ML Interest Tag: self-defense

7 Outstanding After-School Activities This Fall

by rtkriswilhelmy

School’s out but the fun has just started. Giving kids something to look forward after a day of learning are these seven dynamic, adventurous, and stimulating after-school programs (some are before school too!). From stretching out summer vacation activities to setting kids up for a memorable new school year–we’ve got them all. As you scroll through we guarantee it’ll be a tough choice as to where you pick up your scholar from each day.

Campfire Columbia

campfire columbia

Known for their fireside fun at Camp Namanu, Campfire Columbia takes their summer camp explorations to before and after school care at many sites across the metro area. Designed for adventurers 5 to 12 years old, they offer a morning care program that starts as early as 7 a.m. and extending after school until 6 p.m., kids will enjoy a loosely structured place to finish up homework, develop leadership skills, and get involved in activities like creative arts, sports, and experiential learning. Campfire aim is to help all kids “find their spark.”

Starts at $283/monthly
Various school locations
Online: https://campfirecolumbia.org/

The Children's Gym

the children's gym via yelp

With gymnastics classes for the littlest to the biggest kids, The Children’s Gym knows how to get your kids moving. Their after school program offers pick up from four Portland-area schools, and runs until 6pm every night. While there, your kids will jump into a movement or gymnastics class to work out all their energy, and also have some downtime for homework, snacks, and quieter activities. Offered for ages 5/kindergarten  and up, you can also choose 1-5 days a week..  

Starting at 1 day per week: $194/month
1625 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
Online: childrensgym.com/after-school-care/

Portland Rock Gym

tim via flickr

If your little one has been climbing the furniture since they could crawl, it might be time to give them a bigger (and safer!) challenge at the Portland Rock Gym. The gym’s after-school program is designed for kids ages 6-17, giving them the chance to learn and improve their skills while making friends. A fun supportive environment encourages kids to try while challenging them. And for climbers who are all-in, they can join the competitive team! If you're a member check out their discounts.

Ages 6-8 as well as 9-11: start at 1 day/ week monthly enrollment:  $120

21 NE 12th Ave.
Portland, OR
503-232-8310
Online: portlandrockgym.com/afterschool/

Trackers Earth

trackers earth

Your kids will get a healthy dose of wild adventure with Trackers Earth--dedicated to teaching kids outdoor skills like archery, woodworking, blacksmithing, ceramics and even wilderness survival. They'll get the mentorship they need with excellent instructor-to-student ratios, while you’ll enjoy the flexible options like school pick up or drop off and 1-5 days a week. These classes range in age from as young as kindergarten up to 10th.

Starting at $135/mo
4617 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland, OR
503-345-3312
Online: trackerspdx.com/youth/after-school.php

Ethos Music Center

ethos music center

This nonprofit music center has been named one of the top 50 after-school arts programs in the U.S. six times since 2003! With those shining accolades, your budding musicians will shine at this supportive and creative place that brings music to all kids across socioeconomic barriers. Group classes are a collaborative 10-week introduction involving 4-6 students, and individual offerings cover an A-Z range of instruments, from Accordion to Ukulele (ok, A-U).

Group classes start at $120, with discounts offered for student who qualify for their school’s reduced lunch programs
2 N Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR
503-283-8467
Online: ethos.org

One With Heart

one with heart

One With Heart

This studio provides martial arts for all ages (including parents), but they shine in their after-school care. Focusing on self-esteem and respect, they teach skills that carry throughout life. The after-school care program is a daily offering that includes school pick-up, snack, homework time, and a variety of martial art classes for different skill levels. Students in grades 1-5 learn self-defense, focus, coordination and balance in a safe environment.

$449/month, Mon.-Fri., 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
4231 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR
503-231-1999
Online: onewithheart.com/afterschool-program

Kids Like Languages

kids like languages

Holding class in over 50 schools around Portland, this after-school program makes it easy on working parents by cutting down the travel and bringing up the fun. Teaching languages like Spanish, French, Mandarin, American Sign Language, or more (whatever the school requests, actually!) the classes combine top-notch teaching with native speakers, fun activities, and lots of enthusiasm. It’s well-researched that school age is one of the best times to learn a new language, so why not sign your kinder or niños up now?

Around $17/class, 25 classes/term
Classes in over 50 Portland area schools
503.492.1700
Online: kidslikelanguages.com/pages/after-school-classes

—Kris Wilhelmy

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150 Essential Life Skills Every Parent Should Know—& Teach Their Kids, Too

By Maggie McComb

Photo: Rawpixel

News articles about essential life skills are practically everywhere you look. While some offer tips about cooking and cleaning, others take a more introspective look at how to improve your time management and family dynamics. It’s so easy to get caught up in what we should be teaching our kids that we sometimes forget to learn these things ourselves.

