Does your pint-sized chef prefer to watch cooking shows to cartoons? Feed their interest in food with one of these Des Moines area cooking classes! Once they have learned how to peel, chop, puree and simmer, you will be on your way to turning over the dinner time duties to them—a parent’s dream come true!
Find more classes and activities on our Events Calendar and Directory Listings.
Editor’s Note: Not all cooking classes may be appropriate for all kids. Please contact the cooking school directly for additional information and to register.
Here’s a list of cooking classes for kids in the Des Moines area:
Cooking with Alessandra
Alessandra prepares and teaches about Italian dishes that are inspired directly from her grandmother’s kitchen. She offers cooking classes to both kids and adults in a group or private setting. Kids will especially love learning how to make pizza dough from scratch and will love inventing and baking their own Mini Calzoni or Pizza! You can sign up for classes on her website.
Happiness in the Kitchen with Holly
Holly is a former 3rd grader teacher who has combined her passion for teaching kids and her passion for healthy cooking into teaching healthy cooking classes to kids. She offers small group classes in her home, private classes and hands on cooking birthday parties by appointment. She also offers summer cooking camps through Des Moines Christian School. The camps are open to the public (you don’t have to be enrolled at DMCS) for kids in grades 2-12.
Junior Chefs in the Hy-Vee Kitchen
Do you have an aspiring chef in your house? Sign them up for Junior Chefs in the Hy-Vee Kitchen virtual cooking classes to help them improve their kitchen skills! These classes are led by Hy-Vee registered dietitians to enhance your child’s joy of cooking. Developed for children 8 years and older. Registration is required for these monthly classes.
Kids in the Kitchen
Offered as part of Clive Park’s and Recreation’s programming, participants in this class will learn about cooking utensils, recipe and label reading, and healthy eating habits. Register on-line through Clive Parks and Recreation department.
Kitchen Collage
Kitchen Collage has everything you need to become the next Top Chef, including the classes to teach you the skills. While there are a wide variety of adult classes, kids aren’t left out of the kitchen. Check out their class listing to see if they have something appropriate for your child. Their classes are chef lead and will provide you with all the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to master delicious fare. Kitchen Collage cooking classes are probably best for kids ages 13 and up. They also offer private classes for groups of four to eight people.
Real Food 4 Kids
Real Food 4 Kids offers hands-on cooking and food education classes for kids and teens in the Des Moines metro. Owner Sue Honkamp educates kids ages 6+ to make healthy food choices, plan menus, and create yummy meals that even the most finicky kid will eat. Classes are offered in Sue’s home, through local parks and recreation departments and in partnership with other local businesses. Sign up for a multi-week session or you can attend one class. She also offers summer camp options, baking and cooking parties, badge workshops and on-line class options.
Wallace Centers of Iowa
The Wallace Centers of Iowa is currently offering online cooking classes. Not specifically for kids, this would be a great way to spend some time together in the kitchen as a family. Chef Katie will email you recipes, a grocery and equipment list, and a Zoom link, so you can prepare for your 2-hour cooking class. Gather all the ingredients and tools in your own kitchen, then watch while Katie demonstrates right alongside as you work.
Additionally, Community Education Departments and Parks & Recreation Departments also offer kids cooking classes.
Know of any other cooking classess for kids and families here in Des Moines? Leave us a comment.
