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Children and adults cooking together in the Beaches Sandbox kitchen
Sandbox Kitchen

Good food is better when we make it together.

Hands-on cooking classes for children and adults, with ingredients, equipment and welcoming instruction ready in the Sandbox Kitchen.

Explore Programs

Sandbox Kitchen

The basics...


Choose your culinary program...


These are the programs whose primary experience is cooking. Culinary programs for toddlers, after-school participants and older adults live in their age-based families and are linked below.

Adults

Adult Evening Cooking

Wednesday evening · Adults · $50/class

Move beyond the basics and learn how confident cooks build flavour, work efficiently and present food with intention. Chef Ava Chilelli guides a smaller group through an elevated recipe from preparation to presentation in a relaxed, social setting.

Wednesday Evening  Menus

  • September 16 – Autumn Harvest Salad  (Vegetarian)
  • September 23 – Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast and Chickpea salad 
  • September 30 – Butternut Squash And Sage Risotto (Vegetarian)
  • October 7 – Chicken Tinga Tacos
  • October 14 – Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)
  • October 21 – Beef Stir-Fry
  • October 28 – Chicken Schnitzel
  • November 4 – Vegetarian Chilli (Vegetarian)
  • November 11 – Turkey Meatballs And Bean Salad
  • November 18 – Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Vegetarian)
  • November 25 – Green Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
  • December 2 – Lentil Bolognese (Vegan)
  • December 9 – Mac and Cheese (Vegetarian)
  • December 16 – Cevapi w/ Shopska Salad

Culinary Workshops

Upcoming Fall 2026 workshops for ages 19+. Select a workshop for current details, fees and registration.


Day of the Dead cooking demonstration — Sunday, November 1

Watch Chef Ava Chilelli prepare chicken enchiladas in the Leuty Studio, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. This is a demonstration, not a hands-on cooking class. All ages are welcome; admission is $10. View details and register. See the full celebration and flyer.

Kids

Kids’ Saturday Cooking

Saturday midday · Ages 5 to under 10 · $25/class

Young chefs work from ingredients to a finished dish while practising measuring, preparation, food safety, organization, teamwork and clean-up. Each lively recipe builds independence, creativity and real kitchen confidence.

Saturday Menus

  • September 19 – Calzone
  • September 26 – Subway-Style Submarines
  • October 3 – Brownie Bites
  • October 10 – CLOSED
  • October 17 – Puppy Chow Mix
  • October 24 – BLT
  • October 31 – CLOSED
  • November 7 – Monster Cookie
  • November 14 – Personal Pizzas
  • November 21 –Chocolate Covered Fruit
  • November 28 – Tortilla Cups 
  • December 5 – Fruit Salad
  • December 12 – Banana Chocolate Muffins
  • December 19 – Shortbread Cookies

Current Programs...


Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00 am11:00 am
Studio: Leuty

Cook, explore, and make memories together. Caregivers and little chefs prepare a simple, nourishing recipe while practising measuring, mixing, pouring, following directions, and age-appropriate kitchen safety. Each playful, hands-on session encourages curiosity, confidence, and positive food experiences in a warm environment designed for learning side by side. 

Fall Term Menu -
September 15 – Mini Pita Pizzas
September 22 – Muffin Pan Frittata
September 29 – Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas
October 6 – Ham & Cheese Parcels
October 13 – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
October 20 – Mini Quiches
October 27 – Apple Turnovers
November 3 – Grilled Cheese
November 10 – Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola
November 17 – Brownie Bites
November 24 – Teddy Bear S’mores
December 1 – Apple Tart
December 8 – Berry Crumble
December 15 – Blueberry Muffins

Cost: $25 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
4:00 pm5:00 pm
Studio: Leuty

Give your child the confidence to create in the kitchen. Led by Chef Ava Chilelli, each lively class takes young chefs from ingredients to a finished dish through an exciting weekly recipe. Along the way, children practise measuring, preparation, food safety, organization, teamwork, and clean-up - building independence, creativity, and skills they can use at home.

