Our Cool Winter 2013 Classes Guide

Wintertime is the perfect time to sign up your child for a wonderful extracurricular class in music, dance, art, sports, cooking, gymnastics, or more. Good thing our city has an amazing array of offerings when it comes to kids’ classes. Here are our favorites for all ages and skill levels available this season.

Capoeira is a Brazilian form of martial arts that combines dance, music, and simple acrobatic moves. It’s played as an interactive game inside a circle with music and songs. Capoeira class, for ages 3-5, helps children develop motor coordination, balance, flexibility, and an awareness of space. The class promotes achievement, leadership, and community through focus, discipline, and respect. 14streety.org

MAGIC’s colorful baby gym has been called “a treasure chest for little ones” by the Wall Street Journal. Tiny Tumblers is a 45-minute class for children 6-10 or 11-18 months where they develop gross motor skills through a gently guided exploration of MAGIC’s specially designed equipment. 74magic.com

Cultivate the natural artist and mover in your child with 92Y’s unique, innovative WonderDance. Children create dances, embody their imaginations, learn to communicate with others, and explore concepts like body shape, space, and rhythm. Go beyond “music & movement!” 92Y.org

In the popular pay-as-you-go Musical Playdate class, a guitar playing teacher leads the class in giggles, dance, and song by performing favorite nursery rhymes and other great children songs. Multiple locations in NYC. abcdoreme.com

When you snack on potato chips or enjoy spicy Thai noodles, do you ever wonder where your food comes from? How was it grown? What makes it so delicious? How do different cultures use food to celebrate? Children in grades 3-5 can explore these questions and much more at workshops based on the Museum’s new special exhibition, “Our Global Kitchen,” on Wednesdays this January. amnh.org

Is your kid a little bit Broadway and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll? In Half Broadway/Half Rock, children will spend the first half of the semester being introduced to a different Broadway show each week. In the second, they’ll explore a different rock band, belting out favorite tunes from past and present. applauseny.com

Can’t decide what classes to sign up for? To get a little bit of everything, apple seeds created a 45-minute combo class that’s essentially four classes for the price and time commitment of one: class hoppers! Join for four weeks of COOKing monsters, four weeks of my Chelsea art opening, four weeks of OOOHHH…AAAHHH…IIICCCKKK science, and four weeks of build it! break it! fix it! Kids can have it all. appleseedsplay.com

Children can learn about a new animal every week at The Art Farm in the City this winter. Class begins with groovin’ to the guitar, bouncing with the balls, and dancing with friends while singing along with all types of instruments. Once the Animal of the Week appears, tots can touch, enjoy, and hear all about him. Every other week, they’ll also play with paint, glue, feathers, sand, and more to create an animal masterpiece. theartfarms.org

ArtXplorers art series for 3- to 6-year-olds will take place this season on a bi-monthly basis on Fridays at 2:30pm. The class will explore museums such as the Metropolitan Museum, Jewish Museum, New York Historical Society, Guggenheim Museum, and others. Themes for this series will include Mythological Creatures; Mysteries of Ancient Egyptian Mummies; Princes, Princesses and Knights; Pop, Splatter, Dot: Modern Art; and more. Each class will include admission to the museum, a tour, and an art project inspired by the art and completed in the museum. artxplorers.com

Asphalt Green’s Little Shooters Basketball Academy provides an excellent introduction to the basics of basketball for 3- and 4-year-olds. The age-appropriate curriculum includes the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting and helps develop sound motor skills through fun, dynamic games that keep kids moving. asphaltgreen.org/basketball

Atlantic’s Performance and Playwriting class is a wonderful opportunity for afterschool fun. This class will include fundamental acting exercises and an introduction to playwriting for grades 4-6. The class will bring together the elements of storytelling and performance with a final performance written, directed by and starring the young group. atlanticactingschool.org

Learn American Sign Language through songs and musical play with Baby Fingers! Help your baby or toddler to develop communication skills and strengthen your bond. Classes run in various locations, with a new winter session being offered at Chelsea’s Kids at Work. mybabyfingers.com

