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.
Kids Activities in Tampa, FL
Fun and Education Awaits at The Real Food Academy!
Looking for exciting kids activities in Tampa, 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
Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill
After School Weekly Curriculum
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Week 3
- Week 4
- Week 5
- Week 6
- Week 7
- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
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.
Book Now
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
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
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 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
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
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.
Book Now 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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Hands-On
All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!
An Exciting Extracurricular in Tampa
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.
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Real Food Blog
5 Must-Try Healthy Holiday Recipes from The Real Food Academy Tampa
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!
65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Tampa
At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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
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 Tampa!
4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking
With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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
It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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 in Tampa
At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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 Tampa
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 Tampa, 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
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegan
Educational Kids Activities in Tampa, 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
The Real Food Academy
Reserve a Tampa Kids Cooking Class Today
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If you’re looking for fun, educational kids activities in Tampa, 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!