As the leaves turn and the temperature starts to drop, every kid (and parent) knows that it’s time to hit the books again. But autumn doesn’t have to be all about seat-time. From sports and fitness to music and art to mommy & me programs, the city is bursting with fantastic offerings to help kids engage, learn, and explore their passions.
(Editor’s note: If you work with a venue not represented here but would like to be, please email Mia Weber at mweber@manhattanmedia.com)
For a list of upcoming open house events and trial classes from many of the venues featured in our guide, click here.
14th StreetY
Through circuits, dynamic drills, and exciting games, PopFit Kids Jr. hits on the Fab Five: cardio, balance, flexibility, strength, and endurance. Fitness fundamentals are developed as children work toward muscle coordination, motor planning skills, and in body awareness. 14streety.org
74th St. MAGIC
A MAGIC favorite, Double Time is one of 74th St. MAGIC’s classes for ages 18-26 months and 2.3-3 years. Children experience 45 minutes of Tumblin’ Tots in MAGIC’s state-of-the-art gym and 45 minutes of early preschool enrichment in a fully equipped classroom to help smoothly transition children to preschool. 74magic.com
92nd StreetY
Cultivate the natural artist and mover in your child with 92Y’s unique Wonderdance. Designed to help young children to build strong, flexible bodies, and minds, the program lets kids create dances, embody their imaginations, learn to communicate, and explore concepts like body shape, space, and rhythm. 92y.org
ABC Do-Re-ME!
Musical Playdate provides a perfect balance between laughing and learning. The eclectic mix of music at this 45-minute drop-in class for ages kids ages 0-5 and their parents or caregivers keeps kids hopping and smiling while guitar-playing instructors offer fun teachable moments. abcdoreme.com
Advantage Tennis Clubs
The QuickStart program for ages 10 and under makes learning tennis fun. Advantage uses USTA-approved foam balls, mini-nets, and age-appropriate drills. Kids will improve their eye-hand coordination, footwork, and basic stroke movements. advantagetennisclubs.com
American Museum of Natural History
Give your kids the chance to fly their very own spaceship and handle rocks from outer space! In the Moon, Meteors, and Mars workshop for kids in grades 1-2, little ones will explore space by studying the museum’s meteorite collection, flying in the Hayden Planetarium, and more. amnh.org
Applause NYC
Get out the bling, lace up the kicks, and transform into a hip hop superstar at Applause NYC’s Intermediate Hip Hop class for kids in grades 4-6! With cutting edge choreography, students dance the latest moves and perform on a stage in front of 500 people. applauseny.com
apple seeds
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Toes is apple seeds’ ballet class for ages 18-24 months as well as the ballet and tap class for ages 2-2.5/3 years and ages 3-4 years. Plie, twirl, and turn in this exciting dance class. Children develop balance and coordination while dancing, playing. appleseedsplay.com
Art Farm in the City
Italian on the Farm is Art Farm in the City’s engaging, fun, and playful Italian language class, in partnership with the Italian American Committee of Education. Children learn counting, shapes, colors, and animals in Italian through play, movement, art, and interaction with live animals. theartfarms.org
ArtXplorers
ArtXplorers’ programs are designed not only to entertain, but also to engage children as they learn about art. They offer a unique approach to art education that brings together videos, audio series, museums and gallery tours, and creative projects. artxplorers.com
Asphalt Green
Head to Asphalt Green on the UES and Battery Park City for super-fun fitness and sports classes. All ages can sign up for gymnastics, flag football, martial arts, soccer, and more. There’s also a Speed, Agility, Quickness (SAQ) Academy for ages 7-14. asphaltgreen.org
Atlantic Acting School
The Creators class is a must for any young performer looking for an afterschool outlet for creative expression. Students work with their director to create an original short play featuring a character of their own imagination. Elements of acting and performance are introduced, and students fully memorize lines. atlanticactingschool.org
Baby Fingers
Baby Fingers promotes family communication while enhancing motivation to speak, increasing IQ, improving vocabulary and literacy skills, decreasing frustration, and refining motor coordination and spatial reasoning skills. They offer a combination of American Sign Language, games, stories, and dramatic play for all ages. mybabyfingers.com
Ballet Academy East
The much-loved Mother & Child program for 2-year-olds is now known as the Petit Dancers Division, now including special classes for 18-month-olds. As always, children and their parents or caregivers can share the joys of dance and music through song and movement. baenyc.com
The Ballet Club
The Ballet Club’s Performing Arts Pre-Professional Division for ages 7 and up provides students with an outstanding opportunity to begin to excel and become fluent in ballet, with an emphasis on technique, creativity, choreography, and performance. Performance opportunities include The Nutcracker Project, and the Spring Concert. theballetclub.com
