Winter Classes and Activities
As a kid, I loved after-school extracurricular classes. Whether summer camp, gymnastics, or high school clubs – regardless of the time of year- I embraced the energy that came with all activities. As a young adult, I led youth groups, ran after-school classes at the local community center, and taught many kids to swim. I felt lucky to have teachers and counselors who chose to share their time, energy, expertise, and talents.
As the season shifts towards winter, it’s time to ensure those young minds have extracurricular classes, activities, or sports to engage, foster, and energize their spirits. Parents should know something exists for all kids – it might take time, effort, trial and error, thinking outside the box, recruiting experts, and listening to your child’s voice. It might mean investments in energy, money, community, and heart. However long it takes to find the thing that lights them up – it’s worth it.
Here are 4 tips to help find an engaging winter extracurricular, class or activity for your child.
Listen actively to the kind of activity, class your child needs
Kids have a way of sharing their thoughts. Young children might not have the words yet, but they know how they feel. Those with the words might not have the meaning flushed out, and some kids may be shy and might need coaxing to try something new. Listen to what seems to interest them and provide options, give them the tools to research, keep an open line of communication, remind them they’ve got a support system, encourage giving it a try, and help them see that the nervous excitement of expanding that comfort zone is worth both the risk and joy.
Psst… Check Out New York City Family and Kids Winter Bucket List
Know what sorts of classes, sports your child gravitates towards
There is something for everyone in New York – offering many enriching activities encompassing diverse arts, including painting, sculpting, dancing, drawing, poetry, writing, music, theater, and more. Engaging in the arts fosters talent and expands your child’s understanding of the world, nurturing a heightened sense of self-awareness. For those passionate about sports, tailor-made winter classes are available after school or on weekends, providing the ideal outlet for children to expend their boundless energy.
Don’t overextend your child’s extracurricular schedule
Parent tip! If you’re overextended, your child is overscheduled, or there is sensory overload coming for your child (or you!), then less is more. One meaningful activity is more than enough.
If one day a week or a few hours each is sufficient, it will work for your child and, most importantly, the family.
There is an activity, class, or sport out there for every child
In families with more than one kid, you may run around and do different activities for your children, as only all of your kids will want to do the same sport or class.
So, lead them to what they will thrive in or take a mild interest and turn it into a full-on hobby. For example, If your child has an ear for languages, steer them towards an international culture or language club. If they’re pulled towards teams, leadership, and exercise, see what types of sports or club teams are out there for them. If they crave connection and want to learn creative pursuits, consider opening their world towards what’s possible in arts, community service, or learning something new. They want to practice swimming midwinter, there’s a club for that. They want to learn chess and build their interpersonal skills simultaneously; there’s a class for that. They want to learn marketing, debate, and business skills – there’s an organization for that. They want to learn survival skills and embrace the goals of scouts and leadership; there’s a space for that.
Give them a safe, non-judgemental space to share their interests and thrive.
Manhattan
Atlantic Acting School
76 Ninth Ave, Suite 313
New York, NY 10011
Atlantic Acting School offers exciting theater classes for performers ages 4-18! Atlantic’s afterschool & weekend classes this Winter & Spring allow your rising star to play, explore, and form lifelong friendships, all while creating their own work. Each class has a unique focus from musical theater to sketch, improv, scene study, film/TV, and more, but all are rooted in the Atlantic Technique. Enroll now to take the spotlight!
Bloomingdale School of Music
323 W. 108th St. New York, NY 10025
212-663-6021
Email: info@bsmny.org
Bloomingdale School of Music is offering prorated winter classes in December and January, plus early-bird discounts on classes starting in February. Serving the UWS since 1964, Bloomingdale offers lessons and classes for all ages from early childhood to adults. Explore private lessons, group classes, and ensembles in multiple genres. Visit the website for the latest on upcoming sales and the free Instrument Discovery Day Open House.
