Time for Class

Looking for the perfect class for your child this semester? From prim and proper ballerinas to adventure-craving rock climbers, the city offers something for everyone (at every age, too!). Here’s a list of what we consider to be the coolest kids’ classes around, whether traditional or out-of-the-box (Mini Namastar Yoga, anyone?).

Flaunt It With Flamenco
At Hola! A Playgroup In Spanish, kids can learn basic flamenco
rhythms through clapping “palmas,” “braceo” (arm movement), “marcaje”
(body coordination) and “taconeo” (footwork) for beginners. Students
also learn to appreciate the diverse musical styles found in
traditional flamenco and classic Spanish music. (holaplaygroup.com)

Stretch It Out
Yogi Beans’ Mommy & Me class for moms and toddlers ages 2-4
incorporates games and poses that actively engage both parent and
child. Animated breathing exercises, partner poses, and other
interactive activities help to develop toddlers’ physical coordination
and verbal communication skills. No previous yoga experience required. (yogibeans.com)

Get Fit
Get your game on with Generation D, an individualized fitness program for kids at Dasha Wellness that trains children to make healthy choices and teaches the fundamentals of fitness. Classes will also improve kids’ athletic skills, like hand-eye coordination, agility and balance, while instilling a lasting dedication to healthy eating, fitness and mental and physical health. Programs are customized according to the child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals; kids can choose from everything from Pilates and yoga to golf, soccer and baseball. (dashawellness.com)

Cultured Kids
ArtKids cultural tours for kids enable students to visit a different city museum, art gallery or auction house weekly and participate in hands-on learning projects related to the exhibition. Kids can also roam the galleries of the Met with special ArtKids iPod tours that can be downloaded from the ArtKids website. (artmuseny.com)

Play And Learn At Poppyseed
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery’s classes for toddlers and two’s meet two to three times a week, providing enrichment through music, art and play. Participation by a parent or caregiver, and frequency of contact add to each child’s sense of security and self-confidence.

Pick Up A Second Language–At Preschool
Parents who want to give their preschooler a bilingual education will want to consider the preschool programs offered by The Language Workshop for Children. Available in French, Spanish, Chinese and Italian, the preschools immerse children 2 to 4 years old in a new language and build early childhood skills. Teachers develop pre-reading, pre-math, and socialization abilities through LWFC materials, LWFC methods, stories, music, play, puzzles and more. (languageworkshopforchildren.com)

Act Like An Animal
At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s “Acting and Animals” class, children 3-4 years old can roar like a lion, waddle like a penguin and jump like a kangaroo while learning about animals and their habitats. Students will make masks, puppets and backdrops all while investigating animals and their behavior. (cmom.org)

Prep For Preschool
NYC Elite Gymnastics offers preschoolers the opportunity to learn gymnastics, arts and crafts, dance and games designed to advance their motor development and coordination, all with highly qualified early development teachers. Need to run an errand or want to enjoy a relaxing morning? A drop-off option is available! (nycelite.com)

Have An Animal Encounter
Go on an animal adventure with the Art Farm in the City–kids will jump with the frogs, hop with the bunnies and learn about a new animal. Beginning with music and dancing and incorporating crafts, structured play and story time, this class culminates with a highly-anticipated visit from the “Animal of the Week.” (theartfarms.org)

Make Music Like Mozart
At The Early Ear, highly-skilled and educated 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, musical games and stories and imitate their teacher in making music ensembles with friends. (theearlyear.com)

Take A Private Piano Lesson
Don’t have time to schlep across the city for a music class? Piano Teacher USA brings the joy and tradition of piano right into students’ homes through a program that combines historical and popular methods and styles specifically tailored to each student. (pianoteacherusa.com)

Get Crafty
February is “I Heart Crafts Month” at The Craft Studio, and families are welcome to drop by for a host of lovey-dovey scheduled workshops–think chocolate lollipop-making, handmade valentines and more! Check their website for workshop dates and times. (craftstudionyc.com)

Twirl Like A Tot
The Pre-Ballet Class at Ballet Academy East introduces little ones to the fundamentals of ballet in a joyful, positive and creative environment. Students develop a foundation for future traditional ballet training as well as a love for movement and music. (baenyc.com)

