LA Cooking Classes for Kids on the Westside & in Hollywood

1. Little Kitchen Academy — Century City 

This business in Westfield Century City is in our number one spot for a reason. Little Kitchen Academy is wholly dedicated to teaching children of all ages how to prepare delicious and beautiful meals. Their Montessori-inspired method works for kids from ages 2 all the way to 18. Classes vary from a "Summer Flavors" workshop, to "Teen Night", to "Toddlers' First Taste" class. Programs are available after school, on Saturdays, or throughout the week for pre-k-aged kiddos. Kids will learn hands-on skills while also enhancing their STEM knowledge at this intentional and highly praised institution. If you're looking for regular, scheduled culinary instruction, this is your place. 

2. The Gourmandise School — Santa Monica

If you want some bonding time with your kids while learning something new, The Gourmandise School offers parent & me classes for kids ages 6-11. These individual classes take place on Saturdays and Sundays, typically from 10:30am - 1:30pm. Pupils create delicious fare, such as a pancake brunch, pan pizza, macarons, or hand pies to enjoy after class is over. Teens 16+ are welcome to attend any of the Gourmandise School's demonstration classes (they often do specialty classes on trendy Tiktok foods like Dubai Chocolate). Teens 13-15 are welcome to join as well, as long as they attend with a paying adult. 

3. Violet Cooking Academy — Westwood Village

Bonjour! Learn the art of French cooking at this delightful French bistro and cooking academy in Westwood Village. In the summer, kids can participate in 5-day cooking courses that aim to inspire a lifelong love of cooking. Classes are for kids ages 9-17. When summer ends, one-off "master class" style cooking classes still pop up on the Violet Bistro schedule. Check out their class calendar to keep track of family-friendly offerings. Bon appétit! 

4. The Culinary Dude — Culver City

If you have a kiddo with allergies, The Culinary Dude is the perfect teacher! He emphasizes nut-free, green kitchens and works to teach kids the art of cooking without harming their health in any way. There is in-depth detail paid to all allergies and intolerances here! Most Culinary Dude after-school cooking classes take place in Culver City at a local church, though the operation is mobile, so Angelinos in all corners of the city are welcome to set up a class. Birthday party packages are available. After-school classes are geared towards 6-12-year-olds. 

5. Cooking Creations Classes — Santa Monica 

The City of Santa Monica offers kids cooking classes (and summer camps) at the Douglas Park Community Center with Cooking Creations. Kids from 3 years 5 months to 10 years old can join in the fun and learn to bake and make some delicious creations with help from some local pros. Check the Santa Monica City website for current offerings, as these are seasonal and vary. 

6. Nicoles Kitchen LA — Beverly Hills 

Professional instruction from an influencer? How very LA. Nicole's Kitchen offers one-off group classes, three-day kids workshops for kids ages 9-13, and private instruction. Check out their schedule for seasonal offerings- especially when school isn't in session. 

Cooking Classes for LA Kids in the Valley 

7. BLVD Kitchen — Sherman Oaks

Whether you are looking for a cooking party or private lessons, BLVD Kitchen provides the chefs and materials to make a masterpiece. Kid-friendly cooking classes take place in the comfort of your own kitchen, but with a professional to guide the process. Group cooking lessons include a Cupcake Master class (the most popular), a sushi assembly class, or a meatball making class. Chefs not only provide the ingredients, but also do all of the clean-up. Private lessons are also available in 60-minute sessions, and can be scheduled to best fit your calendar. 

8. Sur La Table — Topanga Village, Costa Mesa, & Newport Beach

The words "cooking class" are synonymous with Sur La Table, and this bastion of all things culinary offers classes for kids ages 7-11 in 5-day "sessions" during the summer (sort of like a day camp). When school is back in session, kids can still learn along with their parents at Family Fun cooking classes, offered at all locations. Families can work together to create bakery treats, take-out favorites, or holiday cookies, depending on the season. Kids must be at least 7 to attend classes at Sur La Table. 

9. Saute Culinary Academy — Monrovia 

Learn to make everything from cookies to cinnamon rolls, to pasta, to pizza at Saturday kids' cooking classes at Saute. Most Saturdays, Saute has a one-off "master class" for kids from 9:30am - 11am. Prices vary, but hover around $45 - $50 per session. 

10. Cookin' Kiddos — Studio City 

Sandra is a beloved institution in LA, teaching courses for toddlers, teens, and everything in between. Her after-school enrichment programs come to you, so that you can enjoy a culinary education in the comfort of your own home. Several of our Instagram followers sang Sandra's praises when we asked for cooking class recommendations. 