Center of Performing Arts & Dance NYC
11 W 25th St, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10010
212-542-0780
Email:info@cpadnyc.com
The Center for Performing Arts and Dance offers an interdisciplinary environment where children ages 1–13 learn, create, and grow. This winter, students explore ballet, hip-hop, ballroom, musical theater, STEM, chess, piano, and fashion design within a nurturing community. Each program is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Guided by expert educators, CPAD NYC inspires self-expression and lifelong learning while nurturing the whole child, academically, artistically, and socially.
Collina Italiana – Italian School & Cultural Center
1556 Third Ave. at 87th St., Suite 602
212-427-7770
Email:info@collinaitaliana.com
Give your child the gift of Italian and unlock a world of culture, beauty, and connection! Collina Italiana offers immersive after-school programs for kids and teens, plus engaging morning drop-off sessions for toddlers and ‘MOMMY AND ME’ classes. Children learn Italian through music, games, art, and hands-on activities in a fun, supportive environment. The school also hosts Saturday workshops, seasonal mini-camps during school holidays, and exciting cultural events year-round.
Fair Playhouse
520 8th Ave. New York, NY (Between 36th & 37th Street)
347-857-8745
Email: fairplayhouseinfo@gmail.com
Fair Playhouse is an NYC-based theater school serving students from elementary through high school, dedicated to creating a true artistic ensemble. Our community of teaching artists is committed to cooperative learning and fostering an inclusive space for all students. The full-day Saturday program features a core curriculum of Acting Technique, Improv, Devising, and Sketch Comedy. The program is firmly rooted in craft and focused on the community. Enroll your student for collaborative artistic training.
Greenwich House Music School
46 Barrow St., New York, NY 10014
212-242-4770
Inspire your child’s creativity and development through music and dance classes that spark imagination, strengthen cognitive growth, and encourage self-expression without screens! Programs for ages 0–13.5 include Intro to Piano, Music Together, Ballet, and Private Lessons taught by expert faculty in a nurturing, community setting. Whether you’re looking for a parent-child class for a toddler or an after-school program for a budding young musician, Greenwich House Music School offers something for every stage.
Greenwich House Pottery
Chelsea: 16 Jones St., New York, NY 10014
West Village: 27 Barrow St, New York, NY 10014
212-242-4106
Give your 10–17 year-old a chance to unplug and get creative with Afterschool Wheel Classes at our 16 Jones Street studio. In a fully screen-free, hands-on environment, they’ll build focus and confidence through throwing and glazing. Winter term registration is open for January 5–March 28, 2026. Classes meet Mondays, 3:30–5:30 pm, with all tools, materials, and firing included. Plus, their Clay for Families workshops on Sundays at the Chelsea studio offer a relaxed, tech-free way for kids and caregivers to make something together.
ItyBell Productions
39 W 56th Street, New York, NY 10019
917-667-0807
Email: itybellproductions@gmail.com
This exciting 6-week Music Recording, Production, and Business Masterclass is perfect for ages 12-18 who want to explore their passion for music. Participants get hands-on experience in a professional studio, learning how to use industry tools like Pro Tools and Logic Pro. With just 10 spots available, students receive personalized guidance from music professionals, create their own song ready for streaming, and showcase their work to family, friends, and local music insiders.
Peridance Center
Peridance Center offers dance training for children and teens, with winter classes available in Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and more. Our popular Toddler Sessions begin December 1, providing a fun, nurturing introduction to movement for ages 18 months- 16 years. Families can explore a variety of class options taught by professional faculty in the heart of Manhattan’s Union Square!
Play On! Studios
263 West 86th Street
New York, NY 10024
347-709-4149
Email: info@playonstudios.com
Play On! Studios offers theater classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a great experience full of acting, music, and fun! Whether your child is just starting out or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Creative Drama, Theater Lab, Musical Theater Revue, and Musical Theater Performance classes all offer different levels of commitment for busy kids. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school, or Saturdays!
Willan Academy of Music
244 Madison Avenue, #171
646-838-3990
In-home lessons available in Piano, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Voice and more. Unlock your child’s true potential with Willan Academy of Music. The program is designed to foster a genuine love for music and help students explore and develop their artistic abilities to the fullest. With their expert instructors and supportive environment, your child will be unstoppable in their pursuit of musical excellence.
