An image of a young girl cooking at The Real Food Academy's weekend and afterschool programs - kids activities in Orlando, FL.

Kids After-School & Weekend Programs

Cooking is a creative, unique way for children to engage with important academic concepts like science and math. At our weekend and after-school programs, kids learn to cook and develop valuable life skills, all in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Day & Time
Wednesdays at 4:30 - 6:00pm
Price
$400/Course or $50/Day
Duration
1.5 Hours Over 10 Weeks
Skill Level
Beginner+
A young chef at a Real Food Academy cooking class - we offer educational kids activities in Orlando, FL.

Kids Activities in Orlando, FL

Fun and Education Awaits at The Real Food Academy!

Looking for exciting kids activities in Orlando, FL? The Real Food Academy offers kids a unique and enriching opportunity through our weekend and after-school cooking programs.

Designed specifically for children, our hands-on classes allow kids to have fun and be creative, all while learning technical cooking skills like following recipes, measuring, and safe kitchen practices. Through these engaging activities, kids explore the world of cooking in a way that sparks their curiosity and teaches them lessons they’ll carry into the future.

At The Real Food Academy, we use only real, nutritious foods in our recipes. Our goal is to give your little ones the knowledge, tools, and experience they need to make smart choices for their health and have a blast while learning.

Upcoming After-School Classes

Delicious, Nutritious & Educational Meals

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Cranium Academy After School Cooking Club - After School Course

Cranium Academy After School Cooking Club

After School Course
Thursdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
September 10th, 2026 through October 15th, 2026
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Intro to Culinary [Windermere] - After School Class

Intro to Culinary [Windermere]

After School Class
Friday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
September 11th, 2026
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Intro to Culinary [Montverde] - After School Class

Intro to Culinary [Montverde]

After School Class
Tuesday 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
September 15th, 2026
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Real Food vs Ultra Processed Food [Windermere] - After School Class

Real Food vs Ultra Processed Food [Windermere]

After School Class
Friday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
September 18th, 2026
The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Pasta [Windermere] - After School Class

All About Pasta [Windermere]

After School Class
Friday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
September 25th, 2026
The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Pasta [Montverde] - After School Class

All About Pasta [Montverde]

After School Class
Tuesday 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
September 29th, 2026

Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill

After School Weekly Curriculum

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Intro to Culinary

Week 1

Intro to Culinary

Kick off your culinary journey with a hands-on introduction to kitchen safety, essential cooking equipment, and fundamental techniques. Learn the building blocks of great cooking while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

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The Real Food Academy Orlando - Real Food VS Processed Food

Week 2

Real Food VS Processed Food

An introduction and deeper explanation of what is considered "real food" and what "processed food" is and how they are different. Kids will also learn to create Healthy Bowls and Smoothies.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Pasta Making

Week 3

All About Pasta Making

Pasta from scratch is healthier and better tasting than store-bought boxed pasta. And it's easier than you think! This week's agenda covers making fettuccini from raw ingredients.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Week 4

All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread! Kids will learn the technique of creating bread and pizza dough, then put it to use creating their own from scratch pizza.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Plating and Food Styling

Week 5

Plating and Food Styling

Presentation and plating is covered with some Food Styling concepts. Kids will learn about natural syrups, using edible flowers and more.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Fancy Dinner

Week 6

Fancy Dinner

Kids will learn about what goes into making Gourmet meals. We also cover table etiquette as it's an important part of the fancy dinner.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - The World of Hospitality

Week 7

The World of Hospitality

Kids will learn about the world of hospitality and how to create a buffet table. We'll do this while cooking items from the Chinese Cuisine Galore menu items.

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The Real Food Academy Orlando - Sushi Making Class

Week 8

Sushi Making Class

Kids will learn about making sushi with an emphasis on both vegetarian options and normal fish sushi. We've found kids are surprised by and really enjoy this class!

