Looking for an extracurricular activity to add to your child’s fall schedule? Now is the time to check out free trial classes and open houses across the city. This month, many wonderful local venues for kids classes are hosting special sessions where your little ones can test out offerings–free of charge. Take advantage of these opportunities below, and be sure to inquire with other venues that you may be interested in as well.
A NOTE TO VENDORS: If your venue will be hosting trial classes or an open house this month, please alert us! Simply email wcasser@manhattanmedia.com with the information.
92nd Street Y
Asphalt Green
On Thursday, September 27 from 5-10 pm, Asphalt Green is hosting a Free Night of Fitness! Enjoy classes including rooftop yoga, spinning, and cardio kickboxing. Work on your form and technique on free weights and machines, and take a lap in their Olympic-size 50 meter swimming pool. asphaltgreen.org
Baby Fingers LLC
Learn Sign Language with your baby or toddler, newborn to age 2 years with songs and play. On Tuesday, October 2 at 12pm at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, Baby Fingers will be hosting a free day to kick off their fall session. Please RSVP to lora@mybabyfingers.com. mybabyfingers.com
Ballet Academy East
Ballet Academy East is offering free trial classes for both Modern Dance and Drama during the week of September 24. Modern Dance is a fun and creative class during which children will explore dance through guided improvisation. Students are introduced to basic vocabulary and steps using a variety of traditional modern techniques. During Drama Classes, children explore their imaginations and develop their ability to work as an ensemble through theater games and group improvisations. Call or email BAE to make an appointment for a free trial class! 212-410-9140 or info@baenyc.com. balletacademyeast.com
Ballet Hispanico
New students can enjoy a free trial class at Ballet Hispanico this fall! The bilingual Adventures in Dance program 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
Bija Kids
Brooklyn’s Bija Kids will be offering free trial classes until September 30. Check their website for a fully weekly class schedule. bijakids.com
Bilingual Birdies
Now through mid-November, Bilingual Birdies is offering free monthly classes through its partnership with the New York Public Library. Visit bilingualbirdies.com/classes to see the full schedule at locations that vary across the city from the Upper West Side to Chinatown and Staten Island. bilingualbirdies.com
Bilingual Buds
Join Bilingual Buds’ Mandarin After School Program for an Open House on Wednesday, September 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Bilingual Buds’ After School program focuses on all areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All levels served. Beginners welcome. RSVP’s encouraged: (212) 787-8088; nali@bilingualbuds.com; bilingualbudsnyc.com
Chelsea Piers
The Field House will be hosting trial classes starting September 13. Trials range from $40 to $45 and applies to classes that are still available throughout the week. (The price does not go toward the price of the class if you decide to register for the class after the trial.) For more information, see their fall guide: http://www.chelseapiers.com/fh/youth-classes.cfm.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
On Monday, October 8 (1-3 pm), the Children’s Museum of the Arts is hosting a free open house with inclusive classes for ages 7 and up. Little ones can explore the art of book-making using paper, string, and other recycled materials. CMA’s Inclusive Classes provide a free opportunity for physically disabled children and their able-bodied siblings to participate in a drop-off art class together. This program is intended to make the museum’s art-making accessible to all needs and provide an opportunity for siblings to spend time with each other and with peers who have similar experiences. cmany.org
Child’s Play
Child’s Play Mommy & Me Playgroups and On My Own drop-off programs begin this week. Their open house is next week, September 17, at Jan Hus (351 East 74th Street). janhus.org ; childsplaynyc.com
Chinatown YMCA
During their open houses this Saturday, September 15 and Thursday, September 27, attendees can try trial classes like Family Yoga—a fun-filled yoga class where the entire family can find strength, flexibility, and a feeling of calm—and V-Core® Training—a barefoot balance training workout that is the most functional approach to training the core. ymcanyc.org/chinatown
