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Cooking Classes in NJ for Kids

Learn to cook farm-to-table cuisines from around the world at the Montclair Culinary Academy. Photo courtesy of the academy
Learn to cook farm-to-table cuisines from around the world at the Montclair Culinary Academy. Photo courtesy of the academy
8/22/23 - By Laurie Rein

A fun, hands-on cooking class close to home in New Jersey is something to consider whether you have an aspiring Julia Child or are just looking for something different to do with the kids. These NJ cooking classes for kids cater to all ages. Cooking classes teach culinary techniques and are also a great way to encourage kids to try new foods, master hand-eye coordination, and gain essential life skills.

You can find more cooking classes for kids or book a class online in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New Jersey Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for all ages and interests.

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Cooking Classes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

The Flavor Labs

Norwood & Paramus
Flavor Labs' cooking studio for kids uses simple ingredients to make easy recipes that can be repeated at home, incorporating STEM, food education, and sustainability. Single-class topics include cookie dough bites and funfetti donuts, while ongoing classes feature themes like colors of the rainbow. READ MORE

HealthBarn USA

Ridgewood
HealthBarn USA offers a variety of hands-on, fun, and educational seasonal programs year-round for children ages 3-15. The Seedlings program for 3- to 5-year-olds introduces children to a variety of natural foods in an outdoor setting. Special needs programs include developing cooking skills, gross motor skills, and self-esteem. READ MORE

Ridgewood Culinary Studio

Ridgewood
Children’s classes are offered year-round at this fully equipped cooking studio. Options range from easy recipes for younger children to more advanced techniques for older kids. Students learn about kitchen safety and nutrition in addition to preparing delicious meals each week. READ MORE

Montclair Culinary Academy

Montclair
Montclair Culinary Academy's Junior Chefs program gets even the pickiest of eaters to try new cuisines–from dim sum and empanadas to the flavors of France and Peru–while teaching proper culinary skills. Classes are offered after school, during school breaks, and over the summer. If you're looking to beef up your own culinary skills, book an adult class or a sip-and-cook session. READ MORE

Kings Cooking Studio

Short Hills
Kings Cooking Studio allows kids 8 and up to get hands-on experience in the kitchen via a wide range of cooking and baking classes. Topics include America's Best Breakfast and Cupcake Wars. READ MORE
Young Chefs Academy helps students develop and sharpen culinary skills. Photo courtesy of the academy
Young Chefs Academy helps students develop and sharpen culinary skills. Photo courtesy of the academy

Kids Cooking Classes in Central Jersey

Young Chefs Academy

Marlboro
Young Chefs offers a rotating schedule of cooking classes, all structured around a monthly theme. Classes are divided by age and include KinderCooks (ages 4 to 6 with adult), JuniorChefs (7 to 12), and Senior Chefs (13 to 18). Adult classes are also offered. READ MORE

Taste & Technique Cooking Studio

Fair Haven
Themed cooking classes for kids are offered year-round, and there is a camp option during the summer. Little culinary geniuses can get in the kitchen with mommy-and-me cooking classes, while ages 10+ can opt for a supper club class, where they'll prep and eat a Friday-night meal. Older kids can go more in-depth with workshops focused on specific cuisines, like mastering the art of sushi making. READ MORE

Michelle's Healthy Cooking

Medford
Kids 2+ learn to whip up healthy and fun concoctions in this cooking studio, with themes like "Think and Eat Green," "Yummy Munchies," and "Have a Souper Day." READ MORE

More Cooking Classes in New Jersey for Kids

The Chocolate Belles

Brick Township
Kids can skip straight to dessert with classes in cupcake decorating, candy making, and more at this longtime Jersey Shore sweet shop. Both drop-off and parent-and-me classes are offered.  READ MORE

Chef It Up Kids

Mount Olive, Nutley, Toms River
At Chef It Up, kids learn to prepare basic recipes in a fun-filled environment. Parent-and-me classes are available for younger children, while older kids can partake in sessions designed around age-appropriate themes. The facility can be reserved for birthday parties, field trips, and adult nights, too. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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