Girls and boys will develop their love of dance as well as their physical coordination, strength, and musicality in Ballet Academy East’s tap classes. BAE offers tap to ages 3 1/2-6 in a fun and nurturing environment. baenyc.com

Children’s Creative Dance Club classes introduce the student to age-appropriate ballet technique, musicality, and vocabulary. “Story Time” is incorporated into each class where students are introduced to the great classical ballets and to the history of ballet. Students learn body-space awareness, musicality, master locomotor and non-locomotor skills, gain physical confidence, and explore the use of time, space, and energy in dance. theballetclub.com

The bilingual Adventures in Dance program at Ballet Hispanico 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

Forget about boring Hebrew class from when you were a kid. Bilingual Birdies are flying uptown to the JCC in Manhattan for their awesome Hoppin’ to Hebrew program. Kids learn to speak Hebrew through live music, dance, puppets, and more! bilingualbirdies.com

Bilingual Buds’ Mommy and Me Mandarin Program is a playful and interactive immersion experience for children ages 1-3. Using Bilingual Buds’ full immersion model, Mandarin is introduced in context through theme-based stories and hands-on activities, including guided play, puppets, instruments, art projects, and more. The school’s high-energy preschool teachers ignite children’s natural language ability. Classes are small by design, providing an attentive setting for toddlers. bilingualbuds.com

Broadway Dance Center’s Children & Teen Program offers a four-week workshop in January for ages 6-12. This beginning ballet and jazz workshop introduces students to basic technique so they can excel as dancers. broadwaydancecenter.com

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 available in Italian, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Russian, and English for children from 6 months to 10 years old. carousellanguages.com

Baby Loves Shabbat! is a weekly class for babies 6-18 months and caregivers at The Chabad Preschool at Beekman Place. The gentle introduction to Jewish songs is centered around a Shabbat party of music, parachute play, candle-lighting, and Challah baking—bringing the joy of Jewish traditions alive while focusing on children’s development. chabadsutton.org

Little Aces Tennis at the Field House at Chelsea Piers is an exciting new tennis class for children ages 5-6 looking to become the next Roger Federer or Serena Williams. Players learn basic tennis skills while developing proper technique and simple tactics. Classes are held on Wednesday afternoons starting in March and utilize new tennis nets, rackets, and balls. chelseapiers.com/fh

Art Slam is a free monthly party full of music, a pop-up photobooth, food, and of course, art-making for sixth-ninth graders. These parties are a benefit of being a member of the Young Artist Kollective (YAK). YAK is a free program that provides emerging young artists with exclusive studio space and materials, artistic and technical guidance, opportunities to meet with guest artists, and a chance to learn about professional opportunities across the art world. cmany.org

CMOM’s Preschool Prep (2-3 years) is a signature early childhood curriculum and unique class environment that gives children opportunities to explore, investigate, socialize, and build trusting relationships through a positive, nurturing separation between child and parent/caregiver. Experienced teachers guide children through activities including art, music, science, movement, dramatic play, and story time. cmom.org

In classes for the youngest of thespians, kids ages 3-5 can stretch their imaginations, learn about storytelling, and participate in creative movement too. So brush off those crowns and practice those roars! Children will discover what happens between “once upon a time” and “happily ever after” as they adapt favorite classic and contemporary fairy tales. childsplaynyc.com

The Arts Express Preschool Drop-off Program is innovative music and art immersion for preschoolers 2-4 years old and incorporates Dalcroze eurhythmics, visual art, free play, story time, and snacks. Also offered as an alternative pre-K program to foster readiness in children through experience and exposure. churchstreetschool.org

In Bon Appétit, children and their parents will learn how to prepare food from a professional chef. In each class, students will learn how to prepare a specific recipe, as well as age-appropriate cooking techniques, food science/nutrition, and the opportunity to get creative with their food. Eating at the end of class is highly encouraged, and recipes will be given to kids to try out at home! citibabes.com

Giardino dei Bambini is a morning drop-off playgroup for kids ages 2-5. Children may join in on the fun every Tuesday and Thursday morning on an as-needed basis. Experienced instructors provide multiple opportunities for kids to learn Italian while gaining important socialization skills. The program offers language learning through games, activities, songs, dance, theater, and hands-on creativity. collinaitaliana.com

