Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in silicon valley, CA

You can take the girl out of the tropics, but the tropics will always rule my internal thermometer.  My heart sinks at the thought of shivering outdoors in the cold (yes, 45 degrees farenheit is freezing!).  So now that winter has planted itself squarely on our doorstep, my thoughts turn to the warm indoors -- and my focus (for the next several weeks, at least) centers on fun indoor activities for you and your preschooler.  Cooking is one activity that springs to mind, specifically cooking classes just for kids.  Here's why:

*  Taking (and completing) a cooking class promotes a sense of self achievement.

* It encourages your child's interest in healthy cuisine.

* It's a fun way to get down and dirty without actually getting dirty.

* Kitchens are nice and warm.

* Everyone enjoys the results.

* The fact that someone else's kitchen gets messed up doesn't hurt, either.

With that in mind, here are some great places to sign up for cooking classes with your little one:

1)  Cucina Bambini offers kids' , adults' and parent/child classes.  Don't miss their Family Fun Night on Jan. 16 -- everyone gets to make their own pizza and dessert. 

2)  Kids Culinary Adventures offers classes for children as young as three, covering a wide range of cuisines.  Who wouldn't want to sign up for classes with fun names like Burrito Babies and Pi Times Two? 

3)  The Young Chef's Academy in Sunnyvale offers classes for children of all ages; first trial classes are only $15.  Parents will appreciate their Mini-camp series on school holidays, as well as regular Parents Night Out events.

4)  Sur La Table at Town and Country in Palo Alto focuses mostly on adults, but occasionally offers cooking classes for children.

5)  Whole Foods stores often hold kids' cooking classes, like the Mom, Dad and Me! cooking class coming up at the Cupertino store on January 24th.  Check your local Whole Foods store for upcoming events.

6)  Draeger's Cooking School's Junior Chef's Club holds Parent and Me cooking classes for ages 3 to 5, and ages 6-8.  Independent cooking classes are available for children ages 8 and up.