Looking for the perfect winter indoor activity for your child? You’ve come to the right place. --- 

MIND MATTERS

How do you play baseball, carve a slice of pizza and learn new languages? Your brain is an amazing organ. Learn about the cutting-edge field of neuroscience through hands-on experiments and innovative lab activities at Inside Your Brain classes at the American Museum of Natural History this January. (amnh.org)

EAT & LEARN

Get ready to mix, measure and create as Mini Chef brings its “Culinary Playground” to The Art Farm. The popular children’s cooking program helps kids of all ages develop a love of cooking. By creating local and global cuisine, Mini Chef’s Head Chef, Sylvie Berger, brings children on a taste bud voyage. (theartfarms.org)

TINY DANCERS

Now that your child is walking…why not start dancing in the “twinkle twinkle little toes” class at apple seeds? This new introductory yoga-inspired ballet class explores the basics in a simple and playful way. Classes will be offered at apple seeds in Chelsea and the Upper West Side location coming soon! (appleseedsnyc.com)

TUMBLING TOTS

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)

BLAST OFF!

After School Fitness Blasts at Exerblast strengthen growing bodies as kids rack up energy points, game rewards and healthy benefits. Kids get a heart-pounding workout which winds down with stretching and relaxation in the unique BlastDown Zone. (exerblast.com)

MUSIC FOR MINIS

Join Hands On! for age-appropriate music classes that teach basic music concepts, which are introduced while children play miniature instruments. (handson4music.com)

A CLASS THAT ROCKS

All aboard! Join Kidville for an exciting musical adventure where you and your child become passengers on the Rockin’ Railroad. Each week, a rockin’ crew and conductor take you on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition and sound identification. The class explores a different instrument and musical genre each week. (kidville.com)

MUSICAL MILESTONES

Created with infant development experts, NY Kids Club’s Infant Milestones class will guide you and your baby as you explore music while building visual, auditory and physical skills in a clean, nurturing and friendly environment. (nykidsclub.com)

FIRST TIME STUDENTS

My Mini School at Kidberry is a class for toddlers and preschool-aged children designed to introduce them to a school environment in a safe, play-based setting. Accompanied by a parent or caregiver, kids participate in a range of activities, interact with their peers and adults, and learn key skills that will prepare them for school. (kidberrynyc.com)

FOR ASPIRING ATHLETES

A fun introductory sports class for boys and girls, Toddler Sports at the 14th Street Y is for little ones ages 2-3 years with parent or caregiver. Through a range of developmentally appropriate activities, children engage in non-competitive interactive games that help develop motor coordination and promote flexibility and balance. (14streety.org)

GLOW-GA YOGA

Be sure to wear white to this special glow-in-the-dark yoga class! At Karma Kids Yoga, little ones will experience a magical environment while mastering partner and group yoga poses. The fun yoga games will light up the room every Tuesday at 3:30pm, for children ages 5-7. (karmakidsyoga.com)

SING AROUND THE CITY

In the popular pay-as-you-go Musical Playdate class at ABC Do-Re-ME!, a guitar-playing teacher leads the class in giggles, dance and song by performing favorite nursery rhymes and other children’s tunes. (abcdoreme.com)

MAKING MAGIC

One of NYC’s most comprehensive preschool alternative programs, 74th St. MAGIC’s classes, My Own Time and Classroom Kids, offer the opportunity to experience group activities and explore nursery school themes through music, art, stories, dramatic play and games. Special winter and spring semester pricing offered. (74magic.com)

SPINNING STORIES INTO SONGS

For kiddies 8-12 years old, the 92nd Street Y offers Storybook Musical classes. Explore the world of musical theater while developing characters, stories and writing skills as well as learning vocal techniques. Finish the class with a performance for family and friends. (92Y.org)

GO GREEN

Bond, learn and play with your kids with parent/child programs at Asphalt Green! They offer classes for babies and toddlers in swimming and tumbling, as well as Basketball Academy for kids 7-12 with Mom or Dad! (asphaltgreen.org)

CAKE CLASS

Anyone can be a cake boss after Make Meaning’s new cake decorating class. Starting this spring at the UES and UWS locations, kids of all ages will have the opportunity to create their own cake masterpieces. (makemeaning.com)

AMAZING ANIMALS

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens Zoos have launched a Toddler Time series, an exciting program for young children that offers an introductory glimpse into wildlife, nature and the environment. (wcs.org)

