Cooking with your kids has major benefits. It’s a great bonding activity, it encourages healthy eating and there’s a good chance even your pickiest eater will try some new foods because of it.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a cooking class! Families in the Grand Rapids area have plenty of options to choose from. Whether it’s a parent-child class or one that’s just for the kids, there’s sure to be something to your tastes. Bon appetit!
All In One Chef
- Address: Based in West Michigan
- Phone: 616-633-4218
Classes here ($25 per person plus cost of food) happen in the host’s home, so put one together for your next birthday party or plan a fun family gathering. Kids cooking lessons can include basic concepts in cookery, knife safety (ages 9-plus), sauteing, grilling and roasting food.
Artisan of Grand Haven
- Address: 1322 Washington St., Grand Haven
- Phone: 616-296-9200
Demonstration-style and hands-on classes for adults and children are offered here. Classes are divided by age group – younger kids ages 4-9 and older kids ages 10-13 – and feature themes like a Valentine’s Day class with cut-out fruit hearts, heart-shaped meatloaf with potato roses and molten lava red velvet cakes. Contact for pricing details.
Downtown Market Grand Rapids
- Address: 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-805-5308
Look for occasional cooking classes for kids at this popular spot where kids ages 7-11 will learn how to make boba tea, see and taste dry-ice ice cream and create a personal pizza. Family and teen classes are also offered.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
- Address: 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 888-957-1580
This popular Grand Rapids destination hosts a variety of classes and camps for children and families, including classes on gardening and cooking.
San Chez Bistro
- Address: 38 West Fulton, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-774-8272
This local restaurant hosts classes and dinners, including kids cooking classes ($35). Classes are open to ages 7-14, led by Chef Chris and teach kids about the art of cooking.
Sur La Table
- Address: 2500 Burton St. SE, Suite 2488, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-956-6880
While lots of classes are available here for mom and dad, you’ll also find programs for the family – like All About the Grill, which focuses on summer grilling fun. Kids must be under 18 and accompanied by an adult.
Williams Sonoma
- Address: 3195 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-956-2297
Join the fun at this store’s Junior Chef Classes, available for ages 8-13 and with topics kids will adore. Prices vary; contact for details.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
- Address: 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-855-9622
This YMCA is home to the Carol Van Andel Healthy Living Center, which features a Teaching Kitchen with programs designed to empower individuals and families to make healthy and affordable incorporating locally grown fresh produce. A wide range of family and kids cooking classes are offered.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.