Ballet Hispanico
The Bilingual Adventures in Dance program invites young children into a world of creative dance and Latino culture. Children’s self-expression will flourish as they form friendships in a fun and educational atmosphere. ballethispanico.org
Ballet School NY/New York Theatre Ballet
Fun, intimate, and intelligent classes at Ballet School NY increase your child’s discipline, focus, poise, and confidence. The New York Theatre Ballet’s professionals teach classical ballet, theater dance, jazz, and modern dance. Students are then selected for NYTB performances, including “The Nutcracker.” nytb.org
Bilingual Birdies
Have a blast learning Spanish in Bilingual Birdies’ live music language classes! Think: guitar, native Argentine singer, and bubble dance party, all ready to rock your toddler’s world. Their curriculum is an effective and fun way to learn Spanish. Join in the cultural fun! bilingualbirdies.com
Bilingual Buds
Bilingual Buds’ Mandarin afterschool classes provide an interactive and project-oriented approach to learning language for children ages 5-12. They group students by level in a full-immersion learning environment. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays. bilingualbuds.com
Book Nook NYC
Book Nook is a specific skill building enrichment program with a whole-child approach. They build key predictive skills, including oral language, alphabetic code, and print awareness. Classes are age-divided and start at the most crucial developmental years. booknooknyc.com
Bounce & Flip
Bounce and Flip, a 3,000-square-foot gymnastics facility for children ages 2-17, opens in November on 52nd Street and 10th Avenue. With a variety of exciting, engaging programs, the goal of every class is to foster success through tumbling and gymnastics while promoting the philosophy that gymnastics is fun and healthy. bounceandflip.com
Bright Kids NYC
The Bright Kids NYC Gifted and Talented Bootcamp is a budget-friendly package of tutoring and books to prepare your child for the NYC gifted and talented exam—you’ll be impressed with the innovative style of their classes as well as their stellar exam pass rate. brightkidsnyc.com
Broadway Dance Center
The Children & Teen Program offers dancers ages 3-18 elite training with today’s leading teachers and choreographers. The 32-week program delivers the finest dance experience for your child by offering a wide variety of high-quality class options that only New York City and BDC can provide. broadwaydancecenter.org
Carousel of Languages
The Carousel of Languages seeks to enrich the minds and spirits of young children through the beauty and discovery of a foreign language. Hourly classes are available in Italian, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Russian, and English for ages 6 months to 10 years at locations on the Upper East and West Sides. carousellanguages.com
Chabad Preschool at Beekman Place
In the Baby Loves Shabbat program, youngsters can experience Jewish songs, traditions, and music in a Shabbat party for little learners! Accompanied by a guitarist, kids and their caregivers enjoy Shabbat songs, parachute play, candle lighting, and Challah baking. The gentle class brings the joy of Jewish traditions alive while focusing on children’s social and motor development. beekmanjewishpreschool.com
Chelsea Piers
CP-After-3 is the Field House at Chelsea Piers’ afterschool program designed to provide reliable, safe, and engaging child care while also offering top-tier sports and arts curriculums. Experienced teachers pick up children in grades K-3 from school and bring them to the Field House for snacks and homework assistance before sports class, games, art projects, and more. chelseapiers.com/fh
Child’s Play NY
ON MY OWN is the new fall play program for children 2-4 years from Child’s Play NY. The wonderful teachers guide children as they attend this gentle separation playgroup. It’s also an excellent introduction to Child’s Play NY’s new preschool, the Iken Science Academy, opening in January 2014. childsplayny.com
Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA)
Explore printmaking techniques through historical and contemporary examples in Printmaking Through the Ages. Kids will create colorful monotypes, relief prints, Islamic tile patterns, and Andy Warhol-inspired silk screen prints. While kids build skills in printmaking, they’ll also gain knowledge of art history. cmany.org
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)
You and your tot can get ready for preschool together with CMOM’s Preschool Prep classes, which allow children and their caregivers to gradually separate at their own pace. Children gain self-confidence and independence in a safe, stimulating environment while developing the skills needed for preschool. cmom.org
Church Street School for Music and Art
Preschoolers ages 2-4 explore, learn, and grow at in Arts Express, an innovative music and art immersion drop-off program. This program incorporates Dalcroze eurhythmics, visual art, free play, story time, and snack. Morning, afternoon, and full-day options are offered two to three days per week, as are four-day pre-K options.