Staten Island
Art Lab
1000 Richmond Terrace
718-447-8667
Art Lab offers a variety of after-school and weekend art classes for children ages 3 through teenagers. Visit Art Lab’s Annual Handmade Holiday Fair, Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 11 am to 4 pm, a must-stop for your holiday shopping. Look for free “No School Daze” events in December and January. Winter Immersion available 9 am to 5 pm and half days am or pm, February 16-20. Classes start January 4. Find yourself at Art Lab this winter!
Bi’an Mandarin
475 Belfield Avenue
347-258-9356
Bi’an Mandarin is a Mandarin immersion program for children ages 3 and up, offering play-based classes that integrate language with music, art, math, and science. Located in Staten Island, the classes are fun, hands-on, and designed to spark a lifelong love of Mandarin. They offer toddler programs, after-school and weekend classes, and themed summer camps. Children learn through games, stories, and real-world experiences while building strong foundations in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
JCC of Staten Island
1466 Manor Road
718-475-5200
At the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, kids enjoy their favorite activities after school. Kids can stay active in basketball, soccer, flag football, tennis, volleyball, and aquatics programs. Kids and teens can explore their creative sides and develop new talents in music, ceramics, dance, and chess. School’s Out programs bring kids together for activities outside of the classroom. The JCC also offers after-school programs for kids and teens with special needs.
Master Curry Martial Arts
3896 Richmond Avenue
718-979-7087
Ignite your child’s passion and confidence with Master Curry Karate’s extraordinary winter program. More than just another activity, it’s a transformative experience. This skilled instructor brings over 52 years of expertise, including 32 years teaching in Staten Island. Discover Martial Arts’ essential life skills, boost coordination and strength, and empower self-defense abilities. Fuel your child’s enthusiasm for learning while building character. Enroll now to unlock a world of growth and achievement!
Mathnasium Richmond NY
3161 Amboy Road
718-887-6955
Email: richmondny@mathnasium.com
Mathnasium is a global math learning franchise with over 1,000 centers worldwide. The Staten Island Mathnasium focuses on teaching math in a way that makes sense to each child. The Mathnasium Method™ uses personalized learning plans and fun, engaging instruction to create a supportive, enjoyable environment for all kids. When the lightbulb goes on, kids feel more confident, think more critically and start enjoying math. It’s a trusted resource for families across Staten Island.
Staten Island Family Music
3 Convenient Locations
Email: SifamilyMusicTogether@gmail.com
Experience a joyful winter of Music Together at Staten Island Family Music! An award-winning early childhood music program that brings families together through singing, dancing, instrument play and fun! This winter semester, cozy up with your little one as you explore new and familiar songs and activities that build musical skills and strengthen family bonds. Perfect for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Three convenient locations! Register today and make music a part of your family’s routine, all season long.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
3080 Arthur Kill Road
718-948-4800
The Pavilion Skate School is an award-winning Learn to Skate USA program that has been teaching the Staten Island community for 30 years. Following the curriculum endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating, The Pavilion offers classes for ages 4 and up, from Snowplow Sam beginners through Free Skate levels. Experienced coaches provide fun, progressive instruction in a supportive environment where skaters are grouped by ability. Whether pursuing figure skating, hockey, or recreational skating, The Pavilion helps instill a lifelong love of the sport.
Where Little Minds Shine
501 Richmond Hill Road
718-689-2795
Email:Info@wherelittlemindsgrow.com
Where Little Minds Shine offers community socialization classes designed to inspire creativity and confidence in young children. This art-based program runs Monday through Friday, with additional Saturday and Sunday classes for added flexibility. Children explore painting, crafting, sensory play, and collaborative projects while developing social skills and building friendships. The program focuses on fostering imagination, communication, and early learning in a warm, inclusive environment where every child can shine and grow through hands-on artistic experiences.