Has your child been tumbling since London 2012? Columbus Gym offers classes for little gymnasts 6 months-12 years. Kids have fun and build confidence, balance, coordination, and motor skills while exploring this 3,000-square-foot gym of beams, bars, rings, tumbling mats, a trampoline, and more! columbusgymnyc.com

ConstructionKids Winter After-School classes are for both experienced and new builders, grades K-4. Children learn basic tool safety and how to assemble materials in this active, creative class. Children work with drawings (blueprints), learn the history and context of building traditions, and work with a variety of materials. Classes run January 8 to March 19. constructionkids.com

On Wednesdays this winter from 4-5pm, The Craft Studio hosts a weekly Hip Hop Crafts class. Their very own hip hop diva will teach your child a routine after crafting an accessory to go along with the dance. Wristbands, bedazzled tanks, tie-dyed shoelaces, and much more! Winter classes run from January 3 to May 8. craftstudionyc.com

Rock out and groove, swing to the blues, or keep that beat in Creative Play for Kids Music and Movement Class this winter. In this fun and upbeat class, children hear a different musician and instrument each week. Every Monday afternoon on the Upper West Side, babies and toddlers sing, dance, and play to live instruments. creativeplayforkids.com

The Diller-Quaile Music Infants classes, for 4-8 months, foster development through singing and chanting, rhythmic taps and claps, bells and shakers, and bouncing and rocking. In addition to a head teacher, each class features a pianist who improvises accompaniments in a variety of musical styles. diller-quaile.org

Discovery Programs is now offering Gimnasia en Español. Taught entirely in Spanish, this class is a wonderful opportunity for Spanish-speaking adults and their children or for families that would like their child to be exposed to a second language. Children ages 25-36 months will jump, run, climb, balance, and swing in a state-of-the-art gym. discoveryprograms.com

Kiddies 4 months to 5 years have fun at The Early Ear’s Music Class through interactive sing-alongs, games, and stories. Little ones touch and play kid-sized instruments like the violin, cello, accordion, and more. Locations on Upper West and East Sides. Call 212-877-7125 for a FREE trial. theearlyear.com

The Babies Class, for birth to 7 months, will start your little one on a pathway of music development that will allow him or her to express inborn musicality. See how responsive to music your baby is and learn how to support these behaviors. Discover the joy of bonding with your baby musically. Music is another way of loving! eswsmusictogether.com

Is your kid too young to be stressed out? This is a common concern for parents, which is why East Side Yoga created a special class to help kids 7 and older to relax. Yoga exercises increase concentration, which can help kids take standardized tests and complete homework in a timely fashion. eastsidetaekwondo.com; eastsideyoganyc.com

EBL Coaching offers one-on-one and small group afterschool and weekend classes for academic skills building. PreK-12 students learn research-based, multi-sensory strategies for developing their reading, writing, math, study, and organizational skills. All students are personally assessed by the director, Dr. Emily Levy, who creates an individualized plan based on the needs of each student. Specialized programs for students with learning disabilities and ADHD are also available. eblcoaching.com

For those looking to improve their fundamentals while picking up some game time on the weekends, sign up for Knicks/Fastbreak Instructional Basketball League on Saturdays and Sundays. Players will develop proper shooting form, footwork, ball handling, and passing skills and get a chance to implement their improved skills during game play. The winter program includes a Knicks All-Star clinic and guest appearances by Knicks legends! fastbreakkids.com

À petits pas is a French language immersion program designed especially for toddlers by specialists in French early childhood education. The program will introduce your child to new sounds and to French culture as it deepens the parent-child bond, providing guides for continued learning and fun at home. fiaf.org

With Tot Gaga, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds finally get to enjoy The Gaga Center’s incredible space! This class teaches pre-gaga skills and introduces preschool concepts such as shapes, colors, numbers, and opposites. Tots practice early athletic skills including hand-eye coordination, throwing, catching, jumping, and stretching. gagacenter.com

