The Best Kids Cooking Classes in Washington, D.C. for Your Future MasterChef

Whether your kid is a MasterChef Junior fan or prefers an episode of Kids Baking Championship, there is a cooking class for them in the Washington, D.C. area. These classes all start with the basics, so your kids learn various techniques they can build on to teach them the ropes in the kitchen. And before you know it, they will be cooking dinner for the family (a parents dream come true, right?)!

Photo: Tiny Chefs

Cookology - Arlington & Sterling, VA

With a mission of creating a lifelong passion for cooking, Cookology has something for every skill level. From themed classes like Mommy and Me St. Patrick’s Day Foods (Clover Chips with Fresh Guacamole and Shamrock Bark are on the menu) to a Young Chef Sushi class, every class is hands-on and teaches proper culinary techniques. The team at Cookology is also accommodating for many situations, including siblings taking class together and any allergy sensitivities. 

Culinaria - Vienna, VA

Perfect for ages 9-13, the introductory cooking class at Culinaria teaches kids basic cooking skills. Each class incorporates a full menu as students collaborate in teams for delicious dinner at the end. These classes are built for either drop-in from time to time or as a series to build foundational skills in the kitchen.

Maggiano's - Washington, D.C. & Vienna, VA

Maggiano’s hosts a variety of kids cooking classes throughout the year, each with a different theme. Recommended for kids ages 4-12, each kid chef will prepare a favorite Italian dish – including Mom’s lasagna delicious pizza - just like the chefs in the Maggiano’s kitchen. Maggiano's offers kids cooking classes at its Washington, D.C. location in Chevy Chase and its Vienna, Virginia location in Tysons Galleria mall. Classes vary by location, so be sure to check with your local restaurant for specifics.

Wegmans - Multiple DMV Locations

A great way for kids to learn how to put it all together is a cooking class in a grocery store. Wegmans That’s T.H.E. Ticket kids cooking classes provide kids all the ingredients to put together dishes made with products right from the store shelves. Dates and times vary by location – check with your local store’s service desk for more information.

Whole Foods - Multiple DMV Locations

Another great grocery store program, Whole Foods has several locations throughout the Washington, D.C. area that offer cooking classes for kids 8 and up. Some past classes have showcased yummy after school snacks and kid-friendly sushi making. Be sure to check your local Whole Foods location for a schedule of classes and registration information.

Sur La Table - Washington, D.C.; Bethesda, MD; Alexandria, Arlington & Vienna, VA

Sur La Table is known for housing everything you need for an amazing kitchen. Put all those tools to use with their kids cooking classes in-store. From baking traditional British tea treats to making meatloaf “cupcakes” and “grilled cheese” with cake and icing for April Fool’s Day, there is sure to be a class your mini chef will want to drop into. Classes vary by location – enter your zip code HERE to see what’s on the schedule near you.

Tiny Chefs - Multiple DMV Locations

Another local fave, Tiny Chefs encourages children to discover the joys of cooking by teaching basic culinary techniques in every class. Instructors teach kids to follow recipes, measure and combine ingredients, and work together to create a dish. A cooking party is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s birthday! Every kid loves making yummy treats, especially when that treat is for their special day. Save up to 19% off a 90-minute Tiny Chefs Birthday Party.

Fran's Cake and Candy Supply - Fairfax, VA

For kids that prefer baking over cooking, Fran’s Cake and Candy Supply offers a variety of decorating classes. Celebrity Pastry Chef Dawn Alston, competitor on Food Network, will teach you and your child how to many amazing creations like unicorn cakes and fondant drop cakes.

MasterChef Junior is Coming to Washington, D.C. & Baltimore!

MasterChef Junior Live! brings the hit TV show, MasterChef Junior, directly to a stage near you! With live cooking demonstrations and lots of audience participation, this family-friendly show is one you don’t want to miss as it travels around the U.S. with stops locally in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond. Save up to 59% off tickets to a MasterChef Junior Live! show near you.

Cooking Camps

What's better than a cooking class? A whole week's worth of cooking classes!

This summer, Whittle School & Studios in Washington, D.C. is offering a summer camp with global learning experiences built in. With a variety of Culinary Arts options, sessions like Soups, Stir Fries & Salad: Intro to Knife Skills will help kids master the critical culinary task of safely learning the basics of chopping vegetables to make a series of delicious dishes throughout the week. Save $150 off one week of camp at Whittle School & Studios.

Sweet Home Cooking Camp at ChefScape in Leesburg is offering its Thai Summer Camp. From July 13-17, rising middle schoolers will have the chance to learn all the skills required to make a meal from scratch. They will prepare a full dinner every afternoon, and the best part – that dinner comes home with your child for your entire family! An afternoon of camp AND a fresh meal delivered to your table with love?! Sign us up!

Washington International School hosts several specialty camps at WIS Primary School Campus in Georgetown throughout the summer. Global Cooking will have campers utilizing an outdoor grill as a kitchen. Young chefs will chop vegetables, mix flavors and assemble grilled dishes from around the globe this summer while learning the basics of kitchen safety, proper food handling, presentation and table setting. Save $145 off one week of camp at Washington International School.

For a culinary experience they will never forget, Camp MasterChef is the place to be for one week this summer. From meet-and-greets with former MasterChef and MasterChef Junior contestants and winners to team challenges and themed parties every night of the week, your child will learn all the skills to take over K.P. duty from Mom and Dad. Check out this year's culinary curriculum HERE. Save $254 off one week of MasterChef Culinary Arts Sleepaway Camp in Connecticut, California, Texas, Indiana or Georgia. 

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For more ideas for things to do with your kids in the Washington, D.C. area, check out The Best Indoor Play Places for Kids in Washington, D.C. 

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. Sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!