10 Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Kids and Parents

At the same time, a young person’s world today is filled to the brim. Between school lessons, digital distractions, and endless free time options, kids (and parents) can easily become overwhelmed. So, it’s important to focus on childhood enrichment activities that really engage and delight your child, while at the same time helping them develop social and leadership skills, broaden their horizons, and make new friends.

Youth cooking classes are an extracurricular activity that resonates with kids of all ages—and it brings life skills to the table (literally). From measuring ingredients to mastering mealtime prep, culinary classes for kids and teens offer an ideal blend of fun, education, and personal development—and the benefits go far beyond the kitchen!

“This place is wonderful! After one class my daughter gained so much confidence and made a friend. She had the biggest smile the entire 2 hours and is begging to go back!” – Tiffany R.

Below we look at 10 ways that learning the joy and value of cooking enriches kids and teens, as well as their families.

6 Benefits of Cooking Classes for Kids

Real-World Skills, Real Confidence
Whether it’s learning how to play an instrument, kick a field goal, or bake a cake, when kids take on new challenges they gain confidence in their abilities. Successes (and even failures) build resilience, self-esteem, and grit. Gaining independence in the kitchen builds confidence and empowers children to try new things.

Academic Reinforcement
Being involved in after-school activities can actually help kids in the classroom, too. Studies show that structured extracurricular programs teach discipline, time management, and motivation—all key factors in academic success. Additionally, cooking taps into math (measurements and conversions), science (chemical reactions in baking), reading (recipe instructions), and even geography (global cuisines). It’s a delicious way to reinforce classroom learning.

“My daughter has been going here for nearly two years. Each week she gets to learn to make amazing recipes, many of which we now make at home. It is one of the few things that she has stuck with, and I think that it is due to the fantastic teaching staff. They just don’t teach how to follow a recipe – they get instruction in kitchen tools, food safety and even food science. My daughter is always so proud as she progresses through the curriculum and gets badges for her chef’s jacket.” – Richard G.

Social Development and Teamwork
Whether it’s bonding over a shared goal or navigating group dynamics, kids who participate in extracurricular activities learn how to connect and collaborate with others. At Young Chefs® Academy, kids work together in a safe and supportive environment. They learn to communicate, share, and problem-solve together—practical life skills that kids can take home and into adulthood.

Creativity and Exploration
Cooking offers endless ways to experiment and explore. Students gain confidence in expressing themselves through food, discovering new ingredients, and expanding their palates—all while having a blast. These experiences often inspire future educational paths or career goals.

Healthy Habits That Stick
Extracurricular activities that get kids moving help develop healthy habits and support physical well-being. And whether physical or not, extracurriculars give kids an outlet for stress, offering emotional and psychological benefits, too. When kids are involved in making their own meals, they’re more likely to make healthier food choices. Culinary programs instill a love for fresh, nutritious foods and an awareness of where food comes from.

Leadership and Responsibility
Roles like team captain, club president, or event coordinator give kids the chance to lead and contribute. They learn responsibility, decision-making, and the value of community involvement. At YCA™, following a recipe, cleaning up, and helping others are all part of the experience. These responsibilities naturally foster leadership, patience, and pride in a job well done.

4 Ways Families Benefit from Kids Who Can Cook

Shared Experiences, Stronger Bonds
When kids bring home their culinary creations (or cook dinner themselves!), it creates opportunities for meaningful connection around the dinner table. It’s a win-win: good food and great conversations. Plus, YCA has cooking workshops and special events for families and parents, too!

A Window into Growth
Watching your child slice, dice, sauté, and serve up a dish with pride is a powerful reminder of how quickly they’re growing—and how capable they truly are. At YCA, our curriculum is tailored for students of different ages and skills and designed to help them grow their capabilities over time.

Shared Community Values
Adults need time away from digital screens, too. Young Chefs Academy brings families together through open houses, events, and culinary showcases. It’s a place where kids belong and parents feel part of a warm, encouraging community with shared values.

Preparation for the Future
Extracurricular activities look great on college applications, but they also help young people learn more about themselves and what they enjoy doing. At YCA, kids take away skills that will serve them for years to come—whether it’s developing a love of cooking, preparing for a future culinary career, or just learning to make healthy, delicious meals for themselves and their families.

Bonus Benefit for Parents

If your child is involved in extracurricular activities, the associated costs can add up quickly. One additional benefit of cooking classes at YCA is our flexible fee structure. Students can attend individual classes or can enroll in YCA membership, which includes an exclusive discount on weekly classes and savings on other YCA offerings. The modest membership fee includes their chef jacket, which is the only uniform they need.

Best of all, there are no additional costs for ingredients or kitchen equipment, making our cooking classes one of the simplest and most cost-effective extracurricular activities available for kids and teens!

Our Intro Class for new students is a great way for your child to see what Young Chef’s Academy is all about and make sure it’s a good fit for their interests and goals. This class also helps our experts find the perfect class to meet your child’s needs if they decide to continue cooking at YCA.

“Kate has loved every minute of her time at Young Chefs Academy. It’s such a great extracurricular activity, and the tips and techniques she has learned over the past few months have made her much more confident in the kitchen at home. She is more willing to try new foods, and I love that she’s gaining great life skills while having fun!” – Nicki B.

Extracurricular activities like cooking do so much more than fill time—they inspire. At Young Chefs Academy, we provide a hands-on, engaging environment where kids and teens build self-confidence, expand their creativity, learn valuable new skills, and make new friends, all while learning to love what’s on their plate.

Culinary classes for kids are more than just mixing and measuring—they’re a recipe for lifelong success!