Gymboree’s multi-level MUSIC program provides an active and playful approach that will have little ones ages 6 months to 5 years dancing, singing, and playing instruments together. Be it Beethoven or the Beatles, classic and contemporary musical styles are introduced for early exposure as you build a foundation of musical skills with your child. gymboreeclasses.com

Gymtime’s Tiny Tot Fitness program sparks the discovery and adventure in every child! Infants and toddlers are led through gently structured movement, music, and gross motor activities that help stimulate growth and development. Sign language is also integrated into activities, empowering pre-verbal babies with a new communication tool. gymtime.net

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 in the Hands On Musical Experience. Classes feature stories narrated by hand puppets, music, instrument exploration, and movement. handson4music.com

HiArt! founder and director, Cyndie Bellen-Berthézène, will lead kids in a wildly dotty hands-on new art class: From Japan with Love. Children will explore the fabulous work of Japan’s amazing Yayoi Kusama. So get your little ones ages 3-15 ready for painting, sculpture, collage, and more! Mondays 4:30-5:45pm. Be there or be dotty! hiartkids.com

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 UWS location. ¡HOLA! for Toddler through Two’s will take place on Friday mornings. The 18 week winter/spring session runs from February through June. holaplaygroup.com

The Making Jazz Friends winter term of WeBop, an early childhood jazz education program, focuses on getting to know legendary jazz musicians and celebrates some of the greatest musicians of all time. Kids sing with Louis Armstrong, share their favorite things with John Coltrane, and have a blast with family and friends! jalc.org/webop

CircusYoga blends the consciousness of yoga with the communal celebration of circus. For ages 7-10, the class fosters connection, play, and trust through group games and invention, partner acrobatics, flying partner yoga, clowning, creative movement, and circus skills such as juggling, balancing, devil sticks, and plates. Taught by Karma Kids Yoga®. jccmanhattan.org

Perfect for your active and creative 2-year-old, Jodi’s JUMPSTART is a great preparation, alternative, or addition to preschool. Teachers will guide your child through 90 minutes of education and fun! JUMPSTART is a blend of Jodi’s Gym’s signature gymnastics program, story time, art, music, and snack. jodisgym.com

Kids who sign up for ballet at Joffrey Ballet School in the West Village are trained in classical and contemporary ballet as well as other forms of dance, including modern, jazz, hip-hop, and character dance. A Children’s Program (ages 2-9) also offers Dance with Me (which includes parents or caregivers as the dance partner). joffreyballetschool.com

Kids learn about the butterfly lifecycle and transform into butterflies themselves at Butterfly Yoga on Tuesday, January 15. They’ll go from caterpillars to chrysalis to butterfly as they spread their wings and fly! Little ones ages 3-6 years can decorate their own sets of butterfly wings as they explore some favorite yoga poses and learn more about the marvelous metamorphosis of our friend, the butterfly. karmakidsyoga.com

Children ages 4 to 6 can learn golf indoors at UGA’s four new locations. The 60-minute Early Birdie program is filled with fun, golf-focused activities that capture children’s interest and keep them active. Traditional and modified equipment turn the conventional teaching of GASP (Grip Alignment Stance & Posture) into Games Attitude Success & Play. ktuga.com

Kick & Play is a fun-filled movement program for parents and toddlers 12-24 months where they can explore the world of physical activity with pre-soccer skills. It’s never too early to start Kicking and Playing! kickandplay.com

Classes for ages 5-12 are what Kids at Art has become known for. Children learn the basics of art in a warm, nurturing environment where everyone is an artist. Children will learn to use the various mediums: paint, pencil, cray-pas, watercolor, printmaking, as well as collage, sculpture, plaster, and paper mache. Young artists develop drawing skills and learn to draw and paint from a still-life or photograph. kidsatartnyc.com

Mess it Up II Drop-in at Kids at Work is a sensory and science-based art class designed for active and curious children ages 2-3 years. Projects include seasonal and literary themes and are not crafty but do leave room for lots of experimentation with a “mess is best” format. kidsatworknyc.com

