Editor’s Note: We will be updating our list of fall trial classes and open house events throughout the month of September–if you work with an awesome NYC kids’ venue, please email Mia Weber (mweber@manhattanmedia.com) for information on having your event or class listed here! In the meantime, also check out our guide to Fall Classes HERE!
92Y: The 92Y’s May Center Youth Sports, Swim ‘n Gym Fall Program Sampling will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 1-5 pm, for ages 5-12. Want your child to try out May Center’s Youth programs before you buy? Then join them for our Youth Sports, Swim ‘n Gym Program Sampling. From practicing gymnastic and water stroke techniques to learning dribbling and forehand fundamentals, you and your child will have the opportunity to view our facilities, meet with program directors and learn basic sport-specific skills. 92y.org/YouthProgramSampling
Advantage QuickStart Tennis: Advantage QuickStart is “real tennis” customized for kids! Their program teaches kids according to age & ability, starting at age 2. Sign up for fall now–first class is free for new students! Advantage offers convenient locations to choose from! Free classes are being offered on the dates and locations: Roosevelt Island Sports Park Gym, September 17 & 22; Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, September 18 & 21; Columbia Prep School Gym, September 19 & 20; Hunter College, September 20; and the United Nations International School, September 27. quickstartny.com
Applause NY: Applause usually sets trial classes or pop up classes after the start of their fall semester. Plus, this year, they also have a big family fun day event that is sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Moms In Training. The event is on September 20 from 11am-2pm and is for an amazing cause. Click HERE for more info. applauseny.com
apple seeds: The following locations will be offering free demo classes on Tuesday, September 8, and Saturday, September 12: apple seeds Chelsea (10 West 25th Street); apple seeds Upper West Side (200 West End Avenue); and Oval Kids by apple seeds (12 Stuyvesant Oval). Free demo classes are available in all classes with space availability (excluding apple seedlings: 2/3s playgroup, iHola! A Playgroup in Spanish, and Developmental Movement). Limited to two demo classes per family. Demo classes include music, art, science, construction, movement, dance, and more! Call 212.792.7590 (Chelsea and Oval Kids) or 212.792.7591 (Upper West Side) starting September 8 to schedule free demo classes. appleseedsplay.com & appleseedsovalkids.com
The Art Farm in the City: Anyone is welcome to take a trial of the Rocks, Smocks and Animals class at the Art Farm at any point in the fall semester–book your free trial today! Join the Art Farm on an animal adventure as they jump with the frogs and hop with the bunnies and learn about a new animal every week. They start out groovin’ to the guitar, bouncing with the balls and dancing with friends as they sing along with all types of instruments. As the class waits with anticipation to meet the star of the show, “The Animal of The Week”, students play and learn with toys that are similar to the animal visitor and just before he comes everyone settles down for a story. Once the special animal appears students get to touch, enjoy, and hear all about him. Every other week the class pulls out the paint, glue, feathers, sand and more to create an animal masterpiece. This class is offered for ages 14-24 months, 1-4 years (mixed ages), and 2-3 years. Click HERE to view the schedule and HERE to register. theartfarms.org
ArtMuse: ArtMuse is offering Private Art Series for Kids and Private Family Tours. Private series can be booked for a monthly or bimonthly basis. Private Family Tours can be organized at set days and times at the museum or gallery of your choice. Tours are customizable and great for any age! Introduce your child to the exciting world of New York’s Art scene with ArtMuse (for ages 3 and older). artmuseny.com
Asphalt Green: Asphalt Green will be hosting a Zumba Party and Open House on Saturday, September 19, from 12:30-1:30pm, at its Battery Park City campus. Bring a friend or the whole family! Members, non-members, and kids of all ages are welcome. They’ll have a DJ playing the best Latin tunes, so you’ll be movin’ and groovin’ in no time. After you’ve worked up a sweat, stick around and explore their new and improved facility, which will be open to the public! asphaltgreen.org
