Lil’ Chef School – Summer Cooking Camps (2026)
Camps are divided into three age groups: Tiny Chefs (ages 4-6), Lil’ Chefs (ages 7-9), and Teen Chefs (ages 10+), so all young chefs can team up with their peers. Each camp is hands-on and theme-based, with all participants tasting what they cook and taking home recipes to recreate their dishes.
Lil’ Chef School is a nut-free facility and can accommodate nut allergies only. Gluten or dairy-sensitive participants are welcome but will not be able to taste all dishes.
Camp Themes:
Kids Faves • Chocolate • Italian Cuisine • Cupcake Camp • French Camp • World Cuisines • Baking Sweets Camp • Asian Cuisine • Holiday Faves • Four-Course Meal • and lots more.
Camp Pricing:
Three-hour, 5-day camps
$499 per child / $469 per sibling
*Early bird discounts available from February – May
All-Day Weekly Camp (combines two 3-hour camps per day)
$889 per child / $859 per sibling
Daily Camp
$125 per child / $119 per sibling
Save an additional 5% on multiple camp purchases when you book a second event at the same time (daily camps excluded)
Lil’ Chef School
15435 Jeffrey Road, #132
Irvine, CA 92618
2026 Camp Schedule:
June 1-5
Grand Kickoff Camp | 9-12 p.m.
This flavorful week is designed for curious Lil’ Chefs to explore French, Italian, and Asian cuisines, and to learn how to sauté, simmer, and season like pros. It’s a perfect mix of global cooking and hands‑on kitchen confidence.
June 8-12
Kids Faves Daily | 9-12 p.m.
A full week of the food’s kids love most! Lil’ Chefs will cook and bake classics like cookies, mac & cheese, fluffy pancakes, cupcakes, pizza, burritos, sliders, donuts, crispy French fries – and plenty of surprise favorites. Comfort food heaven, made from scratch!
June 15-19
Chocolate | 9-12 p.m.
This week is devoted entirely to chocolate in every form – white, milk, semi-sweet, and dark. Lil’ Chefs will create rich desserts, chocolate candies, baked treats, and decadent sweets while learning chocolate techniques along the way.
Baking Everything | 1-4 p.m.
A baker’s paradise! From cakes and brownies to cookies, candies, and pastries, this camp explores a wide range of baking skills. Lil’ Chefs will mix, bake, decorate, and taste their way through all the bakery favorites.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Chocolate!” and “Baking Everything”.
June 22-26
Italian Cuisine Camp | 9 a.m. – noon
Lil’ Chefs will learn to make Italian favorites inspired by Rome, Venice, Sicily, and Florence – fresh pasta, homemade sauces, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, delicious pizza, and classic Italian desserts.
American Faves | 1-4 p.m.
Think burgers, crispy chicken, fries, mac & cheese, pizza, and classic desserts. Lil’ Chefs will recreate iconic comfort foods while learning kitchen skills and flavor building.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Italian Cuisine” and “American Favs”.
June 29 – July 3
Baking | 9-12 p.m.
Chefs can join for the full week or individual days while baking brownies, cakes, cookies, breads, and pies galore. A hands-on week packed with sweet and savory baking fun.
Chocolate | 1-4 p.m.
An afternoon dedicated to chocolate favorites! Lil’ Chefs can join for the full week or individual days while making chocolate candies, cakes, cookies, brownies, and other irresistible treats while learning how to work with chocolate like a pro.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Baking” and “Chocolate!”.
July 6-10
French Cafe | 9-12 p.m.
Lil’ Chefs will experience classic French café cuisine by making homemade crepes, beignets, Chicken Cordon Bleu, elegant tarts, and freshly baked baguettes. A delicious introduction to French cooking and baking.
State Fair | 1-4 p.m.
All the fun of the fair – no tickets required! Lil’ Chefs will cook funnel cakes, street corn, chicken wings, burgers, candied popcorn, and other fair-style favorites that are big on flavor and fun.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “French Cafe” and “State Fair”.
July 13-17
World Cuisines | 9-12 p.m.
This week explores international favorites including Mexican dishes, Belgian waffles, French sauces and desserts, chicken kabobs, naan bread, and more. Perfect for curious cooks who love trying new flavors.
Baking Sweets | 1-4 p.m.
A sweet-focused baking session featuring cookies, brownies, bars, cakes, pastries, and creative desserts. Lil’ Chefs will practice baking techniques while decorating and customizing their treats.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “World Cuisines!” and “Baking Sweets”.
July 20-24
Baking | 9-12 a.m.
For Lil’ Chefs who love to bake! From cupcakes, donuts, cookies, pies, and cakes to breads, pasta doughs, savory pies, and baked dishes. Everything is made from scratch in this skill-packed baking week.
Italian | 1-4 p.m.
An afternoon Italian feast! Lil’ Chefs will prepare pasta with homemade sauces, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, tasty pizza, and fabulous desserts inspired by regions throughout Italy.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Baking” and “Italian”.
July 27-31
Asian Cuisines | 9-12 p.m.
Explore bold flavors from across Asia! Lil’ Chefs will make favorites inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean BBQ, and South Asian cuisines – including dumplings, egg rolls, rice dishes, desserts, and savory entrées.
Holiday Faves | 1-4 p.m.
Love Thanksgiving and Christmas treats? This camp delivers! Lil’ Chefs will cook and bake seasonal favorites, festive desserts, and holiday-inspired comfort foods.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Asian Cuisines” and “Holiday Favs”.
August 3-7
Kids Faves | 9-12 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Lil’ Chefs will make kid-approved favorites like chicken tenders, pizza, fresh bread, pasta, pretzels, and donuts – all prepared with hands-on cooking fun.
Cupcake Camp | 1-4 p.m.
Lil’ Chefs will bake and decorate cupcakes like Cookies & Cream, Red Velvet, and more – learning piping, frosting, and creative decorating techniques.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “Kids Favs” and “Cupcake Camp”.
August 10-14
Four Course Meal | 9-12 p.m.
Lil’ Chefs can join for the full week or individual days while they learn to plan and prepare complete four-course meals featuring favorites like Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Fricassee, classic mac & cheese, Caesar salad, and mashed garlic potatoes.
Baking Sweets | 1-4 p.m.
This is a perfect camp for Lil’ Chefs who love refined sweets and want to learn baking techniques. Lil’ Chefs can join for the full week or individual days while making elegant and delicious desserts like apple pie, chocolate soufflé, strawberry treats, and more.
All-Day Camp | 9-4 p.m.
Your child will attend both the morning and afternoon camps held this week: “4-Course Meal” and “Baking Sweets”.
Camp: August 17-21
Kids Amerian Faves | 9-12 p.m.
A fun finale featuring classic American kid favorites! Lil’ Chefs will cook comforting, familiar dishes while sharpening kitchen skills and ending summer camp on a delicious note.
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Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team works hard to ensure all camp listings are accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Confirm all details with camp organizer before attending. Kidsguide is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings on our website.
