New York City kids can get creative with make your own chocolate, robots, and soap classes.
Make-your-own classes are a great choice for kids who want to have a truly unique experience. They will have a memorable and educational time making something that is uniquely their own. We’ve rounded up a bunch of classes for the artsy and tech-savvy kids in your life.
Voilà Chocolat
At Voilà Chocolat kids learn and apply the culinary techniques of master chocolatiers. Besides crafting chocolate, kids learn the history of certain chocolates and science behind the making and baking of the sweets themselves; so it’s both fun and educational. Voilà Chocolat occasionally hosts free kid-friendly educational events, so check their online calendar for details. Parents can join their kids in making chocolates, or, just kick back in the café with a fresh espresso or a glass of wine or prosecco. www.voila-chocolat.com (221 W 79th St., Upper West Side, Manhattan;
212-920-8799)
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Children’s Museum of Art (CMA)
The Children’s Museum of Art offers tons of classes for kids, but some of the best are offered in their birthday party packages. Jackson Pollock-inspired painting parties for young ones and animal birthday parties are just a few of the artsy options. www.cmany.org (103 Charlton St., South Village, Manhattan; 212-274-0986)
 Kids getting creative at Loop of the Loom
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Loop of the Loom
Loop of the Loom is the only SAORI hand-weaving (a ZEN art of weaving from Japan that is dedicated to free expression and self-development) studio for children. The classes teach children to weave their own personal tapestry. Other items kids can create include hats, bags, scarves, and pillows. www.loopoftheloom.com (227 E 87th St., Upper East Side, Manhattan; 212-722-2686)
Ample Hills Creamery
Kids can make their own ice cream at this creamery’s Prospect Heights or Gowanus location. At either locale, young guests take a spin on the famous Ample Hills Ice Cream bike, which, when the pedals are in motion, churns out—you guessed it!—ice cream. They also host parties where kids can decorate a custom placemat, tote bag, apron or photo frame (all materials provided), and receive personalized photos. www.amplehills.com (Prospect Heights: 623 Vanderbilt Ave., Gowanus: 305 Nevins St. 347-240-3926/347-725-4061)
Hiho Batik
This Brooklyn-based experiential retail store and art studio offers kids and adults the chance to buy and make unique items that are usable pieces of art. Classes, walk-in, and open studio sessions are available. For kids, DIY T-shirt classes are popular, and new options include Make Your Own Animal Mask (age 3+); Make Your Own Dream Catcher (6+) and Make Your Own Wizard Hat & Wand (4+). www.hihobatik.com (184 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-622-4446)
City Treehouse
This interactive, indoor water play space is designed to resemble a treehouse; and the downstairs area hosts a plethora of classes for young ones. Soap-making classes are a new trend there. Children learn how bars of soap are made and shaped right on-site, and then they get to make their own soap in a variety of shapes, colors, and layers. Best for ages 5 and older. www.citytreehouse.com (129 W. 20th St., Chelsea, Manhattan; 212-255-2050)
Taro’s Origami Studio
Taro’s is dedicated to the art and expression of origami folding. Special tablet software shows each child how to fold colorful paper into artwork, then kids can choose their own model to create, from animal faces to Christmas-themed designs; more than 70 models to choose from! Special gift bags are provided so kids can carry their masterpieces home safely without tearing. www.tarosorigami.com (95 7th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-360-5435)
 The fun, colorful supplies at LittleBits |
LittleBits
There’s a new retail store in SoHo where robots come to life. LittleBits kits are Lego-like sets that allow kids to build and invent their own electronics. The colorful building blocks snap together to let youngsters of all ages create real-life inventions. Kids can build cars that zoom around a track, guitars and keyboards that really play, or make their own mini-golf course. Invention advisors are always available to walk girls and boys through each project using motors, circuits, cables, bitsnaps, and wheels. Littlebits.cc (355 W. Broadway; SoHo, Manhattan; 917-924-4577)
The Foxgrove
Kids can make their own DJ/EDM Mix at The Foxgrove; the world’s first private DJ school, based in New York City. At the parties, kids as young as nine learn the process of creating music while still having fun; each child creates their own 2-3 minute mix and it comes together to form a playlist, which they get to keep. Classes for kids and teens include Intro to Electronic Music Production, Intro to Electronic Music Production + Supervised Playtime Sessions and Private Production Tutors and DJ Classes. www.thefoxgrove.com (4th Floor, 43 W. 29th St., Midtown West, Manhattan; 917-388-3204)
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