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Halloween Treats

Week 9

Halloween Treats

We'll focus this week's class on some Halloween Treat favorites. You'll really enjoy the leftovers they bring home, if there are any! This class is one of the kids' favorites.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Food Challenge Competition

Week 10

Food Challenge Competition

Put your skills to the test in a fun, high-energy cooking competition! Students will apply everything they've learned in a creative challenge that showcases their talent and teamwork.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Orlando - Intro to Culinary

Week 1

Intro to Culinary

Kick off your culinary journey with a hands-on introduction to kitchen safety, essential cooking equipment, and fundamental techniques. Learn the building blocks of great cooking while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Real Food VS Processed Food

Week 2

Real Food VS Processed Food

An introduction and deeper explanation of what is considered "real food" and what "processed food" is and how they are different. Kids will also learn to create Healthy Bowls and Smoothies.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Pasta Making

Week 3

All About Pasta Making

Pasta from scratch is healthier and better tasting than store-bought boxed pasta. And it's easier than you think! This week's agenda covers making fettuccini from raw ingredients.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Week 4

All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread! Kids will learn the technique of creating bread and pizza dough, then put it to use creating their own from scratch pizza.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Plating and Food Styling

Week 5

Plating and Food Styling

Presentation and plating is covered with some Food Styling concepts. Kids will learn about natural syrups, using edible flowers and more.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Fancy Dinner

Week 6

Fancy Dinner

Kids will learn about what goes into making Gourmet meals. We also cover table etiquette as it's an important part of the fancy dinner.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - The World of Hospitality

Week 7

The World of Hospitality

Kids will learn about the world of hospitality and how to create a buffet table. We'll do this while cooking items from the Chinese Cuisine Galore menu items.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Sushi Making Class

Week 8

Sushi Making Class

Kids will learn about making sushi with an emphasis on both vegetarian options and normal fish sushi. We've found kids are surprised by and really enjoy this class!

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Halloween Treats

Week 9

Halloween Treats

We'll focus this week's class on some Halloween Treat favorites. You'll really enjoy the leftovers they bring home, if there are any! This class is one of the kids' favorites.

The Real Food Academy Orlando - Food Challenge Competition

Week 10

Food Challenge Competition

Put your skills to the test in a fun, high-energy cooking competition! Students will apply everything they've learned in a creative challenge that showcases their talent and teamwork.

Top 5 Reasons to

Get Kids & Teens Cooking in the Kitchen

1.

It teaches them about healthy eating.

Explaining to your teen why they can’t eat fast food every night gets tiring by the time they turn 12 years old. A great way to demonstrate the advantages of home-cooked meals over fast food is by regularly shopping for groceries and cooking with your teen. This teaches teens what goes into a healthy meal (ie. Real Food) and what isn’t healthy (ie. Processed food that includes preservatives, flavors, added extra sugar etc.).

Eating a “Real Food” diet is key to maintaining not only your physical health but also your mental health. This is especially important for teens, whose minds and bodies are still developing.

2.

It gives you quality time together.

Cooking together is a great way to hang out with your teen and chat with them about their day. The time together will help you feel socially connected. Cooking together with your teen can provide a great opportunity to check in with what’s going on and find out how they feel.

You’ll likely find that chopping onions and peeling potatoes makes you feel more comfortable to talk about the big stuff.

3.

They'll learn to fend for themselves.

There will come a time when your child needs to feed themselves. When this happens, it’ll be cheaper, healthier, easier and safer if they know how to cook at home.

4.

It boosts their self-confidence.

When a teen can shop for, prep, cook and serve a meal (or even a snack) all on their own, it gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment and pride. It might not seem like a big deal, but these small things help teens to believe in themselves. A teen who knows they can look after themselves will be ready to take on life’s challenges.

5.

It keeps recipes in the family.

Teaching your teen how to cook is a great way to pass on those special family recipes. It provides an opportunity to talk about history and culture, and gives your teen a chance to learn more about who they are and where they came from.

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A group of kids at The Real Food Academy Orlando's cooking camps.

100%

Hands-On

All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!

Two young chefs enjoying each others company at our cooking afterschool and weekend programs in Orlando, FL.

An Exciting Extracurricular in Orlando

Extracurricular activities are a great way for children to expand their skills beyond the classroom. While traditional after-school activities like sports or music are valuable, not every child is interested in pursuing those paths. Cooking is a fantastic alternative, offering a space for children to express their creativity and learn real-world skills in a non-competitive, supportive environment.

At The Real Food Academy, we believe cooking teaches kids independence, confidence, and responsibility. Our classes provide the perfect opportunity for kids to exercise these abilities in a fun, engaging way that sets them up for lifelong success.