Baby Fingers: Join Baby Fingers to sing and sign! Baby Fingers Drop-in Classes take place on Thursdays at 11:45am at Kids at Work on West 27th Street and at 1:15pm at Karma Kids Yoga on West 23rd Street. mybabyfingers.com/schedule
Ballet Hispanico: Stop by the Ballet Hispanico School of Dance anytime this fall for a free trial class! The Los Pasitos Early Childhood Program (ages 2-5) merges creative movement and Latino culture to form a fun atmosphere in which spatial awareness and self-expression can flourish, while the Encuentros Open Class Program (ages 6-18) offers cultural enrichment alongside superior dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Salsa, and more. ballethispanico.org
Ballet School NY: Join the fun at Ballet School NY’s Open House on Saturday, September 12, from 11am-1pm, at St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery (11th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Participate in a ballet class for children ages 4-10. Relax and enjoy refreshments as well as short dance performances by BSNY students. Find out why one parent said: “As a former ballet dancer I could not wait to enroll my daughter at Ballet School NY. I came here because of the attention to detail, emphasis on artistry, discipline, and education of the whole dancer. My daughter LOVES ballet and can’t get enough. Ballet School NY and all of the opportunities it provides have created an artist out of my 7-year old.” nytb.org
Bija Kids: Join Bija Kids on Saturday, October 10, from 10am-12pm for an Open House. Meet their teachers, see their space, and speak with their director. Children’s activities will available throughout the morning including puzzles, dough, paint, music, and bubbles. Open Houses are a perfect time to learn about Bija Kids’ preschool, camp, and playgroup programs! RSVP HERE to attend. bijakids.com
Chabad Preschool at Beekman Place: Chabad Preschool has two great classes, with free trials, for babies and toddlers starting this fall. The first is Baby Loves Music and Sign with Susan Izatt, for ages 4-18 months–come by to the first class on October 12 for a free trial! The second is Baby Loves Shabbat with Raizy Metzger, for ages 6-18 months–come by to the first class on Thursday October 15 for a free trial! For dates, rates and info: ChabadSutton.org
Children’s Museum of the Arts: Join the Children’s Museum of the Arts for a special WEE Arts Trial Class on Wednesday, September 16 (1:45-3pm)! Introduce your child to the WEE Arts Studio (dedicated to ages 5 and under), get to know the staff of professional Teaching Artists, learn all about WEE Arts Early Childhood classes, and experience all these art-filled classes have to offer! WEE Arts Registration Classes offer an exploratory, stimulating, inviting, and safe environment for children and their families to become familiar with basic art materials, while nurturing creativity, curiosity and developmental growth. Classes are a great way to help young artists build confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem over time, while having loads of fun! See for yourself on September 16! The trial class is for ages 5 and under with a caregiver; cost of the trial is $25 per family (up to five family members); the trial is drop-in so there’s no need to register in advance. cmany.org
Citibabes: Join Citibabes for a sample class on the following dates: September 9, 10, 21, and 22. If you have’t tried them yet, come and try Citibabes’ popular programs in Music, Movement, Art, Science, Musica Para Babes, Yoga, Colores, Ballet, CHKA Karate (9/9, 12:45pm by appointment only), as well as their new programs in Speech and Language Toddler Classes, Toddler French, Spanish and Mandarin Classes, Spanish Cooking Class, Drama, Architecture, and more! Plus, view Citibabes’ new classrooms, meet their teachers, and learn about the current programs still available this fall! Enroll the day of your trial and receive five additional fall drop-in classes! citibabes.com