Go Dancing
Parents and children can learn together at The Joffrey Ballet School’s Dance
With Me, a program for children as young as two with a parent or
caregiver as a dance buddy. Classes help build fine and gross motor
skills, develop basic understanding of music and rhythm and create an
environment for children to explore movement through creativity and
imagination. This January and February, Joffrey is allowing parents to
register for a month at a time for the spring semester. (joffreyballetschool.com).   (joffreyballetschool.com)

Create A Killer Bad Guy
During Scribble Press’ creative writing class “Comic Conundrums:
Uncovering the Nefarious Villian,” available for students in grades 2-3
as well as grades 4-6, young writers will turn the typical comic tale
upside down, focusing their story development around the history of
their villain. Students will learn what it takes to create a memorable
bad guy (or girl), and take home their own comic book at the end of the
semester. (scribblepress.com)

Learn To Read
Taught by an Epiphany Community Nursery School teacher, 74^th St. MAGIC’s small group Emergent Reading class for children ages 4-5 encourages literacy skills in preparation for kindergarten. A variety of interesting activities will develop skills like letter recognition, story comprehension and sequencing using both phonics and whole language techniques. (74magic.com)

Build It And Break It (And Fix It)
Grab your hard hats–it’s time to get to work! At apple seeds’ “build it! break it! fix it!” construction class for kids ages 2.5-3.5, little ones can learn the basics of building and fixing through projects like laying bricks, planting gardens, tiling floors, painting walls and more! (appleseedsnyc.com)

Make Some Family Music
At Gymboree Play & Music’s “Family Music” class–one of their innovative “Family Classes” designed to bring together parents, grandparents and siblings of different ages–the whole family can get musical with the help of instruments, song, dance, games and more, while building a solid foundation of musical skills. Great for children ages 6 months-5 years along with the whole family!  (gymboreeclasses.com) 

Make Art Out Of Nature
At the JCC in Manhattan’s “EcoArt For Kids” class, kids ages 4-10 will play, create and experiment with nature through projects that use organic and recycled materials. Projects will include making kites, wind socks, desert gardens, rain sticks, bird feeders, bark baskets, mobiles, twig furniture, sculptures and feather jewelry. (jccmanhattan.org)

Learn To Swing
At Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop classes, parents and kids learn the ABC’s of jazz! Discover the instruments of a swinging jazz band, including piano, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and trombone. Each week students will be joined by a special guest musician.  (jalc.org/webop)

Act Your Age
The Atlantic Acting School’s after-school “Performance and Playwriting” class for kids in grades 4-6 introduces kids to the world of acting and playwriting through fundamental exercises, bringing together the elements of storytelling and performance with a final performance written, directed by and starring the young group. (atlanticactingschool.org)

Swim For It
Asphalt Green’s “Intro to Swimming” class is a gentle introduction to swimming for any child who is anxious or brand new to the water. Instructors introduce submersions, bubbles, streamlines and proper arm movement while helping to build confidence. (asphaltgreen.org)

Bump, Set, Spike
Big City Volleyball’s
Youth Volleyball Classes are designed to help boys and girls between
the ages of 10-16 learn the fundamentals of volleyball, with two hours
of drills in setting, passing, overhand serving and hitting, all in a
fun and friendly environment. (bigcityvolleyball.com)

Sing And Play
Get the best of both worlds with Applause New York City’s Music & Sports Combo class for children ages 2-4! Start off with a Broadway Babies music class followed by snack and storytime. After the break, your child will move onto their sports class provided by On Deck NY. It doesn’t get better than this! (applauseny.com)

Plan A Playdate
Join ABC Do-Re-Me
for Musical Playdate, a class for parents and children led by a
guitar-playing music teacher. The class weaves together an eclectic
variety of traditional, folk, world and popular music with
storytelling, dance, games and exposure to real musical instruments to
create a unique fun musical experience. (abcdoreme.com)

Hit The Gym
With the completion of their state-of-the-art,
expanded gym, Gymtime Rhythm & Glues now offers continuous
gymnastics training and advanced, recreational and competitive team
programs. Highly trained USA certified coaches, Olympic equipment and
an emphasis on teamwork, self discipline, dedication and leadership
make for a superior gymnastics training experience. (gymtime.net)

Make Something Metal
At the 92^nd Street Y’s “Metalwork and Jewelry” class for kids age 8-10, students will design and create jewelry and small objects in brass, nickel and copper. They’ll learn basic metalsmithing techniques including sawing, piercing, forming, finishing, chain-making and cold-connection. (92y.org)

