Culinary Workshop

Get Hands-On This Winter

It’s wintertime—that magical time of year when we’re all scratching our heads wondering what to do with those long, cold months ahead. Oh, the struggle is real. Not to worry. This winter, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to keep your idle hands busy. We challenge you to use these snowy days to get hands-on. Spend time with your loved ones creating and making, or enjoy some much-deserved “you” time with a fun, tactile activity that is sure to invigorate your mind, body and soul. Whatever you choose to do, winter is the perfect time to put those hands to good use.

Take a cooking class

Does it need to be said? Long, dark winter nights are for staying in and getting cozy. And there is nothing cozier than a home-cooked meal. To help take your culinary skills to the next level, we recommend taking a cooking class. Not only will you have a blast with the learning part, you can also bring your new-found skills home to use all winter long.

Cooking Class

Gusta Cooking Studio – Just south of Downtown Markham, Gusta is the root of taste and pleasure. You are invited to step into a modern and beautiful cooking studio to satisfy your inner desire for food. Whether you want to discover the latest trends in culinary development, or you want to revisit classic recipes, there is a cooking class for you. Choices range from cake decorating, to world cuisine, to culinary and baking basics. Enjoy time with friends and family, or create culinary masterpieces on your own. 28 Crown Steel Dr., Unit 16, Markham.

The Chef Upstairs – Turn cooking into a night out. For over a decade, this innovative experience has been helping participants of all ages improve their cooking skills while spending time with friends and family in an interactive environment. Featuring fresh, local ingredients, The Chef Upstairs is a memorable experience that you and your loved ones will thoroughly enjoy. All hands on deck! 555 N. Rivermede Rd., Vaughan.

Take an art class

Rolling Hills Studio

Hands down, there is nothing more hands-on than art. Using your digits to express yourself in a creative way is as old as time itself. This winter, learn a new artistic skill, and use your hands to bring your imagination to life.

Rolling Hills Studio

Rolling Hills Studio – Immerse yourself in the world of fabric sculpting with artist Anja Kooistra, who brought this unique technique with her from her native Netherlands. Choose a full-day or half-day workshop for you and your loved ones, and create whimsical creatures like fairies, children and herons. The best part is that, in addition to making memories together, you’ll have a souvenir, made with your own two hands, to take home. 10445 Sideroad 17, Sunderland.

A Gift of Art – Come on down to Newcastle’s local gallery for local artists. Here, you can take one of many different art classes and workshops designed to get you creating. Learn to paint with acrylics or oil. Learn how to draw graphic art, make stained glass or build Turkish mosaic lamps. There are even classes for junior artists so your kids can get hands-on this winter, too. 187 King Ave. E., Newcastle.

NewMakeIt – This creative learning space in the heart of Newmarket is dedicated to helping the community grow. Whether you fancy an afternoon learning pottery, blacksmithing, welding or woodworking, you can get hands-on with a variety of different artistic endeavours. Be careful, though. You might fall in love with something that you’re going to want to do all year round. 621 Timothy St., Newmarket.

Markham Museum – This winter, this beautiful local museum is hosting pottery classes for parents and kids. Your five-week session at the museum invites you to explore the world of clay with your child, giving you the basics that you will need to pursue this artform well into the future. You’ll learn different hand-building techniques, and everyone taking part will get a chance to try the exciting, iconic pottery wheel. 9350 Markham Rd., Markham.

Have some hands-on fun with the family

Legoland Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – We all know that learning to build things is a wonderful childhood pursuit. Well, at LEGOLAND, even adults can get in on the fun. Rediscover how pleasurable it is to use your hands to put together these colourful little bricks we all know and love, and make some memories with your family while you do it. You’ll be entertained all day with LEGOLAND’s many themed activity areas. Don’t forget to check out the 4D cinema when your busy hands need a break. 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan.

8 Bit Café and Gaming Lounge – Adults and older kids, you’ll have a blast at 8 Bit Café, where coffee and gaming come together. Your favourite arcade games await in the heart of Downtown Whitby, and they are sure to revive your inner youth. Get hands-on invading worlds, slaying ghosts and goblins, and conquering pinball machines of all kinds. Then take a break with a coffee or a libation of the 19-and-over variety, before you jump back into the fun. 100 Brock St. S., Whitby.

Story by Katherine Ryalen

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