Menu -
September 15 – Calzone
September 22 – Subway-Style Submarines
September 29 – Brownie Bites
October 6 – Nachos with Homemade Salsa
October 13 – Puppy Chow Mix
October 20 – BLT
October 27 – French Toast Roll-Ups
November 3 – Monster Cookies
November 10 – Personal Pizzas
November 17 – Chocolate Covered Fruit
November 24 – Tortilla Cups
December 1 – Fruit Salad
December 8 – Banana Chocolate Muffins
December 15 – Shortbread Cookies

Cost: $25 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
10:00 am11:30 am
Studio: Leuty

Make Wednesdays something to look forward to. In this welcoming class, Chef Ava Chilelli guides participants through flavourful, approachable recipes and practical techniques that make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. Designed for a range of experience levels, each session combines step-by-step instruction, conversation, and a delicious result participants can feel proud to recreate at home.

Menu -
September 16 – Autumn Harvest Salad (Vegetarian)
September 23 – Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
September 30 – Butternut Squash And Sage Risotto (Vegetarian)
October 7 – Chicken Tinga Tacos
October 14 – Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)
October 21 – Beef Stir-Fry
October 28 – Chicken Schnitzel
November 4 – Vegetarian Chilli (Vegetarian)
November 11 – Turkey Meatballs And Bean Salad
November 18 – Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Vegetarian)
November 25 – Green Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
December 2 – Lentil Bolognese (Vegan)
December 9 – Mac and Cheese (Vegetarian)
December 16 – Cevapi w/ Shopska Salad

Cost: $30 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
12:30 pm2:00 pm
Studio: Leuty

Make Wednesdays something to look forward to. In this welcoming class, Chef Ava Chilelli guides participants through flavourful, approachable recipes and practical techniques that make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. Designed for a range of experience levels, each session combines step-by-step instruction, conversation, and a delicious result participants can feel proud to recreate at home.

Cost: $30 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
6:30 pm8:00 pm
Studio: Leuty

Move beyond the basics and learn how confident cooks build flavour, work efficiently, and present food with intention. In this premium class, Chef Ava Chilelli guides a smaller group through an elevated recipe from preparation to presentation. Focused instruction and generous practice time make this ideal for curious home cooks seeking deeper learning in a relaxed, social setting.

Menu -
September 16 – Autumn Harvest Salad (Vegetarian)
September 23 – Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast and Chickpea salad
September 30 – Butternut Squash And Sage Risotto (Vegetarian)
October 7 – Chicken Tinga Tacos
October 14 – Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)
October 21 – Beef Stir-Fry
October 28 – Chicken Schnitzel
November 4 – Vegetarian Chilli (Vegetarian)
November 11 – Turkey Meatballs And Bean Salad
November 18 – Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Vegetarian)
November 25 – Green Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
December 2 – Lentil Bolognese (Vegan)
December 9 – Mac and Cheese (Vegetarian)
December 16 – Cevapi w/ Shopska Salad

Cost: $50 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Thursday, October 15, 2026
11:00 am12:30 pm
Studio: Leuty

Make Thursdays something to look forward to. In this welcoming class, Chef Ava Chilelli guides participants through flavourful, approachable recipes and practical techniques that make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. Designed for a range of experience levels, each session combines step-by-step instruction, conversation, and a delicious result participants can feel proud to recreate at home. 

Menu -
September 17 – Autumn Harvest Salad (Vegetarian)
September 24 – Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
October 1 – Butternut Squash And Sage Risotto (Vegetarian)
October 8 – Chicken Tinga Tacos
October 15 – Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)
October 22 – Beef Stir-Fry
October 29 – Chicken Schnitzel
November 5 – Vegetarian Chilli (Vegetarian)
November 12 – Turkey Meatballs And Bean Salad
November 19 – Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Vegetarian)
November 26 – Green Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
December 3 – Lentil Bolognese (Vegan)
December 10 – Mac And Cheese (Vegetarian)
December 17 – Cevapi w/ Shopska Salad

Cost: $30 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 am11:00 am
Studio: Leuty

Cook, explore, and make memories together. Caregivers and little chefs prepare a simple, nourishing recipe while practising measuring, mixing, pouring, following directions, and age-appropriate kitchen safety. Each playful, hands-on session encourages curiosity, confidence, and positive food experiences in a warm environment designed for learning side by side. 