Church Street School For Music And Art
On Saturday, September 29, free music and art activities can be enjoyed at the Church Street School for Music and Art from 10am until 4pm. churchstreetschool.org
Collina Italiana
Girotondo is a year-round kids’ program offering comprehensive language learning and hands-on instruction in the arts to children ages 2-5. In Girontondo (“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). Trial classes for children ages 2 to 4 will take place on the afternoon of Monday, September 24. Space is limited. Please RSVP by September 21. collinaitaliana.com
The Craft Studio
Let your kids create uninhibitedly with the most fun, creative, and trendy art supplies. From neon wrap bracelets, to designing wallets and pocketbooks to multi-media self portraits and so much more. The Craft Studio is hosting a free open house on Monday, September 17 (3:30-4:30pm) with a free craft to do at home for everyone who stops by. Great for children ages 3 and up! craftstudionyc.com
The Day School
Join The Day School at Christ & Saint Stephen’s for their open houses, on Tuesday, October 16, and Tuesday, November 6, from 6pm-7pm. The school boasts a low student-teacher ratio, structured days that still allow ample time to explore, strong family partnerships, and a values-based community-oriented environment. They thrive on the belief that children should be both emotionally happy and engaged in meaningful activities, and welcome families of any religion, race, sex, and ethnic origin. Please RSVP to ssingh@csschurch.org of call 212-787-2755 x8. thedayschoolatcss.org
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
Start your week with a free open music class for prospective students at Diller-Quaile on Monday, October 29 or November 12 from 9:00-9:45am. Children (6-24 months old) and their accompanying adults will experience the joys of music-making through movement, singing, storytelling, and playing instruments. Attendance is limited. Please contact 212-369-1484, ext. 43 or dappleton@diller-quaile.org to reserve a place for your preferred date! diller-quaile.org
Discovery Programs
Celebrating its 40th year, Discovery Programs is offering new students free trials until October 26 in the following classes: Monday Ballet 3:30pm for 3s; Tuesday Gym for Tots 9am for 12-18 months; Wednesday Sport Tykes 2pm for 3/4s; and Thursday Art 11:15am for 25-36 months. 212-749-8717 or info@discoveryprograms.com to reserve a spot. discoveryprograms.com
Eastside Westside Music Together
Music Together® is known the world over as the leader in the field of early childhood music education! If you haven’t experienced one of their classes or haven’t been in their program for a while, you’re invited to attend a free demonstration class: September 12 at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm; September 13 at 9:30 am; September 14 at 9:30 am; and September 17 at 10:30 am. For locations and information, visit ESWSMusicTogether.com
East Side Yoga
On Saturday, September 20 (10:30am-12:30pm) come see how much fun yoga can be for both kids and adults! A free kids yoga class (ages 5-10) will be held from 10:30am-11:30am. Adults: don’t forget your mats for a free yoga class at the same time as the kids, in an adjoining room. Healthy snacks will be served afterwards. The Open House will finish with an all ages Meditation Class from 12:15pm-12:30pm. eastsideyoganyc.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Offering a plethora of trial classes throughout the city this month, Gymboree Play & Music will let your kiddo try out Little Maestros, School Skills, Music, and Play & Learn activities for free! Their all-day open house in Chelsea is taking place on Wednesday, October 10 for children ages 0-5 years. Plus, the new Upper West Side location will be hosting an afternoon open house on Friday, October 12, with games, crafts, refreshments, balloons, exclusive discounts, and a change to win a brand new tricycle! gymboreeclasses.com
Gymtime Rhythm & Glues
Gymtime is running a trial week for their Gym’ny Crickets gymnastics program for ages 3-4 starting Monday, September 24 through Wednesday Oct 3. Gym’Ny Crickets is a fun, engaging program that begins to introduce the fundamentals of gymnastics by utilizing all of the events and equipment in the gym. RSVP for a Gym’ny Crickets trial class by calling 212.861.7732. New students will receive a 15% discount if they enroll after their free trial! gymtime.net
Harlem YMCA
HiArt!
