Best Bets for Kids' Cooking Classes in Charlotte
From the smallest chefs to teens, these spots are tops for culinary enrichment.
Editor's note: Story updated Feb. 1, 2018.
Do you have a child who programs shows to watch from the Food Network and pores over cookbooks more than you do? The culinary arts are a great way for kids to learn life skills, impress their friends and family, combine math and chemistry in an exciting way, and earn a sense of accomplishment and pride. So besides your own kitchen, we’ve compiled a few places designed specifically for children and families who want to “beef up” their food knowledge.
Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios
Susan Caldwell founded the original location in Raleigh to fulfill her dream of helping kids learn valuable life skills in the kitchen. The Charlotte location in the Quail Corners Shopping Center has classes for kids ages preschool through teen years. Children can sharpen their cooking skills with Kids Night Outs (perfect for Mom and Dad to get away for a date night!), birthday parties, camps, etiquette classes, and more. Quail Corners Shopping Center, 8438 Park Road; and opening in June 2018 — Rea Farms, 11120 Golf Links Drive, Suite L5, Charlotte.
Salud! Cooking School at Whole Foods Market
The school, located on the third floor of Whole Foods Market on Fairview Road, offers regular opportunities for kids of all ages to work in a real instructional kitchen. Classes for preschool-age children are set up for parents to participate with their children. Different themes, such as Fajita Fiesta for ages 10-14 are offered a few times a month, and there are classes for teens who like to challenge themselves in the kitchen. There is time built into each class for the chefs to eat their creations. 6610 Fairview Road.
Bakers Buzzin’
This business is designed for children who can’t get enough of cooking, as they make sure to rotate themes so kids can be exposed to a broad range of ingredients and skill sets. There are classes for preschool ages to teens, birthday parties, Kids Night Outs, camps, classes designed for Scouts, and fun themes such as the Halloween Howler! In October and Harry Potter for November. 725 Stockbridge Drive, Fort Mill.
Williams Sonoma Jr. Chef Classes
They sell items that make you want to be a better chef and offer classes to help kids and adults do so, too. Check out the store’s calendar for classes designed for children ages 8 and older, such as the American Girl Pancake Party. SouthPark location at 6401 Morrison Blvd. and Birkdale Village at 16740 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Your family can stay fit and learn valuable nutritional information all in the same place. The Morrison YMCA has a teaching kitchen that offers regular classes for Mini Chefs (3-5 years), Junior Chefs (grades K-5), and Chefs de Partie (teens). Families can also learn new recipes together with family cooking workshops. Each class focuses on kitchen safety skills, yummy treats, and how to make adventurous foods. 9405 Bryant Farms Road.
Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer who has a penchant for writing short stories, and a mom to two children.
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