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
