Cooking & Culinary Summer Camps in Huntersville
Calling all aspiring chefs! If your child loves to mix, measure, and mash, our Cooking & Culinary summer camps are the perfect recipe for summer fun. At Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, we believe the kitchen is just a tasty science lab.
Our 2026 culinary camps teach children that cooking is chemistry in action. From rising Pre-K to 2nd grade, campers will don their chef hats to learn kitchen safety, healthy habits, and the “magic” reactions that turn batter into cake and fruit into smoothies.
2026 Culinary Camp Menu
Whisk, stir, and learn with our age-appropriate cooking programs.
Pre-K (Ages 4-5)
Little Chefs
- Dates: July 13 – 17 | August 17 – 21
- The Menu: A perfect introduction to the kitchen. Campers get hands-on experience measuring ingredients and assembling colorful snacks. It’s not just about food—it’s about building fine motor skills (stirring, pouring) and following multi-step directions.
- Why Kids Love It: They get to eat their experiments!
Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)
Fantastic Foodies
- Dates: June 29 – July 3 | August 10 – 14
- The Menu: Bringing books to life through food! We combine literacy with culinary arts by reading favorites like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Growing Vegetable Soup, then creating the dishes from the stories.
- Why Kids Love It: It turns reading time into snack time, making healthy fruits and vegetables fun and accessible.
1st & 2nd Grade (Ages 6-8)
Chef Academy
- Dates: July 13 – 17 | August 3 – 7
- The Menu: Did you know cooking is science? In this advanced camp, we explore the chemistry of cooking. Why does bread rise? How does cream turn into butter? Campers become chefs-in-training, learning the scientific principles behind their favorite foods.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s a “grown-up” cooking experience where they gain real kitchen confidence.
What We Teach in the Kitchen
Kitchen Safety
Before we cook, we clean! Campers learn the importance of hand-washing, food safety, and how to use kitchen tools responsibly.
Math in Action
Cooking is delicious math. Measuring cups teach fractions and volume, while following a recipe teaches sequencing and logic.
Healthy Choices
We emphasize nutrition in a positive way, encouraging campers to “eat the rainbow” and try new ingredients they might not touch at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (Cooking Camps)
Q: My child has food allergies. Can they attend?
A: We take allergies very seriously. Please list all allergies on your registration form. Our team is experienced in modifying recipes to be nut-free, dairy-free, or gluten-free as needed to ensure every child is safe.
Q: Do they cook on a hot stove?
A: Safety is our top priority. Our Pre-K and K camps focus on “no-heat” or “low-heat” assembly. Our 1st & 2nd grade camps may use supervised appliances (like blenders or griddles) but never open flames or dangerous equipment.
Q: Is lunch provided?
A: While campers will make (and eat!) plenty of snacks, these samples are not a full meal. Please continue to pack a nut-free lunch for your child each day.
