Food can really bring a family together. Just think of all the ways cuisine can provide opportunity for bonding time. Trying new recipes, digging in the recipe box for an old family favorite, or whipping together a special treat to share all become memories to cherish.
So when you’re looking to spice up family dinner, teach the kids a thing or two about the kitchen, or do something unique with your brood, consider cooking classes. In metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, cooking classes – including kids culinary classes – are available to you. Browse our list below!
Know of any other cooking lessons for kids and families here in southeast Michigan and beyond? Leave us a comment.
BAKE! Zingerman’s Bakehouse
- Address: 3711 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor
Starting as young as 7 with no cap on maximum age, everyone in the family can get involved! Get hands-on in a space that’s meant for learning, cooking and baking everything from bread to brownies and pizzas to pastries. The Zingerman’s crew does the measuring and cleaning up, so all that’s left to do is have fun.
Be sure to check the online calendar of upcoming classes, which you can browse by date, name or food. Call ahead to learn how your teen 13-16 can join an adult in class for 50 percent off regular price.
Gleaners Cooking Matters Courses
- Address: Gleaners Community Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait, Detroit
This pop-up course offers eight specialized curricula for adults, teens and families that focus on nutrition on a budget. Each class includes hands-on meal prep, basic nutrition and food safety. Adult participants also receive groceries with each class.
Rata2ee
- Address: 118 W. Third St., Rochester
This kicthen’s after school “Rascals” program will introduce kids 7-13 to the basics of cooking meals, world appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and more. Look for themed family classes, day camps and summer sessions, too.
Sprouting Chefs
This program offers classes that cover seasonal dishes and garnishing for kids 8+, and bread, pasta and dessert lessons for teens. All courses are under the guidance of registered dietitian, Lilian Anderson. Watch out for private lessons for college kids, too.
Sur La Table
- Locations in Ann Arbor, Novi and Troy
Expect some yummy baked goods when you enroll your kids in Baking 101. There’s also a Kids Culinary Excursion series where little chefs will learn kitchen best practices and how to repurpose ingredients to reduce food waste. Look for classes specifically for teens and families, too.
The Kitchen Crew
- Address: Pop-up classes in West Bloomfield, Ferndale and Southfield
West Bloomfield mom Cora Cowles focuses on teaching kids 5-10 the techniques, tools and safety measures a responsible cook uses in the kitchen. Enroll in her monthly virtual classes for a fun new family activity.
Zaman Adult and Kids’ Culinary Arts Classes
- Address: 26091 Trowbridge, Inkster
This spot offers cooking courses for both kids and adults throughout the year. Adults will learn a variety of dishes that they will eat at the end of class but can re-make at home while kids get a breakdown of culinary basics.
Zee the Cook Cooking Classes
- Address: 24732 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn
Zee strives to excite kids about cooking by tapping into their creative sides during her courses. Kids will learn to make dishes that are fresh, fun and easy to re-create at home/ Look for periodic day camps for kids and adults to learn some unique breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes. You can also book a group cooking class for a birthday party or special event.
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