churchstreetschool.org
Citibabes
The Planes, Trains and Automobiles class is perfect for little transportation lovers! Children will explore all aspects of transportation from cars to trains to boats. Each week, children dive into the different types of transportation through specialized art activities, as well as experiments like obstacle courses and races. citibabes.com
Chic City Mom
Chic City Mom is a private group of unique mommy & me learning playgroups for mothers and their babies. You can begin the group with your newborn and continue until your little one is as old as 18 months. In Chic City Mom’s groups, you will gain access to amazing resources, support, and tips. chiccitymom.com
Collina Italiana
Giardino dei Bambini is a morning drop-off playgroup at Collina Italiana for kids ages 2-5. Children can join in on the fun every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 12pm on an as-needed basis. The program offers language learning through games, activities, songs, dance, theater, and hands-on art projects. collinaitaliana.com
Columbus Gym
In Tiny Tot Fitness classes for ages 1-3, children have fun and build motor skills while exploring tumbling circuits. They also build confidence and coordination as they cross balance beams, bounce on the trampoline, sing, dance, blow bubbles, and socialize with peers! Classes involve caregiver participation and are led by certified coaches. columbusgymnyc.com
The Craft Studio
Every Monday from 3:30-4:30pm, kids ages 4-14 can check out the Rockin’ Craft Class. Students create cutting edge projects in the studio with music and awesome energy to inspire. Projects are chosen based on the kids in attendance, so artists of all levels are creatively challenged with the help of the friendly staff. craftstudionyc.com
Creative Play for Kids
In the Busy Babies class from Creative Play for Kids, little ones ages 7-12 months explore age-appropriate music materials on their own, with the support of their caregiver or parent. This class offers both interactive movement and songs and gives babies plenty of time to bounce around. creativeplayforkids.com
Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance
Cumbe offers fun classes for children ages 1-12 which involve creative movement with a multicultural flair, dance, drum, and song, hip hop and street jazz, dance theater, acrobatics, and more. They also host amazing camps and birthday parties. cumbedance.com
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
Play the Instrument, a weekly Diller-Quaile class for ages 4-5, is ideal for children who want to learn to play an instrument but are unsure of which instrument to choose. Children play percussion instruments, violin, cello, piano, and recorder, learning the basics of each instrument. diller-quaile.org
Discovery Programs
In Discovery Programs’ Free Baby Social at their spacious gymnasium, little ones 6 weeks to 8 months can play with toys and relax to a live guitarist in an unstructured environment. The Baby Social is the perfect way for new parents to meet and share advice about raising children. discoveryprograms.com
The Early Ear
A variety of music classes are designed to introduce musical concepts to young children. Classes are grouped by age (4-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and 4-5 years) and range from sing-alongs to musical instrument introductions. Classes help students decide which musical instrument they may want to study later on. theearlyear.com
East SideTae Kwon Do & East Side Yoga
East Side Yoga offers a unique option in NYC: a yoga class for parents and caregivers in one room, with kid-friendly classes offered in another. Start your weekend off in a relaxing way while your children have fun at their own class. eastsidetaekwondo.com; eastsideyoganyc.com
Eastside Westside Music Together
