New & Notable Fall Classes

Every season brings some exciting additions to the landscape of children’s enrichments and activities in the city. Here’s the latest:

Asphalt Green: After years of planning and expectation, Asphalt Green has opened up its second major facility in the city. Based in Battery Park City, the new location offers their trademark menu of classes for kids in swimming, sports, fitness, cultural arts and more. asphaltgreen.org

BookNook: Within their comfortable and welcoming ambiance, this early childhood literacy enrichment program offers classes in everything related to literacy, from reading and phonics to handwriting and kindergarten readiness. booknook.nyc.com

Fastbreak Sports: The popular children’s sports program (primarily focused on basketball and flag football) opens its first home, transforming an old movie theater into gorgeous facility that will offers classes for little kids and serious training and coaching for older athletics. (See story here.) fastbreakkids.com

Fukasa Kai: Weekday afterschool children’s martial arts classes are held at the World Yoga Center on the Upper West Side. Classes are taught in the context of a non-competitive, supportive and safe environment, and there are offering of specialized classes for children with physical and cognitive challenges (including autism and cerebral palsy). In contrast with contemporary martial arts training, the traditional Asian martial arts are taught and structured within a framework of discipline, some benefits of which are: conscience building, increased self-esteem, and increased sense of inner peace. fukasakai.com

Kidville: Kidville has plans to bring their big popular menu of classes and birthday parties for little kids to three new sites this year, in the Financial District, Tribeca/Soho, and Williamsburg. (See profile here.) kidville.com

Let’s Gogh Art: The new mobile art program for kids 18 months to 5 years brings a variety of art-based education and enrichment programs—not to mention birthday parties—to schools, daycare centers, private homes, parks, and stores around the city. nyletsgoghart.com

New York Kids Club: They’re on a roll. The children’s activity and enrichment centers opened new locations in Tribeca a few months ago and in Park Slope in August; a new site in Williamsburg is scheduled to opening in January of 2014 and a Long Island City location will follow in September 2014. nykidsclub.com

Prenatal Yoga Center: Starting in September, the Prenatal Yoga Center will be offering their beloved prenatal classes at a new satellite location, the Jennifer Brilliant Yoga Studio, in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood. prenatalyogacenter.com

92Y: This fall marks the inauguration of 92Y’s new, state-of-the art Gymnastics Studio in the Sky. Skylights in the expansive new studio provide an open, airy atmosphere for a new slate of gymnastics programming for kids of all ages, whether they’re beginners or aspiring gymnasts. There are also programs for children with special needs. 92Y.org

For our guide to the best Fall 2013 classes, click here.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, &amp; MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.&nbsp; Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.&nbsp; Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.&nbsp; Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals.&nbsp; Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer. First Steps (ages 18 mos &ndash; 5 yrs) Kids &amp; Teens (ages 6-18 yrs) Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)