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Two young girls at The Real Food Academy Tampa's cooking class for teens.

Kids Cooking Classes

Perfect for:
Kids
After School
Mommy & Me

Each week, children have the opportunity to explore various cuisines from around the world, using natural and healthy ingredients. The classes are designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing children to fully participate in the cooking process. The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL takes care of all the details, including clean-up, so parents can relax while their children learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Join The Real Food Academy today for a delightful culinary experience that combines fun, learning, and healthy eating. Book a class now!

Day & Time
Saturdays 9:45 am - 11:30 am
Price
$50 Per Class
Duration
2 Hours
Skill Level
Beginner+
Head chef Maria high fiving a child at The Real Food Academy's kids cooking classes in Tampa, FL.

Kids Cooking Classes in Tampa, FL

Fun, Education, and Exploration of Global Cuisines

In the heart of Tampa, FL, The Real Food Academy offers an enchanting experience for young chefs with our kids’ cooking classes. These classes are more than just a way to learn recipes; they are a journey into culinary creativity and healthy eating without the use of dangerous, processed ingredients. Designed specifically for children aged 5 to 16, our classes blend fun with education, making them a perfect choice for Tampa cooking classes for kids.

Each Saturday, our kitchen transforms into a lively, interactive space where children explore various cuisines from around the globe. One week might be dedicated to Italian pasta twirling, and the next could dive into the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. No matter the menu, the focus is always on using natural, healthy ingredients, aligning with our belief in "changing the ingredients, not the dish." This philosophy not only introduces kids to nutritious eating but also encourages them to think creatively about food.

Upcoming Classes

Hear From Real Customers

Kids Classes FAQs

At The Real Food Academy, we don’t limit our recipes to one cuisine. Each week features a different focus, including American, Italian, Mexican, Asian, Latin, and more.

No matter what we’re cooking, we always teach kids how to prepare their favorite foods using smarter ingredient choices.

No. Parents are invited to hang out in the cafe and enjoy a delicious breakfast, coffee, or even a mimosa!

We insist on this rule because your child needs to focus on the instructor. Parents can be very distracting to their children, which is not safe in many cases. Also, believe it or not, your child behaves MUCH better when Mom or Dad is not around! Please trust us on this one.

Your child will have a far better experience if you are not in the classroom. You will be invited into the classroom at the end of the class. That is when you can take pictures and when your child will have the opportunity to tell you all about their great creation. You will even have a chance to sample what they made.

We thank you in advance for respecting this rule. :)

You can register for a class directly through our booking page. Select your preferred class, choose a date and time, then complete your registration by filling out any necessary information.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is happy to help.

No, we do not allow walk-ins for kids’ classes.

The Real Food Academy groups kids by age to ensure the best experience for everyone. Each group participates in activities that are appropriate, engaging, and safe for their skill level.

The Real Food Academy offers both single- and multi-day camps. Multi-day camps typically range from 2 to 5 days, depending on the season and program.

*Once you’re registered, each day follows a structured schedule similar to this:

  1. Drop-Off: Morning drop-off, with optional early drop-off available
  2. Morning Cooking Session: Breakfast preparation and kitchen skills
  3. Learning & Activities: Cooking techniques, games, and challenges
  4. Lunch Preparation: Hands-on cooking for their own meal
  5. Lunch & Break: Time to eat and relax
  6. Afternoon Cooking: Snack preparation and continued instruction
  7. Dismissal: Afternoon pick-up, with optional late pick-up available for a fee

*This is a sample schedule—actual curriculum and timing vary by camp.

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A group of kids at The Real Food Academy Tampa'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!

A young boy making stir fry at The Real Food Academy Tampa's cooking classes for kids.

Tampa Cooking Classes for Kids

Engaging, Hands-On Classes

Our classes are designed to be engaging and hands-on, ensuring that each child is involved in the cooking process from start to finish. This approach aims to instill a love for cooking and an appreciation for wholesome foods. It's not just about following a recipe; it's about inspiring a lifelong journey of culinary exploration and healthy living.

Parents often find that after attending our kids' cooking classes in Tampa, FL, their children are more eager to try new foods and participate in meal preparation at home. This newfound enthusiasm for cooking can lead to healthier eating habits and a deeper family connection over shared meals.

The Real Food Academy Tampa reviews plate icon.

Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 5.0 star rating & 1000+ reviews

  • Jonathan Anderson

    Arthur Cummins is one of my favorite people in franchising. He and Maria have really built an amazing franchise model. I'm excited to see the nationwide growth over the next few years!
  • Schualita Chong

    We had our daughter's 5th birthday party here and it was such a success. Huge hit with both the kids and parents. The venue was great and they took care of everything! The party went so smoothly - everything is organized, well thought out and the owners and chef were so accomodating with all of our needs/requests. Highly recommend.
  • HILSA MUSALI

    We celebrated my son’s 9th birthday at The Real Food Academy, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The kids had so much fun cooking their own pasta and decorating cupcakes. It was such a creative and interactive activity, and they felt like real little chefs in the kitchen. We also hired the magician they recommended, and he was a huge success! The kids were completely entertained and laughing the whole time. We actually live in Coconut Creek, so many of our guests drove almost an hour to attend the party, and everyone agreed it was absolutely worth the drive. The kids had a fantastic time, and the parents were very impressed with the experience. The staff was organized, friendly, and made everything run smoothly. It was truly a unique and memorable birthday celebration. I would highly recommend The Real Food Academy to anyone looking for a fun and different party idea for kids!
  • Miami Sales Gallery

    What a great family experience! We hosted a big event and the food was delicious! It was great making food together. Must do in Miami.
  • Nick Welch

    Amazing!!!
  • Neil Dallas

    What a great experience! The people were wonderful and the food divine! Highly recommend!
  • Michelle Lynn

    Excellent instruction, great staff delicious food. We has SO MUCH FUN!! Thank you!
  • Aaron Pierre

    Chef Toni and her crew were amazing. We were a large group and they handled us well and allowed us to have a seamless experience. I look forward to doing this again in the future
  • Alex Ponce

    A most wonderful team building activity!! It was a fun experience making my own pizza and pasta 🍝
  • Dayron Hernandez

    Wow, what an amazing experience food was excellent!
  • Hunter Badillo

    Chef Toni was great! Great cooking experience , I highly recommend. We made fresh pizza , pasta , and salad. Great time
  • Maria Bulla

    Chef Tony was awesome! Great class
  • William Bodden

    Attended pasta night w Chef Paolo and we loved it ! Had a great time , learned new recipes that are delicious and healthy.
  • Grethel Bodden

    Amazing experience with Paolo! Not only was it delicious and fun but also health conscious when it came to the ingredients. Look forward to coming back for more classes.
  • Nicki Obeidzinski

    Such a fun group event!
  • Zuzana Tuso

    Nice for team building. Chef Toni was great!
  • Jorge Porto

    Amazing experience!
  • Iris Brautigam

    Amazing experience! We celebrated our daughter’s 10th birthday with a small group of friends and family. I felt ease and comfort knowing I didn’t have to do much and they handled everything from the moment we arrived. The kids, and even the parents, had a blast! Everyone loved this idea and how interactive it was for the kids. I’m so happy we chose Real Food Academy! 10/10
  • Nicolas Jubera

    Amazing sushi class — truly exceeded expectations. I learned so much, from knife skills to proper rice preparation and rolling techniques. Super hands-on, fun, and incredibly well organized. Huge thanks to Chef Toni, who was absolutely amazing — patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience both educational and entertaining. Highly recommend to anyone who loves sushi and wants to really understand the craft behind it. 🍣👏
  • Marina Goitia

    I loved the experience. I highly recommend it.

Real Food Blog

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The Real Food Academy Tampa offers inclusive and fun cooking camps.

Nurture Culinary Creativity

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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
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan
A group of kids with head chef Marie, making a fresh dish at our cooking classes for teens in Tampa, FL.

The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL

Supportive and Fun-filled Cooking Classes

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Moreover, we take care of all the details, including clean-up, so parents can relax knowing their little chefs are in safe, nurturing hands. Our classes allow kids to learn and grow in a supportive and fun environment.

Join us at the The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL for a kids' cooking class where fun, learning, and healthy eating unite in a delightful culinary experience. Book a class today!

Book Now

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Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Tampa Is Now Offering:

☀️ Summer Camps
🎒 Field Trips (We Come to You!)
🎉 Kids’ Birthday Parties at Your Home
🏫 After-School Enrichment Programs at Your School …and much more coming soon!