The popular Multi-Sport Class offered by Kids In Sports covers all of the major team sports throughout the duration of the season. In this program, children will concentrate on baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. This class has been a favorite of children within the program year after year. kisnyc.com

Kidville’s After School All-Star Club debuts this winter at select locations. This new program for 3- to 5-year-olds includes activities in gym, art, dance, science, and more! Children will enjoy experiments from Savvy Scientists & Awesome Engineers, create structures inspired by the Construction Junction class, dance to the beat with Hip-Hop Dance Party moves, and kick, dribble, and score during Kidville Sports. kidville.com

Give your child the richest language-building experience possible in The Language Workshop for Children’s 2-1/2 hour French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese Immersion Preschool for ages 2 years and 10 months-4 years. LWFC Preschool is now enrolling for the second half of the preschool year. languageworkshopforchildren.com

Budding scientists in first through third grade will have a blast at Launch Math & Science Centers’ latest workshop, Actions & Reactions. From high-flying catapults to dramatic chemical reactions, kids find out what makes the world tick through hands-on physics and chemistry experiments. launchmath.com

Sign up for the newest Lil Yogi’s class offered this winter: Yoga Hip-Hop! Class will begin with some yoga stretching and then yogis will practice their dance skills and learn some hip-hop moves and routines. lilyogisnyc.com

Your child 4 months to 12 years will flip for The Little Gym…quite literally! The Little Gym offers a wide variety of classes that help to build your child’s confidence and physical skills all while having fun. From rolls to cartwheels, structured lesson plans promote development during each state of childhood. thelittlegym.com

Little Maestros, named Nickelodeon’s Parents Picks Best Music Class in NYC, is an early childhood educator-approved interactive class that both children and adults love! littlemaestros.com

Growing Crafters’ Afterschool Class offers fiber arts for motivated students ages 8-14. Classes are small and introduce the SAORI weaving method, which helps with the development of children’s manipulative skills through felting, spinning, and sewing. Each child works on his or her own project working from a collection of 500 materials in the studio. loopoftheloom.com

At Creative Dance classes, kids ages 3-7 develop a love of movement and creative expression as they work together to develop dance technique and explore choreographic ideas using elements of ballet and modern styles. kaufman-center.org/lms

Join Mad Science for Looney Life Labs at Jodi’s Gym on Wednesday afternoons this winter. Children ages 5-8 will engage in imaginative learning as they explore the natural world and its adaptations. They’ll observe creepy crawly bugs, make casts of animal tracks, and study the feeding habits of owls. Weekly topics include: Bugs, Earthworks, Walloping Weather, Mission Nutrition, All about Animals, and Life in the Sea. madscience.com/manhattan

The Mathnasium Enrichment Program is offered year-round for qualifying students in 2nd grade through pre-algebra. This program allows for 8 scheduled instruction hours/month. Each instructor works with 1-3 students every hour in a semi-private setting, combining individualized instruction with independent work in a fun environment. mathnasium.com

Every day is a party at Moey’s Music Party! Children explore instruments, songs, dances, phonics, and musical storytime based on weekly party themes that follow the seasons, holidays, and perennial kid-favorites like pirates, cowboys, and princesses. Creative, educational, and as much fun for adults as for the kids! moeysmusicparty.com

Tots love MoonSoup’s Messy Art & Music class! For ages 1-3 years, with an energetic interactive music section, plus hands-on, mushy-gushy art, mixed mediums, disco bubbles, and more! Free trial class. Free open play with enrollment. Uptown, Downtown, Astoria. moonsoup.net

In Spanish Stories and Music classes, children ages 3 and 4 explore Spanish vocabulary through songs and stories utilizing big, colorful, and engaging story books in Spanish. Activities include active play with memory cards and interactive audiovisual learning. Students make the stories come alive through creative musical activities. musicalkids.net

Celebrating 15 years of being a hip music class for babies and toddlers! Music for Aardvarks is an interactive program for babies and toddlers. Classes are available throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens this winter. musicforaardvarks.com

My Gym Upper East’s extraordinary program is devised to help children 6 weeks to 10 years of age develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Classes incorporate music, dance, relays, games, gymnastics, sports, and more. Children have fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility, and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence, and self-esteem. mygymuppereast.com 