Children ages 0-4 thrive and grow in Eastside Westside Music Together’s mixed-age classes. They immerse families in a rich, creative, and musical environment in which little ones can explore, play, and learn to become confident music makers. Fall classes begin September 16th. eswsmusictogether.com
EBL Coaching
Students in grades pre-K to 6 can enrich their reading, writing, and math skills using engaging, multi-sensory techniques in the Fall After School and Weekend Skills Building programs, held at EBL’s Upper East Side location. Students use tools like magnetic tiles, whiteboards, and colored sand to enhance core learning skills. eblcoaching.com
Fastbreak Kids
The Fastbreak Kids Basketball Academy will be holding After School Development Basketball programs this fall. Kids will learn fundamental basketball skills and develop learning and competition skills through Fastbreak’s games approach to teaching and coaching. fastbreakkids.com
French Institute Alliance Francaise
Introduce your little one to French language and culture with FIAF’s popular à petits pas: French for Toddlers program, designed especially for kids ages 1-5. With exciting new activities, children dive into a world of discoveries in this inspiring and creative French immersion program. fiaf.org
Fukasa Kai Children’s Martial Arts Classes
The diverse martial arts classes, offered on the Upper West Side in the World Yoga Center’s inspiring space, are all age-appropriate and focus on technique, physical aptitude and self-defense. All classes are goal-oriented, with set curricula leading to earning accredited martial arts ranks and belts. Cary Nemeroff (M.A. Education, Teacher’s College, Columbia University) is an accomplished, full-time martial arts headmaster, with 25 years of teaching experience, and has authored 2 books on the subject of the martial arts. He is an expert at keeping students of all ages motivated and passionate about the martial arts. fukasakai.com
The Gaga Center
A favorite space for the big kids, the Gaga Center now offers private group classes for the younger set too. Four-year-olds and pre-K-aged children learn to play gaga and master early athletic skills like jumping, catching, and hand-eye coordination. gagacenter.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Join Gymboree Play & Music this fall for School Skills, their very own preschool alternative program. Class will focus on key social skills that will help prepare your child for school and life. Songs, games, and play are all explored to help children master key concepts for successful school-age learning. gymboreeclasses.com
Gymtime
An introduction to the fundamentals of gymnastics, the Gymtime’s Gym’Ny Crickets program—for kids 3-4.11—uses all of the equipment in the gym to create a fun and engaging experience. The class is designed to develop motor skills, strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. gymtime.net
Hands On!
Using a special instrument-based curriculum, this music studio (in four Manhattan locations) introduces infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to popular folk tunes, nursery rhymes, and lullabies. These Hands On! Musical Experience classes feature stories with puppets, music, instrument exploration, and movement. handsonformusic.com
HiArt!
Since Scholastic published HiArt!’s fabulous guide to drawing manga, From Zero to Hero, this creative program has been home to some of the artsiest and most well-trained young cartoonists on the planet. With a multitude of manga classes every week, anime-loving kids 6-15 will get infinite technique tips and infinite fun. hiartkids.com
¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish
In addition to its normal schedule in venues throughout the city, ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish will be adding a class at the new apple seeds Upper West Side location. ¡HOLA! for Toddler through Two’s will take place on Friday mornings. The weekly fall/winter session starts in September. holaplaygroup.com
I’m Bilingual!
