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Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs

Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
8/17/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Eating with kids is always an adventure—one day they'll consume anything you put in front of them; the next day it's exclusively plain pasta with a sprinkle of parm. But once kids get involved in cooking, the story changes. Many local culinary schools and cooking shops have added cooking classes for kids to their calendars, and once kids learn what kinds of food are out there and how healthy foods can taste good, they become more interested in participating in the cooking, and the eating.

Parents love these cooking classes for kids because it takes the onus of cooking off them—and, sometimes, lessens clean-up time! We suggest starting with a single class instead of a full-week camp to gauge interest, especially for younger children. 

Here's our list of favorite culinary classes for kids in and around Chicago. And don't forget to browse our Best Classes for Kids in Chicago guide for more extracurricular fun. 

Photo courtesy of Taste Buds Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Taste Buds Kitchen

Top Kids' Cooking Classes In and Around Chicago

Oui Chef

Lincoln Park
Oui Chef is both a response to the head chef's direction in the kitchen and a description of the little chefs budding here. Kids ages 18 months to 18 years can take ongoing 75-minute weekly classes, which are charged on a monthly basis, so you only commit for one month at a time. Each season, Oui Chef classes present a different theme. Classes are priced moderately, and you can save by signing up for a full month. READ MORE

The Chopping Block

Lincoln Square
The Chopping Block teaches kids about different ingredients and shows them how to make everything from international cuisine to vegan and gluten-free dishes to tasty pastries. Classes and camps are available for kids ages 7 and up in the Lincoln Square location. Choose a one-time class on a specific topic, or enroll in a session of Teen Boot Camp to learn more advanced cooking skills for kids ages 13 and up. These are high-end classes, priced at $100 and up. READ MORE

Kidz Can Cook

Edison Park
Families are busy these days, and one way kids can help out is by learning how to cook or prep their own lunches. Kidz Can Cook gives kids this culinary ability in its classes for children ages five and up. Little chefs can sign up for a week-long camp or class or a one-off class where they learn two or three simple recipes. Many classes are themed off of popular movies and TV shows, and are moderately priced. READ MORE

iCook After School

Ravenswood
iCook After School is a fun, hands-on program to teach kids culinary skills, recipe reading, and nutritional values in a fun environment. Elementary and middle school kids can learn to make meals and snacks that are tasty and healthy. Programs are provided at Chicago schools in several month sessions, so the price tag may look like a lot, but it pays for 8-10 two-hour classes. READ MORE

Taste Buds Kitchen

Bannockburn
Taste Buds Kitchen's local franchise in north suburban Bannockburn offers Mommy & Me classes for kids ages 2-8, family classes, and drop-off classes for kids ages 6 and up. Pick a one-time class to learn to make a specific dish, or a semester-long class to cover a variety of culinary skills. Prices are moderate and depend on whether you're taking a family class, an individual class, or a series. READ MORE

Cook, Cork and Fork

Palatine
Kids can learn to cook together with their parents or in a culinary boot camp setting at this Northwest suburban kitchen. Family classes offer a range of recipes from ravioli to brunch, while boot camps for 7-11 or 12-18 year-olds teach many recipes and techniques over several days of summer, winter, or spring break. Classes are priced for luxury. READ MORE

Sur La Table Cooking Classes & Camps

Mag Mile, Skokie, and Naperville
Kids and teens can enjoy summer and winter break cooking camps at Sur La Table locations along the Mag Mile, at Old Orchard Mall, or in Downtown Naperville. Kids classes are designed for young chefs and cover themes like Global Flavors or Bake Shop, while tweens and teens can take classes like Advanced Baking, Adventurous Recipes, and World Bakes. Camps are priced around $300 for five half-days. READ MORE

Marcel's Culinary Experience

Glen Ellyn
Professional chef educators teach kids ages seven and up how to cook in single classes, two-day camps, or week long sessions at this downtown Glen Ellyn culinary store. Marcel's emphasizes that it's not just the ingredients that make great food, it's the people. Classes are moderately priced. READ MORE

The Wilton School

Darien
Pastry chefs as little as age 5 can learn to bake and decorate cakes with their families, while those 10 and up can attend classes themselves. Single-day and multi-day classes are taught in a state-of-the art class room with workstations for decorating. Classes are priced on the high end, over $100 for a two-hour session. READ MORE

The Kitchen Table

West Chicago
Junior Young Chefs (ages 3-7), Young Chefs (ages 8-12) and Young Teen Chefs (ages 11-15) can learn how to cook everything from sauces to lasagna to breakfast to cakes at this culinary class destination in Wheaton. Three- and four-day camps give little cooks a chance to perfect their craft. This is an affordable cooking school, with 1-hour classes starting at $15. READ MORE

Kidinary Cooking Academy

Plainfield
With childhood obesity on the rise, Kidinary Academy aims to help children learn how to live a healthy lifestyle by cooking foods they like for themselves. Throughout six-week sessions, kids will learn to make healthy decisions that feed their mind, body, and spirit. The nut-free and allergy-friendly cooking classes include kids as young as three years old. Classes are priced per series and are affordable. READ MORE

Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio

Oak Park, Portage Park, and Wicker Park
Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio gives little culinary artists a place to learn and perfect their craft. After school or summer camp classes for kids ages 5-15 teach baking and international cuisine. Preschool cooking classes with parents revolve around a story. Teens and tweens can also take homesteading classes to learn crafts and cooking together. Classes are moderately priced. READ MORE

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