Culinary Arts Programs

Lil' Cooking Club provides preschoolers ages 3 to 5 with a fun, social and creative environment to learn and be introduced to culinary arts. As a hands-on activity, with required parent engagement, preschoolers will learn concepts and skills including: language and vocabulary, fine motor coordination, mathematical skills, problem solving and social skills. As a reminder, parent participation is required (this is NOT a drop off program).

Registration Information

Registration for the Fall sessions opens September 1, 2024 for City residents and September 15, 2024 for non-City residents.

Registration for the Spring sessions opens March 1, 2025 for City residents and March 15, 2025 for non-City residents.

Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until filled. If registration is filled, you may enroll on the waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund. Register in person at the PRCA Administrative Office located at the Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or you can register online.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $30.00 per child (resident) and $37.50 per child (non-resident).

Register Online

Program Information

The Lil’ Cooking Club program is offered twice a year in the Spring and the Fall; enrollment for Tuesday or Thursday sessions are available each season. Participants will meet for 1 hour per session over 4 sessions in the evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Parent participation is required (this is NOT a drop off program).

Program Location

The Lil’ Cooking Club program is offered at the Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center located at 1001 NW 34th Street, 352-334-2821.

Junior Grillers 

The earlier youth discover the finer points of food, the richer and more nutritional lives they will lead. Youth ages 10-12 learn essential cooking techniques on a grill or griddle, and work alongside peers to gain and develop new culinary skills in the Grillers program.

Registration Information

Registration for the Junior Grillers (International) sessions opens Aug. 1, 2024 for city residents and Aug. 15, 2024 for non-city residents.

Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until filled. If registration is filled, you may enroll on the waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund. Register in person at the PRCA Administrative Office located at the Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or you can register online.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $35 per child (resident) and $43.75 per child (non-resident).

Register Online

Program Information

Junior Grillers (International) - Activity #4911 meeting dates: Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, 10, 17

The Grillers program is offered twice a year in the fall and the winter; enrollment for Thursday sessions are available each season. Participants will meet for 1 hour per session over four sessions in the evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Program Location

The Junior Grillers program is offered at the Eastside Community Center located at 2841 E. University Avenue (352-334-2714).

Mini Grillers 

The earlier youth discover the finer points of food, the richer and more nutritional lives they will lead. Youth ages 6-9 learn essential cooking techniques on a grill or griddle, and work alongside peers to gain and develop new culinary skills in the Grillers program.

Registration Information

Registration for the Mini Grillers (International) sessions opens Aug. 1, 2024 for city residents and Aug. 15, 2024 for non-city residents.

Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until filled. If registration is filled, you may enroll on the waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund. Register in person at the PRCA Administrative Office located at the Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or you can register online.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $35 per child (resident) and $43.75 per child (non-resident).

Register Online

Program Information

Mini Grillers (International) - Activity #4910 meeting dates: Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 7, 14

The Grillers program is offered twice a year in the fall and the winter; enrollment for Monday sessions are available each season. Participants will meet for 1 hour per session over four sessions in the evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Program Location

The Mini Grillers program is offered at the Eastside Community Center located at 2841 E. University Avenue (352-334-2714).