When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
iCook After School
Why iCook After School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
iCook After School is a highly rated and engaging after-school cooking program designed for elementary and middle school children. It offers hands-on, fun, and educational cooking classes that teach kids how to make and enjoy balanced recipes using mostly fresh ingredients. The program features colorful and creatively named dishes like “Super-Power Smoothie” and “Godzilla Veggie Bites” that encourage children to try new foods enthusiastically. iCook emphasizes recipes that promote slightly healthier eating habits with moderation, ensuring children not only learn to cook but also develop positive attitudes about food. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be easy to follow, with lesson plans provided and cooking tips that families can use at home to extend the learning and enjoyment beyond class. This creates a vibrant community experience where kids share recipes and their cooking experiences with their families. Ideal for meeting up with friends, iCook After School provides a welcoming environment that fosters social connections and teamwork among young learners while exploring culinary skills. The program’s focus on creativity, nutrition, and fun makes it a great way for children to discover new tastes and develop lifelong healthy habits in an interactive group setting.
Here's what people think of iCook After School
As of recent, iCook After School holds a 4.8-star rating based on 65 reviews.
User reviews of iCook After School are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high 4.8-star rating from 65 reviews. Many parents and students commend the program for its engaging and enjoyable recipes that capture kids' interest and make cooking fun. According to employees, the program offers a supportive and flexible working environment with competitive pay and well-prepared lesson plans, which suggests a stable and professional operating team behind iCook. Positive feedback highlights the colorful, diverse recipes that motivate children to try new foods and the program’s success in inspiring kids to share their cooking experiences at home, building a sense of accomplishment and confidence. However, some negative comments mention limited hours and opportunities during the summer, and a small number of reviews note occasional dissatisfaction with specific recipes from the children’s perspective. Despite these critiques, the program's core appeal remains strong because of its well-structured curriculum and the joyful atmosphere it creates. Overall, iCook After School is widely appreciated for enriching children's after-school time with meaningful, skill-building, and socially engaging cooking activities that contribute positively to their development.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Julia Martinez
I have had an amazing experience as an iCook instructor. I enjoyed seeing the students improve their cooking skills and the willingness to help prepare the recipes. I was impressed with the variety of fruits and vegetables and the fusion of them to create amazing recipes. The best part is when the students get to taste what they helped prepare. iCook is an exciting program that gives kids an opportunity to learn recipes from different countries and different cultures. It motivates and inspires. They look forward to the next class. I hope in the near future all schools would try iCook for their after school and summer program. The kids will enjoy learning new skills and it will introduce them to a variety of healthy and delicious recipes.
Saima Amiwala
I have been part of the iCook family for over seven years, and it's been an extraordinary experience. Founded by Lesya and Olga, their passion for teaching our future generation about nutritious food is truly inspiring. Ian, the program manager, showcases great care and dedication. The flexible hours are also a plus for us as instructors. All students also love iCook. They don't just learn to cook, they learn to love good & healthy food. I recommend iCook to anyone looking for an enjoyable culinary experience for their children. It's been a joy to witness the positive impact iCook has had.
Jennifer Cheney
I have been an iCook instructor for over 2 years. I have really enjoyed teaching the curriculum and the students are always very engaged in the cooking lessons. The recipes use a wide variety of of fresh ingredients. Students are always excited to try their foods even if it is something they have never tried before. Students also learn about the history/origin of the recipe, health benefits of the ingredients, kitchen safety, and knife skills. Most recipes can be easily replicated at home so students can share what they have learned with their families. I would definitely recommend this program to parents! It is also a great company to work for!
Gabriela Escobar
My son has been dying to take this class for the past 2 years and we were able to secure a spot. He loves this class and looks forward to Tuesdays because he has iCook. He has difficulty focusing and following instructions but when I pick him up he is always so excited to tell me what he "cooked" and walks me through the steps for completing the food. He has continued practicing the skills he's learning and he is also building confidence in himself. I love his excitement and how he wants to make what he learns at home for his family.
Mrs. O’Hara
I have really enjoyed teaching the ICook classes this year. I am in my second session and am loving it! I was nervous when I began in September, but everything is done for you, especially all the lessons and planning. I really enjoy seeing how much the kids love to show off the dishes they have made and how proud they are too!
How to reach iCook After School
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Why iCook After School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
iCook After School is an exceptional venue for gathering your friends or family because it offers a unique, interactive experience centered around hands-on cooking and nutrition education. Instead of a typical social meetup at a restaurant or café, this place invites everyone to actively engage in preparing colorful, delicious, and slightly healthier recipes together, fostering a deeper sense of connection and achievement. The atmosphere is designed to be fun and educational, making it perfect for groups looking to bond over a shared activity that is both entertaining and rewarding. With a high rating of 4.8 based on 65 reviews, iCook After School enjoys a strong reputation for quality and enjoyment, ensuring that your group will have a memorable time. The program encourages teamwork, creativity, and learning new skills, which adds layers of value beyond just eating together. Whether it’s a casual meetup with friends who want something different or a family outing that includes kids eager to learn cooking, iCook After School provides an inviting, supportive environment where everyone can relax, laugh, and create―making it the top choice for a group gathering that leaves everyone delighted and a little bit smarter about food.
What activities can you do at iCook After School and why are they perfect for a group meetup?
