Looking
for the perfect fall activity for your child? From animals that play
instruments and bilingual babies to culinary adventures your kids will slice
and dice for, read on for some of the coolest kids’ classes around.
CRITTER ENCOUNTERS
Art Farm in the
City’s
Animal
Care-Animal Science after school
program will give your child the opportunity to spend time with live animals
and to develop the important science skills of observation, classification and
communication. Using a hands-on approach to learning, your child will
participate in stories, fun games and creative crafts. (theartfarms.org)
MUSICAL FRUIT
Named
“Best Music Class” songs for seeds at apple
seeds is a rockin’ music experience that encourages kids to sing, play
instruments, and dance and move as much as possible. Kids travel the
world, visualize songs through art and practice counting with magic tricks. (appleseedsnyc.com)
TINY TUMBLERS
The Tiny Tot Fitness Program at Columbus Gym concentrates on balance,
coordination and fine motor skills along with sports, props and circle
time. Mini gym/super gym classes provide an introduction to basic skills
using the vault, balance beam, bars, floor and trampoline. (columbusgymnyc.com)
MASTERPIECE
MUSIC
Join
Hands On! for the fall session
“Ming’s Masterpiece.” Kids go on a music-filled adventure with a young boy who
discovers that the strings inside his piano are played by a friendly group of
animals. Featuring 12 original songs, the curriculum will explore the world of
sound and pitch. (handson4music.com)
BUILDERS R’ US
Girls
and boys go beyond blocks in Kidville’s
Construction Junction. This advanced art program lets children learn how to
plan, build and construct their own 3-D art projects! Roads, towers, monuments
and pyramids are some of the structures to be introduced, imagined, and
created. (kidville.com)
MUSIC
APPRECIATION
A brand new NY Kids Club class—Musical Tots—features classical music,
jazz, rock & roll and favorite nursery rhymes in a fun, upbeat environment.
A professional guitarist and talented singer leads group activities and sing
alongs as your young musician is exposed to new rhythm patterns, melodies and a
diversity of percussion instruments. (nykidsclub.com)
A SPECIAL
PROGRAM
The
14th Street Y offers weekend programs during the
academic year for children with special needs and their families. These
programs include sports, art and Capoeira and are geared for children on the
high functioning end of the autism spectrum as well as children with
communication and language delays. For more information, contact Dana
Federbush at [email protected]
or 646-395-4336. (14streety.org)
NAMASTE NEWBIES
Karma Kids Yoga offers so many
classes for infants through teenagers, like Family Yoga! Partner Poses are
emphasized, as well as group games and Flying Yoga—a great way to stay
connected and continue to bond with your child. (karmakidsyoga.com)
SING AND PLAY
With
affordable and flexible drop-in music programs, kids at ABC Do-Re-ME! love the
popular Musical Playdate, Musical Stories and Classical Playdate. The guitar
playing teachers lead the class in giggles, dance and song by performing
favorite nursery rhyme-songs and other great children’s songs. (abcdoreme.com)
FALL FEASTS
Be
sure to check out 74th
St. MAGIC’s new cooking
class, Seasonal Fresh Chefs. Celebrate fall’s harvest while learning to cook!
Your child will love cooking with the hearty and colorful bounty of fall fruits
and veggies. (74magic.com)
MUSIC MAKERS
For kiddies 3-5 years, the 92nd Street Y offers Dalcroze Music Classes on Wednesdays and Sundays
this fall. Dalcroze uses vocals, instruments
and movement to help students develop rhythmic skills, explore their musical
creativity and learn to play songs on percussion instruments. (92Y.org)
GO GREEN
The first-class curriculum at Asphalt Green inspires, educates and
provides the tools to build lifetime sports skills and fitness habits for all
ages. Check
out an improved baseball program this fall, which includes the new Developmental Academy for more
advanced players. (asphaltgreen.org)
MAKE SOMETHING
At Make Meaning, kids and adults can tap into their imagination with
different creative experiences including candles, ceramics, soap and jewelry. Make
Meaning also offers private parties, a café and retail boutique. (makemeaning.com)
AMAZING ANIMALS
The
Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central
Park, Prospect Park and
Queens Zoos have launched a new Toddler Time series, an exciting new
program for young children that offers an introductory glimpse into wildlife,
nature and the environment. Youngsters learn about animals through
educational games, crafts, sing-alongs, story-telling and more. (wcs.org)
LET LITTLE ONES DRIBBLE
Chelsea Piers
has added a travel basketball team to its roster this fall for children in
grades 4 through 6. For younger kids, the feeder program to the travel
team is called Blue Chips, and is brand new this season. It’s a class for
2nd and 3rd graders looking to improve their basketball skills. (chelseapiers.com)
CLASS
AT THE MUSEUM
New interactive
exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) include EatSleepPlay
which introduces parents and children to the importance of making healthy
choices and Modern Masters which involves painting, sculpture and
silk-screening. (cmom.org)
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
The Institute of Culinary Education is
bringing kids into the kitchen, one meal at a time. With classes like Kitchen
Science, Homemade Pasta, Hey Mom—I’ve Got Dinner! and Teen Cake Baking, ICE
will make little chefs out of your little ones. (rec.iceculinary.com)
STUDY
BUDDIES
The
Kumon method uses an individualized
approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading
skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase
confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills.