Spanish and Puppets is a full Spanish immersion class from I’m Bilingual for ages 2.5-4. Children learn Spanish vocabulary through fun arts-based activities, including creative art projects, memory games, interactive multimedia, live music, and Spanish stories. imbilingual.com
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Raise your voices and lift your hearts with the interactive Jazz for Young People family concert, “Jazz Meets Gospel,” at JALC’s Rose Theater, in which pianist and conductor Damien Sneed explores the connections between two iconic genres. Kids and parents participate in activities that teach key musical concepts and illuminate the subject. jalc.org/learn
The JCC in Manhattan
This class uses the JCC and East Side Tae Kwon Do’s proprietary curriculum to teach kids basic kicking and striking techniques in a developmentally appropriate fashion. Kids have fun while learning how to function in a well-structured group setting. Martial arts will teach kids focus and discipline while greatly enhancing self-esteem. jccmanhattan.org
Jodi’s Gym
Double the fun! For the child who loves to both move and groove, Jodi’s Gym’s 75-minute Rockin’ Rollers classes combine all the fun of their Mighty Muscle Movers gym class with an incredible additional 30-minute long jammin’ music session. jodisgym.com
Joffrey Ballet School
Kids who sign up for ballet with the Joffrey Ballet School in the West Village are trained in classical and contemporary ballet, as well as in other forms of dance, including modern, jazz, and hip hop. A Children’s Program—for ages 2-9—also offers Dance with Me (for little ones and their caregivers). joffreyballetschool.com
Karma Kids Yoga
At Family Yoga class—for kids 4-6 and 7 and older with their parents—partner poses are emphasized for bonding time. Families play yoga games, practice partner acrobatics, and try flying partner yoga, all while building confidence and self-esteem and healthy bodies. karmakidsyoga.com
Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy
As an extension of their parks- and school-based programs, UGA is now offering programs at Randall’s Island Golf Center (RIGC). By incorporating their unique curriculum with the RIGC’s driving range, putting green, and miniature golf course, both advanced and new students will improve their skills. kturbangolfacademy.com
Kids at Art
Kids at Art offers kids the chance to express themselves through cool and creative Children’s Art Classes for all ages–plus Teen Portfolio Classes for older kids, as well as special workshops, fashion and sewing classes, and more. kidsatartnyc.com
Kids at Work
Kids at Work in Chelsea has added a new Friday to its drop-in schedule: Cooking with KAW owner Julie! A truly age-appropriate and sensory-based class for ages 2-3, this class will focus less on step-by-step directions and more on texture, taste, and tactile exploration of ingredients. Plus, sitting still is not required. kidsatworknyc.com
Kids in Sports
Kids in Sports will be offering a unique separation program highlighting imagination and athletic skills this fall. Their two-hour drop-off Creative Athlete class combines a multi-sport class with an additional focus on arts and crafts, story time, socialization skills, and much more. kidsinsports.com
Kidville
KVU Prep prepares toddlers for Kidville University (KVU), Kidville’s signature preschool alternative program this fall. Focusing on social, emotional, physical, and artistic development, KVU Prep features art and sensory exploration, visits from a Kidville musician, structured gym activities, and more. kidville.com
La Scuola Di’Italia
The Scuola Marterna Preschool program is designed for the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten years. It focuses on the development of the child from an intellectual, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical standpoint—all with bilingual Italian/English Instruction. lascuoladitalia.org
The Language Workshop for Children
Give your child the richest language-building experience possible with The Language Workshop for Children’s 2.5-hour long French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese Immersion Preschool programs for ages 2.1-4. Enroll for the full year or session by session. languageworkshopforchildren.com
Launch Math & Science Centers
Budding scientists will have a blast at Launch Math & Science Centers’ fall workshops, which teach Rocket Science and Robotics in a fun, hands-on way. Kids ages 6-8 learn about the forces of flight and robot building while making their very own projects to take home! launchmath.com
Let’s Gogh Art
