School will be out before you know it, which means now’s the time to start thinking about summer classes. Luckily, whether they’re looking to create a work of art, learn a new language, practice their swing or say “ohm,” there’s a class to suit every summer-loving city kid:
Dasha Wellness
Get your game on with Generation D, Dasha’s individualized fitness program for kids. Classes improve kids’ athletic skills while instilling a lasting dedication to healthy eating, fitness and mental and physical health. Programs are customized to the strengths, weaknesses and interests of each child.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This summer, kids ages 3-4 can explore the natural world around them in a series of classes that focus on a different theme each month. Members of the Eco Kids Club will engage in interactive stories, science experiments and art projects. Kids ages 4-5 can join the Science Squad and participate in more in-depth, hands-on experiments using live specimens and prototypes.
Art Farm In The City
Get ready to mix, measure and create as Mini Chef brings their “Culinary Playground” to The Art Farm! Kids will learn about good nutrition and creating yummy local and global cuisine through hands-on cooking activities.
Kids at Work
Chelsea’s
Kids at Work brings its music classes to the park with Sun Sessions!
Sun Sessions take place under shady trees in Hudson River Park and
Washington Square Park from June—August. Taught by two teachers
(including a guitarist), Sun Sessions are all drop-in classes.
The Early Ear
At The Early Ear, highly-skilled music teachers and pianists work together to introduce the magical world of music to children. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, kids engage in sing-alongs, movement and musical games and form music ensembles with friends.
Ballet Academy East
The BAE Summer Ballet Program offers classes for both the beginner and experienced dancer. The Primary Class (ages 6-7) and the Enrichment Class (ages 8-10) introduce basic ballet steps (no prior experience or auditions necessary). Other classes for students in Levels 1-4 are offered several times a week.
Karma Kids Yoga
Karma Kids Yoga’s StoryTime class for infants-6-year-olds combines puppets and yoga poses for a magical story time experience. As you read, you’ll come across animals and elements of nature that you know from yoga—you’ll pause, do the yoga pose, then continue with the story!
SPORTIME Randall’s Island/Manhattan
Ages 7-10 can sign up for Sportime’s Excel Tennis Camp on Randall’s
Island. Designed for USTA tournament and aspiring high school players,
kids will learn advanced strokes, participate in rallying drills and
match play with coaching, speed and agility training. Junior Tennis
& Sports Camp for ages 6-14 is also available, providing
professional tennis instruction with a variety of team sports including
soccer, softball, flag football and lacrosse.
Joffrey Ballet School
The Joffrey’s rigorous Ballet Intensive, offered for ages 12 and up, exposes young dancers to performances by companies like the American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet. The one- to eight-week course culminates in a student performance at a local theater. For ages 10-14, a Dance Camp prepares students working towards pointe with both barre and center exercises. At Summer Dance Camp for ages 3-9, kids are introduced to dance using arts, crafts, music and food.
Klub4Kidz
Let the kids rock out this summer with “songs for seeds,” the 12-week music program that encourages babies and children up to age 5 to dance, play and sing along with a live three-piece band. Kids will learn about instruments like guitars, keyboards and drums, and practice counting, animal sounds, nursery rhymes and more.
74th St. MAGIC
MAGIC’s Busy Bee Time is a unique “on my own” class that gives children ages 2.3-3.5 years the opportunity to explore a variety of activities including art, music, movement, cooking, science, games, stories and dramatic play. A first-time separation class, Busy Bee is a nurturing, small-group environment that allows children to gain confidence in their independence in preparation for nursery school.
apple seeds
Little book lovers are invited to join apple seeds this summer for their bookworms program! Children ages 2.5-4 years will share observations and participate in activities and projects that bring each story to life. They’ll explore faraway places, make new friends, learn and most importantly share quality time with parents and caregivers.
Gymboree Play & Music
Kids ages 2.5-5 years enrolled in Summer Bubble Camp, a two-hour drop-off program, enjoy playtime in the gym, music, art, science, story time and a snack. All families who enroll will also receive free Open PlayGym passes, and Manhattan families who enroll will also receive a free weekly Play & Learn class.
JCC in Manhattan
Kids ages 6-10 with spare time between school and camp can join the JCC in Manhattan for the all-new 10 Days 10 Ways: JCC NYC Adventurers. Children will spend their days exploring the city by foot, by train, by tram, by bus and by boat. The two-week session will include an expedition over the Brooklyn Bridge to waterfront fun in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a scavenger hunt through the Green Market in Union Square to buy supplies for a “top chef” class and much more!
Asphalt Green
AG’s Summer Swim Camps are a perfect way to cool off and beat the summer heat. Separated into the Manta Ray Group (ages 7-10) and the Barracuda Group (ages 11-15), kids will learn four competitive strokes, gradually increase their speed and prepare for competition. The camp includes two pool sessions and a field trip, a video analysis, lunch and a camp t-shirt.
Applause New York City
Camp Applause is hosting week-long theatre camps this summer! Each week, children will cycle through classes such as acting, singing, set design, audition technique, Broadway dance, hip-hop, acting for TV, costume design and so much more. Different weekly themes and a visit from a Broadway star are highlights of each session.
Gymtime Rhythm & Glues
Besides a variety of gymnastics, music, art and cooking classes, kids can sign up for the new “Lil’ Ruggers” program, the nation’s first-ever rugby-inspired enrichment program for kids ages 3-11. Class includes circle time, warm-ups, stretches, drills and a short game that incorporates skills like running, catching, passing and kicking.