(kumon.com)
ART
FOR ALL
Church
Street School for Music and Art offers innovative music & art experiences
for all ages. Don’t get closed out of the popular Arts Express Preschool
and Pre-K Program, or the Afterschool Arts Academy program! (churchstreetschool.org)
TINY TASTERS
Join
Taste Buds and taste your way
through weekly Culinary Adventures. Cook up a new and delicious dish each week.
Recipes vary from savory to sweet and classes focus on ingredients, tastes,
techniques and making new friends. (tastebudscook.com)
MINIS IN THE CITY
Citibabes is offering
some exciting new fall classes including Art Masters, Creative Inspiration,
Lenguaje Musical, Little Hip Hoppers, Moey @ Citibabes (yes, Moey from Moey’s
Music Party!), and more! (citibabes.com)
JAM WITH JAZZ
NYC’s
fastest-growing music school, New York
Jazz Academy, is now offering Jelly Jamz music classes to infants and
toddlers. Kids explore fundamentals in general music, movement and jazz. Junior
Jazz (up to age 12) and Teen Jazz programs also available. (nyjazzacademy.com)
DISCOVER
DANCE
Discovery Programs has been a treasure of the Upper West Side
for close to 40 years. They offer parenting support workshops and
Early Childhood Education Programs and over 100 dance and gymnastic classes
weekly for 6 months-14 year olds.
(discoveryprograms.com)
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
Fostering creativity and confidence in children for over 35 years, Gymboree
Play & Music offers its legendary
Play & Learn gym class. Sensory stimulation, problem-solving games and
storytelling intertwine to stretch the body and mind. Grown-ups and little ones
work together to encourage development through play. (gymboreeclasses.com)
FALL IN LOVE
WITH ART
In
their 11th year, Kids at Art focuses
on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate art projects for 2-11 year
olds. Classes are limited in size so that each child receives individual
attention. The fall session is from September 12-December 22. (kidsatartnyc.com)
COOK
AND LEARN
Starting this fall, cooking classes
in the Gymtime Rhythm &
Glues Kitchen will focus on natural, fun
and tasty recipes to introduce children to new and healthy dishes. Chef Carla
encourages children to engage their senses to touch, smell and taste each
ingredient. (gymtime.net)
SOC IT TO YOU
Take advantage
of a free soccer class trial at SocRoc on September 8 at Go Fish (220 East 86th Street). The fall semester starts on September 13, with locations throughout
the boroughs. (jsocroc.com)
EVERY
SONG A STORY
Like
Glee? Then you’ll love Scribble Press’s
brand new songwriting class. Budding music stars will create and record their
own song and explore the power of music to tell a story. (scribblepress.com)
TENNIS
GOES TINY
New this fall: pee wee tennis at the JCC in
Manhattan! Learn all aspects of tennis in a fun nurturing way. Children
will learn groundstrokes, volleys, and overheads in a non-competitive manner. (jccmanhattan.org)
IT’S
TODDLE TIME!
Toddle
Around for active and curious toddlers is
a drop-in program at Kids at Work
that takes place 5 days a week. With a pack of classes, attend any time that
works for you! Toddle Around includes choice-based, messy sensory art as well
as dynamic music and movement including guitar. (kidsatworknyc.com)
FLICK FANS
Moomah is offering
exciting new creative classes this semester, including The Animation Adventure,
where young animators create their own original movies and Star Wars Craft Quest
for aspiring Jedi Masters. (moomah.com)
LEARN A LANGUAGE
Children
engage in fun language immersion classes through music, art, dance, puppets and
games using the “I’m Bilingual” approach designed by award-winning educator
Yolanda Borrás at Musical Kids
International. (musicalkids.net)
THINK
BRIGHT
The Bright Kids NYC OLSAT Bootcamp has been successfully preparing
hundreds of children for admission to NYC public gifted and talented programs.