These days, schools are so focused on core curriculum topics that the home economics and wood shop classes of yesteryear are long lost memories now. People around the country are rallying for schools to hold “Life Skills Day” like this high school in Kentucky. But the truth is these things cannot be taught in a single afternoon or even over the course of a school semester.

Parents hold a responsibility to set good examples and teach their children everything they know, but if parents are finding “adulting” difficult themselves, the wheels fall off the train. So we did the research for you and scoured dozens of lists, books and news articles for over 100 essential things everyone should aspire to know or do.

PRACTICAL Life Skills

  1. Learn how to change a tire.
  2. Know how to jump start a car.
  3. Know the proper air pressure for your tires and how to check it.
  4. Learn what Americans call “military time”. Most of the world reads time this way.
  5. Learn the military phonetic alphabet.
  6. Understand Roman numerals.
  7. Know how to make change for various bills, especially if you work with money at your job.
  8. Know how to read an analog clock.
  9. Consider learning an instrument. If you already know how to play one—practice.
  10. Buy a map and/or a globe and study it.
  11. Take better photos. Be selective about what you post online.

FAMILY Life Skills

  1. Know your significant other and kids’ clothing and shoe sizes.
  2. Stop telling girls “he just likes you” when a boy or man is teasing them. Abuse does not equal affection.
  3. Remember that when you marry someone, you marry their whole family.
  4. Set up a retirement account.
  5. Secure life insurance. I hate to break it to you, but you will die one day.
  6. Proper hygiene is a must. Take time to self-care.
  7. Don’t force your kids to hug anyone if they don’t want to.
  8. Don’t make assumptions the person you’re talking with has a husband or wife– say “spouse” or “partner” instead.
  9. Keep a line-a-day five year journal.

HOUSEHOLD Life Skills

  1. Know how a toilet works and how to fix a leaky, running or clogged one.
  2. Know where and how to shut off your water line.
  3. Know where your breaker box is and make sure everything is labeled.
  4. Keep an inventory of your belongings and important receipts.
  5. Invest in good luggage that will last a lifetime.
  6. Back up your computers, tablets and phones regularly.
  7. Learn how to clean basic stains.
  8. Know how to properly use power tools.
  9. Make a disaster preparedness kit for your home and your car.
  10. Build an appropriate wardrobe and invest is good quality essential items.
  11. Learn how to file taxes and which deductions you may take.
  12. Master how to sew a button and a basic hem.
  13. Practice tying a necktie on yourself and on someone else.
  14. Make a system for decluttering and go through it once a year.
  15. Never leave valuables exposed in your car.
  16. Only lend out items (or money) you’re willing to not get back.

KITCHEN Life Skills

  1. Take the time to do some meal planning. Your stomach and wallet will thank you.
  2. Know where your food comes from. Learn about GMOs.
  3. Understand the “food danger zone” to master food prep safety.
  4. If it suits you—learn how to can and preserve food.
  5. Know how to properly set a table.
  6. Water and grease don’t mix. Learn how to put out a grease fire.
  7. Knives—know which is which, learn how to chop and never put knives in the dishwasher.
  8. Don’t fill up on bread, especially if someone cooked for you.
  9. Grow something from a seed. Bonus points if it’s something you can eat.
  10. Learn how to use chopsticks.
  11. Learn how to read a nutrition facts label.
  12. Always ignore your phone during meals.
  13. Unless you’re a vegetarian— learn how to debone a chicken and filet a fish.
  14. Find your signature dish people will remember you for.

BUSINESS Life Skills

  1. Identify useful keyboard shortcuts.
  2. Check your credit reports regularly.
  3. Learn debt management and review your statements monthly.
  4. Know how to read a pay stub. Understand the deductions.
  5. There is a proper way to format a business letter.
  6. Have a flawless résumé.
  7. Practice good job interviewing skills.
  8. Write thank you notes or at least send a thank you email.
  9. Learn how to delegate tasks.
  10. Understand team dynamics and which personalities don’t mix well.
  11. Practice setting clear objectives and goals.
  12. Always read your contracts and documents before you sign them. If you don’t understand, ask.
  13. Learn how to take good notes. You will not remember.
  14. Repeat a person’s name after you meet them and then again in your head several times.
  15. Give yourself enough time to realistically complete tasks.
  16. Protect your identity. Don’t be careless with your passwords.
  17. Buy your name’s domain. Even if you don’t use it, it will be yours. Ditto for your kids.
  18. Learn the tricks for booking air travel. Don’t wait until the last minute.
  19. Always comparison shop.
  20. Don’t give out personal information online.
  21. Memorize your social security number.
  22. Learn key phrases in the local language when traveling abroad.