Collina Italiana: Collina Italiana is offering a trial class for “Girotondo” on Monday, September 21, from 3:15-4pm (age 3 to 4) and 4:15-5pm (age 5 to 6). RSVP by September 18. This year-round kids’ program offers comprehensive language learning and hands-on instruction in the arts to children from ages 2-5. In Girotondo (“Circle”) an experienced instructor provides opportunities for kids to learn Italian through play and activities: games, songs, dances, story telling, and film (Disney movies in Italian). Participation in multiple arts and crafts projects also reinforces the children’s Italian language skills. Children are placed in groups (max. 7 children) according to age. collinaitaliana.com
The Craft Studio: The Craft Studio’s Mommy and Me class on Monday, September 14, is a free trial day! Then they are also doing a trial with a sampling of all their amazing classes, like an open house, on Thursday September 10, from 3-4pm. craftstudionyc.com
Creative Play for Kids: Creative Play for Kids is a music, movement, and play program for ages 3 months to 3 years is offered at several locations throughout Manhattan. Little ones will enjoy singing, dancing, open play, stories, and instrument playing. They always offer trial classes for first-time clients throughout the year for $15. creativeplayforkids.com
Diller-Quaile School of Music: Share the joy of music with your family! Children 3 months to 3 years and their accompanying adults are invited to make music through singing, storytelling, and the playing of instruments at Diller-Quaile. Each class features a music teacher and professional pianist. Diller-Quaile is offering free Early Childhood Trial Music Classes on both September 19 and October 3, from 11-11:45am. Please call or email ahead, space is limited: 212-369-1484, ext. 43; dappleton@diller-quaile.org. diller-quaile.org
Discovery Programs: Discovery Programs will host the following trial classes: The Music and Me, September 8 at 9:15am (19-24 months), 10:15am (24-36 months), and 12:15pm (6-12 months); Sidekicks (3-4 years) on September 10, at 3pm; Heroes (Pre-Parkour for 5-6 years) on September 10 at 3:45pm;and Teen Parkour (12-15 years) on September 10 at 4:50pm. discoveryprograms.com
Eastside Westside Music Together: ESWS Music Together invites you to take a free trial class by clicking HERE. The fall semester begins September 16 and goes for 12 weeks (once a week for 45 minutes with unlimited makeups classes). All classes are mixed age. Baby classes (under 6 months) begin in October. The following demo classes will be offered at the Center for Family Music (102 W 75th Street: Mixed-age demos for ages 0-4, September 8 at 10:30am, September 11 at 4:30pm, and September 15 at 10:30am; Baby Demos for ages 6 months and under, September 21 at 12:30pm, September 22 at 12:15pm, September 25 at 12pm, and October 8 at 12:30pm. The following demo class will be offered at Equinox Sports Club (67th Street at Columbus): Baby Demos for ages 6 months and under, September 22 at 12:15pm. The following demo class will be offered at St. Bartholomew’s Church (50th Street at Park): Baby Demos for ages 6 months and under October 6 at 12pm. The following demo class will be offered at Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (86th Street at Broadway) Baby Demos for ages 6 months and under, October 6 at 12:15pm. The following demo classes will be offered at Manhattan Church of Christ (80th Street at Madison): Baby Demos for ages 6 months and under, September 25 at 12pm and October 22 at 12:30pm. There are additional demos at Yogi Beans (73rd street at Lexington) on September 2 at 1pm and 2:50pm; and at the Art Farm (91st street at York) on September 11 at 9:30am. Have questions? Email Fleur Dobbins, ESWS Music Together Center Manager, at fleur@eswsmusictogether.com. eswsmusictogether.com
Gymboree of Manhattan: September is Open House Month at Gymboree of Manhattan! Customers can do one free trial of any gym, music, art, sports, or performing arts class all month long. You can sign up for a free trial at gymboreeclasses.com. Furthermore, they are offering free tours of their Preschool programs for ages 2-4. Gymboree will use STEAM, Leap Frog Phonics, Handwriting Without Tears, Putumayo music and social studies, and Gymboree activities for a wonderful comprehensive educational experience that nurtures the children emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Individual tours can be booked by contacting us at manhattan@gymboreeclasses.com.
