Downtown Market announces spring break, summer camps for kids and teens

For families staying close to home during spring break, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Spring Break and Summer Camps are an exciting new way to get the kids out of the house and help them learn to cook. Kids and teens can learn new culinary skills in the Downtown Market's teaching kitchen and greenhouses while also learning about other cultures, plants and gardening. 

Registration is live for all camps on the Downtown Market Eventbrite site. A 20 percent “early bird” discount applies when signing up for all 10 weeks, and all camps are eligible for scholarships.

FLAVORS OF THE WORLD SPRING BREAK CAMPS: APRIL 8 – 10

(Registration deadline: March 31)

Flavors of the World for kids ages 6-11

Travel to thrilling spring break destinations without leaving Grand Rapids. Come cook, garden and participate in tourist activities from Japan, Italy and Australia, including making homemade sushi rolls, painting a cherry blossom tree, making pizza and shrimp on the “Barbie” and exploring the Outback!

·       Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Flavors of the World for teens ages 12-15

Teens will embark on an all-inclusive culinary vacation around the world, focusing on Japanese, Italian and Australian cuisine. They’ll learn essential cooking skills and techniques, prepare a four-course Italian meal, steep Macha tea and explore what makes each culture’s menu unique.

·       Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

SUMMER “SIMMER” CAMPS

(Registration deadline: June 17)

For kids ages 6-11

This 10-week summer camp explores adventurous weekly themes, from discoveries in the greenhouse to hands-on cooking in the Teaching Kitchen, “Simmer Camp” cultivates growth and bakes up excitement. Each activity and recipe will pair with the inspiring weekly theme, such as Urban Farming, Garden Safari and Backyard BBQ, and stimulate inventive imagination and creativity.

·       Dates: June 24 – August 28 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

·       Can sign up for one week, three weeks or 10 weeks – whichever fits your summer schedule!

·       Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For teens ages 12-15

A series of palate-stimulating, hands-on cooking workshops just for teens. Join us for five weeks of in-depth culinary exploration from menu design to grilling and baking and much more. “Simmer Camp” encourages teens with all levels of kitchen experience to discover new and exciting skills and flavors at the Market.

·       Dates: June 24 - August 21 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, every other week)

·       Can sign up for one week at a time or all five weeks – whichever fits your summer schedule!

·       Time: 4-7 p.m.