September 19 – Mini Pita Pizzas
September 26 – Muffin Pan Frittata
October 3 – Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas
October 10 – CLOSED
October 17 – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
October 24 – Mini Quiches
October 31 – Apple Turnovers
November 7 – Grilled Cheese
November 14 – Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola
November 21 – Brownie Bites
November 28 – Teddy Bear S’mores
December 5 – Apple Tart
December 12 – Berry Crumble
December 19 – Blueberry Muffin

Cost: $25 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Saturday, October 17, 2026
12:00 pm1:00 pm
Studio: Leuty

Give your child the confidence to create in the kitchen. Led by Chef Ava Chilelli, each lively class takes young chefs from ingredients to a finished dish through an exciting weekly recipe. Along the way, children practise measuring, preparation, food safety, organization, teamwork, and clean-up - building independence, creativity, and skills they can use at home.

Menu -
September 19 – Calzone
September 26 – Subway-Style Submarines
October 3 – Brownie Bites
October 10 – CLOSED
October 17 – Puppy Chow Mix
October 24 – BLT
October 31 – French Toast Roll Ups
November 7 – Monster Cookie
November 14 – Personal Pizzas
November 21 –Chocolate Covered Fruit
November 28 – Tortilla Cups
December 5 – Fruit Salad
December 12 – Banana Chocolate Muffins
December 19 – Shortbread Cookies

Cost: $360 per term

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
10:00 am11:00 am
Studio: Leuty

Cook, explore, and make memories together. Caregivers and little chefs prepare a simple, nourishing recipe while practising measuring, mixing, pouring, following directions, and age-appropriate kitchen safety. Each playful, hands-on session encourages curiosity, confidence, and positive food experiences in a warm environment designed for learning side by side. 

Fall Term Menu -
September 15 – Mini Pita Pizzas
September 22 – Muffin Pan Frittata
September 29 – Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas
October 6 – Ham & Cheese Parcels
October 13 – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
October 20 – Mini Quiches
October 27 – Apple Turnovers
November 3 – Grilled Cheese
November 10 – Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola
November 17 – Brownie Bites
November 24 – Teddy Bear S’mores
December 1 – Apple Tart
December 8 – Berry Crumble
December 15 – Blueberry Muffins

Cost: $25 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
4:00 pm5:00 pm
Studio: Leuty

Give your child the confidence to create in the kitchen. Led by Chef Ava Chilelli, each lively class takes young chefs from ingredients to a finished dish through an exciting weekly recipe. Along the way, children practise measuring, preparation, food safety, organization, teamwork, and clean-up - building independence, creativity, and skills they can use at home.

Menu -
September 15 – Calzone
September 22 – Subway-Style Submarines
September 29 – Brownie Bites
October 6 – Nachos with Homemade Salsa
October 13 – Puppy Chow Mix
October 20 – BLT
October 27 – French Toast Roll-Ups
November 3 – Monster Cookies
November 10 – Personal Pizzas
November 17 – Chocolate Covered Fruit
November 24 – Tortilla Cups
December 1 – Fruit Salad
December 8 – Banana Chocolate Muffins
December 15 – Shortbread Cookies

Cost: $25 per class

How to Prepare

Participants must bring a container to each class to take home what they make.
Participants attending workshops should bring a hair tie and wear closed-toe shoes.
Participants are asked to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start.


You might also be looking for…

Cooking with a baby or tot?

Looking for after-school cooking?

Looking for daytime older-adult cooking?

Planning a one-night culinary experience?

Bringing a private group?


Dietary or allergy questions?


Food programs use shared ingredients, equipment and preparation spaces. Contact us before registering to discuss allergies, dietary needs and what may reasonably be accommodated.

Not sure what’s right for your crew?

Tell us who wants to cook, the days that work and whether you’re looking for a weekly program, a one-time workshop or something to do together. A real person will help you find a good fit.

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