Dog Cupcakes, Creativity & Shelby Farms: A Summer Experience Memphis Kids Will Love

On June 3, children in Memphis will have the chance to experience something completely different as internationally recognized cake artist Avalon Yarnes of Avalon Cakes brings a hands-on Dog Cupcake Decorating Workshop to Shelby Farms Park. 

Photo: Avalon Yarnes featuring Avalon’s dog cupcakes kids will learn to make in the upcoming June class

Summer in Memphis always brings the same question for parents: “What can we do this summer that’s actually exciting, creative, and memorable for our kids?” 

Hosted at the beautiful Shelby Farms, inside the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center, this beginner-friendly workshop gives kids ages 9-14 the opportunity to step into the exciting world of cake art and edible creativity. 

And this isn’t your average cupcake class.

Avalon Yarnes has been featured on Food Network and recognized internationally for her incredible cake sculpting and sugar art creations. Her work blends art, imagination, sculpting, painting, and storytelling into edible masterpieces that have inspired students around the world. 

Photo: Avalon Yarnes featuring Avalon’s Bill Murray, Octopus, Medusa and Wedding Cake
Photo: Avalon Yarnes featuring Avalon’s TV appearances and Awards

Now, Memphis kids get the chance to learn directly from her. 

Photo: Mandi Goyn featuring Avalon’s Mushroom Treehouse Cake
Photo: Kimberly Mitiska featuring Avalon’s Bonobo Cake

WHAT TO EXPECT AT DOG CUPCAKES CLASS 

During the workshop, students will learn how to create adorable dog-themed cupcake toppers inspired by different dog breeds while exploring the same creative techniques used in professional cake artistry. 

The experience is designed to be: 

  • fun 
  • hands-on 
  • beginner friendly 
  • creative 
  • confidence building 

Every tool and material is included, making it easy for kids to simply show up ready to create.

Photo: Avalon Yarnes featuring Avalon’s Bulldog, Hound Dog, and Mixed Breed Dog Cupcakes Class

For many Memphis parents, summer activities are about more than just keeping kids busy. Families are searching for experiences that spark imagination, build confidence, encourage creativity, and create lasting memories.

That’s exactly what makes this class such a unique fit for Memphis families. 

The setting itself makes the experience even more special. Shelby Farms Park is already one of Memphis’ most beloved family destinations, known for outdoor adventure, creativity, exploration, and community experiences. Pairing a nationally recognized cake artist with one of Memphis’ most iconic parks creates the kind of summer memory kids will talk about long after the class ends. 

Photo: Mike Kerr featuring June Wildflowers at Shelby Farm Park

And in a world filled with screens and digital overload, there’s something refreshing about kids getting the opportunity to work with their hands, express creativity, and discover that art can exist in unexpected ways, even through cupcakes. 

Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist, loves baking shows, enjoys hands-on crafts, or simply wants a fun summer experience with friends, this workshop offers something truly different from the typical summer activity lineup.

Event Details 

Dog Cupcake Workshop with Avalon Yarnes 

📍 Shelby Farms Park – First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center 

🗓️ Wednesday, June 3, 2026 

⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

👧 Ages 9-14 

🎂 Beginner Friendly 

🐶 Students Create Multiple Dog-Themed Cupcake Designs 

🎨 All Supplies Included 

Photo: Avalon Yarnes featuring Avalon’s dog cupcakes kids will learn to make in the upcoming June class

For Memphis parents looking for a creative summer experience their kids will genuinely remember, this may be one of the sweetest events of the summer.

This blog was written by Zach Waters

Zach Waters is the Executive Director of Homes for Hearts. Zach was born and raised in Memphis and enjoys helping Memphians build a brighter future. In his spare time, he loves writing about Memphis and creating art.

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