Program runs from September to December. (brightkidsnyc.com)
PLAY
AT POPPYSEED
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
classes provide the continuity and consistency needed for forming special
friendships. A daily routine provides enrichment and fosters creativity
through singing and dancing with instruments, exploration of the sensory world
of art, interactive play with a variety of toys, mini-gym, and snack and
story-time. (poppyseedprenursery.com)
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?
The School at Peridance’s Core Training Program is designed for
aspiring dancers ages 8-17 interested in a focused, professional program geared
towards advancing their ballet technique. Along with their training, the core
students have the opportunity to perform throughout the year, which enhances
their stage presence and performance qualities. Auditions for the Core Training Program are Sunday, Sunday,
September 18. (peridance.com)
ALL ABOUT ART
ArtKids and ArtXplorers have merged
to become ArtXplorers offering live,
virtual and audio art tours, art reviews and advice and more. ArtXplorers is
offering customized tour series for kids to fit your schedule. Two 4-5 year old
weekly and bi-monthly classes still have spaces available. (artxplorers.com)
MUSEUM OF CHANGE
This
September marks big changes for the Children’s
Museum of the Arts (CMA), as it will be moving to a new home in Hudson Square. The new
facility features multiple art studios, a state of the art sound station and
media lab, a clay bar and a 2,000 square foot gallery. All month long, the
museum will celebrate with workshops and events like Art Olympics and High Five
CMA Mural. (cmany.org)
TWIRL AND MORE
The
Ballet Club
is a unique program that offers professional training in a nurturing
environment, as well as a foundation of life skills and intellectual
stimulation. Programs include the Children’s Creative Dance Club and the
Performing Arts Pre-Professional Division. This fall, The Ballet Club will
also offer workshops in yoga and nutrition. (theballetclub.com)
LEARN HOW TO ACE
For children as young as four, QuickStart Tennis is the fast, fun way
to get kids into tennis—and keep them playing. Hourly classes start
September 13. (SportimeNY.com/Manhattan)
COMICS FOR
KIDS
Create
Your Own Comic Book at The Craft Studio!
Go on an exciting journey as you plan out your story by choosing your own plot,
adding color, inserting a real picture of you as the superhero and add action
stickers. This workshop takes place Tuesday, October 4. Other classes offered
throughout the year. (craftstudionyc.com)
SAY HELLO TO HIART!
Fall 2011 is a total HiArt! fiesta! Ellen Berkenblit teaches
drawing and painting; Sydney Chastain Chapman is returning for Paint and
Collage; check out Jess Levey’s Rising Shutterbugs; Lisa’s Letters and
Arty Facts with Lisa Freedman; Johana Skalsky leads kids in Mixed Media magic;
and hold your hats for a new theater program with Fringe Festival star, Romy
Nordlinger! (hiartkids.com)
DANCE TO THE
MUSIC
Home of Baby Ballerinas, Hip Hoppin’
Street Jazz, Demi Soloists and so much more, the Joffrey Ballet School is a world renowned program. Dance classes
begin at the age of two with live music and performances that will create
memories that last a lifetime. (joffreyballetschool.com)
JUST WEAVE IT
The calming environment at Loop of the Loom hosts artistic growth
through the creation of various handmade crafts such as weaving, felting and
spinning from natural fiber, dyeing, sewing, knitting and crochet. For
kids ages 5-8, the Sprouting Weavers class involves shorter sessions
during the fall semester. (loopoftheloom.com)
A
FRENCH FEAST
This
fall, the French Institute Alliance
Francaise is offering Kids Pastry workshops, Cook in French classes and
Petits gourmets workshops for toddlers. Petits gourmets brings the kitchen to
life in a child-friendly environment that aims to encourage a love for French
through culinary traditions and play-baking. (fiaf.org)
TAKE-HOME COOK
Chef Rob Endelman’s Cook With Class offers cooking instruction in the comfort of your
own home with his private one-on-one and group lessons for children 6 years and
older. (cookwithclass.net)
A
DANCE FOR ALL AGES
Explore the contemporary Latino soul through dance! Ballet Hispanico offers programs for children that allow for dance exploration in an environment
that is safe, accessible and inclusive. Classes include Hip-Hop, Salsa, Jazz
and Ballroom dance. (ballethispanico.org)
JUST GYM IT!