CHELSEA CHAMPS 

A hidden gem at the Chelsea Piers Field House, Champs is similar to the preschool program with its amazing facilities: gymnastics, trampoline, foam pit, rock climbing, dance, soccer and basketball, along with arts and crafts, storytime, etc. Champs is designed as a one-, two- or three-day-a-week program and also has a drop-in option. (chelseapiers.com/fh)

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. (cmom.org)

SUSHI SATURDAY

Share an evening of fun and cooking with your family, led by Chef-Instructor Richard Ruben on Saturday, January 21, at the Institute of Culinary Education. Learn how to create assorted Makis, including Spicy Tuna, Smoked Salmon and Cucumber, Crab and Avocado, Shiitake and Sesame, and Yellowtail with Scallion. (rec.iceculinary.com)

STUDY BUDDIES

The Kumon method uses an individualized approach to help 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

Nurture your child’s natural musical and artistic sense through hands-on creation at Church Street School for Music and Art. Multimedia arts experiences are combined with music and movement throughout the week. (churchstreetschool.org)

TINY TASTERS

When your little one is off from school...Taste Buds is running cooking camp! Get toasty in the kitchen with friends while learning delicious recipes. Choose from Chocolate Lovers Camp in February or Baking 101 Camp and Iron Chef Camp in March. (tastebudscook.com)

JEWEL OF THE CITY

CitiJewels at Citibabes introduces children to a sparkling world of jewelry. Children will learn different jewelry-making skills such as beading and braiding while also learning the history behind the methods. (citibabes.com)

JAM WITH JAZZ

NYC’s fastest-growing music school, New York Jazz Academy, is 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 SCHOOL

Discovery Programs announces a morning Practically Preschool program for winter/spring. Children with late fall/winter birthdays need not wait until September to experience the routines, socialization and community of learning at preschool. Art, movement, music and gym are fully integrated. (discoveryprograms.com)

PERFORM & PLAY

The Young Performers Workshop comes to Gymboree Play & Music! In this one-hour drop-off program, future stars ages 3-5 years will develop their imaginations through costume play, improvisational games and a variety of songs and mini-plays. (gymboreeclasses.com)

FALL INTO ART

In its 11th year, Kids at Art focuses on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate art projects for 2- to 11-year-olds. Classes are limited in size so that each child receives individual attention. The winter/spring session runs January 9-May 31. (kidsatartnyc.com)

LEARN LAX

Gymtime Rhythm & Glues’ Sports and Gymnastics program will build a strong foundation of sports skills for your little athlete by introducing the basics of gymnastics, soccer, basketball and hockey. New for this year, Gymtime adds the popular sport of lacrosse to the lineup. (gymtime.net)

SATURDAY MORNING SOCCER

At 235 East 49th Street, Saturday SocRoc classes are taught by James Christie, former Soccer Pro and Certified Fitness trainer. Emphasis is on learning soccer skills, teamwork and playing in a game situation. Six- to 9-year-olds play at 9am, 10- to 14-year-olds at 10am and 4- to 6-year-olds at 11am. (jcsocroc.com)

GO AND WRITE!

HONK HONK! Brand new for winter 2012, Scribble Press’ Things That Go explores methods of transportation through storybooks, songs and inspired art projects. The session concludes with your child becoming a published author of his or her own Things That Go book! (scribblepress.com)

SEW SO MUCH

Put a dash of sewing, a sprinkle of Project Runway enthusiasm and loads of decorative fabrics and trims together, and you have the framework for Fabric Arts Studio at the JCC in Manhattan. From designing your own one-of-a-kind accessories to simplified amigurumi-style funky stuffed toys (a take on the Japanese animal crochet trend), little ones will leave this class with countless projects, fashion savvy, and the lifelong skill of sewing by hand. (jccmanhattan.org)

BABY JAM

Kids at Work presents Jam Sessions Babies, where music for you and your little one, 0-13 months, is intimate, age-appropriate and never amplified! Jam Sessions Babies features music that is “off the beaten path,” including world and folk music, and adult participation is encouraged. Every class includes two teachers, one of whom is a professional guitarist. (kidsatworknyc.com)

FILM FANS

Moomah is offering exciting new creative classes this semester, including Film Fanatics Craft Quest, where young artists view carefully selected movie scenes, discuss what they saw and create awesome art projects based on favorite flicks. (moomah.com)

SPEAK SPANISH!