At iCook After School, the main activity revolves around engaging cooking classes tailored for elementary and middle school children, but the setup makes it ideal for groups of all ages interested in culinary fun. Participants dive into hands-on preparation of easy, colorful recipes using mostly fresh ingredients, with dishes given imaginative names like “Super-Power Smoothie” and “Godzilla Veggie Bites” to spark enthusiasm and creativity. The cooking lessons focus on slightly healthier, balanced meals—encouraging better nutrition while not shying away from occasional treats, which makes the experience enjoyable yet educational. Groups get to share cooking tips, learn kitchen skills together, and bond over the entire process from prepping to tasting, which can act as a great icebreaker and fuel friendly competition or collaboration. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone—regardless of age or cooking proficiency—can participate confidently and have fun. After cooking, participants often share experiences and recipes, reinforcing social interaction beyond the kitchen. This combination of fun, learning, and teamwork makes iCook After School stand out as a place where friends or families can create joyful memories while enriching their culinary knowledge.
How does iCook After School support and enhance the group experience?
iCook After School ensures a smooth and supportive experience for groups by providing everything needed for a successful cooking meetup. The program offers a comprehensive and ready-to-use curriculum that eliminates the stress of planning, so organizers and participants can focus fully on enjoying the activity. Supplies and ingredients are thoughtfully selected and provided, with the company even reimbursing grocery expenses if participants take on shopping duties. This ease of logistical management means groups don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty details that can derail casual gatherings elsewhere. Moreover, the instructors leading the classes bring energy, expertise, and excellent classroom management skills to maintain a fun and engaging environment throughout the session. With ongoing support from dedicated program coordinators, the quality and consistency of each event are assured, allowing group members to relax and bond over the cooking experience without distraction. The flexible scheduling options further accommodate different availability, making it convenient for groups to organize meetups that fit their time frames. In sum, all these support elements combine to create a seamless, joyful, and productive group cooking experience perfectly suited for meetups with friends or family.
Why does the educational aspect add value to a meetup at iCook After School?
The educational dimension of iCook After School significantly enhances the meetup experience by mixing fun with valuable life skills, transforming a simple social gathering into a meaningful and enriching event. The program is designed not just to entertain but to teach children and adults alike about cooking techniques, balanced nutrition, and the joy of fresh, colorful food. This education builds confidence in the kitchen which attendees can take back to their homes, encouraging healthier eating habits and creativity in daily meals. For groups, this shared learning journey creates a connection beyond typical conversations, as they actively develop new skills together and explore food in exciting new ways. The use of engaging recipe names and the focus on making cooking accessible reduces intimidation and increases the likelihood that participants will try new ingredients and techniques. Plus, the positive impact on kids’ nutrition awareness supports a broader goal of community health improvement, making meetups at iCook After School not only enjoyable but socially responsible. In essence, each event becomes a fusion of social bonding and personal growth, unlike any ordinary hangout.
What feedback do people give about hosting events or participating at iCook After School?
Participants and instructors generally praise iCook After School for delivering a fun and engaging cooking education experience. Reviews highlight the colorful, creative recipes and the supportive environment that keeps kids continually excited about cooking. Employees and participants note that the program provides well-structured lesson plans and flexible scheduling, enhancing the overall ease of participation for meetups. Many appreciate the positive energy of the instructors, who are described as passionate about teaching and adept at managing groups to keep everyone involved and entertained. While some critiques point to minor communication issues or varying food preferences, these are outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the program’s impact and enjoyment. The strong 4.8-star rating out of 65 reviews confirms high satisfaction, signaling that iCook After School meets or exceeds expectations for group activities. For anyone seeking a distinctive, enjoyable venue for gathering friends or family around a fun, interactive challenge, the feedback affirms that this is a trusted and recommended choice.
How do the facilities and location enhance your group meetup at iCook After School?
Located conveniently in Chicago, IL at 4117 W Lawrence Ave, iCook After School provides accessible and well-equipped spaces ideal for group cooking meetups. The facilities are designed to host multiple cooking classes simultaneously in a safe, welcoming environment, ensuring enough room for movement and social interaction while participants prepare food. These spaces are clean, organized, and stocked with all the necessary cooking tools, making the cooking process smooth and enjoyable rather than stressful. The location is well-connected, making it easy for groups to gather without logistical hassles, whether traveling by car or public transportation. Moreover, the atmosphere is family-friendly and tailored to accommodate children and adults alike, which increases its appeal for mixed-age group gatherings. The emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and comfort supports an inviting environment where the focus can remain on learning, laughter, and food, allowing your group to relax and make the most of the time spent together.
What special touches make iCook After School unique for meetups?
iCook After School distinguishes itself from other group activity venues by combining creativity, education, and entertainment into a single experience. Their unique recipe names and thoughtfully crafted menus add an imaginative element that makes cooking sessions more playful and exciting. The approach of "everything in moderation, even moderation" promotes a balanced lifestyle mindset, which resonates with groups wanting a healthier yet enjoyable activity. Another special feature is how the program encourages kids and adults to take the experience home by sharing recipes and cooking tips, extending the value of the meetup beyond the session itself. The company’s commitment to supporting instructors with training, curriculum, and grocery reimbursements ensures consistent quality and passion in each event. These elements collectively create not just a venue but an experience that is fun, educational, and memorable—perfect for forging stronger social bonds centered around food and learning.
Why is iCook After School considered a fun and reliable place to gather?
iCook After School’s consistent 4.8-star rating reflects its reputation as a trusted locale for fun and meaningful group activities. The program’s foundation on hands-on learning, combined with vibrant recipes and a supportive community, ensures that meetups are lively and worthwhile. The reliability comes from its well-organized curriculum, prepared supplies, and experienced instructors who keep groups engaged from start to finish. Many have found the place to be highly adaptable, catering to different group sizes and schedules with ease, thus making planning a breeze. Positive testimonials from parents, instructors, and participants repeatedly mention how the experience sparks joy, creativity, and camaraderie. Such strong endorsements highlight that whether for a casual get-together, a birthday party, or an educational outing, iCook After School excels at turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary occasions centered on cooking and connection.