Kids Cooking Courses in East LA 

11. Radical Cooks — Highland Park 

Julia Child once said, "You get what's in season, and you know what to do with it." That's the core of this unique cooking school, where kids and adults can learn to source their food seasonally and then prepare it with excellence. Kids can take part in a seasonal eats course that meets weekly, or opt for one-on-one lessons. Emphasis is placed on natural, whole ingredients and healthy dishes. 

12. Claremont Chefs Academy — Claremont

From three-year-olds to seniors, the Claremont Chefs Academy serves a wide variety of age ranges in its colorful kitchens. Pint-sized chefs (ages 3-5) sign up for a 90-minute cooking class with hands-on interaction (with Mom or Dad nearby to help!) Kids ages 6-10 are considered "Junior Chefs" and can sign up for 4-week cooking class sessions or one-time classes. A separate set of cooking classes for teens and tweens is designed to help "senior chefs", ages 11-17. Claremont Chefs Academy also offers homeschool classes, summer camps, and birthday party courses. Teens with special needs (starting at age 15) are invited to participate in a unique cooking program designed to accommodate disabilities. 

 
Kids can learn the basics of cooking. Photo courtesy of Canva

Cooking Classes for Children in the South Bay 

13. Chef Tech Cooking School — Long Beach

Combine education with cooking at these intentional cooking classes. Kids ages 6-14 can enroll in monthly cooking classes (three or four-week sessions) that last for 90 minutes at a time. Chef Tech also provides homeschool cooking classes earlier in the day (compatible with several Charter Schools for funding). These courses take place on Thursdays 2:30pm - 4pm. During the summer, kids can hone in on their skills at a Chef Tech Cooking School day camp. 

14. Lazy Acres Natural Market — Loz Feliz & Hermosa Beach 

This adorable grocery store is also home to some pretty great cooking classes. Offerings vary per store, but most classes are geared towards 6-10-year-olds and focus on making one particular dish (such as pasta or eggs). Don an apron and get cooking! 

15. From Scratch Bakers — Redondo Beach

This adorable cooking program meets at various parks in the Redondo Beach area to instruct and inspire. Preschoolers ages 3-5 can participate in a Cook and Story class at Perry Park, or budding chefs ages 6-12 can learn the ropes of baking and cooking at a class at Alta Vista Park on Friday afternoons. From Scratch Bakers also offers homeschool classes and holiday camps, such as a Thanksgiving camp leading up to the big day, so that kids can participate in the holiday prep. 

Other Great Leads for Cooking Classes with Kids in LA County

Looking for more affordable cooking class options that are close to home? I suggest checking out your local city website to see what civic offerings and programs are available. Cities from Manhattan Beach to the San Fernando Valley partner with local chefs and programs to offer cooking instruction. For example, the Canyon Country Community Center in Santa Clarita offers a wonderful "Adventures with Food" class for toddlers ages 3-5. 

Another great place to check out is your local branch of the YMCA. The Reseda branch periodically offers cooking classes for children as young as 3-6, and the Simi Valley YMCA offers a Kitchen Kids cooking class for 4-10-year-olds on Wednesdays from 11am - 11:45am. Give your nearby branch a call and see if they have any cooking classes on the agenda. 

Additionally, many school enrichment programs offer after-school cooking classes. Check out offerings at your local LAUSD school as there may be an after school class easily within reach! Some of the vendors mentioned above are contracted by local schools to come in and host programs or workshops. 

 
Serve up something delicious. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

FAQ About Los Angeles Cooking Classes for Children

Are there any cooking classes in Los Angeles for kids? 

Yes! Above, we have mentioned 15 great options for cooking classes with kids in Los Angeles. LA offers everything from month-long food workshops to intense training, to preschool-level kitchen safety courses. Some of our favorite spots for cooking classes are Little Kitchen Academy, The Gourmandise School, Sur La Table, and Lazy Acres Natural Market. 

Where can my child take a baking class in Los Angeles? 

The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica offers a variety of baking classes, including pastry classes, macaron courses, and cookie baking. It is our number one pick for an aspiring baker! 

What are the best culinary camps for kids near me? 

LA residents should check out Chef Tech Cooking School in Long Beach, Claremont Chefs Academy, and Sur La Table in Topanga Village for summer camp offerings. 

Do I have to provide tools or ingredients for classes? 

No, none of these courses require students to bring their own cooking utensils or ingredients- all of the materials are included in the price of the class. 

What is the most affordable cooking class for kids in LA? 

YMCA and local city offerings are going to be your best bet for a budget-friendly cooking class in the LA area. Check local websites or place a call to your local recreation centers and YMCA branches to see what offerings are available.

What's a good age to start cooking class? 

Some of these cooking classes start as early as 3 years old! Kids are sensory, and cooking involves all five senses, making it a perfect way to enhance development, encourage STEM, and diversify your little one's palate.