Whether you’re tired of hearing complaints about your dinners, looking for an extra set of hands during meal prep or you just want to keep the kids busy for a few hours, it’s easier than ever to inspire your future Gordon Ramsays and Anthony Bourdains. From classes teaching simple skills to elaborate cake creations, these programs help your kiddos go culinary.
The Biltmore Culinary Academy
Housed inside the historic Biltmore Hotel, the academy offers kid-focused programs throughout the year, including weeklong camps for children ages 9 to 15. New to the schedule is “Family Fun Cooking Class,” a three-hour experience for two adults and two kids. Menus include an entrée, a side and a dessert, with options that feature everything from chicken skewers and quesadillas to fried rice, brownies à la mode and chocolate truffles. 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables (305-913-3189, biltmorehotel.com/bca). Various dates and times. $660/family.
Sweet Life Cake and Candy Supply
Sweet Life may boast aisles of drool-worthy baking and decorating materials, but it’s the stellar classes that have devotees of all ages flocking to the shop. Search the shop’s online calendar for options like a sushi-themed fondant-modeling class for tweens and gingerbread-house pajama parties for ages 5 and up—and check out its Instagram for an up-close look at each. 12394 SW 127 Ave (305-382-1089, sweetlifecakesupply.com). Dates and times upon request. Starts at $35.
The Real Food Academy
Do you have a picky eater? The Real Food Academy in Miami Shores reintroduces kids to their favorite meals…albeit with a healthy twist. It encourages them to try new ingredients and flavors while parents watch in awe from the glassed-in, Wi-Fi–enabled “chill out” room. Themes run the gamut from “Iron Chef” to “Around the World,” and the classes cater to kids ages 4 to 13. 9612 NE Second Ave, Miami Shores (786-395-0355, therealfoodacademy.com). Tue at 4pm, Sat at 10am; $35/class.
Little Chef’s Kitchen
This comfortable space touting creative classes (think how-tos for lion-shaped veggie pizzas and Shopkins cake pops) caters to kids of all ages and abilities. Outside of birthday parties, the owners offer Play Dates for groups of friends ages 2 and up that want a personalized class in anything from pasta making to cake decorating. “Mommy & Me” workshops help develop age-appropriate motor skills for the younger set. Also on the calendar? Cooking basics, Paleo classes and drop-off Movie and Dinner Nights. 4990 SW 72nd Ave, suite 103 (786-458-2922, littlechefskitchen.com). Various dates and times; $25-$85.
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