Cooking classes for kids

Sprout Chef Classes for Ages 5–12

To sign up for a class, click on the links below to register through Darien Parks and Rec. Each session of classes will focus on seasonal ingredients, holidays, current trends, and the class’s particular interests. All classes are hands-on.

We are happy to be offering new classes this season, as well as the old favorites. Most classes and events will be held at the Weed Beach Paddle Hut in Darien, unless otherwise indicated. All supplies and ingredients are provided. Ages 5-12 work together, unless otherwise indicated.

September

Thinking Outside the Lunch Box

This parent/child workshop encourages families to experiment with a variety of “lunch-boxable” foods. Come hungry and ready to try a variety of new things! Parents and children are encouraged to come with an open mind and share their favorite recipes and lunch-packing ideas with the group. Leave with a packed lunch for Monday and plenty of fresh ideas for the new school year. Ages 3–12 – Parents & Kids Together

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 13th

A Day in Korea

Consider this your passport to Korea! Sprout Chefs will spend their day off from school preparing bibimbap and other kid-friendly Korean recipes before gathering around one big table to enjoy the delicious lunch they created together. Ages 5–12.

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Monday, September 21st

October

Halloween Cake Decorating

The Tilly Pond Head Chef Witch will share stories about how Halloween began with the ancient Celtic harvest festivals. Everyone will even get to sample the very first “trick-or-treat” before decorating a Halloween-themed 5½-inch cake to take home. Ages 5-12.

Location: Tilly Pond Park

Times: 3 pm - 4 pm

Sunday, October 11th

The Witches’ Brew Class

For two magical days, Sprout Chefs will use fresh fall ingredients to create kid-friendly concoctions, festive charcuterie boards, and sweet treats celebrating autumn. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Thursday & Friday, October 22nd & 23rd

Two-Day Class – School Conference Days 

November

A Day in Italy

Ciao, Italy!

Sprout Chefs are invited on a great pasta adventure as they prepare a handmade pasta lunch from scratch using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Afterwards, everyone gathers around one big table to enjoy the meal together. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 10 am - 2 pm

Tuesday, November 3rd

Holiday Apple Pie Making

Sprout Chefs will learn how to make pie dough from scratch, roll it out, and fit it into mini pie pans. They’ll prepare a delicious apple filling, then take their uncooked pies home to bake. A collection of favorite pie recipes will also be sent home for more baking adventures. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, November 13th

Family Thanksgiving Pie Making

Families will work together to assemble a Thanksgiving pie to bake at home. Everyone will help roll the dough, measure ingredients, and prepare the filling. This multigenerational class welcomes first-time pie makers as well as experienced bakers. Your homemade pie will be ready for Thanksgiving dinner. All Ages Welcome—Especially Grandparents!

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 5 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24th

December

Cookie Decorating for All Ages

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone will receive approximately six 3-inch cookies in a variety of festive shapes. Piping bags, colorful icing, and plenty of sprinkles will be available to create cookie magic. Christmas music and hot chocolate are included. Open to All Ages – 0–100+

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 5 pm

Friday, December 4th

January

A Day in Thailand

Sprout Chefs are invited to explore Thailand on their day off from school. Together they’ll discover the wonderful flavors and aromas of one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting countries as they chop, stir, taste, and cook their way to a traditional Thai lunch shared around one big table. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 10 am - 2 pm

Monday, January 18th

February

Sweetheart, bakery, edible valentine workshop.jpg

Sweet Hearts Bakery: Edible Valentine Workshop

Cupid invites all Sprout Chefs into his bakery to create beautiful treats meant to be shared. Young pastry chefs will decorate delicious cookies that can be packaged as one-of-a-kind Valentine’s gifts for family, friends, teachers, or anyone who could use a little extra sweetness. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 4pm - 5 pm

Friday, February 12th

Winter Camp: Around the World in Five Days

Our culinary journey begins in Italy, where campers will make fresh pasta from scratch before sharing their handmade Italian lunch together. At the end of each day, the campers decide where they want to travel next. They’re encouraged to bring recipes from home, cookbooks, grandparents, or friends. Every camp is different because the campers’ interests, creativity, and abilities guide the adventure. The only constant is a delicious handmade lunch planned and prepared together every day. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 10 am - 2 pm

Monday - Friday, February 15th - 19th

March

Pi Day Pie Making Party

Sprout Chefs will celebrate Pi Day (3.14159…) by creating their own pies using a variety of crusts, fillings, and toppings. Once finished, they’ll give their pie a name, illustrate it, and write the recipe. Older chefs naturally mentor younger chefs as everyone works together. Ages 5–12

Location: The Paddle Hut at Weed Beach

Times: 2 pm - 3 pm

Saturday, March 20th

Preschool Adult & Child Classes

Adults and children hear a seasonal story together before creating edible art to take home.

Ages 2½–5 Meets the second Tuesday of each month, September through May.