CIVICS Life Skills

  1. Know which legislative district you live in and whom represents you.
  2. Learn your state senators and your U.S. senators.
  3. Ditto for state and U.S. representatives.
  4. While you’re at it, learn about your city’s mayor and city council members.
  5. Jot down your local non-emergency numbers so you don’t tie up 911 unnecessarily.
  6. Understand how to navigate a library. They are all organized exactly the same way.
  7. Learn your city’s public transit system. Give it a try.
  8. Learn how to parallel park in three steps, not ten.
  9. If you can’t remember how far to park from a fire hydrant or other driving skills, brush up.
  10. If you have the right of way, take it.
  11. Don’t sit in the traffic box.
  12. Stop for school buses. It’s not worth it. Kids are involved.
  13. Pull over for emergency vehicles to pass. Slowing down doesn’t count.
  14. If a street performer is so good you stop to watch, you owe them a dollar.
  15. Don’t litter.
  16. Volunteer.
  17. Shop at small businesses.
  18. Call 811 for information about where your buried utility lines are located before you dig.

SURVIVAL & SAFETY Life Skills

  1. Your phone will die. Learn how to read a map and a compass.
  2. Know how to react when faced with a bear, cougar, snake and other wild animals in your area.
  3. Learn how to build a fire and an emergency shelter.
  4. Recognize poison ivy and other dangerous plants that are local to your area.
  5. Assume every gun is loaded.
  6. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Know how to find north.
  7. If you’re lost and find a river, follow it downstream until you find a town.
  8. Learn how to tie basic knots.
  9. Learn CPR.
  10. Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
  11. Basic first aid skills are a must. Certification is even better.
  12. Practice creating a splint for a broken bone so you know what to do.
  13. Learn how to swim.
  14. Know what to do around a fallen power line.
  15. Buy fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
  16. Know where hospitals are located, especially when traveling.
  17. Learn some basic self defense moves.

SOCIAL Life Skills

  1. Practice making small talk.
  2. Learn how to break the ice.
  3. Give (and accept) tactful criticism.
  4. If you’re entrusted with a secret— keep it.
  5. Don’t cancel plans via text.
  6. Apologize sincerely.
  7. Thank the driver.
  8. Thank the host.
  9. Say hello to the new kid.
  10. Learn how to say no.
  11. Don’t call before 9am or after 9pm.
  12. Understand body language.
  13. Don’t ask when someone is getting married or having children.
  14. Look people in the eye when speaking.
  15. Take turns talking without interrupting.
  16. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.
  17. Learn how to shuffle through a dance.
  18. Learn how to negotiate.
  19. Don’t lose your temper.
  20. Have a good short toast ready in case you need it.
  21. Memorize a few good jokes.
  22. Give a solid handshake with a smile.
  23. Conquer public speaking.
  24. Be vocal about consent.
  25. Hold the door.
  26. Don’t pose for pictures with booze.
  27. Understand the difference between sympathy and empathy.
  28. Understand the difference between equity and equality.
  29. Let go of toxic people.
  30. Maintain a self-care hygiene routine.
  31. Don’t lie to your doctor.
  32. If you offer to help, don’t quit until you’re done.
  33. Be ok with eating a meal alone in public.
  34. Don’t make a scene.
  35. Don’t linger in doorways.
  36. Give credit, take blame.
  37. Let go of the ghosts in your past.
  38. Research your ancestry.
  39. Learn how to make proper introductions.
  40. Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
  41. Know when you need to suck it up.
  42. Hold yourself to a high standard.
  43. And always—make the little things count.

It takes effort, but we can all be rockstar parents and raise awesome kids by building a better community together. Let this be the year you take charge.

Maggie and her family roost in the Pacific Northwest and share their travels, homeschool field trips, curriculum ideas and lifest‌yle tips from a city-based homestead. Maggie is a cooking enthusiast and avid student of history and science. She's also mother to an "old soul" tween daughter. 

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10 Hilarious Parenting Tweets of the Week

by Red Tricycle

From the soccer carpool to the never-ending assortment of mismatched socks, sometimes there are days when you’ve only got a few seconds (or 140 characters) to get in a good giggle. Well, sit back and get ready to scroll because we’ve scoured the Twitterverse for moms and dads that rap about the highs and lows of parenting, and the results are hilarious.

