: Junior chef classes at Williams-Sonoma show kids how fun and easy cooking can be! Kids learn to make delicious recipes, from main courses to desserts and snacks, with plenty of tasting along the way. Classes are limited and fill up quickly because classes are free!
Native Sun Natural Foods Market: Each month, Native Sun Jax offers free kids’ activities in one of their three locations. They range from arts and crafts, holiday activities and cooking classes. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Publix Aprons Cooking School: From after-school snacks to gingerbread houses to more elaborate meals, Publix offers many cooking classes for kids. After mastering a menu of sausage pigtails with honey mustard dipping sauce; kickin’ ramen bowls; turkey and brie crepe-quesadillas; and sunrise citrus smoothies in the after-school snacks class, kids will be teaching their parents a few things! Publix also offers school holiday and summer camp cooking classes, serving up a great way to learn the fundamentals of cooking! Classes range in price around $35 per child.
Cinnotti’s Bakery: Try a cooking camp! Enjoy three days of fun where children learn safety in the kitchen, baking techniques and the art of decorating. With everything from muffins to decorating their own cookies, the class will send kids home with an abundance of goodies to share with friends and family! We love seeing all the sweets kids bring home!! Lunch, aprons, and hats for each child are provided. Cinnotti’s also hosts family gingerbread house making classes during the holidays. They provide all the materials and you take your creation home with no clean up.
To find more info on cooking classes and hundreds of birthday party ideas, visit www.fun4firstcoastkids.com.
