Summer cooking camps for kids in San Diego

Young chefs are a course away from an inspiring, instructional, and tasty summer.

Two kids in denim aprons gaze at a counter holding a bowl of flour, chocolate chips, and croissants.

Kids will be whipping up French pastries in no time.

Photo via Sur La Table

This summer, we’re in favor of letting your kids touch the stove. Let us explain.

We’d only recommend this activity under professional supervision, with detailed instruction, and the promise of tasty treats at the end — AKA, everything you get in one of Sur La Table’s cooking camps.

Check out the camps held at Sur La Table (Fashion Valley Mall, 7007 Friars Rd.), perfect for little chefs who’d love hands-on cooking instruction this summer. Bon appétit.

🧁 For kids ages 7-11

Baking 101
This camp will have kids mixing batter and rolling out dough to make everything from chocolate marble banana bread to homemade pizzas. While most camps have sold out, you can still book a five-day camp from Monday, August 21 to Friday, August 24. Sign up for a 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. slot.

Culinary Excursion
From a chicken dinner to taco night, little chefs will learn a breadth of techniques and recipes they can use again. Five-day camps are available June 12 through August 18. Browse camps and sign up for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. slots.

Global Flavors
Kids will learn about flavors + cooking techniques from around the world, like rolling sushi and kneading pasta dough. Five-day camps are available June 26 through August 11. Browse camps and sign up for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. slots.

🍳 For teens 12+

Global Grub
Teens will explore culinary traditions including dim sum, Mediterranean favorites, and even viral food trends (hello, crispy rice sushi). Camps are available June 12 through August 18. Browse three-day camps and five-day camps.

Bakeshop
Advanced baking techniques will be simplified, with teens learning everything from how to pipe chocolate to crafting tuile cookie shells. Five-day camps are available June 19 through August 25. Browse camps and sign up.

Better Than Takeout
Your teen may soon offer to cater take-out night themselves after this course on foods like Tex-Mex fare, ramen, and burgers. Five-day camps are available June 5 through August 11. Browse camps and sign up.

Feeling inspired? Check out upcoming cooking classes for adults.

More from SDtoday
Dining in San Diego is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
More than 60 local museums + attractions will offer free admission for kids age 12 and under from Wednesday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 31.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
This list of volunteer opportunities in America’s Finest City includes everything from helping the hungry to cleaning up local beaches.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center will serve as Cygnet Theatre’s new home.
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
Reach your local community with our help.
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.