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Unique Culinary Workshops for Families in NYC

Mozzarella Making Class for Kids at Murray's Cheese – Greenwich Village

Learn to make fresh mozzarella cheese from the experts at Murray's Cheese Shop. During this hour-long class, kids start out tasting samples of fresh pasta filata-style (pulled curd) cheeses, like mozzarella, bufala, and burrata, while enjoying snacks and fresh juice. Then, they'll get hands-on with fresh cheese curds, stretching and creating their own high-quality mozzarella balls to take home. For a colorful spin, kids can add a little coloring to their mozzarella. We had tons of fun at this class!
Good to Know: Prices start at $71, and one ticket is good for one adult and one child. Recommended for kids ages 6 through 12. Workshops are held monthly, and it's best to make reservations in advance as classes do sell out.

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Buttermilk Bakeshop's cupcake-making parties are one sweet way to celebrate. Photo by the author

Cupcake Making Party at Buttermilk Bakeshop – Gowanus

Celebrate your child's birthday in the sweetest way at Buttermilk Bakeshop's Gowanus studio with a cupcake-making party. Your child and their friends can unleash their creativity through the tactile mediums of flour, sugar, and a rainbow of fondant, sprinkles, and glitter. Choose to make cupcakes or other confections such as cookies and pies. Each participant takes home four cupcakes or cookies as a favor.
Good to Know: Invite up to 20 guests at $57 per participant. The package includes a standard 6-inch cake for the guest of honor. Reserve well in advance for the best availability.

Pasta-Making Classes at Eataly – Flatiron District

Eataly offers a family pasta-making class where the chef teaches you how to make semolina pasta dough and traditional pasta shapes. The whole family is schooled in the tradition and culture of pasta making and goes home with a wonderful prepared dish. There are also a number of other pasta-making classes for older kids to learn to make fresh ravioli, cavatelli, gnocchi, and other types of pasta.
Good to Know: For the family class, kids need to be at least 4. For the other pasta-making classes, age minimums range from 8-12. All kids under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult. The family class starts at $75, and each participant needs a ticket. The cost of other classes ranges from $57-115. Reserve in advance as classes do sell out.

Food-Themed Scavenger Hunts and Walking Tours in NYC

Scott's Pizza Tours – Multiple Locations

Pizza lovers can hit up all the best joints in one neighborhood on one of Scott's Pizza Tours. Choose a tour in the East, West, or Greenwich Village in Manhattan or Williamsburg or Downtown in Brooklyn. Each pizza walking tour hits three pizzerias in 2 1/2 hours where you sample different pizza styles. You'll learn about the history, science, and culture of each style by going behind the scenes at the city's most significant pizzerias. The pizza is always included!
Good to Know: The cost is $65 per person, and children under 4 are FREE. The total distance walked on a tour is about one mile. Reservations are highly recommended, and private pizza tours can also be arranged.

Watson Adventures Scavenger Food Hunts – Multiple Locations

A really unique way to learn about the city is to go on one of Watson Adventures' food-themed scavenger hunts. There's no better way to delve deeper into the intricacies of an NYC neighborhood than to sample all the delicacies and treats. The company offers a kids' edition of its Munch Around Greenwich Scavenger Hunt, and there's also the Soho Chocolatey Scavenger Hunt for kids, where they'll try finding answers to tricky questions that combine treats and the area’s rich history. The group visits chocolate shops, bakeries, and specialty stores.
Good to Know: The kids' edition of scavenger hunts lasts about two hours. Cost is about $25 per person for public hunts; private hunts are also available for smaller groups and birthday parties.

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Ellen's Stardust Diner delivers a side of entertainment with every sit down meal. Photo courtesy of the diner

Unique Family-Friendly Food Experiences

Ellen's Star Dust Diner – Midtown West

This iconic diner is more than a restaurant – it's a spectacular food and musical extravaganza, home of the world-famous singing waitstaff, the Stardusters. Serving up classic American diner food, the waiters will also sing and perform during your meals. The singers are a combination of off-Broadway and Broadway performers and hopefuls who belt out a variety of musical theater and pop songs. Performances happen throughout the day. You never know whether your server will be the next big Broadway star!
Good to Know: No reservations are taken, so expect a wait during peak mealtimes. Stroller parking is available at the front of the diner, and a limited number of locks are available.

Shirokuro – East Village

Shirokuro isn't just a sushi restaurant—it's a unique food destination where the interior has been created to appear as if you're in a 2D storybook. The black-and-white interior has been completely hand-drawn down to every detail. The food is delicious, to boot. You can order rolls à la carte or opt for a full omakase experience.
Good to Know: Definitely make reservations in advance as Shirokuro is a hot spot, and be camera-ready for all the pictures you'll want to take. Get a sneak peek of the experience on our Instagram account.

Surprise Scoop – East Village

For kids who like a little fun with dessert, head to Surprise Scoop to get mystery ice cream at the "world's first flavor roulette ice cream shop." You don't get to choose your flavor here—it's very get and don't get upset because there are no refunds or exchanges. Head to the kiosk to put in your order, and it will appear at the pick-up window. The ice cream is handmade and might come with sprinkles and whipped cream, but there's no information on what flavor you're getting. Customers are encouraged to guess the flavors on social media—though our visit left us scratching our heads!
Good to Know: The ice cream isn't cheap, costing about $10/scoop, and it's cashless, so make sure to bring your credit card. All flavors are peanut-free.