Make Math Fun
Through tutoring and enrichment programs, Mathnasium
(which recently opened a location on the Upper West Side) helps
students in grades Pre-K through 12 build a solid math foundation while
developing confidence and a love for math. Students receive both
homework guidance and a customized program that fills in skill gaps and
builds fluency with numbers. (mathnasium.com)

Get Lost In The Library
This semester, music lovers at Three Little Birds will join lovable character Lola on a literary journey throughout the library, exploring book after book through music! Some of the books they’ll read: “This Jazz Man,” “There’s No Place Like Space,” “Dinosaurumpus,” “My First 100 Machines” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The musical repertoire will include classical hits by great composers, children’s songs everyone knows and loves, and contemporary popular music! (tlbmusic.com)

Be A Water Baby
SwimJim
classes are a fun way to learn swimming and water safety before summer.
Children will learn basic and advanced swimming skills in a friendly,
loving environment where they feel safe and at-ease, and parents will
feel more comfortable when their children are in or near water. (swimjim.com)

Do Your Own Stunt Work
Chelsea Piers’ new Stunts & Skills class for kids ages 9-13 is a high-intensity class combining tumbling, trampoline, stunting and tricking. Ideal for children in search of a fun and exciting physical challenge, the class is taught by stuntmen and gymnastics experts. Snowboarders, cyclists and in-line skaters welcome! (chelseapiers.com)

Star In An Afterschool Musical
The “Preschool/Afterschool Musical” class at New York Kids Club
introduces the basics of stage performance with costumes, props,
musical theater sing-a-longs and choreography. Available for ages 3-5,
5-7 and 8-12. (nykidsclub.com)

Make It And Mean It
The Upper West Side’s new craft studio Make Meaning
offers a varied menu of projects (soap, glass, ceramics, jewelry,
candles and paper) in a fun, colorful setting. They offer both walk-in
and class options–check their website for their current schedule.   (makemeaning.com)

Move and Groove With Moey
Every day’s a party with Moey’s Music Party at Jodi’s Gym! Led by pink-wearing kiddie crooner Moey, each class introduces children to instruments, dress up, songs, dances, puppets, phonics, and fun related to a weekly party theme. Classes are for mixed ages, from infants to preschoolers, and perfect for siblings. (jodisgym.com)

Say “TADA!”
TADA!
Youth Theater’s classes involve singing, choreography and theater games
and always end with a performance. The T.O.T.S. (Theater On Their
Scale) class introduces little ones and their caregivers to the joys of
theater. (tadatheater.com)

Get Rhythm
Sokol New
York’s “Rhythmic Gymnastics” class for kids ages 6-7 combines sport and
art to promote grace of movement, muscular flexibility and strength as
well as good posture. Participants learn tumbling, dance moves, leaps,
turns and traveling steps as well as manipulation of the hand apparatus
(hoops, balls and ribbons) and choreographed dances to music. (sokolnewyork.org)

Be A Kid
So many ways to play! Kidville’s “Run, Wiggle, Paint and Giggle” class engages toddlers through stories, ball play, block exploration, art and sensory play, and the finale: wiggling with one of Kidville’s own rockin’ musicians! A predictable, structured routine lets little ones gain confidence about transitions and knowing what happens next, all while having fun and making friends. (kidville.com)

Do The Weave
Weaving studio Loop of the Loom’s Fiber
Arts Kids Class introduces children ages 7-14 to the art of Saori, a
type of weaving that emphasizes free expression and results in
one-of-a-kind pieces. The class encourages the development of
children’s manipulative skills through felting, spinning and sewing. (loopoftheloom.com)

Stretch With The Stars
During Citibabes’ imaginative new “Mini Namastar Yoga” class, children receive instruction in age-appropriate yoga poses in a dimmed room as the cosmos gently drift upon the ceiling (thanks to a dreamy laser star machine!). (citibabes.com)

Tap It Out
The School at Steps’
“Pre-Dance/Pre-Tap” class for kids ages 4-6 introduces body
coordination and rhythmic awareness, opening a path to each student’s
creativity and imagination. Pre-Dance/Pre-Tap classes are part of the
Young Dancer Program that includes Little Steps (ages 2-4) and Isadora
Duncan (ages 4-6). (stepsnyc.com)

