7 Hotels & Resorts with Standout Culinary Experiences for Kids

Culinary travel is having a moment, recognized as one of the fastest-growing sectors of experiential tourism. With family travel thriving overall, the hospitality industry has been adding cooking programs for children and teens, ranging from brief one- or two-hour sessions to multi-day camps, parent-child workshops and more. The appeal is multifaceted: These experiences introduce kids to cultural differences, broaden their palates and encourage healthier, more adventurous eating habits. Plus, they’re just plain fun!

Here is a small sampling of luxury resorts around the world that offer culinary experiences for kids across a range of ages.

Best Culinary Experiences for Kids at Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Ballymaloe House Hotel, Cork, Ireland

The historic countryside Ballymaloe House Hotel in picturesque Cork is closely linked with the Ballymaloe Cookery School. Guests often combine a stay at Ballymaloe House with a cooking class onsite for a true culinary getaway. Taught by renowned Irish chefs, these kid-friendly classes also make good use of fresh produce from the school’s 100-acre organic farm. There are more than five dozen options for short courses, including some geared toward specific age groups like teens.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai cooking classes are housed in a charming Thai teak house celebrating traditional Lanna elegance. Their Kids Cooking Class at Rim Tai Kitchen, available for kids ages 6 to 11, features popular Thai dishes. Also, make time to experience the mesmerizing chef’s table housed in an open-air pavilion overlooking tropical gardens and a waterfall.

The Essex Resort and Spa, Essex Junction, VT

The Essex offers culinary workshops at The Essex Kitchen, including a Taste Buds kids’ class series that teaches younger chefs the basics of food preparation. Sessions include multi-hour courses as well as full-day and weeklong programs. Longer options also expand beyond the kitchen itself, with farm visits and simple tasks such as harvesting vegetables and herbs or gathering eggs.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Housed in a restored 18th-century mansion, Casa de Sierra Nevada runs the Sazón Cooking School, designed to reflect the feel of a traditional Mexican home. Sazón provides 3-hour, hands-on Mexican cooking classes that each include at chef-led tour of San Miguel Market. While not pegged as kids-only, the classes are family-friendly and children can join alongside parents. For the ultimate indulgence, book a private session tailored to your needs and tastes.

La Maison Arabe, Marrakech, Morocco

Legendary La Maison Arabe represents the height of Moroccan hospitality and acclaimed fine dining in Marrakech, and you can also explore their renowned cooking workshops, which are family-friendly and suitable for kids. Children can learn to prepare Moroccan dishes like tagine and salads under the guidance of dadas (traditional Moroccan cooks), making it a fun, hands-on cultural experience. A typical half-day workshop might include a spice market visit, bread oven stop and full meal preparation; there’s also a 1-hour express class if you’re pressed for time.

Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

For active families, noted foodie destination Blackberry Farm offers Camp Blackberry, a place where young guests can flourish with adventures throughout the property. Each day, the camp features a stimulating itinerary that includes culinary experiences anchored by its substantial gardens. Budding chefs learn to cook with ingredients harvested straight from the farm, connecting the full journey from land to table in the most hands-on way possible.

Oceania Allura

Oceania Cruises‘ Allura vessel, which debuted this past summer, has a full onboard culinary center for guests. Guided by master chefs, cruisers (including teens accompanied by adults) can participate in a wide variety of cooking classes in which you’ll prepare the recipes yourself. From mastering knife skills to recreating dishes from the ports you’ve just visited, the classes make for a uniquely memorable onboard experience.

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.