Join some of HiArt!’s amazing artists at HiArt!’s Fabulous and Free Try a Class Day this Saturday, September 15. Classes include Little Fishbowl for Toddlers, Photography with Tempest, Paper & Paint, and Zoe’s Mangathon. Call now to save your child’s spot! hiartkids.com
¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish
Free trial classes will be taking place the first week of October with ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish at Beehives and Buzzcuts. On Tuesday, October 2 the Two’s-Three’s Program will meet 2-2:45pm; the Two’s-Fours Program will meet 3:30-4:15pm; and the Toddler Program will meet 4:15-5pm. And on Wednesday, October 3 (9-9:45am), the Toddler Program will also meet for a free trial. Please RSVP to info@holaplaygroup.com. holaplaygroup.com
Jamaica YMCA
The JCC in Manhattan
At their open house on Sunday, September 23, the JCC in Manhattan will host a full day of free programming, performances, kid’s zone, arts and culinary demos, and fitness classes. Fun for the whole family! jccmanhattan.org
Karma Kids Yoga
Don’t miss this free trial class with your infant! Learn American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents and babies or toddlers at Baby Fingers Baby Sign Language Free Trial at Karma Kids Yoga on Thursday, September 13 (1:15 pm – 2:00 pm). Reservations are required. karmakidsyoga.com
Kids At Art
From Wednesday, September 19 through Saturday, September 29, Kids At Art is offering free trial classes. Plus, check out their Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, September 23 from 2-5 pm. kidsatartnyc.com
Kids At Work
The Kids At Work Open House for their PlayGroup Gentle Separation Program will take place on Thursday, November 1 (6:30-8:00pm). Meet the director and teachers of this intimate, age-appropriate program located on West 27th Street. During the classes, children participate in Kids at Work’s signature messy art stations and projects, circle time, music, playtime, and a healthy snack. kidsatworknyc.com
Kids In Sports
Kids In Sports is excited to start the fall 2012 Season. New families with children ages 1-12 years old are encouraged to take a free trial class. A fun atmosphere with emphasis on learning the basic fundamentals of 6 major team sports, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Floor Hockey, is guaranteed. kisnyc.com
Kidville
Kidville has a wonderful pre-school alternative. The Kidville University open house at their Upper West Side location takes place on Monday, September 24 and their Upper East Side location on Thursday, September 27 both at 6:30pm. kidville.com
Lil Yogi’s NYC
A free trial Buddha Babies class will take place on Wednesday, September 19, at 9:30 am. This is geared for walkers through 22 months old and the class will be held at Studio Maestro on 48 West 68th street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. To reserve a spot in the class, please call 646-574-0370 or email lilyogisnyc@gmail.com. lilyogisnyc.com
Long Island City YMCA
There are some great, free events taking place at the Long Island City YMCA this month. On Saturday, September 15, their Open House will offer free outdoors classes: Zumba, Spinning, Bootcamp, Family Capoeira, and “Jump” contests to help new and veteran members Jump Start their Life! On Sunday, September 16, they will be hosting a fun free fitness fair to help get students ready for Back-to-School at Old Navy. And on Thursday, September 27, their Open House will include free classes and a tour of the facility which includes a popular aquatics program, extensive free weights, state of the art cardio center, child watch, teen programs, youth programs, sports programs, and more. For more info, contact Cedric Green at cgreen@ymcanyc.org. ymcanyc.org/lic
Loop of the Loom
The door at Loop of the Loom is open to future students for trial classes on Tuesdays through Fridays between 3 and 6pm and Saturdays. The trial will give you an idea about the store’s creative fiber arts class. Walk-ins only. Space is limited. loopoftheloom.com
Mathnasium
Mathnasium offers No-Risk Assessments that are fun, educational, and exceptionally informative. There is no risk involved in your child’s Mathnasium assessment, because there is only a fee for it at the time of enrollment. Their comprehensive assessment process will provide you with incredibly valuable information on your child’s current standing in math. After the assessment, you will receive a detailed summary of their findings along with their recommendations. mathnasium.com
Moey’s Music Party
Available for the next two weeks, Moey’s Music Party is offering free trial classes for little ones. Reserve a space my emailing Moey@moeysmusicparty.com Plus, check out their free Back To School Party this week and Train Party next week in these 3 locations: Museum of Motherhood, The New York Junior League, and Beehives & Buzzcuts. moeysmusicparty.com
Musical Kids International
Try a free I’m Bilingual Spanish Class on September 26 or October 3. Ages 0 – 6 years. Call 212-996-5898 for more information and details. Space is limited and reservation is required. ¡Hasta pronto! www.musicalkids.net
Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals
Free demo classes will be held in Brooklyn this week only for Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals with Audra Rox. For more information, click here. audrarox.com
My Gym UES
Coming soon! My Gym Upper East will be expanding with a new opening scheduled for November 2012 on First Avenue between 83rd and 84th Streets. my-gym.com/manhattan.aspx
My Gym UWS
Mark your calendar for My Gym UWS New Members Open House Saturday, September 15. My Gym will be showcasing class gymnastics stations and elements, providing unbeatable fall class promotions, and raffling off a free premier birthday party each hour! To RSVP call 212-724-3400, email info@mygymnyc.com or click here to register online. Only 20 spots available each open house session, reserve your spot today! my-gym.com
New York Kids Club
Free trial classes at New York Kids Club will be taking place next week, starting September 17. Call 347-706-4700 or log on to www.nykidsclub.com for more info.
