There’s something about getting out there and sharing some classes with your little child. Yes, it’s fun and educational for them. But a big part of what makes the experience worthwhile is the social factor: You’re putting them in the vicinity of other children and yourself alongside other parents. Hopefully, some friendships—or at least playdates—will follow.
14th Street Y
Meet other parents and babies in a relaxed environment at their New Moms Stroll-In (drop-in) class, for parents and children from birth to crawling. Parenting Director Kiki Schaffer leads discussions on topics such as sleep, feeding, infant development, and balancing work and motherhood to guide you through the joys and challenges of parenting. 14streety.org
92Y
Playing with your food can be fun and educational. In Kids In The Kitchen, children (ages 2-4) learn to follow directions, knead dough, and mix ingredients. Then, you and your child get to eat, enjoy, and share the results. There’s snack, story, and circle time, too, plus single-session classes for grandparents to cook and kvell! 92y.org
Applause New York
For future thespians, head to the Broadway Babies class (4-12 months). Each week, babies are introduced to a new Broadway show where mommies and tots can sing along. Crazy costumes and props are part of the fun, along with musical instruments. applauseny.com
The Art Farm In The City
Who doesn’t want a furry friend? In their Rock, Smocks, And Animals class for infants as young as 14 months, each animal adventure includes an Animal of the Week complemented by music, crafts, and an indoor petting zoo. theartfarms.org
Asphalt Green
Focusing on the basics of gymnastics for children ages 2-3, Tumble Tots includes rolls, balance beam, swings, holds on bars, and, of course, jumping on the trampoline! Parents share the fun of creative movement and tumbling with kids as they develop fundamental motor skills. asphaltgreen.org
Bija Kids
In Bija Kids’ Little Lotuses Yoga, for crawling through 3 years, the tiniest yogis practice with grown-ups in active and beautiful 45-minute classes. Each week, the class chants, plays, and explores with sounds, poses, story time, music, bubbles, and deep relaxation. Grown-ups take tools home that can be applied throughout each day for peaceful, joyful experiences. bijiakids.wordpress.com
Columbus Gym
Keeping in the spirit of fun while teaching young children the skills they need as they grow physically, socially, and emotionally, the Tiny Tot Fitness program (for ages 6 months to 3 years) concentrates on balance, coordination, and fine motor skills as children explore tumbling mat circuits, balance beams, rings, bars, trampoline, and activity stations. columbusgymnyc.com
Eastside Westside Music Together
Children from birth to 4 can attend their family-style Mixed Ages class, which cycles through one of nine song collections each semester. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones; older children learn by leading younger ones; and each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, and exploring musical instruments. eswsmusictogether.com
Their 3-level Music program, spanning ages 6 months to 5 years, provides an active and playful approach that will have you and your child dancing, singing, and playing instruments together. You’ll enjoy a range of musical styles (class favorites include the Beatles and Caribbean) as you build a foundation of musical skills. gymboreeclasses.com
Gymtime Rhythm & Glues
The PEP and PEP Plus classes offer toddlers a preschool-like experience that combines time in a play-based classroom with physical activities in their state-of-the-art gym. Classes are designed to help develop small motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and muscle control and to begin recognition of lines, shapes, and texture. Both programs emphasize experimentation and imagination while building independence and confidence. gymtime.net
The JCC In Manhattan
In Coo & Crawl, babies will play while parents get a chance to discuss topics such as sleep, co-parenting, feeding, getting out and about with baby, body image, sibling rivalry, and more! The weekly class is led by a lactation consultant and doula who will connect you to a world of resources and to other new parents. Appropriate for babies 0-12 months. jccmanhattan.org
Karma Kids Yoga
The Mom & Baby Yoga class combines yoga and play to get back in shape while strengthening the bond between mom and infant (6 weeks to new walkers). Experience flowing asanas, challenging postures, and calming restorative time. Learn baby yoga exercises to strengthen growing muscles, aid in digestion, and promote better sleeping patterns. Dads welcome too. karmakidsyoga.com
Kids At Work
The wide age range in Toddle Around, from 12 months to 2.5 years, inspires observation in little ones and leadership in older students. Classes begin with sensory art stations meant to develop decision-making skills, followed by intimate music (including guitar) and movement. kidsatworknyc.com
Kidville
Each week in Rockin’ Railroad: Unplugged, a crew and conductor take newborns to 12 months and their parents on a musical journey featuring movement songs, lap activities, story time, group drumming exploration, and bubbles galore. The class explores a different instrument and genre every week and meets special puppet friends along the way. kidville.com
Moey’s Music Party
This joyful, interactive class introduces young children to songs, movement, puppets, phonics, and musical story time based on a weekly party theme. Summer themes include beach parties, cowboy parties, and princess parties. Summer classes in Central Park and school-year classes at various locations on the Upper East Side are available. moeysmusicparty.com
My Gym
For ages 7-13 months, Tiny Tykes learn a variety of stretches, exercises, songs, agility skills, and introductory tumbling. A relationship of movement and physical activity develops as they discover their new mobility and body control. The class wraps the work in fun and laugher, so the babies are having a blast while learning and developing. my-gym.com
New York Kids Club
Rooted in thematic, age-appropriate lessons Cuentos Musica Y Arte immerses children 18-36 months in Spanish language through music, story, art, and play. Their enthusiastic native speaking instructors introduce a number, a letter, a shape, and an animal every class. A fun flash card art project, which brings the four elements together, allows the students to continue their learning at home. nykidsclub.com
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
Having fun while prepping for nursery school? It’s easy as ABC. Poppyseed has amazing art projects, musical collaboration with instruments, story circles, dancing, tumbling, and more! Meeting 2-3 times a week, tots and moms boogie and bond while forging new friendships for life. The perfect bridge between home and nursery school, Poppyseed is for babies, toddlers, and twos accompanied by adult. poppyseedprenursery.com
TLB Music
This spring and summer, babies and toddlers can take a special theme class—Betty Loves Broadway—in which students travel with an adorable NYC girl each week to discover a new Broadway musical in class, targeting developmental goals for each age group through play. The featured musicals include “Mary Poppins,” “Les Misérables,” and “The Lion King.” tlbmusic.com