It’s never too early to introduce kids to great masters of art. In the Munchkins & Masterpieces class from Let’s Gogh Art, students will be inspired by kid-friendly works of art to create their own masterpieces! Think Picasso faces, Van Gogh digital art, Monet crayon resists, and Matisse designs. nyletsgoghart.com
Lil Yogi’s
This fall, Lil Yogi’s NYC will be bringing Yoga Hip Hop to both the UWS and the UES. Classes will include yoga stretches, body isolations, and dance routines. Children will learn both silly and challenging dance moves to the newest hit songs in this new hit class. lilyogisnyc.com
The Little Gym
The Little Gym’s gymnastics program for preschoolers and kindergarteners has been designed to help children reach developmental milestones. Independent from parents, kids learn gymnastics fundamentals and have plenty of fun. Try the Funny Bugs class for children ages 3-4. thelittlegym.com
Little Maestros
Little Maestros is an award-winning, early childhood educator-approved music program for infants and toddlers. Featuring Broadway-quality entertainers and world-class original music, little ones will love the weekly language development segment, musical story time, puppet shows, dance party, and more. littlemaestros.com
Loop of the Loom
Let little ones spin a yarn of pure fun with Loop of the Loom’s regular kids’ classes, which begin the second week of September. Creative and fun weaving classes will be offered Tuesday through Friday this fall in nine-session packages. loopoftheloom.com
Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center
In the Musical Theater Workshop, kids ages 8-12 sing, improvise, play theater games, and develop basic acting skills in the fall months. Then during the winter/spring, they develop and perform original musicals that they’ll present in the concert hall. The emphasis is on concentration, teamwork, and creativity. kaufmanmusiccenter.com
Mad Science of New York City and Westchester
Come and spark imaginative learning with some Mad chemistry. Delve into molecules and chemical reactions that produce light, gas, and even slime. Mad Science of New York City and Westchesteris offered at numerous Manhattanlocations including Jodi’s Gym and TempleIsraelon the Upper East Side. newyorkcity.madscience.org
Make Meaning
A special creativity coach leads art classes at the Make Meaning studio, with locations on both the Upper East and West sides. Budding artists create projects featuring seven inspired experiences using paper, glass, candles, jewelry, ceramics, and soap. Plus, Make Meaning even offers a cake decorating course! makemeaning.com
Mathnasium
The Mathnasium Enrichment Program is offered year-round for qualifying students in grade 2 through Algebra 1, with eight instruction hours per month. Each instructor works with one to three students in a semi-private setting, combining individualized instruction with independent work in a fun environment. mathnasium.com
Moey’s Music Party
Every day’s a party at Moey’s Music Party! Children explore instruments, song, dances, phonics, and musical story time based on weekly party themes that follow the seasons and perennial kid-favorites like pirates, cowboys, and princesses. They’re creative, educational, and as much fun for grownups as for the kids. moeysmusicparty.com
MoonSoup
Imagine Soup is a creative mix of activities for toddlers ages 14-28 months (with a second level available for ages 18 months to 3.5 years) within a carefully planned class. With an emphasis on interactive music and movement, story time with puppets, creative play, and beginning art, this is a perfect precursor to preschool. moonsoup.net
Music for Aardvarks and Other MammalsMusic for Aardvarks and Other Mammals is geared toward ages 6 months to 5 years, incorporating a wide variety of musical activities like singing, dancing, musical story telling, instrumental jams, and musical puppet play. The original material used in class celebrates the lives of children growing up in an urban environment. musicforaardvarks.com
My Gym UES
Cardio Kids combines a cardio workout with strength and flexibility exercises for children ages 6-9 who may be surrounded by the sedentary distractions of TV, the Internet, and video games. Endurance and motor skills are increased through a series of exciting and dynamic activities. mygym.com
My Gym UWS
At My Gym UWS’s Gymsters program for ages 2.5-3.25, children have a blast as they sing, dance, swing, play games, watch puppet shows, take turns on special rides, and have “Surprise Time!” Gymsters feel great about themselves in a constantly changing program with fresh ingredients and new equipment setups each week. mygym.com
New York Jazz Academy