Fun Spanish games, great Spanish dances, yummy Spanish tortillas, brilliant Spanish teachers — everything Spanish for bilingual children who immerse themselves in the arts-based Spanish Preschool Alternative Program at Musical Kids International. (musicalkids.net)

THINK BRIGHT

Successfully prepare your child for the spring ELA/Math exams with Bright Kids NYC! Children receive individualized diagnostics and small group, personalized instruction by certified classroom teachers. Classes run February through April 2012. (brightkidsnyc.com)

PLAY AT POPPYSEED

Babes, tots & two’s enjoy fun-filled play with parent or caregiver at Poppyseed by singing songs, dancing with instruments, painting pictures, cruising in mini-cars, playing in the pretend kitchen, choo-chooing with BRIO trains, jumping in the mini-gym and making new friends. (poppyseedprenursery.com)

CARE TO DANCE?

Peridance Capezio Center offers Movement for Boys classes specifically designed for the energetic and physical minds of young male dancers. Based on various modern techniques using floor and standing exercises, these classes put an emphasis on important athletic movements and coordination. (peridance.com)

MUSEUM TOURS FOR MINIS

ArtXplorers offers interactive and fun live, virtual and audio art tours, art reviews, advice and more. ArtXplorers is offering a customized art tour series for kids with props and art projects to more than 25 museums. (artxplorers.com)

PRINT-YOUR-OWN

Every Friday, participants 8 and older are invited to experiment with different techniques in printmaking including silk-screening, block prints and mono prints at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Local printer and artist Caroline McAuliffe will guide young artists in creating their own designs and teaching printmaking skills. (cmany.org)

CLASSICAL CREATIVITY

Students in The Children’s Creative Dance Club program at The Ballet Club learn to move to music, study the classical ballets and develop their creativity and imagination, in addition to learning ballet technique. (theballetclub.com)

TENNIS TIME

SPORTIME’s QuickStart Tennis offers young athletes professional instruction with pros from the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. Utilizing specialized equipment and a shorter court, kids as young as 3 are guided through a variety of activities to help them confidently learn the game. (sportimeny.com/manhattan) 

PAINT LIKE A PRO
For little painters ages 3 and up, The Craft Studio is holding an egg-painting workshop this spring. Kiddos use acrylic paints, feathers, sequins and more on real hard-boiled eggs! This workshop takes place Friday, March 30. Other classes offered throughout the year. (craftstudionyc.com)

WAVE HELLO TO HIART!

Intelligence, Exuberance, Music, Movement, Gallery Hops, Hands-On Art and Mega Fun: HiArt! has it all! From Opera ’N Art to Manga Madness or Paint!, this arts program brings the city’s most outstanding up-and-coming artists to the most arts-savvy New York families. From tots to teens. (hiartkids.com)

BABY BALLERINAS

At Joffrey Ballet School, children ages 3-4 who are ready to be in a class by themselves will begin to learn the basics of creative movement in Baby Ballerinas. Socialization skills such as turn-taking and following instructions will be emphasized. Live piano accompaniment provides a stimulating environment for all classes. (joffreyballetschool.com)

KNITTING KIDS

Loop of the Loom, a fiber arts studio, opens afterschool classes for Growing Crafters who want to develop artistic skills of weaving, felting, sewing and more. Multiple projects of different durations and levels of expertise from tapestry to jacket are chosen by the student. The spring semester starts January 30. For kids ages 8-14. (loopoftheloom.com)

ACT IN FRENCH

Kids learn French by acting in FIAF’s Theater Acting & Performing class! Intermediate and advanced students develop oral skills and work toward fluency with theater games and short text interpretations. This exciting course includes improvisations, French text studies and teambuilding. (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)

TALKING AND DANCING

Creativity, movement, language and Latino culture merge in Ballet Hispanico’s “Hablando y Bailando” program! Children ages 3-5 dance to Latin American children’s songs while following directions and concepts in Spanish. (ballethispanico.org)

GET A JUMP ON IT

Perfect for your active and creative 2-year-old, Jodi’s Jumpstart is a great preparation for, or addition to, preschool. Experienced and enthusiastic teachers will guide your child through 90 minutes of Jodi’s Gym education and fun. Jumpstart is a blend of the gym’s signature gymnastics program, storytime, art, music and snack. (jodisgym.com)

MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE?