1. Hey, how’d that get there?

https://twitter.com/willgoldstein/status/774225084525322240

2. Here ya go, and good luck!

3. That’s what we really want.

4. Worst. School. Ever.

5. Nooooo!

6. Creepy.

7. Never get to #4. Ever.

https://twitter.com/2questionable/status/774237766557270017

8. What *else* could be in that?!

9. “Yes, I know self-defense.”

10. Why is this even an option?

https://twitter.com/roostermustache/status/773886955356577793

Do you have any #funnyparenting moments to share with the Red Tricycle Community? 

 

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6 Martial Arts Kids Will Get a Kick Out Of

by Yuliya Geikhman

The martial arts are about so much more than self-defense. In fact, having fun, building physical and mental strength, and developing discipline are key components of any martial art discipline, and when it comes to what and where kids can study, New York is flush with options. From Karate to Judo to Krav Maga and beyond, scroll though to discover some of the top martial arts for kids in the city, and where to get kicking. Chop chop!

For the Classic: Karate

Karate is the go-to martial art for kids. It’s low-contact so your budding black-belt isn’t likely to get hurt, and it emphasizes self- control. As your kid learns stances and techniques, he will also be learning things that will be helpful in his day-to-day life: patience, confidence and maybe even better organization skills.

Many Karate programs offer a free or reduced-price intro course, so you can see if the dojo gels with your kid’s personality and needs before investing. World Seido Karate, for instance, has a $20 intro class. Classes at the Midtown location are available seven days a week, and are offered for kids ages four to 15. Seido means “sincere way,” and the World Seido Karate programs focus on a welcoming space for kids to learn to deal with everyday stresses through the power of Karate. Pretty heady stuff!

Karate, like most martial arts, is taught in groups. Size does matter, though: at Modern Martial Arts, classes are small (typically under 15 kids), and instructors are able to give kids individual attention. Your child can progress through the ranks and be constantly challenged, and the program prides itself in being able to help every kind of child evolve and grow.

The Staten Island Karate institute also has small class sizes (10 - 15 students in each), and bi-monthly examinations ensure that your child is being taught at the right level. Print out the coupon on the site, and the first class is free!

World Seido Karate
61 W. 23rd St.
Midtown
(212) 924-0511
Online: seido.com

Staten Island Karate
1652 Richmond Ave.
Staten Island
(718) 844-4195
Online: karatestatenisland.com

Modern Martial Arts
103 W. 73rd St. (and other locations)
(212) 721-2240
Online: 4blackbelt.com

Photo: via Modern Martial Arts on Yelp

Do your kids take a martial art? Tell us where in the comments below!

—Yuliya Geikhman

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Fit Bits: The Coolest Places for Kids to Break a Sweat

by rtstephaniekanowitz

We live in one of the country’s fittest cities, so it’s no surprise our kiddos are following suit of their get-up and go grown-ups. Just look at all the My Gym and Little Gym locations in the D.C. metro area. (That would be 15 and 17, respectively, within a 100-mile radius of Capitol Hill.) But dance, gymnastics, soccer and tee-ball aren’t the only ways to get kids moving. Here are six places outside the (sand)box.

Photo: Lil Omm via Facebook

Stretch Limits at Lil Omm
Founded in 2008 by a local mom, this yoga studio focuses on community, encouraging budding yogis to have fun while being healthy. Classes include Family Yoga, 45-minute sessions broken down by age that give parents and kids a chance to get centered together. Other options are kids-only. Babies can get in on the action, too, through Itsy Bitsy Yoga.

Cost: Range from $20 for drop-in classes to $300 for a 20-class pass
4708 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Online: lilomm.com

Playing Outside the Box at Blue Box Sports
Got a sports enthusiast? No need to wait until he or she can join a league sport. Kids from 18 months to 6 years have been getting a leg up through Blue Box’s developmental basketball, baseball and soccer classes since 2006. Classes meet in 12 locations around Virginia and D.C. Sessions typically run eight weeks.

Cost: starting at about $12 per class
Online: blueboxsports.com

Photo: The Lab DC via Facebook

Breaking it Down at The Lab DC
Ballet, tap and jazz—been there, signed up for that. But breakdancing? That’s a new spin. The Lab DC is the first in the area to specialize in the format popularized in the 1970s and ’80s. Lil Breakers is for kiddos 2.5 to 4 years and focuses on fundamental techniques and skills that build strength, coordination and gross motor skills in addition to fostering teamwork.