The My Gym Yoga class, for ages 5 and older, combines traditional elements of yoga with My Gym’s philosophy of fitness made fun, and provides a positive, unique way for children to learn about their bodies, while building a strong foundation for a lifetime of practice. Participation in yoga results in a strong body, increased confidence and an uplifted spirit. my-gym.com/nyc

National Academy School

The Academy’s art classes for young students incorporate drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media in a learning environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. This winter, kids ages 6-9 in the Mixed Media course learn about all things terracotta sculpture, from clay-work skills to modeling to baking their works in the kiln. nationalacademy.org

Announcing a new pre-ballet class for 3- to 4-year-old children—the perfect introduction to dance and music from the company that presents Once Upon A Ballet at Florence Gould Hall! For information and registration, contact Roseanne Wells at [email protected]. nytb.org

One of the largest youth chess programs, NYChessKids spreads its love for the game through organizing tournaments, afterschool programs, and chess camps. Instructors also host classes at the New York Public Library and offer private lessons. nychesskids.com

My Preschool Playdate introduces learners 1-3 years old to a creative preschool environment. Led by a Brooklyn Explorers Academy Play Expert, this playdate explores arts, sciences, and literacy through play, games, storytime & crafts. Winter/Spring session begins February 11. brooklynexplorersacademy.com

Rooted in thematic age-appropriate lessons, the Cuentos Musica y Arte class immerses children 18-36 months and 3-5 years in the Spanish language through music, story, art, and play. Enthusiastic native-speaking instructors introduce a number, a letter, a shape, and an animal every class. Children delight in hearing classic English stories translated into Spanish, as well as children’s favorites from Hispanic cultures around the world. nykidsclub.com

Traditional African dance is an important expressive dance form at The School at Peridance. This energetic and vibrant class inspires young dancers and helps them gain discipline, confidence, and unity through the power of the arts. Boys and girls enjoy the live drums, learning traditional West African songs and dances, and having fun with movement. peridance.com/schoolatperi.cfm

From beginner water exploration to advanced swimming techniques, Physique offers classes for every kid including those with special needs. The littlest swimmers (6 months to 3 years) can join Me & My Shadow class. Kids 3 and up learn to swim from level Beginner 1 to Swim Team Prep. physiqueswimming.com

Have fun in Planet Han’s kitchen while learning Mandarin! An innovative cooking class for children designed to inspire, excite, and encourage love of healthy food. Participants increase their Chinese vocabulary; learn about techniques, tools, utensils, and ingredients; and pick up basics of etiquette, nutrition, and kitchen safety at Han Chefs. planethanchinese.com

Little dancers 18 months to 5 years old point, twirl, and leap in Playgarden Ballet. Classes are led by singing instructors and accompanied by a live pianist. All ballerinas perform for friends and family in a June costume recital! playgardennyc.com

Tots ‘n’ Babies boogie ‘n’ bond with parent or caregiver in cheerful song at Boogying Babes classes—drummin’ the beat, rockin’ in rhythm, swayin’ with scarves to the strum of a guitar, and playing “twinkle little star” all together in harmony. It’s as easy as ABC at Poppyseed Pre-Nursery! poppyseedprenursery.com

GoGoBabies: Tummy Time is an interactive class for baby and parent utilizing developmental movement, yoga, massage, breath work, song, and dance with a variety of props, instruments, and activities. Best for babies six weeks to rolling, the class is an 8-week series from January through March. prenatalyogacenter.com

Private Picassos brings the best of art studio to you. Enroll in Private and Group Art Lessons in the comfort of your home. All packages are customized for each client, giving your budding artist an engaging afterschool activity. privatepicassos.com

Stepping Stones is a program where 2s and 3s explore project play. Together they work on murals, build a spaceship, plant herbs, and watch root gardens grow. An all-time favorite is when the children care for caterpillars until they blossom into butterflies, then release them into the world! reeboksportsclubny.com; thesportsclubla.com

