Getting kids into the kitchen isn’t just an excuse to turn off those creepy YouTube videos of Kinder Surprise Eggs being unwrapped (although let’s not undervalue that particular perk). Cooking offers a range of practical benefits, from reading recipes and following direction to creativity and fun.
“We don’t spare kids any of the hard bits,” says Rebecca Kerswell, Director of Sydney Chocolate School. “All of our children learn how to do a hand temper on marble, which is about understanding how movement and heat changes the chocolate itself. In this way kids see the whole process and can be inspired to understand it more. We use tools like laser gun thermometers to measure temperature so students really focus on the scientific aspects of the process.”
Who are we to argue with science and its benefits? Here’s a roundup of our favourite food-related activities to keep kids busy these school holidays.
NSW
Farm tour and pasta making at Camperdown Commons
Sydney’s latest city farm and community hub is offering a Farm Tour program so kids can see what’s growing, get their hands dirty and learn about planting seasonal crops. Participants can even meet the local chickens! The Cooking Stars workshop is run throughout the school holidays and will see kids making pizza and other seasonal dishes from scratch before indulging in their own sweet work.
Both classes can be booked individually or as part of half or full day vacation care program. See Camperdown Commons for more information.
Pizza making workshop at Rhodes Waterside, Sydney
Kids can roll their own dough, choose their toppings, and eat their very own pizza at this free event as part of the Rhodes Waterside school holiday program. There’s no need to book — just roll up and, well, get rolling.
Sydney Chocolate School holiday program
Who doesn’t like to spend their holidays playing with chocolate? No one, that’s who. Eight to 16 year olds will learn how to temper chocolate, as well as create some sweet freckles, bars, lollypops and other delicious delights (queue screams of joy!).
The studio also hosts private groups of six or more kids and caters to under sixes in these instances so if you’ve got a few friends, this is a great way to get together.
Visit Sydney Chocolate School for more details. 
VIC
Sydney Chocolate School lets kids in on the basics of working with chocolate while working up to tempering. Source: Sydney Chocolate School
Gourmet Kids - Malvern
This cooking school designed specifically for kids aged two through 15 offers half and full day sessions combining sweet and savoury recipes. Typical sessions will have participants making savoury scrolls, chocolate fudge cookies, gnocchi, and much more. Special dietary requirements can also be accommodated for.
Kid learn to make savoury scrolls, gnocchi and more at Gourmet Kids cooking classes. Source: Gourmet Kids
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
For kids who harbour fantasies of becoming Willie Wonka when they grow up, these shorter classes and extended workshops offer participants the chance to learn how chocolate is made, taste plenty of the good stuff, and create their own bars and lollipops.
QLD
Cutie Pies Baking School - Brisbane
Budding chefs can learn the fine art of fondant or create their own Peter Rabbit carrot cake with classes to suit a range of ages. Programs are designed to engage a child’s sense of sight, taste, smell, and texture, as well as getting those creative juices flowing. Children will learn basic cooking techniques and terminology and reinforce skills like weighing, measuring, and counting.
Cute Pies classes are designed to engage a child’s sense of sight, taste, smell, and texture Source: Cute Pies
ACT
Kids Pantry – Deakin, Canberra
This April school holidays, five to 13 year olds can try their hand at making gnocchi, satay skewers, cardamom crescents and kofta wraps at Canberra’s Kids Pantry. Then it’s only a matter of time before mums and dads can hang up their aprons at home – right?
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