6925 Willow St., N.W.
Online: thelabdc.com

Shimmy Your Sillies Out at My Gym
Turns out the popular Latin American dance-based Zumba classes aren’t just for adults. Boys and girls ages 4 through 12 can work their way through movements step by step before putting them all together during the 45-minute Kids Zumba classes.

Cost: $40 for four weeks
9566 Burke Rd. (Burke, Va)
Online: mygym.com

Photo: The N Zone via Facebook

Variety is the Spice of Life at the nZone
Can’t pick just one? Get a Kids Fitness Membership here and try Animal Yoga (ages 2-5), Tough Kids Bootcamp (ages 6-12) or Cardio Craze (2-5 years). Bonus: Adults can burn their calories here, too, at yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes.

Cost:  $30/month or $20/month with an adult membership
14550 Lee Rd. (Chantilly Va)
Online: thenzone.com

Self-defense, Israeli Style at Roundhouse Krav Maga
Developed for the Israeli military, “contact combat,” as krav maga translates to, pulls from boxing, judo and other forms. Kids Krav Maga teaches kids how to protect themselves against unwanted physical contact by other kids and adults.

9190 Red Branch Rd. (Columbia, Md)
Online: roundhousekravmaga.com

Do you have any favorite kids workout spots? Tell us in the comments. 

–Stephanie Kanowitz

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Karate Kids: Local Places for Little Ones to Get Their Kicks

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Self-defense, conflict resolution, discipline, physical and mental stamina: These are just a few of the awesome skills that martial arts can teach a kid, which is why it’s the fastest growing sport in the country. If you’ve got a kid in need of some fitness, focus, friendship and fun, read on. Every one of these studios promises to build your child’s confidence and self-esteem, thereby paving the way for success in other areas of life.

Photo: Beta Academy via Facebook

Beta Martial Arts Academy
If you’re interested in a holistic approach to preparing your kiddo for everything from bullies, to academic challenges, to building self-confidence and maintaining self-esteem, then the Beta Academy is the place for you. Kids programs focus on Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jumior will learn non-violent conflict resolutions skills and bully-prevention tactics along with positive character traits. Kid’s classes are offered daily, and if you’re unsure of your child’s dedication, Beta offers a free trial class to find out if it’s right for you.

1353 Florida Ave., NW (U Street)
Online: www.betaacademy.com

YMCA National Capitol
If you need to remind yourself why you’re lucky to live in D.C., stop by the YMCA National Capitol: Seven floors of fitness all for one monthly fee, including access to dozens of YMCA branches throughout the DMV area. The YMCA features a variety of classes for kids in beginning and intermediate Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Family Jujitsu. There’s also Youth and Parent Tae Kwon Do, Youth Kickboxing, and Youth Martial Arts. Youth classes focus on defensive techniques, flexibility, strength, discipline and respect in a non-aggressive, non-competitive environment.

1711 Rhode Island Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
Online: http://www.ymcadc.org 

Photo: DC Aikido via Facebook

D.C. Aikido Martial Arts and Kids Karate
At Aikido, becoming a black belt begins with the inner self and classes focus on life-defining values such as courtesy, patience, respect, self-control and integrity. Classes are designed by age and skill level and include life skills instruction, physical conditioning and stretching, self-defense and stranger-danger instruction, along with fun and excitement. Aikido also offers a number of comprehensive summer camps and all-inclusive birthday parties.

2368 Connecticut Ave., NW Ste. C-104 (Woodley Park)
Online: www.dcaikido.com

Washington Shotokan Karate
This volunteer run, non-profit organization is one of the oldest karate studios in the DMV area, and offers education and training in traditional Japanese karate, which focuses on using the hands, feet and other body parts as weapons. Classes are offered to children ages 8 -12 and adults. Beginners are given private or semi-private lessons to learn basic techniques before being introduced into a class. This is a great place if your kiddo wants to get serious about improving and perfecting her skills. For yellow belts and above, Shotokan features kissaki-kai karate-do, a form of martial arts that incorporates real-life fighting scenarios.

3265 S St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: www.dckarate.com

Photo: Yong Studios DC via Facebook

Yong Studios
Yong Studios is known for offering a large number of classes to help clients work at least one or more into the busiest of schedules. Classes focus on Tae Kwon Do, a Korean Martial Art best known for its advanced kicking techniques. Yong believes that practicing martial arts brings fluidity to motion, grace to movement, and physical harmony. Who could argue with that? One nice thing about Yong is that they don’t lock you into a contract like some other studios. You pay one monthly fee and come to class as often as you like. Children are placed in classes based on ability.