The Young Dancers Program welcomes children ages 2-6 to the exciting world of dance and music. Classes in this program are designed to introduce creative movement exercises that foster body coordination, rhythmic awareness, and a path to explore their own imagination. stepsnyc.com

Watch kids quickly turn their ideas into plastic 3D models they can hold in their hands at SciTech Adventures and SciTech Investigators! Children no longer have to daydream about dollhouses, superheroes, and robots. They design their creation and spark the engineer, artist, or architect within. sci-techkids.com

Kids can create their very own masterpieces as they study the masters in Scribble Press’ Famous Artists class (grades K-2 and 3-4) including: Picasso, Rousseau, Van Gogh, and Warhol. scribblepress.com

No school? Have your son or daughter spend President’s Break and Spring Break with Simply Sports. Offering 9am-3pm programming on all the days that your child has off from school, the sports program is great for children in grades K-6. simplysports.net

The well known and much respected Coach Fher offers a specialized development program to bring out the best soccer skills in kids ages 2.5-10. Classes are offered year-round throughout New York’s boroughs in both indoor and outdoor settings with a low coach-to-child radio. coachfher.com

In the socialgirlz:-) interactive 2-hour workshop—taking place on January 19 and February 16—girls ages 8-10 and 11-14 will build confidence and embrace inner beauty as they venture into young adulthood. The program will address topics such as: handling tough situations with friends and family, becoming goal-oriented, positive vs. negative thinking, and positive self-image. socialsklz.com

Kids ages 2-12 years old will learn how to score goals and dribble the soccer ball with their feet at SocRoc’s Turtle Bay CATS classes this winter and spring. Boys and girls will be taught teamwork and overall fitness in a high energy, positive, and fun class taught by SocRoc owner and former soccer pro James Christie. jcsocroc.com

At SPORTIME Randall’s Island, kids have a variety of classes to choose from. QuickStart tennis is 60 minutes of high energy fun on a half-court using innovative teaching techniques and specialized equipment designed for players 3-6 years old. QuickStart tennis is offered on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. sportimeny.com/manhattan

When the winter chill sets in, it’s time to get kicking indoors! Spots are filling up quickly, so register now to pass the winter blues with soccer smiles! supersoccerstars.com

TADA! Youth Theater’s weekly T.O.T.S. class (Theater on Their Scale), taking place on Monday mornings January through April, is intended for the youngest of thespians and their caregivers. This unique program develops language and coordination through musical movement. T.O.T.S. incorporates song, music, and story using cooperative play and creative exploration. tadatheater.com

Get into the act with Take Two Film Academy! Take Two is offering low-commitment Saturday filmmaking workshops this winter on the Upper West Side. Kids will write, direct, act, and edit their own short films. Appropriate for kids ages 8-16. taketwofilmacademy.com

Starting in January, advanced pastry chefs-in-the-making can join the exclusive new Cupcake Kids Club at Taste Buds Kitchen. Each Wednesday at 5pm, chefs meet to analyze and test delicious recipes from famous bakeries and learn advanced decorating techniques. The semester will end with a bake sale to benefit Cookies for Cancer. tastebudskitchen.com

Take a trip with Talia and the Time Machine! This winter at TLB Music, children can travel through the decades, learning about our country’s cultural and music history while targeting developmental goals. They’ll play Ragtime, Classical, Swing, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Disco, and much more. tlbmusic.com

At West Side Taekwondo, the Pee Wee Program for ages 4-5 promotes the ideals of discipline, respect, and confidence through activities that are designed to increase aerobic capacity, sharpen motor skills, and increase focus. Most importantly, through Taekwondo training, students will learn many valuable life lessons while actually having fun. Call to ask about a trial class. westsidetkd.com

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. My Little Academy is an early childhood program created for 3-year-olds following the instructional guidelines of the New York State Department of Education and New York State Standards. The curriculum promotes self-discovery and independence through hands on activities. ymcanyc.org

Yoga practiced as a family instills cooperation between siblings and mitigates rivalries. Siblings Yoga, for children ages 3-8 years old, introduces your beans to a healthy, lifelong activity that they can do together. Combines challenging physical poses with creative games, songs, and meditations. yogibeans.com