Gymtime: While Gymtime doesn’t have a set trial or open house date for their fall classes, new families are always welcome to come in for a free trial–Gymtime will also be hosting a week of Open Houses events during the week of September 28. The Open House schedule is as follows: Monday: 10:05am – Cross Trainers (18-2 Years), 10:55am – Cross Trainers (2-3 Years), 1:30pm – Gym’ny Crickets (3-4.11 Years), and
3:30pm – Girls Gymnastics (5+ Years); Tuesday: 10:55am – PEP (2-3 Years) and 1:30pm – Sports (3-4.11 Years); Thursday: 9:15am – Cross Trainers (2-3 Years), 10:05am – Cross Trainers (16-20 Months), 10:55am – PEP (18 Months-2 Years), 12:30pm – Gym’ny Crickets (3-4 Years), and 2:30pm Gym Chef (3-4 Years); Friday: 10:05am – Music (18 Months-2 Years), 10:55am – Music (2 – 3 Years), 9:15am – Cross Trainers (18-2 Years), and 2:30pm – Crickets (3-4.11 Years); Saturday: 9am – Sports (3-4.11 Years), 12:15pm – Girls Gymnastics (6-8.11 Years), and 12:15pm – Boys Gymnastics (6+ Years). Click HERE to read more about the Open House events. gymtime.net
¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish: ¡HOLA! has a number of free trial classes coming up this fall at their various locations. Free trial class dates are as follows for ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish at apple seeds/Flatiron (10 West 25th Street): Toddler Program (12-23 months) Tuesday, September 29, 10:45-11:30am; Two’s-Three’s Program, Tuesday, September 29, 4-4:45pm; Four’s- Five’s Program drop-off, Thursday, October 1, 3:45-4:45pm; and 18 Months – Three’s, Friday, October 2, 10:30- 11:15am. Free trial class dates are as follows for ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish at other Manhattan locations: 18 Months – Three’s, Thursday, October 1, 10:30- 11:15am (at Doodle Doo’s, 11 Christopher Street); and 18 Months – Three’s, Friday, October 2, 1:30- 2:15om (at Playgraden, 95 Franklin Street). Free trial class dates are as follows for ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish in Queens: 18 Months – Three’s, Friday, October 2, 10:30-11:15am (at All Star Studios, 108-21 72nd Avenue, 4th Floor, Forest Hills). holaplaygroup.com
HudsonWay Immersion School: HudsonWay Immersion School will have an Open House on both October 9 at 9am, and on October 20, at 6:30pm. HudsonWay Immersion School’s innovative approach to learning fosters children’s individual growth, development and creativity, transforming students from pre-K to grade 5 into global citizens ready to Navigate the World. Immersion education is a model in which students learn subject matter (math, science, social studies, and language arts) using the target language as the vehicle. The long-term benefits include enhanced mental development, flexibility in thinking and reasoning, and greater cultural sensitivity. The school offers full day and after school programs in Mandarin and Spanish for children of all language levels. To learn more or RSVP, call (212) 787-8088 or visit hwis.org.
ibidPREP: Schedule a free practice test at ibidPREP’s sun-filled Upper West Side offices and receive our professional evaluation on your 8th grader’s chances on the SHSAT and your 11th grader’s chances on the ACT, SAT or new SAT! Contact them at info@ibidprep.com or 212.787.0374 for more info. ibidprep.com
Intellectual Kids Club: Intellectual Kids Club–a unique multidisciplinary and greatly entertaining program that makes accessible to kids of all ages World Literature, Drama, Philosophy, and more–is offering trial classes starting Saturday, September 19, and every Saturday until October 10, at 11am at Church Street School for Music and Art. Please RSVP HERE or call 917-588-3965. intellectualkidsclub.com
JCC Manhattan: Join the JCC for a trial class at your convenience this fall so you can learn first-hand what makes their programs so special. Check out aquatics, art, dance, music with Little Maestros, sports, tumbling/gymnastics, and more (ages birth-18 years). Trial classes vary by department; please call 646-505-4444 to connect with a program director for more information. jccmanhattan.org
Jodi’s Gym: Jodi’s Gym is offering two weeks of sample classes: September 15-26 in the classes listed here. Customers can view class schedules HERE and call Jodi’s Gym at 212.772.7633 to reserve their spot. Available sample classes: Teeny Tumblers (9-14 months); Mighty Muscle Movers (12-35 months); Jodi’s Jumpstart (2-3 years); Baby Fingers (3-15 months); Tumbling Tots (3-5 years); FUN-tastic Gymnastics (5-12 years); and Ninja Challenge (4-8 years). jodisgym.com
Kids at Art: There is still some space available in Kids at Art’s classes, which start September 16 and run through January 22. This season they’re excited to be offering a varied arts program, including fashion design & sewing classes, plus teen and adult art classes! Try a class for free! kidsatartnyc.com
Launch Math & Science Centers: Launch Math & Science Centers provide toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and workshops. And this fall, Launch is opening a new year-round center in Tribeca! There will be an Open House at Launch Tribeca on September 12 from 10am-1pm (at 27 North Moore Street). Call 212-219-1999 or email info@launchmath.com. Visit launchmath.com for more information on fall classes and register your child today!