The Real Food Academy Orlando reviews plate icon.

Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 5.0 star rating & 1000+ reviews

  • Badriah Khalaf

    Excellent! It was my daughter’s first experience with cooking class and she loved it! She wants to keep coming back! Amazing experience! The instructors were amazing!
  • Traci Gibbon

    My daughter goes to.classes every Saturday, and it is so amazing, and the good is sooooo delicious, and clean and beautiful! I love how passionate Maria is about healthy, real food, and makes it fun for the kids! She gave her secret weapon spice blend and WOW! I enjoy every bite of my food now! Thanks Maria and your wonderful staff!
  • Jairo Riveros

    A Fantastic Experience! Barbara had a wonderful experience at The Real Food Academy Summer Camp. What I loved most is that this wasn’t just a fun activity—it gave her new skills, greater confidence in the kitchen, and a genuine interest in preparing and enjoying healthy food. And just as importantly, she made some great new friends along the way! And I’m already seeing the results at home! She has offered to make me breakfast and has already prepared a great salad for me. I have a feeling this is only the beginning, and there is much more to come from our new chef! ??‍? The team at The Real Food Academy does a fantastic job of making cooking fun, educational, and practical for kids. As a parent, it’s great to see your child come home excited to put into practice what she learned and eager to experiment with food. Thank you to Maria and the entire team for giving Barbara such a memorable experience. I would highly recommend the camp to other parents, and we will definitely be back! Five stars from both of us! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Akamadia

    Chef Paolo is legit 10/10
  • Valentina Rojas

    Loved the Healthy Meats cooking class with Chef Maria - Highly Recommend!!
  • Talin HACOPIANS

    What a beautiful experience. Chef Maria is absolutely amazing! Her energy is soothing. I highly recommend it. Definitely will be back!
  • Sophia Nader

    This class was soooo fun and enjoyable! 100% would recommend to take a class here
  • Brian Markzitser

    Healthy meats was awesome what a class, amazing chef and experience!
  • Tom Campanile

    Great time and great food!
  • Joe Deitzer

    Chef Toni and team were outstanding. Great way to spend and evening.
  • Nicholas Marcelin

    An amazing experience! Thank you chef toni
  • Jessica Gonzalez

    My girls 9 and 7 have been here a few times and they have the greatest time and are always learning something new. We always look forward to coming. Highly recommended for all little ones.
  • Sheena Clapperton

    It was an amazing experience celebrating a friend’s birthday. It was private, the chef was nice and I would do it again
  • F B

    Chef Toni is the best ❤️
  • Cesar Lemoine

    A wonderful experience learning about food and how to cook it in a great environment and even better instructor. I will definitely be returning!
  • Luis Rujana

    Wonderful experience!! Chef Maria is the best!!
  • L M S

    The class was excellent, very professional. The chef is very good and the location is very convenient I highly recommend The Real Food Academy, it was a great experience !!
  • Ingrid Gutierrez

    Incredible!
  • Jaidy Caballero

    Had a great time at Real Food Academy! They gave us excellent dishes that tasted amazing. Easy to follow, fun activity!
  • Madilyn Morelock

    chef tony, carmen, and the whole crew treated us amazingly! best experience and such a delicious meal!

Real Food Blog

An image of The Real Food Academy's winter salad recipe - perfect for the holidays in Orlando, FL

5 Must-Try Healthy Holiday Recipes from The Real Food Academy Orlando

Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meals to serve this holiday season? The Real Food Academy team has put together a list of 5 recipes that you can follow step-by-step or use as inspiration for your own holiday creations!

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy in Orlando.

65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Orlando

At The Real Food Academy in Orlando, we know planning a birthday party can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to make it easy and fun. Read on to see a few of our favorite themes to choose from.

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know with The Real Food Academy in Orlando

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know

One of the first skills novice chefs need to acquire is proficient knife handling. Learn more about these key knife skills for beginners, brought to you by The Real Food Academy in Orlando!

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking with The Real Food Academy in Orlando.

