Yes, NYC has tons of options for kids’ classes, but sometimes it feels like your child has done them all. Looking to mix it up this fall? We surveyed the city for brand-spankin’ new classes in all sorts of disciplines, for a wide range of ages. Some are newly-offered; some are coming to your ‘hood for the first time. All of them might be your answer to extracurricular kid class fatigue!

 

photo: Preschool of Rock

Fall Fiesta…Uno…Dos…Tres…Fiesta! at Preschool of Rock
The Preschool of Rock is rolling out a new class with Spanish flair this fall. This high-energy mommy & me class will include drumming, shaking, dancing and instrument discovery along with learning basic spanish  words and phrases such as numbers and colors. (Plus: All students get a Preschool of Rock CD and a free instrument!) Preschool of Rock will be hosting special open house events featuring music, interactive performance and giveaways in Fort Greene and DUMBO Brooklyn, as well as several locations in New Jersey where families can stop by and check out the Preschool of Rock style. See web site for dates and specific locations. 

For ages: 6 months to 4 years old; classes begin September 17

Throughout NYC and New Jersey
732-205-1971
Online: preschoolofrock.com

Flight Club at the JCC
Yes, that’s “flight” not “fight.” The JCC has partnered with HobbyQuest to bring little aviators a class in which they can build their own miniature aircrafts. Kids will make high-flying balsa wood motorized airplanes that can reach heights as tall as four stories! All models will be built from scratch and can be taken home.

For ages: 5-6 years old; classes begin September 10

334 Amsterdam Ave.
Upper West Side
646-505-5708
Online: jccmanhattan.org

photo: Baby DJ School

Baby DJ at Baby DJ School
The much buzzed about Baby DJ School is coming to an indoor venue on the Upper West Side for the first time! In this admittedly novel (but too cool) and research-based class, both babies and parents learn the lingo, equipment and music of the DJ set. At its core, Baby DJ School is a way for parents and babies to bond, and a setting where kids are provided visual, auditory, tactile and social stimulation through songs and games, educational chants and challenges, dancing and playing under colorful disco lights. (For a taste of Baby DJ School check out this track “Building a Song is Fun” from the forthcoming Baby DJ School Album!)

For ages: 2 months to 3 years old; classes begin October 6

Manhattan Jewish Experience
131 W. 86th. (btwn Columbus and Amsterdam Ave.)
Upper West Side
Online: babydjschool.com/upperwestside

photo: Freshmade NYC

Cooking Classes for all ages at Freshmade NYC
Freshmade NYC is introducing a new slate of classes for kids of all ages, many of which have the option of a one-time drop in as well. Little Chefs for child and caregiver finds kids exploring the tastes and tools of the kitchen, with a focus on cooperation and sharing. For kids ages 4 to 10, Young Chefs, Junior Chefs, After School Pick Me Up and Fall Fridays will teach kids a new skill each class such as knife work, plating, how to read food labels, and more. Freshmade will also be holding pop-up classes throughout the semester such as Pizza Party, Pasta Making, Sushi and Healthy Halloween Treats. Free trial classes are available with registration September 14-18. Use the code “REDTRI15” for 15 percent off any fall class!

For ages: 2 and up; classes begin September 21

636 Broadway 5th Fl. #516
212-475-0500
SoHo
Online: freshmadenyc.com

photo: Treasure Trunk Theater

Story Drama at Treasure Trunk Theater
These popular Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens drop-off theater classes for kids are coming to the Prospect Heights neighborhood of the borough. Each “Story Drama” class is inspired by a classic children’s story in a literal Treasure Trunk. Students do vocal and physical warm-ups, create characters and work as an ensemble while using their imaginations. Friends and family are invited to the last class to see the results of all the hard work in a final “show.”

For ages: 3 to five years old; classes begin September 29

Brooklyn Brainery
190 Underhill Ave.
Prospect Heights
Online: treasuretrunktheatre.com

Baby Steps and Lego Builders at The Playroom NYC
Technically, every class offered at The Playroom NYC is new this fall, because the Upper East Side indoor play space and classroom facility opened this past February. For new moms and babies three to 12 months old, it offers Baby Steps, and intro to movement and music class that will help develop fine and gross motor skills and provided the ever-important tummy time. (Additional progressive movement, music and art classes are offered for kids as they age, with an eye toward prepping them for preschool.) For kids 3 1/2 to 6 years old, Lego Builders brings Master Builder Cody Wells to the space to help kids with individual and group LEGO projects. The class, which meets every other week, includes open play before and after the session, and projects kids can take home.

For ages: 3 months and up; classes begin September 14

The Playroom NYC
1439 1st Ave. at 75th St.
Upper East Side
Online: theplayroomnyc.com
212-729-6149

photo: Brooklyn Robot Foundry

Advanced Robot Making and Parent/Toddler Robot Making at the Brooklyn Robot Foundry
The Robot Foundry (which has two locations, one in Brooklyn, the other ion downtown Manhattan) has new classes for both ends of the skill spectrum. Parents and kids ages 2 to 4 years old can work together on a robot project to take home in the Toddler Class, while more advanced students in grades 2 through 5 who have attended a summer camp or class at the Foundry can enroll in the next-level Robot Inventors class.

