At Vanilla Zulu, we believe the best family memories are made in the kitchen, where quality becomes something delicious. In this guide to our kid-friendly culinary adventures, you will learn:

• Why cooking is the ultimate "stealth education" tool for maths, science and creativity.
• How our hands-on classes turn picky eaters into adventurous foodies.
• Everything you need to know about booking, parking and what to expect.

Welcome to the tastiest laboratory on earth, where chemistry, art and geography are rolled into one delicious package. PS: If you are a kid, tell your parents this is way better than another museum trip! Our fun cooking classes take the chore out of it because we do the cleaning!

The Vanilla Zulu kitchen is a space where making a mess is encouraged and "playing with your food" is part of the curriculum. 

Why Cooking is the Ultimate "Stealth Learning" Activity

The kitchen is where science happens right in front of your eyes. When kids measure flour or watch yeast rise, they are seeing maths and biology in action. 

Recent stats show that hands-on cooking activities boost confidence and problem-solving skills faster than passive learning. In fact, 39% of millennials wish they had learned more practical cooking skills in school, proving just how important this early exposure is.

Cooking teaches patience and sequencing. You can’t frost a cupcake while it’s hot and you can’t stir-fry vegetables before you chop them. 

These micro-lessons in logic build a foundation for critical thinking that lasts way longer than any sugar rush obtained in the process. 

Plus, there is a unique pride in serving a meal you made yourself. That "I did this" moment is powerful stuff for a developing mind.

How Does a Family Cooking Class Build Stronger Bonds? 

A cooking class forces everyone to slow down and focus on a single, shared goal. You are shoulder-to-shoulder, working together to roll pasta or fold dumplings.

Interestingly, a 2025 study from the University of Guelph found that children don't learn to cook just by watching their parents. Passive observation isn't enough; they need to get their hands dirty in order to build lifelong skills.

Those three hours, you and the little ones are a kitchen brigade, and the kids are often the ones teaching the parents a trick or two. This role reversal builds trust and camaraderie. 

Plus, sharing the meal at the end, sitting down to eat what you created together, cements that memory in a way a movie night simply can’t.

School holidays just got a serious glow-up. Orders up! Give your kids a superpower they'll keep forever, armed with whisks and a newfound respect for vegetables (and maybe even earn yourself a night off cooking duty).

Vanilla Zulu is the place where foodies are made. Check our cooking class calendar and book your kids and family into a session today.

FAQS

Is there a minimum age for children attending the classes?

We welcome budding chefs from 9 years old and up. For children aged 9 to 14, they must be booked with a participating adult to ensure safety and maximise fun. Older teens (15+) who are confident in the kitchen can attend solo at the full adult price.

How much do the family cooking classes cost?

We keep it accessible for families. Our Youth Ticket (ages 9-17) is priced at $95. Adult tickets range from $129 to $155, depending on the class type. If you bring the whole crew (groups of 4+), you unlock a discount.

Is there parking at the Teneriffe studio?

We don't have on-site parking, but don't panic. There is plenty of street parking in the surrounding roads of Teneriffe. We recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early to grab a spot and settle in before the action starts.