4445 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Tenleytown)
Online: www.yongstudios.com

Have you found a martial arts studio that your kid loves? Tell us about it in the Comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

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Just Opened: A New Center With Classes of All Kinds

by alina adams

One of the best things about being an NYC parent is that no matter what your kid is into — someplace offers a class in it. Now, a brand new 15,000-square-foot facility on the Lower East Side is aiming to be almost a one-stop-shop for your all your junior extracurricular needs. Looking for ballet classes? Mandarin? Krav Maga? Evolution Enrichment Center offers all that and more.

Rhythmic gymnastics class photo: Alina Adams

Dance, Dance, Baby

No one is too young to strut their stuff at Evolution Enrichment! Starting with Mommy & Me Dance Appreciation and Stretching & Flexibility Classes for ages 12 to 24 months, your budding ballerina or bounding boy can then move up into Classical Pre-Ballet for 4 to 6-year-olds, followed by Ballet for 6 to 9- year-olds. The classes are taught by members of the prestigious Brighton Ballet Theater: School of Russian Ballet in the company’s only Manhattan location.

Ballet not your kid’s thing? Evolution Enrichment also offers classes in Ballroom Dance for 5 to 6-year-olds, General Ballroom Dance for 6 to14-year-olds, Contemporary Jazz for ages 7 and up, and Modern Dance for ages 10 and up.

Krav Maga class photo: Evolution Enrichment

Super (Solo) Sports

What do you do if your child just isn’t a joiner, and the idea of team sports makes them wrinkle their noses and go “Eww”? How about introducing them to a team sport — that requires individual training?

Rhythmic Gymnastics demands the strength and flexibility of a Gabby Douglas alongside the dancing prowess of a prima ballerina. Plus, practitioners get to twirl ribbons, bounce balls, spin hoops, toss clubs, and swing a rope. (You probably know rhythmic gymnastics from seeing it in the Olympics.) While NYC is full of competitive and recreational gymnastics programs, Evolution Enrichment is one of the only places to offer a Rhythmic Gymnastics option for girls ages 5-11 years old, and the class is taught by a European medalist.

Looking for less twirling and more kicking? Try Krav Maga. This Israeli martial art teaches kids self-defense through a combination of techniques re-purposed from boxing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and grappling that uses an opponent’s strength against them. The discipline focuses on dealing with real-life situations and, most importantly, self-control and the wisdom to know when to walk away from a fight.

You Gotta Have Art

For kids who gotta sing and dance, check out the Kids Theater Arts Workshop and Performance class for children ages 5 to12, in which young actors not only engage in scene study and movement, but also receive helpful tips in articulation, projection, poise, and self-confidence — great skills both on stage and off.

Budding visual artists (or lawyers) may enjoy Creative Art, a hands-on painting workshop beginning at the kindergarten level that also incorporates critical thinking and public speaking components. ( Just what every parent needs: a kindergartner who can argue better.)

Art class photo: Evolution Enrichment

Brain Games

If intellectual gymnastics are more your child’s speed, Evolution Enrichment provides several ways to keep his or her little mind engaged, including chess and Mandarin classes for kids five and older, and computer programming and debate for those in middle school. (It also offers Specialized High School Admissions Test and SAT prep on the premises for the older set.)

Pre-school class photo: Evolution Enrichment

School’s In Session

In addition to a menu of specialized individual classes such as the ones above, Evolution Enrichment also offers a preschool program of half and full days Monday through Friday. Developed for children ages 2-5, the Center’s early childhood preschool program utilizes the movement, sports, chess and language class resources of the facility, and also incorporates a specially-developed science and math curriculum.

Evolution’s space features sixteen classrooms freshly-decorated with over-sized cartoon characters and a private outdoor play area, and the center will be running summer camp programs when school lets out.

Evolution Enrichment Center
38 Delancey St.
Lower East Side
212-375-9500
Online: EvolutionEnrichment.com

Where do your kids get enriched? Tell us in the comments below!
– Alina Adams

 

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Go Wild Inside: The Coolest Indoor Play Spaces

by Sarah Bossenbroek

No one likes a water-logged slide or a soggy sandbox. If the rain is keeping you and your littles away from local play ground, it’s time to find a indoor alternative, stat! Luckily, there is no shortage of places for to kiddos to climb, jump, swing and slide while staying warm and dry inside. From an underwater-themed wonderland in Redwood City to a stunner of a four-story climbing structure in San Francisco, these indoor play spaces will have your tykes doing a rain dance.