School at Steps
The Young Dancers Summer Program is designed to introduce kids ages 2-6 to creative movement and rhythm through the use of their imagination and body coordination. Older kids concentrate on ballet techniques, combining theater, jazz and strengthening exercises like Pilates.
92nd St. Y
Specially designed for energetic youngsters ages 4-6 who like all kinds of physical activities, 92Y’s new, twice-weekly Olympic Kids classes offer a variety of instruction in KidSports, junior gymnastics and swimming. It’s an ideal way for children to experience different sports in a small-group setting. Each session also includes a daily snack and story break.
Jodi’s Gym
Jodi’s Gym is celebrating 29 years of fun, friends and fitness this summer! Try any of their classes: Teeny Tumblers (6-11 months), Mighty Muscle Movers (12-35 months), Rockin’ Rollers (12-35 months), Tumbling Tots (3-5 years) or FUN-tastic Gymnastics (grades K-2). Families enjoy free playtimes as part of their enrollment!
Kidville
This summer, kids ages 18-24 months and 2 years can join Kidville for Color Splash, a “creation vacation” during which little ones will make beautiful summer souvenirs using paint, collage and sculpture. Water tables and sand trays make for indoor “beach” play (without the sunscreen or traffic!).
Citibabes
This summer, Citibabes is combining two of its favorite classes, CitiArt and CitiSongs, into one special class for mixed ages: CitiMix! While older kids (2-3.5 years) enjoy being creative, making a mess, and having fun in a class designed for little artists, the younger ones (18-24 months) will join a Citibabes’ teacher for a musical sing-a-long of traditional children’s songs, rock, folk and more. Then, after half an hour, the groups will swap!
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Kids can participate in one- and two-week day camp sessions with CMA’s award-winning Summer Art Colony. Led by professional teaching artists, the camp will focus on fun arts programs either at the museum in SoHo or on Governor’s Island. Classes include both fine art and media art, including painting, abstract art, sculpture, hand-drawn animation, stop-motion animation and food films.
Diller-Quaile School of Music
The Summer Music Institute at Diller-Quaile School of Music immerses students ages 8-18 in a week of musical enrichment filled with fun and motivating challenges. The program provides individual attention to students as they engage in varied ensemble experiences. The Summer Music Institute’s comprehensive curriculum nurtures students’ love of music and fosters excitement for their instruments.
Kids In Sports
Baseball and basketball and football, oh my! This summer, Kids In Sports is offering a variety of half- and full-day indoor and outdoor camps in several locations—including Temple Israel, Randall’s Island and All Souls Church—for children ages 2.5-10 years.
Super Soccer Stars
Super Soccer Stars’ Kick It! Day Camp immerses children ages 6-12 in a fun outdoor camp atmosphere. Campers will participate in activities like “soccer tennis,” “soccer bowling,” and individual and partner activities that will teach soccer skills, build self-confidence and promote sportsmanship. Each day will feature a talent showcase where campers and coaches will have the opportunity to show off their skills! Campers will also learn about legendary soccer players and have the opportunity to play in a World Cup Tournament.
Eastside Westside Music Together
ESWS Music Together’s Babies Only classes for infants under eight months old are a one-semester introduction to the Music Together program. Activities and materials are specially designed for parents who want to learn about musical development in infants. Meet other parents of newborns and learn fun music activities you can recreate at home with your baby.
Make Meaning
School’s
out but creativity is in at Make Meaning’s Creativity Camp Kickoff!
Kids ages 8-11 can gear up for camp with an assortment of handmade
accessories—or start off a summer in the city by making custom jewelry
and new friends! Creative experiences will include friendship bracelets,
personalized stationery, a keepsake book to fill with summer memories
and more.
Discovery Programs
Discovery Programs’ “Almost On My Own” program for toddlers is a wonderful way to introduce almost-2 and 2-year-olds to an informal nursery experience in a warm, safe and playful environment. Each session includes a mix of classroom time and active play.
Kick & Play
A new program from the creators of Super Soccer Stars, Kick & Play is a parent-child pre-soccer and movement program for toddlers between 12-24 months. Experienced instructors (along with puppet friends Mimi & Pepe) provide individual attention, positive reinforcement and engaging original music to help toddlers learn to balance, run, kick and play—all while having a blast!
Chelsea Piers
Held
at the Field House at Chelsea Piers, CP’s Micro Sports class is designed
to introduce preschoolers ages 3-5 to a variety of sports. The class
incorporates the fun of movement, teamwork, sportsmanship and muscle
coordination. Sports include soccer, rock climbing, tee-ball, basketball
and field games.
Columbus Preschool & Gym
A summer camp offers a variety of sessions for kids ages 2-5. Kids will focus on music and movement using song, dance and musical instruments; create original artwork; explore the science behind air, water, sand and plants; and go on special outings. Campers will also take advantage of the outdoor play area and jungle gym, and receive gymnastic instruction inside the fully-equipped facility.
Berlitz
Kids will have fun and learn a new language with the Berlitz Summer Camp program, which engages children in a fun, educational curriculum designed just for them. Get ready to see real progress and kids genuinely excited about the language! Teen programs are also available.
Kids at Art
Art enthusiasts ages four and up can join Kids at Art for week-long, half-day workshops all summer long! In addition to drawing, painting and collage, classes will include special projects such as mask-making, puppet-making, clay-building and papier mache.
Three Little Birds
Work
never sounded like so much fun! TLB’s spring/summer curriculum, “Joey
Gets a Job,” will have students exploring professions through music.
Throughout the session, children will sing, play and learn about jobs
like mailman, ballet dancer, taxi driver, doctor, and weatherman while
meeting over 20 classical and folk instruments.
