5 Food Experiences Perfect for Your Next Family Trip

Planning a trip usually includes finding the best restaurants, wineries, breweries, and foodie spots. However, it all comes with the caveat that there are little balls of energy to keep busy at the same time. So, are three-hour wine tastings a thing of the past now that you have little ones in tow? 

While the leisurely wine-tasting or full-day bread-baking class is probably best left to solo or adult-only trips, family travel doesn’t mean food experiences are done for good. In fact, they are a great way for kids to learn about a new place and culture. 

How to Plan a Food Experience with Kids

We’ve got a few of our favorite food experiences listed below, but there are so many options out there; how do you know which ones to pick? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your family adventure.

1. Get the kids involved in choosing the experience. Narrow it down to a few options, and then let them have some say. They will be more engaged and excited if they help decide. 
2. Start with a food they already love or a variant of something familiar. This can be especially helpful for younger kids, first-timer, and, of course, those picky eaters. Headed to Paris and have a kid that loves pizza? Try learning how to make pissaladiere. 
3. Keep different skill levels in mind and choose an experience with something for everyone to do. Family-friendly experiences are usually good about noting age limits and skill levels. If you are unsure if it will be a good fit, reach out to the provider. 
4. Keep it low stress. We aren’t looking for a “Yes, chef” experience – unless your kid is prepping for Le Cordon Bleu. 
5. Opt for shorter experiences to get started. Don’t book the 5-hour cooking class for your first go. Ease into it with a shorter hands-on experience or a walking tour so no one gets bored or overwhelmed. 

  Now it is time to start exploring!

5 Kid-Friendly Foodie Experiences for Your Next Trip

Pizza and Gelato Making in Florence, Italy

What kid doesn’t think of pizza when you mention Italy? Take the pizza experience a step further with a hands-on class. This 2.5-hour tour by Eating Europe is the perfect family experience. Limited to 12 people and led by a professional chef means you are in for an enlightening and hands-on class. Plus, you can take the recipes and skills home to recreate a taste of Italy long after your trip. 

Afternoon Tea in London, United Kingdom

Taking tea might seem outdated, but it remains a quintessential London experience. Hotels and tea rooms throughout the city offer themed teas to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. However, a few designed with kids and families in mind are a steep above the rest: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, Kid’s Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at Ampersand, and The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield.

Pastry Making in Paris, France

Where better to learn some new baking skills? This 2.5 hour long baking experience is designed for kids aged 6-12 to work with a parent partner. This collaborative session will have you baking French classics such as creme brulee, sable cookies, and chocolate tea cake. After hanging up your apron, grab you’re finished treats and head out for a picnic in a local park. Plus, you’ll receive the recipes to recreate the goodies at home.

Visit a Chocolate Farm in Kauai, Hawaii 

Did you know Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where cacao can be grown? Several farms on the island chain offer the unique experience of walking through a cacao orchard, but our favorite is at Lydgate Farms.  The 3-hour tour comes with a dose of history, education on the cacao, honey, and vanilla produced there, and a taste of the delicious tropical fruits, cacao, and, of course, the decadent finished product. Space on the tour is limited, and they often sell out, so be sure to book your tickets early. Also, note that no children under 7 are allowed on the tour, but their gift shop is worth a visit even if you can’t take the tour. 

Walk a Classic Neighborhood, New York City, New York

New York City is the original melting pot of America. And thankfully, it is still mostly made up of small establishments owned by people passionate about bringing a piece of their homeland to the rest of us. It is also a city made for walking, so what better way to experience the food and culture of the city than to wander a neighborhood and dive deep into the food and people that make it unique? One of our favorites is the Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village tour by Food of NY Tours. A combination of great food, cultural insights, and historical facts, it brings The Village alive for all of your senses. This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for families with older kids.

Happy eats & safe travels!