Jodi’s Gym has been
providing fun, friends and fitness to New York kids for
thirty years. Programs for children include: Teeny Tumblers, Mighty Muscle
Movers, Rockin’ Rollers, Tumbling Tots, Jodi’s Jumpstart, Summer and Holiday
Camps, Creative Cartwheeling Kids, Fun-Tastic Gymnastics, Accelerated &
Advanced Gymnastics, Totally Tumbling, Motion Evolution, Songs for Seeds, Mad
Science and Creation Station Dance classes! (jodisgym.com)
CARE TO DANCE?
Two-year-olds
will love the Ailey Extension’s Tiny
Steps creative movement program while teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Teen
Extension, high energy classes in Ballet, Hip-Hop and Contemporary Jazz. All
levels welcome. (aileyextension.com)
WILL WALK FOR FOOD!
This fall, join Home Cooking New York for their new Walking and Tasting Tours of
NYC. Sample Indian foods in Jackson Heights, Chinese cuisine in Chinatown,
and Cupcakes and Fine Chocolate on the Upper East Side.
Bring the whole family! (homecookingny.com)
MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS
Classes for children ages 3-5 at West Side Taekwondo use physical
activity to promote respect and confidence. Starting at age 6, children can
enroll in the Children’s Program, which emphasizes discipline. (westsidetkd.com)
NUMBERS GAME
The Mathnasium Enrichment Program is offered year-round for qualifying
students in 2nd grade through pre-algebra. Whether your child is advanced in
math, struggling in school, or somewhere in between, this program is sure to
get and keep your child “Crazy About Math!” (mathnasium.com/manhattan)
SPEAK
AND PLAY
iHola! A
Playgroup in Spanish and Ballet
en Español are unique grass-roots immersion programs where children
learn to love Spanish because it’s taught in the most fun way. This fall, they
will resume a 17 week semester and have added classes to the schedule. (holaplaygroup.com)
BEYOND
BALLET
Ballet Academy
East
offers classes to children and adults of all levels. Programs include the
Pre-professional Ballet Division, pre-ballet, Mother & Child, tap, modern
drama, and adult ballet, tap, Pilates, Zumba™ and yoga. (baenyc.com)
MAKE MUSIC, AND FRIENDS TOO!
The Lucy
Moses School at Kaufman Center offers Music for Toddlers. Children age 18
months to two years learn the basics elements of music through movement games,
stories and songs. (kaufman-center.org/lms)
GET READY TO DANCE
The School at
Steps’s
Pre-Dance and Pre-Tap Classes are for kids ages 4-5 and incorporate live
music to further develop children’s creativity, preparing them for ballet, jazz
and tap at the basic level. Fall classes begin September 7. (stepsnyc.com)
YOGA
FOR YOUNGSTERS
Yoga Stars invites
children to explore the practice of yoga in a fun, approachable and active way.
Children are introduced to the mind-body connection through the use of
imagination, music and adventure. (yogastars.com)
GET GLOBAL
This
fall, Bilingual Birdies offers a
special after school program for 3s and 4s at the International
Preschools—Mandarin and French Through Live Music. Super cool bilingual
musicians teach kids basic vocabulary and short phrases. (bilingualbirdies.com)
FALL INTO FILM
Get
into the action with Take Two Film Academy’s Fall
Filmmaking and Acting Workshops for kids ages 8-15. Kids and teens learn all
aspects of the filmmaking process from the inception of an original story to
the completion of a short film. All students have the opportunity to experience
acting in front of the camera as well as directing, screenwriting, green
screen, editing and hands-on camera operation. (taketwofilmacademy.com)
REVIEW THIS!
