Editor’s Note: For more on classes in New York City, see our 2014 Guide To Kids’ Classes
Tech-tastic
It’s undeniable that kids these days are going to wind up more tech-savvy than their parents. So why not hop on the very sleek and cool bandwagon and nurture your child’s tech tendencies with a fun class? RoboFun (on the Upper West Side) uses a philosophy of constructivism in their LEGO robotics classes to help students “learn, accomplish, and impact.” Or get into the tech groove in a scientific manner with any of SciTech Kids’ inquiry-based classes and programs. The focus is on scientific literacy and critical thinking so students pick up a myriad of skills while carrying out experiments and building their own inventions. Encourage young gamers to delve deeper into their hobby with programming and gaming workshops from Launch Math & Science Centers. At launch, kids can explore app development, graphics, computer programming, and plenty more 21st-Century learning topics.
Crafty Cool
Arts and crafts are a longtime staple of childhood learning—but what’s exciting is that the city is now offering more craft-based programming than ever. Hiho Batik—a unique and family-friendly boutique and batik studio with locations in Park Slope—offers Make Your Own activities by appointment, walk-in, and for parties and private classes, where kids and fams can create their own traditional batik designs on clothing, tote bags, and more. Also in Park Slope, cultured kids can get their fold on at Taro Origami Studio. The Studio offers hands-on corners, classes, and workshops for kids of all levels—all dedicated to the beautiful craft of Japanese paper folding. Loop of the Loom on the Upper East side offers even more traditional craft instruction— as the first-ever certified SAORI studio, gallery, and authorized SAORI loom distributor, their classes will send your child home with heaps of hand- woven goodies and an appreciation of an ancient art form. If a more all-encompassing approach to crafts is more your child’s idea of fun, turn to the Craft Studio on the Upper East Side. From private classes to afterschool programs to birthday party options, kids can pop in for painting, drawing, sculpting, and more!
Weird & Wonderful
As of late, the trend towards quirky class offerings has really taken off. Hipster tots can get their groove on with the Baby DJ School—an interactive music program for kids ages 3-36 months and their care- givers—at several Brooklyn locations (and soon to be offered in Manhattan as well). And at the unusual intersection of tech-based and crafty is the Brooklyn Robot Foundry (offered at several Brooklyn locations, as well as in Tribeca) where imaginative kiddos can pair everyday items with engineering concepts to craft their own ‘bots. For an off-the- beaten-path option for little nature-lovers, round up the whole family for the New York City Audubon’s Birding For Families class in Central Park (free, every Sunday March-May), which promises a birding adventure every week in addition to lessons in spotting and identifying birds.