San Francisco

Peek-a-boo Factory, San Francisco
A former bank in West Portal is now home to a four story, rainbow-colored climbing structure. This brand new playspace has something for everyone. The centerpiece is the Junior Area, where kids 3-10 can explore four stories of ladders, steps, slides, balls and bouncy rooms. An enclosed toddler/baby area boasts mini slides, plenty of musical toys to bang on and even a funhouse mirror. A play nook offers more mellow entertainment, such as books, Legos, a train table and a kiddie kitchen. But perhaps some of the best perks are for the parents—Wifi, café seating and a big screen TV playing all the big games, just in time for playoff season.

2 West Portal Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-702-6683
Online: peekaboofactory.com

Courtesy of House of Air

House of Air
This place totally blows your backyard trampoline out of the water. It’s a huge warehouse filled with trampolines, airbags, dodgeball courts, and a bounce house. Let your little jumpers (ages 3-6) bounce away in the Air Junior Bounce House, or go for a jaunt on the bigger trampolines during their Junior Geronimo Open Jump sessions (the new and improved version of their Mini Jumper Program.) If your bouncers get hungry, stop at the House of Snacks and pick up a little something to munch on (they have healthy snacks!)

926 Old Mason St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-345-9675
Online: houseofair.com

Recess
San Franciscans seek shelter from the rain at Recess in Potrero Hill. Aside from a huge indoor slide, climbing area, and swing, the 3,200-square-foot space has a nursing room, cafe, and free wi-fi. Kids can take class series in cooking, singing, and “messy art.” But Recess isn’t restricted to play. They also offer parent workshops on topics like tantrums, money management, and getting into preschool.

Note: Recess is only open to members on rainy days, a $75 monthly commitment—worth every penny when you think about the frequent rainy days we have here in the Bay Area.

470 Carolina St. (Between 18th and Mariposa)
San Francisco, Ca
415-701-7529
Online: recessurbanrecreation.com

Other options in the city include Noe Valley Recreation Center (the large gym offers classes for old and young, and like many indoor play spots, can be rented for birthday parties) and Peekadoodle Kids Club in Ghirardelli Square (the play space features a Victorian house, a cable car, a grocer’s market, and a giant Golden Gate Bridge). 

Courtesy of Play Cafe

East Bay

Play Cafe
It’s nice to go to an indoor playspace that caters to both adults and kids. While moms and dads can grab a bite to eat, kids can jump in the indoor ball pit, try on dress-up clothes, and play with a bunch of toys that are great for the under-5 set. They also host a variety of events such as movie screenings, guest speakers and authors, and more that are a sure-fire way to keep both you and your kiddo entertained while you forget all about the gloomy weather outside.

4400 Keller Ave., Ste. 410
Oakland, Ca
510-638-3712
Online: playcafellc.com

We Rock the Spectrum, Berkeley
This unique kids gym is more than just a place for littles to let off steam. It was founded by a mother of a child of two after she discovered what a positive effect physical and sensory play had on her kids—one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Every offering—from swings, tunnels, crash mats. Trampolines, ziplines, climbing structures and even and arts and crafts area—are designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities.

2920 7th St.,
Berkeley, Ca
510-845-9787
Online: werockthespectrumberkeley.com

Modern Recess
Like Crunch fitness for the under-15 set, this kiddie gym offers classes such as speed and agility, hip hop, Spooner boarding, yoga and balance, self-defense, and strength training.

3151 Crow Canyon Pl.
San Ramon, Ca
925-327-0883
Online: modernrecess.com

Studio Grow
Studio Grow has locations in Berkeley and Concord and Blackhawk. Stop in for a music class or story time, or to romp through the huge gym space that’s rigged with padded toys to climb over, roll on, or crawl through. There’s also dress-up, painting, and pretend kitchen play. Snacks are sold here, but for a lunch or latte you’ll have to bring your own.

1235 10th Street
Berkeley, Ca
510-526-9888

2202N South Shore Center
Alameda, Ca
510-701-6042

3612 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, Ca
925-648-7529

Online: studiogrow.com

Playland-Not-At-The-Beach
This 9000-square foot building is chock-full of amazing things to see and do. There are 30+ pinball machines set on Free Play, arcade games, videogames, carnival games of skills, antique penny arcades, live magic shows, an amazing hand-carved miniature circus, and historic exhibits with artifacts from the Sutro Baths and Whitney’s Playland in San Francisco. Oh, and did we mention that it was the winner of the Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards Most Awesome Indoor Playspace?