The dynamic Jelly Jamz curriculum draws upon classic and modern jazz, original songs, and folk music to encourage musical development. Through the integrating song, dance, rhythm, and movement, toddlers ages 6 months to 4 years experience an exciting musical repertoire designed to develop an early appreciation of music. nyjazzacademy.com
NYChessKids
One of the largest youth chess programs available, NYChessKids spreads its love for the classic game through organized tournaments and afterschool chess programs throughout the city. Instructors also host classes at the New York Public Library and also offer private lessons. nychesskids.com
NY City Explorers
Preschool 101 is an educational enrichment program that provides children ages 22 months to 4 years with an opportunity to experience a classroom setting and social learning environment. Classes are facilitated by enthusiastic teachers who provide engaging activities that foster creativity, independence, and self-discovery. brooklynlearninggarden.com
NY Kids Club
Advanced Gymnastics Club is a skill-based recreational gymnastics program tailored to gymnasts 8-12 years old committed to rapidly developing advanced skills. The program is the next step to the Gym Club Prep and Gym Club programs offered at NY Kids Club locations, including their new space in Park Slope. nykidsclub.com
Peridance Capezio Center
The School at the Peridance Capezio Center’s Core Training Program is designed for aspiring dancers ages 8-17 interested in advancing their ballet technique. Along with training, students have the opportunity to perform throughout the year, enhancing stage presence and performance qualities. Auditions required. peridance.com
Physique Swimming
Young swimmers will make a big splash this fall with Physique Swimming’s Water Exploration classes This learn-to-swim program allows boys and girls ages 3 and up to have fun getting comfortable with aquatic environments, all while building foundational swimming skills that will last a lifetime. physiqueswimming.com
Planet Han
Your child will have tons of fun in Planet Han’s Science Class while also learning Mandarin. This innovative Chinese immersion class is designed to foster a love of basic science and to teach children about the world around them, including life, nature, matter, and the Earth. Plus, it will include hands-on experiments. planethanchinese.com
Playgarden
Children ages 18 months to 6 years learn to passe and pirouette at the PlayBallet class! Rhythm, muscle control, balletic terms, and etiquette are introduced through songs and choreography. All ages become superstars on the stage in the end-of-year recital. Mommy & me and drop-off classes are also available. playgardennyc.com
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
At Boogying Babes, tots and babies boogie and bond with a parent or caregiver in cheerful song. Drum the beat, rock in rhythm, and sway with scarves to the strum of a guitar playing “Twinkle Little Star” all together in harmony! It’s as easy as ABC at Poppyseed Pre-Nursery. poppyseedprenursery.com
The Prenatal Yoga Center
Expecting a new addition to your family and worried about how your oldest child will adjust? You won’t want to miss the Sibling Preparation: Big Kid to be a Big Sib workshop from the Prenatal Yoga Center, which will guide you through strategies to ease siblings-to-be into their new family role. prenatalyogacenter.com
Private Picassos
At Private Picassos’ Landscape Drawing on the Highline class, families will explore the public art installations throughout the High Line and learn about different artists. Beautiful landscape drawings and sketches of their favorite pieces will be the fun result at the class’s conclusion. privatepicassos.com
The School at Steps
The School at Steps’ Young Dancers program—for ages 2-6—is a creative, nurturing, and fun-filled dance experience that focuses on the development of social and rhythmic skills. Classes introduce creative movement exercises that foster body coordination, musicality, and imagination. stepsnyc.com/school
SciTech Kids
Working with scientists, children ages 3-15 engage in experiments and projects that teach them to think and problem solve. The program offers age-based classes integrating numerous branches of science-based activities. Preschool and afterschool programs are both offered. sci-techkids.com
Soccer by Coach Fher
Soccer by Coach Fher is offering outdoor soccer skills classes for little ones, starting at age 2, every day from September through November. With classes on both the Upper East and the Upper West Sides, these classes are must-dos for the back-to-school season! coachfher.com
