What’s Cooking for Kids

Cooking Schools With Classes And Summer Camps Throughout New Jersey

One way to get your kids excited about food and trying new things is to have them help out in the kitchen. But sometimes the mess is better left in someone else’s kitchen. Whether you have the next Master Chef Junior or just want to encourage them to learn new skills, there are so many different ways to get your kids involved in cooking and teach healthy eating habits. We have compiled a list of cooking schools with classes and summer camps throughout New Jersey worth a look.

Classic Thyme Cooking School in Westfield NJ has developed an exciting new summer camp series that will teach kids about gardening and what “farm to table” really means. When kids participate in any aspect of gardening and cooking it changes their approach to food and causes them to think about food differently. For years they have worked with kids, of all ages, teaching them basic culinary skills and introducing them to new foods through hands-on participation in culinary preparation and education. Now they are taking it to the grass-roots level by introducing this new program.

Founded by Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, author of Appetite for Life, HealthBarn USA vigorously educates and excites children about the best eating habits and food source. They empower children (and the grown-ups who love them!) to grow their own organic food, to cook delicious recipes and to be protectors of the environment -- all served up with a lot of fun! Parents rave that lessons learned here stick with kids beyond the Barn. Food and health experts say that Antine understands kids, nutrition, and the joys of good food, and knows how to bring them together. So, join the fun at HealthBarn USA at the Barn and in schools year-round programs and summer camp for children, ages 3-12.

Wannabe Chef, in Hillsdale NJ gets your kids interested in food and involved in the kitchen, while teaching them healthy eating habits. Through their summer camp series kids will be “playing” through touching, smelling and tasting ingredients. Using their five senses, your kids will create a dish together.

You can also get a jump start on teaching kids about healthy eating with a program at home. The Whole Foods Kids Foundation offers free downloads to eat, read, and make. They also offer a variety of kids programs in your local store.