10979 San Pablo Ave.
El Cerrito, Ca
510-592-3002
Online: playland-not-at-the-beach.org

Peninsula

Le Petit Playhouse, Redwood City
This 10,000 sq. ft. facility was dreamt up by the folks behind the Bay’s favorite swim school: Le Petit Baleen. So of course this kiddie wonderland has an under-the-sea theme with features such as the Whale Lookout Sphere, Shark Tank Pendulum Walk, Sea Weed Zig Zag Run and so much more. There’s a separate baby/toddler structure, an interactive “Eye Click” game, a climbing wall and 2 sport courts. Birthday parties are big business here (the playhouse is closed to the public on weekends, when the parties take over) and private rooms and simple, all-inclusive packages make planning a snap.

1264 Oddstad Dr.
Redwood City, Ca
650-642-9444
Online: lapetiteplay.com

Diddalidoo
This sweet spot is designed just for the little ones, ages 0-4. Rollers, crawlers and toddlers can go wild chasing lights, popping bubbles, climbing soft steps and cruising down slides. Three distinct play areas will keep them busy between naps!

544 San Mateo Ave.
San Bruno, Ca
650-741-9065
Online: diddalidoo.com

U-Me
Menlo Park’s paragon of play is the bright and modern U-Me. Run by three moms, the 4,000-square-foot play space is the largest on the Peninsula. Adults can take yoga or Barre classes while their little ones explore. Classes for kiddos include tumbling, science, yoga, music, and martial arts.

3355 Edison Way
Menlo Park, Ca
650-257-7511
Online: u-meplace.com

Play!
If you want a large, well lit space for your kids to play (and one that’s clean) then look no further than Play! in Los Altos. Play! is one huge room so parents can see kids wherever they decide to hang out while their kids play. Plus, the toys are educational, fun, and high quality. For the older toddlers, there is an arts and crafts room. The staff is super friendly and they actually enjoy playing with kids! Weekends (and rainy weekends) can make this place super busy, so be prepared. An added bonus: plenty of street parking.

170 State St.
Los Altos, Ca
650-559-0960
Online: playlosaltos.com

South Bay

Whimsy, Saratoga
While your little ones are playing dress up, performing on the stage, climbing to the top of the wooden gym, or getting messy with arts and crafts, you can sit back with a coffee or tea, do some work, or catch up with a friend. What sets Whimsy apart is that there they offer trained staff members to supervise the children in the play area at no extra charge, so parents, while required to stay on site, can truly take a break themselves.

14510 Big Basin Way, Ste. 3
Saratoga, Ca
408-898-3197
Online: whimsy-saratoga.com

The Duck Pond
For just $5, your kiddo can explore a variety of different play areas, imagination stations, a jump house, a pretend theater, a large and clean play area filled with toys, and lots of Playdough crafts. The Duck Pond is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 11:00am, so it’s a great way to kill a few hours before heading out on your next rainy day adventure.

GateWay Community Center/GateWay City Church
5884 Eden Park Place
San Jose, Ca
650-954-3926
Online: onepagerapp.com/theduckpond

Marin

Playland
Much like the House of Air (only smaller) Play Land has four unique jumpies, the largest being a 40 by 20 foot inflatable sports arena, perfect for dodgeball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and jousting contests! Two slide jumpies and jumpies with a basketball hoop, climbing wall, and play zone for the younger ones. Once they’re tuckered out, kids can head to the art room for crafts, play with toys in the tumble area, or play for points at the air hockey tables (they have two!) Best of all, every activity is designed to keep kids 0-6 warm and dry.

610 Coloma Street (in the MLK Gym)
Sausalito, Ca
415-381-1241
Online: mttamadventurecamps.com

Photo courtesy of Play-Well Enginnering Center

Play-Well Engineering Center 
With two activity center locations in the Bay Area (and dozens of class locations), Play-Well offers drop-in classes and weekly camps for the LEGO fanatics in your family. Apply physics concepts, engineering and architectural designs to your builds to make catapults, pyramids, and more. Just the collection of bricks alone is amazing; boxes stacked form floor to ceiling in every imaginable color and shape. Classes vary by age group, starting as young as 3 up to age 12.

216 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-460-5210

5737 Valley Ave.
Pleasanton, Ca
925-484-1547

Online: play-well.org

Where do you take your kids on a rainy day? We know there are tons of places to play when the weather is wet, so leave a comment with your favorite places below!

—Erin Feher and Sarah Bossenbroek

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