Westchester
Amadeus Conservatory of Music and Theater
201 King St., Chappaqua 382 Cantitoe St., Bedford
914-238-0388
Email:amadeusconservatoryofmusic@gmail.com
Amadeus offers private lessons in all instruments and voice for children and adults at all levels. Instruments include piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, Suzuki violin, woodwinds, and brass, and early childhood classes for babies through preschool. Excellent teachers hold top credentials from prestigious schools. They are experienced, nurturing, and give students a love of music. Classes include music theory, chamber music, and composition. There are two student recitals a year, NYSSMA preparation, and more. Classes begin December 1st.
Central Park Dance
165-171 South Central Ave., Hartsdale
Voted Best of Westchester 2025, Central Park Dance has been a hub for movement, creativity, and connection for 43 seasons. With after-school and weekend classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary, there’s something for every dancer from toddlers to teens to adults. Classes are led by expert faculty in a supportive, inspiring environment. New students are welcome year-round! Sign up for Winter & Spring now!
KAC Kisco Art Center
40 Radio Circle Dr, Mt. Kisco
914-232-4843
This winter, the KAC Art Center in Mt. Kisco is offering a wide array of after-school and Saturday art classes. Our working artist instructors offer a diverse range of talents, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Encaustics, Fused Glass, Pottery Wheel & Animation with classes for children, teens and adults. Register early to secure your spot as classes fill up fast. Don’t miss the chance to have fun and learn something new at KAC.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Ave, White Plains
914-761-3900
Email: info@musiced.org
At the Music Conservatory of Westchester, they bring together students and families of all ages and backgrounds through shared musical experiences. As a transformative force, music education cultivates a lifelong passion for the arts, empowering kids to explore their unique voices and realize their fullest potential. In this vibrant, supportive environment, everyone can grow, connect, and celebrate music as a community…a harmonious neighborhood where music matters!
The Play Group Theatre
One North Broadway, White Plains
914-946-4433
Email: info@playgroup.org
Be sure to join The Play Group Theatre this season for two fun and family-friendly Mainstage productions. This December, James and The Giant Peach will capture your heart and imagination as you travel with James in the most unusual form of transportation imaginable! Then in January, catch She Loves Me, a witty romantic comedy by the writers of Fiddler on the Roof, complete with handwritten letters, mistaken identity, and unexpected romance!
Rising Sport Stars
280 Old Mamaroneck Rd., White Plains, NY
999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
929-841-4500
Email: Info@RisingSportStars.com
Powered by New York Knicks Partnerships, Rising Sport Stars delivers premier basketball programs for kids ages 3 and up. In collaboration with the Jr. Knicks and Westchester Knicks, we offer exciting classes and leagues each fall, winter, and spring. From high-energy clinics to private sessions, every experience builds skills, confidence, and teamwork. Small-group challenges sharpen shooting, passing, and defense—helping each child grow with expert coaching and feedback while fostering a lifelong love of the game.
Studio B Dance Center
277 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-793-2799
Dance is one of the healthiest activities you can give your child. Studio B fosters a joyful, safe studio culture that helps children grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every class teaches life skills, building self-confidence, lowering anxiety, developing social skills, and learning how to be resilient. Their philosophy is: “We don’t teach kids to make great dancers; we teach dance to make great kids.” Experienced and nurturing teachers help every dancer. Sign up now for Winter 2026!
WSA Westchester Skating Academy
91 Fairview Park Dr, Elmsford
914-347-8232
Email: bdonohue@skatewsa.com
Keep your kids active and inspired this season at Westchester Skating Academy’s Winter Camps! Westchester County’s only NHL twin-rink facility—offers year-round skating programs for ages 3 to adult. From Learn to Skate classes and youth hockey leagues to figure skating, stick time, adult pick-up hockey, birthday parties, and public skating, there’s something for every level. This winter, WSA Winter Camps provide fun, skill-building instruction in a supportive environment. With sessions starting every eight weeks, it’s the perfect place to grow confidence on the ice!
Psst… Check Out Where to Go Sledding in the NYC Area and Beyond