Two-year-olds will love the Ailey Extension’s Tiny Steps creative movement program, while teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Teen Extension, which features high energy classes in ballet, hip-hop and contemporary jazz. All levels welcome. Tiny Steps: March 4-May 20. Teen Extension: January 22-May 20. (aileyextension.com)

MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS

At West Side Taekwondo, classes for 4- and 5-year-olds (pee wees) promote the ideals of discipline, respect and confidence through activities designed to increase aerobic capacity, sharpen motor skills and enhance focus. (westsidetkd.com)

MATH MADNESS

The Mathnasium Enrichment Program at Mathnasium is offered year-round for qualifying students in second 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)

SPANISH SONG AND DANCE

HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish opens its doors to children ages 6-9 years to study musical theatre in Spanish. The objective of the class is to introduce children to the fascinating world of Broadway, during which they’ll integrate acting, jazz dance, singing and voice in a culminating performance for parents! (holaplaygroup.com)

BALLET BASICS AND BEYOND

Children ages 2-6 discover and develop their love of dance in Ballet Academy East’s Pre-Ballet classes. Ballet fundamentals are introduced in a fun and creative environment. Classes are accompanied by pianist. Teachers have extensive performance and teaching backgrounds. (baenyc.com)

MAKE MUSICAL THEATER

Kids gain a total theater experience in Lucy Moses School’s year-long Musical Theater Workshop. During the winter and spring they develop and perform their own original musicals, which are presented at the end of the year in Merkin Concert Hall (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. They incorporate live music to further develop children’s creativity and prepare them for ballet, jazz and tap at the basic level. (stepsnyc.com)

YOGA FOR YOUNGSTERS

Shooting Stars classes, for ages 3-4, open a world of imaginative exploration for your child’s mind, body and heart. Using an active, fun and collaborative approach to traditional practice, Yoga Stars programs encourage the development of physical coordination, verbal communication and creative play. (yogastars.com)

GO GLOBAL

Ni Hao! Warm up this winter with Bilingual Birdies’ new and interactive Mandarin Immersion class at International Preschools, where your child will jam with bilingual musicians, play theatre games and jump around in a bubble dance party. (bilingualbirdies.com)

LITTLE FILM STARS

Lights, Camera, Action! Get into the act with Take Two Film Academy’s winter Saturday workshops. Kids and teens learn how to write, act, direct and edit a short film in just three sessions. (taketwofilmacademy.com)

REVIEW THIS!

The Princeton Review helps students achieve high scores on standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, SHSAT, ISEE and SSAT. Private tutoring programs are effective and flexible. Students can register to take a free, full-length practice SAT, ACT or SAT Subject Test online. (princetonreview.com)

A GYM OF ONE’S OWN

At My Gym, Terrific Tots learn beginning sports skills, gain fine and gross motor proficiency and strengthen manipulative skills. In this age group, teaching physical skills is a top priority, but children also develop social skills as they become good listeners, follow directions and cooperate in a group. (my-gym.com)

LEARN WITH YOUR HANDS

Learn sign language and infant massage all in one. Baby Fingers offers unique classes to facilitate the development of parent/child bond as well as language and relaxation. This special opportunity is available at a new downtown location—details on the web! (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 singalongs, movement, musical games and stories. (theearlyear.com)

BECOME BILINGUAL

Bilingual Buds’ Mommy & Me program offers a full-immersion environment and “minds-on” activities to inspire the youngest of language learners. Babies and toddlers are busy with theme-based stories and songs, music and movement, puppetry and parachutes. The program uses the school’s head teachers and Mandarin preschool curriculum to ignite children’s natural language ability. (bilingualbuds.com)

RIDE THE CAROUSEL

The Carousel of Languages is a foreign language program for children ages 6 months to 10 years and offers lessons in Italian, Mandarin, French and Spanish. Visit its new Upper West and Upper East Side locations. Winter Session: January 2-March 23 and Spring Session: April 2-June 22. (carousellanguages.com)

LITTLE LANGUAGE LEARNERS

The Language Workshop for Children’s Half-Year Language-Immersion Preschool runs from January to May. Youngsters absorb French or Spanish and build fundamental skills through socialization, creativity and age-appropriate activities, plus the LWFC’s language-building songs and storybooks. (languageworkshopforchildren.com)

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE

At Applause NYC’s Broadway Little Stars, your child takes the stage for an introduction to a different Broadway show each week with theater games, toys, props, singing and dancing! These classes are a great way to instill confidence, self-esteem and listening skills. Perfect for children ages 3-4 with upcoming school interviews. (applauseny.com)

ACT AT ATLANTIC

The Creators class at Atlantic Acting School 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. The class will culminate in a final performance for parents and friends. (atlanticactingschool.org)

PLAY CREATIVELY

Creative Play for Kids, an upbeat music, movement and play program, is offering Drop-In Music Classes at its Upper Westside location. Ideal for babies and toddlers. Check out live music programs beginning January 2012. (creativeplayforkids.com)

Continue to All You Need Is Class: Part II