Animation Creations
At the class “Animation with Joe Vena” at the Children’s Museum of the Arts, kids ages 6-12 can explore the moving image through a variety of 2D and 3D animation techniques. Students experiment with claymation, found-object animation, pixilation, cut-outs, and more. (cmany.org)

Say It In Spanish
Spanish language school Instituto Cervantes offers The Children’s Theater Workshop, which develops social skills and confidence in a fun, creative environment, encouraging each child’s imagination and improving Spanish skills. (newyork.cervantes.es)

Tell Stories Through Song
The Diller-Quaile School of Music’s “Giving Voice To Stories” class for two-year-olds explores visually engaging storybooks through song, movement and play. Percussion instruments, stuffed animals, puppets, and props enhance the story experience, using music to help build vocabulary and teach communication skills. (diller-quaile.org)

Climb The Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Boulders offers kids the opportunity to challenge themselves on the rock climbing wall–and even scale a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge! Kids ages 5-10 will love Brooklyn Boulders’ BKB Kids League, an after-school instructional course for beginners involving stretching, climbing games, roped climbing and slacklining. (brooklynboulders.com)

Play Several Sports
Kids In Sports’ multi-sport classes are designed for all age levels. Classes teach the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer and volleyball, and also include a fitness and cooperative games session. Sport-specific skills are taught in small and big groups, with games eventually being played at the appropriate age levels. (kisnyc.com)

Go Bilingual
The first school of its kind in the greater New York area, Bilingual Buds offers a Mandarin immersion preschool and kindergarten, as well as Mommy & Me for ages 1-4 and after school for ages 5-10. Their summer camp program takes place in Manhattan and Beijing, China. (bilingualbudsnyc.com)

Get Super At Soccer
Super Soccer Stars’ Advanced Skill Development Clinics for kids ages 6-9 include a three-hour intensive and friendly game play. Students develop skills, self-confidence and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive environment. Positive reinforcement and low child-to-coach ratios ensure that students improve soccer skills through warm-ups, drills and games. (supersoccerstars.com)

Say “Bellissimo!”
At Italian language school Collina Italiana, toddlers can learn basic Italian words and phrases through songs, games, dance, film and arts and crafts. Classes are also available for elementary and middle-school kids. (collinaitaliana.com)

Make Music Like A Big Kid
At Eastside Westside Music Together’s “Big Kids Family Music” class, children ages 5-6 and their accompanying adults participate in game songs, folk dances, jam sessions, dramatic play and more. Children develop interests and skills in singing, dancing, improvising, playing instruments and taking dramatic roles, while parents will learn how to support their children as they grow musically. (eswsmusictogether.com)

Take Tiny Steps
Two-year-olds will love Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s
Tiny Steps creative movement program, in which instructors lead
children and their caregivers through playful dance exercises that help
children develop body awareness, control and creativity. (alvinailey.org)

Hit The Ice
At Wollman Rink’s “Snow Plow Sam” class for first time skaters ages 5-6, kids learn basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and two foot glides. Students work on forward marching with speed, simple turns, beginning backward skating and stops. (wollmanskatingrink.com)

Bundle Up
At My Gym’s “Little Bundles” class, babies begin their first visual, audial and spatial exploration while parents are guided through a program designed to carefully introduce music and movement through baby exercises, songs, dances, infant-safe rides, unique swings, and other Parent & Me adventures. Each week, parents participate in a dialogue about their children’s development and leave with informative handouts. (my-gym.com)

Kick & Play
A fun-filled movement program for toddlers emphasizing the development of gross motor skills and coordination, Kick & Play’s classes for toddlers ages 12-24 months actively involve parents and caregivers. Designed by the creators of Super Soccer Stars, Kick & Play generates a stimulating, playful environment in which children receive individual attention. (kickandplay.com)

Be A Hero
Spring like Spiderman and bound like Batman at Discovery Programs‘
Action Hero Dance class, designed for pre-school boys with a sense of
rhythm who love to move!  Students incorporate dynamic movements into
high energy and fun routines. (discoveryprograms.com)

Ride The Carousel
Offering morning and afternoon classes in Italian, French, Spanish and Mandarin, Carousel of Languages bases its teaching methods on early childhood learning standards. Each class is taught by a native foreign language instructor. Check out their Extended Immersion Program, a 3-hour drop-off class focusing on cultural and music exploration. (italianfortoddlers.com)