MAGIC Activity Center: Try a class for free! For children ages 2 months-5 years, all of MAGIC’s classes are available for a free trial. Sports and Tumbling classes promote physical strength and teamwork. Art and music are all about process not product, exploring color, shape, texture, and sound to expand creativity. Mommy and Me Little Gym classes introduce appropriate stimuli, promote coordination, and explore the early stages of sequencing both the body and the mind. magicactivitycenter.com
Manhattan Movement and Arts Center: Come in for a free trial of any MMAC Kids class during the month of September. They offer a variety of Pre-Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop classes for children ages 2 and up. Come and see what their Happy Haven is all about. Give them a call at 212-787-1178 or email them at mmackids@manhattanmovement.com. manhattanmovement.com
Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals: Music for Aardvarks is having an open week with $1 classes, September 14–21! Come check it out and see why everybody raves about Music for Aardvarks. Music for Aardvarks has locations all over Manhattan and you can even start learning the songs and play on your iPhone or iPad with their App. Schedule your open house visit at MusicForManhattan.com.
PandaTree: PandaTree tutors make gaining Mandarin Chinese fluency fun. One-on-one video sessions are tailored to your child’s interests. Kids love earning pandas and adding new words to their word list. PandaTree offers 50 percent off the first session, and a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. PandaTree.com
Pins & Needles: Join P&N for a Studio Open House on Saturday, October 24, from 3-5pm! Come tour the studio, see sample projects from class, and learn more about the program. A complimentary 30 minute sewing clinic will also be offered for new students ages 7 and up. Students will get an overview of the sewing machine–three sessions will be available (3-3:30pm, 3:45-4:15pm, and 4:30-5:00pm). There are limited spots available so sign up fast (first come first serve). No experience necessary and suitable for ages 7 and up. Call 212-535-6222 or e-mail (info@pinsandneedlesnyc.com) to register. There will also be an exciting raffle to enter and special 10 percent discount on class/workshop fees to those families who sign up for any of the upcoming 2015 classes/workshops and Winter 2016 semester during the event! pinsandneedlesnyc.com
Pixel Academy: The Pixel Academy is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Club Pixel in Manhattan for the 2015-16 year! Located at 364 Easy 69th Street on the Upper East Side, the new space will host young creators ages 7-14 using our cutting-edge technology and expert Pixel Academy staff starting this September. Students can register now for project-based workshops in Minecraft Modding, Video Game Design and much more. Pixel Academy invites all prospective families to help us kick off the year at their open house event, Monday-Friday, September 7-11, 3-6pm. Full information and registration for Club Pixel can be found at Club.PixelAcademy.org.