Physique Swimming
Free trial classes with Physique Swimming for children ages 6 months-10 years will be offered Wednesdays and Fridays (2:50 pm and 3:30 pm) at 333 East 66th Street. physiqueswimming.com
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
Free sample classes for toddlers with adults will take place Wednesday, September 12 (3:30-4:30pm) and Wednesday, September 19 (12:30-1:30) To RSVP: 212 877-7614 or info@poppyseedprenursery.com. poppyseedprenursery.com
Prenatal Yoga Center
Join the Prenatal Yoga Center for an Open House Celebration—Happy 10th Birthday! Come meet the teachers, meet other parents, experience sample class activities, and learn more! Refreshments will be served, and babies are most welcome. This free event is taking place on Saturday, September 15 (1-3 pm). Pre-registration is required. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected, and all proceeds benefit March of Dimes. prenatalyogacenter.com
Princeton Review
Princeton Review will be hosting three free practice tests in Manhattan: SAT Practice Test on Saturday, September 15 (10 am–1 pm); SAT Practice Test on Thursday, September 20 (5–9 pm); and PSAT Practice Test on Sunday, September 30 (10 am–1 pm). These events are free, but registration is required. princetonreview.com
Prospect Park YMCA and Park Slope Armory YMCA
As part of their Fall membership Campaign, from now until October 8, the Prospect Park and Park Slopes YMCAs are waving the joiner’s fee. Stop by one of three open houses inviting the community to take tours of the facility on Saturday, September 15 from 12-4 pm; Thursday, September 27 from 5-8 pm; or Saturday, October 6 from 12-4 pm. ymcanyc.org/prospectpark ; ymcanyc.org/parkslopearmory
Riverside Music Studios
Free samples of “Piano Games” lessons will be offered at Riverside Music Studios’ open house on Sunday, October 7 (2-4pm). Children and parents are welcome to visit the brand new location at Columbus Circle. Kids ages 3-7 years old will experience dramatic and imaginative activities designed to inspire their love for music and build real piano technique. Registration is required to attend. riversidepiano.com
The School At Steps
The School at Steps is offering trial classes this month in their Young Dancer Program. Limited spaces are available for the following Young Dancer Program classes: Little Steps 1 (age 2); Little Steps 2 (age 3); Pre Dance 1 (age 4); Pre Dance 2 (age 5); Isadora Duncan (ages 4-7); Pre Tap (ages 4-5). In addition, The School at Steps is offering trial classes this month in their Technique Program. Limited spaces are available in Tap classes of all levels. Trial classes are $40, and the fee can be applied to tuition upon registration in the class. stepsnyc.com/the-school-at-steps
SocRoc Soccer
James Christie’s SocRoc program is offering free trial classes for two- and three-year-olds on Wednesday, October 3 at 1pm in Central Park, and on Monday, October 15 at 1:45pm at Aleph Bet PreSchool in the Kips Bay area. The focus is fun, soccer skills, listening skills, and overall physical fitness. RSVP to jcsocroc@gmail.com or call 917-703-0409. jcsocroc.com
Super Soccer Stars
Celebrate fall with Super Soccer Stars at the Fall Soccer Fest! Taking place this Saturday, September 15 (11am-3pm), the fest is great for families and kids of all ages, and will include soccer games, activities, arts & crafts, some vendors, bouncy castles, food, face painting, and more. supersoccerstars.com
TADA! Youth Theater
Want to learn more about TADA! Youth Theater’s weekly classes and camps? Join in September 15 for a FREE sample session and question & answer period with TADA! Teaching Artists and Education Staff. Reservations are recommended. Please RSVP by sending an email to education@tadatheater.com with your contact information including home address, phone number, email and the child’s name and grade level. tadatheater.com
Try a free trial class at TLB Music this fall and get immersed in the sounds of our favorite city with TLB Music’s Noisy New York. While learning about the multi-cultural music of NYC through play, students 4 months to 6 years develop motor, language, social, and cognitive skills. Classes available Mondays and Fridays. tlbmusic.com
West Side Taekwondo
West Side Taekwondo is offering one free trial class for children ages 4 and up, as well as adults. Try a fun and exciting class that works on strengthening balance, coordination, and confidence. This offer is open until the end of October. Please call 212-663-3998 to make an appointment. westsidetkd.com
Yogi Beans
Are you brand new to the Yogi Beans Studio and want to test the kids yoga waters? This fall, your bean’s first trial class at the studio is only $15 (reduced from $40). And if you enroll for the rest of the series on the day of your trial, you receive an additional 10% off the series price. That’s how certain Yogi Beans is that your bean will love their fall yoga classes! Check out the fall schedule at www.yogibeans.com, call 212-585-BEAN (@2326), or swing by the Yogi Beans Studio at 1018 Lexington Avenue (@ 73rd Street). yogibeans.com
And for our full list of classes for kids, check out our Fall Classes Guide.