Be A Culinary Kid
Kids have been learning to measure, sift, mix, knead, zest and more with Taste Buds (formerly Cupcake Kids!) for years, and now the popular cooking program has a kitchen to call its own at 109 West 27^thStreet. Regular classes like Mommy & Me and After School are offered, along with cooking classes for virtually every holiday. (tastebudscook.com)

Slam Dunk
Popular basketball program dribbl offers expert training that’s focused on teamwork, fundamentals and sportsmanship. The original dribbl program aims to develop and refine fundamental basketball skills such as shooting, passing, footwork and ball-handling. Children ages 3 through pre-K can participate in the dribbl jr. program, now available at Kidville. (dribbl.com)

Be A Kid At Art
Kids At Art offers classes that engage children in projects that focus on the basics of the visual arts and encourage inventiveness and imagination. Students are encouraged to explore different art mediums and develop their own area of artistic interest. (kidsatart.nyc.com)

SocRoc
Founded by former pro soccer player James Christie, SocRoc’s soccer classes encourage kids to be physically active, gain confidence and learn social skills while having fun. Students learn soccer skills and develop strength, flexibility, endurance and posture. (jcsocroc.com)

Flip For It
Columbus Preschool & Gym offers gymnastics training for children ages six months through 12 years in 3,000 sq. foot gymnasium (the largest on the Upper West Side). Dedicated coaches and a full range of state-of-the-art equipment (including a trampoline) ensure a superb gymnastics training experience for each child. (columbusgymnyc.com)

Berlitz
Language-learning program Berlitz offers programs and camps for kids that immerse children in a new language through age-appropriate curriculum and activities and individual attention from native-speaking teachers. Parents can save $50 when they register by March 15 for the Berlitz Kids Summer Camp! Classes and camps take place at Berlitz’ Rockefeller Center location. (berlitz.us)

Craft A Little Something
Popular city craft space Little Shop of Crafts–which offers walk-in projects in everything from pottery to beading to mosaics–hosts after school art programs for children ages 2-15 at both its East Side and West Side locations. Programs are run by Kids At Art and Arts In Action. (littleshopny.com)

Classes Far Afield: A Few Off-The-Beaten Path Offerings To Consider

En
Garde!
Requiring
speed, agility, flexibility and focus, fencing is a great option for a child
looking for a competitive sport that’s just a little bit different. Sheridan
Fencing Academy offers classes for kids ages 4 and up designed to
engage both mind and body. Not sure if fencing is for your child? Let him or
her try a free trial class (sheridanfencing.com)!

Join
The Circus
What
kid doesn’t dream of flying through the air with the greatest of ease? At Trapeze School NY, kids six and older who are
interested in circus arts can take classes in trapeze, trampoline, aerial
conditioning and more (trapezeschool.com).

Bull’s
Eye
Children
fascinated by the heroic outlaw Robin Hood or the bow-and-arrow-wielding elf
Legolas from “Lord of the Rings” will jump at the change to try their hand at
archery. The Queens Archery Range and ProShop specializes in introducing
the “art of the bow and arrow” to young and old alike (archery-nyc.com).

Bailamos!
Anyone
who’s seen the documentary “Mad Hot Ballroom” knows salsa isn’t just for
adults—kids love it, too! NY Salsa Baby offers a salsa program for kids
7-17 years old; students learn routines incorporating Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, salsa,
mambo, cha cha and more (nysalsababy.com). Brooklyn
studio La Casa de Salsa offers a variety of children’s salsa classes
throughout the week (lacasadesalsa.com).

Checkmate
Chess
teaches kids strategy, patience, discipline and much more. Chess NYC offers
in-home lessons, after-school programs, camps and tournaments for children four
and older. (chessnyc.com) Plus, Kidville and Mathnasium have
teamed up to offer a class for children four- and five-year-olds that teaches
chess concepts through art, music, dance—even a giant chess board
(kidville.com)!

Skater
Dudes (And Dudettes)
Most
don’t think of skateboarding when they hear “afterschool enrichment,” but why
not? Skateboarding encourages physical activity, develops social skills, and
teaches balance, endurance and even courage! Skateboarding School offers
beginner, intermediate and advanced courses at locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn
and Queens (skateboardingschool.com).