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery: Poppyseed is having a free Open House on Wednesday, September 9, from 3:30-6pm (for babies, toddlers, and 2’s with parent). At Poppyseed, tots and 2s with adults enjoy frequent contact and a daily routine of singing and dancing, playing with toys, arts and crafts, a mini-gym, and snack and story time. Poppyseed is the perfect bridge between home and nursery school. poppyseedprenursery.com
Preschool of Rock: Back to School with Preschool of Rock is a special open house event for local families to promote the new Fall Fiesta Preschool of Rock classes beginning mid-September in Fort Greene and DUMBO in Brooklyn (10-week sessions start September 17). Families are invited to join to meet the instructors for the new season, explore exciting instruments, experience a free interactive performance, and indulge in giveaways. Fall Fiesta dates and locations are as follows: Fort Green (469 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn), September 8 (Move with Grace at 10am); DUMBO (68 Jay St, Brooklyn), September 8 (Abundant Learning at 10am). register.preschoolofrock.com
Rutgers Community Programs: Come in and play at RCP’s Free Open House event: The Rutgers Community Programs Explorathon on Saturday, September 12, 9:30am-12:30pm. Families with children 1-6 years are cordially invited to stop in for a fun-filled tour of Rutgers’ beautiful play rooms, art studio, and gym. Meet RCP’s talented staff and learn about their terrific fall lineup of family playgroups, Ready, Set, Go! preschoolers program, and kids’ art, dance, theater, and gym classes. Plus, register for a class and get $25 off for attending the Explorathon. RSVP HERE! rutgerschurch.org
The School at Steps: Bring the joy of dance to your child through various styles including ballet, hip hop, jazz, theater dance, and more! Come in for a trial class ($40), or enroll in Steps’ Young Dancers (ages 2-5) and Technique (ages 6-18) Programs this fall! The School at Steps is offering free trials in select Young Dancers (ages 2-5) and Technique (ages 6-18) classes from October 13 through November 2. stepsnyc.com
Shooting Stars NYC: Shooting Stars NYC will be offering a trial hip hop dance class for their “Lil Stars!” This class takes place every Tuesday, 4:30-5:30pm. This high energy movement class is geared towards dancers ages 6-8. These stars will learn a slammin’ routine with the proper dance technique to back it up! Once these Lil stars are older, they have the option of advancing onto a Shooting Stars competitive award winning dance team! This class runs for a full semester. Shooting Stars is offering a trial class for $30 on Tuesday, October 6. For more information about Shooting Stars visit shootingstarsnyc.com or call 212-987-2203 to sign up for a trial.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts: The fall semester at Stagecoach Theatre Arts begins on September 12 at the beautiful Town School (a new venue). Stagecoach Theatre Arts offers classes in acting, dance and singing for children ages 4-14. Interested in setting up a trial class? Call 346-678-8989. stagecoachschools.com
TADA! Youth Teather: TADA! is having an Open House even on September 19, with sample classes for different age groups happening throughout the day: Ages 2-3, 10-10:45am; ages 4-5, 10:45-11:30am; ages 6-8, 11:30am-12:15pm; ages 9-14, 12:15-1pm. Come and join TADA! for a sample class and a Q&A session with two teaching artists and staff members. RSVP online HERE! tadatheater.com
TLB Music: Everyone gets a free trial music class at TLB! TLB Music’s group music classes are designed to enhance development of motor, language, cognitive, and social skills while introducing children to all genres of music and a large assortment of classical and folk instruments. This Fall & Winter’s theme is Noisy New York, a musical exploration of our favorite city! tlbmusic.com
Voilà Chocolat: Voilà Chocolat is hosting free kids’ chocolate education events (RSVP required), to celebrate their new just-for-kids chocolatiering experiences. Free classes take place from 4-4:30pm (6 and under) and 4:30-5pm (7 and older) every Wednesday from September 16 to October 21, 2015. Your child will get to sample several kinds of fine chocolate (and other handmade treats), learn how chocolate is made, discover what makes dark chocolate different from milk chocolate, and what “white chocolate” really is, examine a real cocoa pod and taste natural cacao nibs, complete her or his own chocolate-themed drawing, and start off on a lifetime of more informed, finer chocolate appreciation! Click HERE to RSVP!
Yogi Beans: The following is a list of Yogi Beans’ trial classes for Fall. Starting on Tuesday, September 8 there will be $15 Kids Yoga Trials and $20 New Mommy Trials for all Studio classes at Yogi Beans UES Studio; call 212-585-BEAN (2326) to schedule a trial class; CLICK HERE for full schedule. On Sunday September 13, there will be a Yogi Beans Open House @ Pure Yoga West with $15 trials of the following: From 10:30-11:15am, Me & My Bean Yoga (Walkers-3 Years); and from 11:15am-12pm, Family Yoga (4-8 Years); CLICK HERE to sign up or call Pure West (212-877-2025). yogibeans.com
YMCA of NYC: Located throughout New York City, local branches of the Y offer a variety of programs for kids of all ages, from pre-K through teen. There are traditional sport clinics, parent/child and group swimming lessons, fitness, art, music, dance, performing arts and visual art classes, and, for older kids, martial arts training and academic enrichment classes. Open House events will be happening at branches throughout the city on September 12 and 26, and October 10. ymcanyc.org
