If your family will be in the city for all or part of summer, it’s worth looking into what children’s classes are being offered. Often, classes in the summer have more flexible schedules, are less expensive than during the school year, and can be a great way to complement your child’s summer break.
DoubleTime at 74th St. MAGIC. This class is split into 45 minutes of tumbling fun in the gym and 45 minutes of hands-on pre-school activities in the classroom—enough variety to keep short attention spans engaged! Children can come any day of any week for a minimum of five classes all summer, and the best part is they get a sixth class free! (Ages 18 to 26 months and 2.3 to 3 years) 510 East 74th Street, 212-737-2989, 74magic.com.
CityMyth at Citibabes. This month-long lab lets kids explore the characters of myths and legends through story-telling, art, song, dramatic play, and science. Children learn how to defend themselves from a Cyclops with the help of a karate specialist, design their very own toga, and more. CitiGym time, yoga, snack and lunch are provided. Runs once a week throughout June. (Ages 3 to 6 years) 52 Mercer Street, 3rd Floor, 212-334- 5440, citibabes.com.
Silly Science at JCC. Preschoolers get a zany introduction to science with this summer-long class that uses games, books, and art projects to show kids how to dig for dinosaur bones, soar into the solar system, watch the weather, and more. Children also take field trips to the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and the JCC’s outdoor roof area. Thursdays throughout summer. (Ages 2 to 3 years) 334 Amsterdam Avenue, 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org.
Color Splash at Kidville. Who says you have to leave the city to enjoy the beach? In this class, children craft summer souvenirs using paint, collage and sculpture. Water tables and sand trays make indoor beach play fun, and there’s no chance of sunburn! Once a week throughout the summer semester. (Ages 18 to 24 months) Various locations in Manhattan, 212-772-8435, kidville.com.
Drop-off Tadpoles at 14th Street Y. Lots of parents find their kids learn how to swim better in the morning when they’re more alert, making this morning class an excellent option. Water-loving kids learn beginning swimmer skills like breathing, floating, kicking, and strokes with flotation devices. Once a week on Thursdays at 10 a.m. starting July 8th. (Ages 3 to 5 years) 344 East 14th Street, 212-780- 0800, 14streety.org.
Mommy & Me Gym and Music Combo at Jodi’s Gym. This 75-minute class fuses all the fun of the Mommy & Me Gym class with a dynamic 30minute music class. A music teacher leads parents and children through a singing and dancing extravaganza, loaded with shakers, streamers and silly songs. Story time and a yummy snack follow the fun workout. 3 four-week sessions available in June, July and August (Ages 12 months to 35 months) 244 East 84th Street, 212-244-8811, jodisgym.com.
Gymboree School
Skills. Help your toddlers prepare for the transition to school with
this class that blends fun physical activity with components of a
preschool curriculum. Kids develop their language skills, create science
and art projects, and work out for at least 30 minutes. Runs throughout
the summer. (Ages 30 months to 5 years) Various locations in Manhattan,
877-496-5327, gymboreeclasses.com.
Summerscapes at Guggenheim Museum. Whet your
child’s artistic pallet with this mini art camp. Participants explore
Frank Lloyd Wright’s exquisite space and then head to the studio to
create art projects ranging from painting to sculptures. The
five-session program concludes with a small exhibition so students can
show off their work. Available in July. (Ages 8 to 11 years) 1071 Fifth
Avenue, 212-423-3838, guggenheim.org.
Launch Learning at Launch Math Achievement Center.
Math students of all skill levels are invited to participate in
individualized classes at this oasis for math instruction. Instructors
use hands-on teaching methods and computer-based lessons to help
children have a blast and learn at the same time. Classes are ongoing on
weekdays and weekends throughout summer. (Ages 5 to 13 years) 173 West
81st Street, 949-528- 6240, launchmath.com.
A Clearing in the Forest in Central Park. In
this free summertime series, ecoeducation and multicultural fun are
blended into interactive dance, music, art, storytelling and puppetry
performances. Have a picnic at The Peter Jay Sharp Children’s Glade
after watching the show. No advance registration required. Takes place
on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout summer starting in June.