socialsklz:-)
The back2school bootcamp is a fun, two-day workshop that helps kids transition from summertime to the more rigorous academic schedule. The class covers topics like making good first impressions, striking up a conversation, attitude, participation, lunchroom dos and don’ts, and managing sticky social situations. socialsklz.com
SocRoc
SocRoc will be holding soccer class in Central Park for kids ages 2-3 on Mondays, taught by SocRoc owner, and former pro soccer player, James Christie. SocRoc will teach goal scoring, dribbling, kicking, balance, coordination, and flexibility—with an emphasis on fun! jcsocroc.com
SPORTIME Randall’s Island
Junior Tennis Kinetics is SPORTIME’s trademarked junior development program dedicated to meeting the needs of their Junior Tennis and Sports Members. JTK offers a tennis program for juniors in a safe and enriching environment. Every SPORTIME tennis facility has a JTK Master Professional to supervise. sportimeny.com
StageCoach Theater Arts
The Early Stages class is perfect for youngsters ages 4-5 who have big imaginations. The 90-minute sessions introduce kids to singing, dancing, and acting in a fun environment. Plus, their ideas become the basis for original plays. stagecoachschools.com
Super Soccer Stars
Through their age-specific curriculum, SSS uses soccer to nurture, build self-confidence, and develop teamwork. Kick & Play, their parent-child pre-soccer program, is perfect for ages 12-24 months, while advanced soccer players can check out Super Soccer Stars Premier classes and the NY Stars Premier competitive travel teams. supersoccerstars.com; kickandplay.com; starspremier.com
SwimJim
SwimJim believes children learn best in a friendly environment where they feel at ease, which enables young swimmers to learn basic and advanced skills. Classes for all ages are offered at five NYC locations. swimjim.com
TADA! Youth Theater
For the youngest of thespians, Theater on Their Scale (TOTS) develops language and coordination through musical movement, using cooperative play, singing, dancing, and creative exploration—perfect for toddlers and their caregivers! Classes for ages 2-3 are on Mondays 10:40-11:30am. tadatheater.com
Take Two Film Academy
Lights, Camera, Action! Get into the act with Take Two Film Academy’s filmmaking and acting workshops this fall. Students learn the entire filmmaking process from screenwriting to storyboarding, as well as directing, acting, and editing. Professional equipment and software are included. taketwofilmacademy.com
Tennis Innovators
The QuickStart program for ages 3-10 helps kids develop the coordination and balance needed to create optimal swing patterns and mobility for tennis. Nets and courts are scaled down, and equipment is designed for a high success rate and interaction between players. Classes are offered at various Manhattan locations. tennisinnovators.com
TLB Music
TLB’s newest Hip Hop 101 class, led by renowned rapper and DJ Princess Superstar, is an innovative fusion of hip hop dance, music, and culture. Students learn about hip hop’s origins, write original lyrics, practice rapping, dance, and freestyle, and create beats with percussion instruments. tlbmusic.com
West Side Taekwondo
West Side Taekwondo offers classes for ages 4-5 and older in which they promote the ideals of discipline, respect, and confidence through activities that are designed to increase aerobic capacity, sharpen motor skills, and increase focus. Try a trial class in September. westsidetkd.com
YMCA
New for kids ages 5-12 is the Vanderbilt YMCA’s GROOVEKIDS class. This is a fun, creative class with simple dance movements that encourages kids to explore, play, and move in their own unique way—in a playful and safe space for kids to build confidence, develop self awareness, and exercise. ymcanyc.org/vanderbilt
Yogi Beans
Yoga practiced among siblings instills communication and respect and can be an effective means to mitigate rivalries. In Siblings Yoga classes—Saturday mornings this fall, for siblings ages 3-9—emphasis is placed on teamwork and collaboration through playful partner poses and games. yogibeans.com
ZGT
ZGT Kids is a Mandarin language class designed for kids ages 1-5. The cognitive advantages of learning Chinese, especially for young children, are the driving forces behind what makes this class so special. Children will learn elements of mathematics in Mandarin, character writing, and much more! zgtnewyork.com
For a list of our favorite museum classes for fall, click here.
To read about the best new and notable fall classes and programs, click here.
For ways to save money on kids classes, click here.