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking

With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Orlando, you'll be able to conquer your fear of the kitchen and enjoy delicious homemade meals in no time.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook with The Real Food Academy.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook

It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy in Orlando, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and impressive dishes in no time.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class with The Real Food Academy in Orlando.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class in Orlando

At The Real Food Academy in Orlando, we believe that cooking is about creating an experience. Read on for some tips about how to get the most out of a cooking class!

Real Food Recipes

The Real Food Academy Orlando's baked apple cinnamon empanadas recipe.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Empanadas

dessert
latin
The Real Food Academy Orlando asian cole slaw recipe.

Asian Cole Slaw

salad
asian
The Real Food Academy Orlando avocado fries recipe.

Avocado Fries

snack
Crunch fries on a plate, The Real Food Academy Orlando baked fries recipe.

Baked Fries

appetizer
american
The Real Food Academy Orlando berry sorbet with super food toppings, try it today!

Berry Sorbet with Super Food Toppings

dessert
italian
The Real Food Academy Orlando offers inclusive and fun cooking camps.

Nurture Culinary Creativity

With Real Food Academy’s Camps and Events

A young boy cooking at our weekend and afterschool programs - discover the benefits of choosing kids activities in Orlando, FL with The Real Food Academy.

The Real Food Academy Orlando

Developing Life Skills Through Cooking

At The Real Food Academy, our after-school and weekend programs teach children important life lessons. Here are a few things they can learn through our hands-on activities:

  • Problem Solving: When a recipe doesn’t go as planned, children learn to think on their feet, adjusting ingredients or cooking techniques to achieve the desired result.
  • Time Management: Cooking teaches children to manage their time effectively, as they must balance multiple tasks, like preparing ingredients and cooking dishes, within a set timeframe.
  • Organization: In the kitchen, children develop organizational skills by preparing their workspace, gathering ingredients, and following step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Dietary Accommodations

Real Flavor for Everyone

At The Real Food Academy Orlando, we take pride in crafting culinary experiences that are not only delectable but also safe for every palate. Our dedicated team understands the significance of dietary accommodations, and we go the extra mile to ensure that every participant can savor our creations without worry.

From gluten-free alternatives to nut-free options, we're well-versed in a wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions. Our kitchen is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to prevent cross-contamination, and our instructors are adept at adapting recipes to suit individual needs.

You can trust that at our academy, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Join us for a flavorful journey where allergies are never a barrier to delicious dining!

We offer a variety of dietary accommodations, including but not limited to:

Gluten Free
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan
Two young children cooking together at The Real Food Academy Orlando.

Educational Kids Activities in Orlando, FL

Building Healthy Eating Habits

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At The Real Food Academy, we believe that healthy eating habits start with learning to cook. Our after-school and weekend programs introduce kids to fresh, wholesome ingredients and teach them how to prepare balanced meals. By learning to cook from a young age, children understand what goes into their food, helping them make smarter choices as they grow.

Healthier choices are especially important when considering current trends in children’s diets. In the U.S., over 26% of children and adolescents consume fast food on any given day, with around 14% of their daily calories coming from these meals. (CDC) Unfortunately, regular consumption of fast food, which tends to be high in calories, fat, and sodium, contributes to rising obesity rates. As of 2022, approximately 20% of children aged 6-11 years were classified as obese. (CDC)

By learning how to prepare nutritious meals in a fun and interactive setting, children at The Real Food Academy gain lifelong skills that promote smarter food choices. Our programs aim to reduce reliance on processed and fast foods by empowering kids to cook at home using real ingredients.

Master the Art of Flavor

Additional Cooking Classes at The Real Food Academy

If you're looking for kids activities in Orlando, FL, choose The Real Food Academy's after-school and weekend programs!

The Real Food Academy

Reserve a Orlando Kids Cooking Class Today

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If you’re looking for fun, educational kids activities in Orlando, FL, The Real Food Academy offers the perfect blend of health, fun, and skill-building.

Our kids’ cooking classes are designed to teach essential life skills and build healthy eating habits. From learning how to prepare balanced meals to discovering the importance of real ingredients, children gain practical knowledge they can use for a lifetime.

Give your child the gift of confidence in the kitchen and a foundation for making smarter food choices. Book an after-school or weekend cooking class for your kid and watch them learn, create, and thrive!

Real Food. Real Connections

Elevate Your Culinary Expertise with Classes at The Real Food Academy

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