The Princeton
Review helps students by focusing on preparation and practice to improve
performance in the classroom and on standardized tests. Through its website it
also helps parents, teachers, students and schools navigate the complexities of
school admissions. (princetonreview.com)
A GYM OF ONE’S OWN
Incorporating
music, dance and games, My Gym
classes are designed to build self-esteem and confidence through
age-appropriate, non-competitive gymnastics and fitness activities. The
state-of-the-art facility can also host action-packed birthday parties. (my-gym.com)
LEARN TO SIGN
Learn
American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents and babies or
toddlers close to your child’s age at Baby
Fingers Creative Sign Language Program. Go home each week with new
vocabulary and new tunes to enhance communication between you and your child! (mybabyfingers.com)
DANCE WITH ME
Highly-skilled music
teachers and pianists work together to introduce music to children at The Early Ear. Kids
engage in sing-alongs, movement, musical games and stories. Specially-designed
kid-sized music instruments await the touch of curious little hands. New at the
East 78th Street Studio is “Dance with Me,” a dance and pre-ballet program. (theearlyear.com)
GO
BILINGUAL
For
children ages 1-3, Bilingual Buds is
offering Mandarin Mommy & Me: a 45-minute, full immersion experience for
toddlers, taught by head preschool teachers. Its theme-based curriculum uses
storytelling, music, art, and movement to inspire students to sing, speak and
understand language in context. (bilingualbudsnyc.com)
RIDE
THE CAROUSEL
The
Carousel of Languages is a foreign
language program for children ages 6 months to 10 years, offering lessons in
Italian, Mandarin, French and Spanish. Visit their new Upper West and Upper East
Side locations! Fall session begins September 12. (carousellanguages.com)
FOR LANGUAGE
LOVERS
The
Language Workshop for Children
offers Classes, Camps, and Preschools in French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese
to kids 6 months-9 years in Languages for Tots, Languages for Children,
Immersion Preschool and Family Preschool.
(languageworkshopforchildren.com)
A
ROUND OF APPLAUSE
At Applause
NYC’s Broadway Stars, your child takes the stage to get a real introduction
to musical theater and performing through theater games, improvisation, singing
and dancing! These classes are a great way to instill confidence, self-esteem,
and good listening skills. Perfect for children ages 4-5 years with upcoming
school interviews. (applauseny.com)
ACT AT ATLANTIC
Atlantic for Kids at Atlantic Acting School offers classes
in acting, playwriting, improvisation and much more. The Creators class
is a must for any young performer looking for an after-school outlet for
creative expression. Through improvised games, structured movement exercises
and storytelling this class explores all areas of performance and beginning playwriting.
(atlanticactingschool.org)
GET CREATIVE
Creative Play For Kids brings music, movement and play all together in their
fun and upbeat program this fall! Check out the LIVE music classes, music and
art combo classes for toddlers, and a fantastic class for non-mobile babies 3
to 6 months. (creativeplayforkids.com)
MUSIC SCHOOL
Early Childhood classes—taught by
credentialed educators, artists and musicians—provide creative and unique
experiences at The Diller-Quaile School of Music. Courses include Story
Dramatization, Four Seasons: Art & Music, and Preschool Music and Art. (diller-quaile.org)
LET’S SING TOGETHER
Calling
all 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds! Eastside
Westside Music Together is rolling out Music Together Big Kids this fall.
The Big Kids class blends elements of the Music Together curriculum with new
musical activities, skills, and challenges perfect for 5- to 7-year-olds. (eswsmusictogether.com)
MANGIA!
Toddlers can pick up basic Italian words
and phrases through songs, games, dance, film and arts and crafts at Collina Italiana. Classes also
available for elementary and middle-school kids. Specialty theater, cooking and
arts and crafts classes and homework help available, as well. (collinaitaliana.com)
GET SPORTY
This athletic program at Kids In Sports offers a variety of
sports including baseball, basketball, floor hockey, flag football and soccer,
in a fun and encouraging setting. This fall, they are expanding programs with
JUST CLASSES where kids can focus on their favorite sport! (kisnyc.com)
FIND
YOUR VOICE
Sing!
Dance! Act! TADA! Musical Theater
classes for toddlers through eighth graders are taught by professional theater
artists. New this fall is “Your Voice,” a class for kids grades 6-8 that
explores Musical Theater through personal writing, and exploration of dance,
song, and theater. (tadatheater.com)
TAKE OUT YOUR
JAZZ HANDS
Learn the ABC’s of Jazz in
WeBop this fall. Jazz at Lincoln Center
is offering a WeBop class that focuses on swing, blues, improvisation, and
other jazz essentials. Over the course of 8 weeks, you and your child will
explore your imagination, creativity, and musicality. (jalc.org)
MUSIC AND MORE
Little Maestros
takes children on a fantastic musical journey featuring four live musicians who
sing and play guitar, piano, and drums. Kids love musical story times, imaginative
play, language development activities, puppet shows and “bubble music.” (littlemaestros.com)
FOR
THE LOVE OF THE GAME
The
Simply Sports athletic program for
kids emphasizes not just skills and technique, but a love of the game. Classes
available in soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, hockey and dodgeball.
(simplysports.net)
Continue to Head Of The Class: Part II