(Ages 5 to 12 years) 212-310-6638, centralparknyc.org.
Adventures In Dance at
School at Steps. Part of the school’s Young Dancers Summer Program,
this class taps into kids’ creative side by letting them explore
movement and music. Each week students take a Pre-Dance and a Pre-Tap
class, and in between is a yummy snack break. Various sessions are
available throughout summer. (Ages 4 to 6 years) 2121 Broadway, 212-
874-2410, stepsnyc.com.
Mini-Weaving Camp at Loop Of The Loom. Limited
to six students, the three-day mini camps at this one-of-a-kind weaving
studio exposes kids to fiber art techniques— participants create crafts
such as felted small animals, a hand-woven pillow, Kool-Aid dyed yarn
and more! At each two-hour class, kids are encouraged to learn how to
use the tools on their own. Seven sessions offered throughout the
summer. (Age range varies by session.) 227 East 87th Street, 212-722-
2686, loopoftheloom.com.
Buddy and Me at Chelsea Piers. In this drop-in class,
children and their caregivers take part in teacher-led activities
including gymnastics, rock climbing, dance, music and movement, theater
and arts. No need to commit for a specific week—just a certain number of
times throughout summer. Participants enjoy free use of the Toddler
Adventure Center on days they take the class. Takes place throughout the
summer. (Ages 17 to 36 months) 23rd Street and the Hudson River,
212-336-6666, chelseapiers.com.
Chef/Gym Combo at Gymtime Rhythm & Glues. In
this class, kids can cook and be active all at once! After a 45-minute
session in the kitchen making a healthy meal or snack ranging from
veggie couscous to apple honey cake, participants head to the gym for 45
minutes of gymnastics, games, and movement. (Ages 2 to 3 years) 1520
York Avenue, 212-861- 7732, gymtime.net.
Architecture and Design Intensive at 92nd
Street Y. In this class, kids learn how design shapes our lives by
creating their own imaginary community, from buildings right down to the
details inside individual homes! Participants even add decorations and
surface patterns to objects like furniture, all while learning about a
variety of materials and techniques. Runs Monday through Friday during
the first two weeks of August. (Ages 8 to 10 years) 1395 Lexington
Avenue, 212- 415-5500, 92Y.org.
Eco Kids Club at Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Preschoolers
learn about ecology through science experiments, art projects, live
specimens, and interactive stories. The class explores the water cycle,
animals of the rainforest, and other natural wonders of the world.
Children can participate in any of three sessions occurring each month,
June through August. (Ages 3 and 4 years) 212 West 83rd Street,
212-721-1223, cmom.org.
Play Dates at Let’s Dress Up! Kids can tap into their
inner princesses with dress-up play dates at Let’s Dress Up! Little ones
will love choosing from a range of costumes and accessories, including
royal court dresses, shoes, jewelry, tiaras, wands, glitter nail polish,
fairy dust, and more! Stop in for open dress-up (call on Monday for
that week’s times) or schedule a reserved play date. (Ages 3 to 7) 345
East 85th Street, 212- 879-0956, uppereast.com/lets-dress-up.
Children’s Museum of the
Arts’ Summer Art Colony at Governors Island. Kids head to Governors
Island via ferry to take part in a variety of art classes. They can
sketch, paint and create group murals inspired by the landscape around
the island. Or, explore “organic art” using materials such as grass,
flowers, and rocks. Classes in sculptures, animation or mosaics are also
available. Throughout the summer. (Ages 7 to 14 years, varies with each
class) 212-274-0986, cmany.org.
Mess it Up at Kids at Work. The Level I class
incorporates fun, messy art that develops creativity, independence, and
decision-making skills. The Level II program incorporates solo and group
science experiments, storytelling, and themed projects to help children
develop problem solving, classroom, and verbal skills. Runs for 11
weeks, June through August. (Ages 18 months to 2.5 years for Level I,
ages 2.5 to 4 years for Level II) 102 West 14th Street, #2,
347-933-8293, kidsatworknyc.com.
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