Ages 2 and up; classes begin September 16

303 3rd Ave.
Gowanus
347-762-6840

72 Warren St.
Tribeca
347-762-6840
Online: brooklynrobotfoundry.com

Hip-Hop, Beginner Violin, and more at The YMCA
The Y is rolling out new classes at many of it locations, for kids of all ages. The Dodge Y in Brooklyn Heights is introducing hip-hop classes for kids 4 – 10 and “Drumming for kidZ” for those 18 months to 4 years old. At the Jamaica Y, kids 8 years old and up can take beginner violin alongside mom and dad and other adults and the Harlem Y is introducing a STEM class for kids ages 6 to 10. Check out your local Y’s listing for the latest additions.

Locations throughout NYC, with start dates varying

Online: ymcanyc.org

Sleep Support at the 92nd St. Y
OK, technically, this is more for parents (they are the ones who attend). However, if you think some of your toddler’s, um, less desirable behavior might be from lack of sleep (some research shows kids need 13-15 hours a day), this might be what the whole family needs. The class involves both in-person classes and inline support groups to share advice, challenges and ask the instructor, sleep consultant Andrea Scannell.

Classes begin September 30

1395 Lexington Ave.
Upper East Side
212-415-5500
Online: 92y.org

Is your family taking a new class this fall? Tell us about it in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

 

If your little ones enjoy helping out in the kitchen, there are plenty of cooking classes that will encourage their inner chef. Some focus on kitchen safety and the importance of eating local. Others explore different cultures and international cuisines. The trick is finding the right program for your little Batali-in-the-making. From cupcake workshops to Saturday brunch meetups to weekly dinner clubs, these hands-on cooking courses teach your kids how to make tasty dishes at home — with, of course, a little bit of help from mom and dad.

                                                                                        photo: Freshmade NYC via Yelp

Freshmade NYC
Enroll your budding chef in one of the many classes offered at this cooking studio at Broadway and Bleecker. Check out its schedule for pop-up themed classes, including Taco Night and a Make Your Own Sushi demonstration. Freshmade NYC also holds semester courses for kids as young as 20 months. The studio’s signature Brunch ‘N’ Munch series teaches toddlers how to prepare healthy brunch foods like smoothies and pancakes. Older chefs ages 4 to 7 can participate in the Kids Dinner Club creating seasonal meals. Want to sample a class before committing to a full semester? The studio offers a one-time drop-in pass that you can purchase online.

Freshmade NYC
636 Broadway #516
NoHo
212-475-0500
Online: freshmadenyc.com

                                                                                                       photo: Didriks via Flickr

Young Chefs Academy
Does your little sous chef want to “help” whenever you are in the kitchen? Sharpen his or her skills at Queens-based Young Chefs Academy’s Camp Can-I-Cook. The program features a three-hour lesson for three, four or five consecutive days, with themes varying according to the current season. A winter session might focus on hearty old-world Italian dishes, while a week during the summer could revolve around cool treats to beat the heat. The Academy also offers a KinderCooks program for tots ages three to five. The lessons are designed around age-appropriate themes, such as shapes, numbers and colors. Classes are limited to 15 kids and are conducted by one teacher and an assistant. Depending how often you attend, you might want to consider purchasing the Chefs Club Membership, which offers discounts on classes, birthday parties and YCA merchandise as well as exclusive access to member-only events.

Young Chefs Academy
108-10 72nd Ave.
Forest Hills
718-268-0343
Online: youngchefsacademy.com

                                                                       photo: Chef Toni’s Cooking Adventures via Yelp

Chef Toni’s Cooking Adventures
Chef Antoinette Willard is a mother of four. She’s also the culinary mastermind behind Chef Toni’s and an advocate of the local food movement. Her classes highlight the importance of using fresh ingredients and knowing where the food on your plate comes from. Cooking Adventures, a popular course offered on weekday afternoons, teaches the values behind and the techniques to prepare farm-to-table cuisine. On select Saturdays, Chef Toni also holds a Cook & Play seminar for kids ages 5-13. Live downtown and don’t want to trek to the Upper West Side? You’re in luck. Chef Toni partners with other venues to offer classes in Battery Park City and Tribeca.

Chef Toni’s Cooking Adventures
967 Columbus Ave., B1
Upper West Side
646-682-7769
Online: cheftoniscookingadventures.com

                                                                photo: The Art Farm in the City via Instagram

The Art Farm in the City
Do the little ones look forward to trips to the farmer’s market? They’ll love learning how to make dishes from local ingredients in The Farm’s Foodies Cooking Class. Offered for kids ages two to eight, your little ones will get a chance to cook with fresh ingredients and participate in a sensory adventure. A typical lesson includes smelling local herbs and spices, peeling rhubarb and tasting new fresh fruits and veggies. Each semester, the instructor designs a seasonal organic menu from around the globe. Carmelized Apple Galette, Carrot Cheez-Its and Spring Berry Focaccia are just some of the dishes kids will learn how to cook during the 11 week session. You can also drop in to sample the class for a $40 fee.

The Art Farm in the City
419 E. 91st  St.
Upper East Side
212-410-3117
Onine: theartfarms.org

                                                                                   photo: Taste Buds Kitchen via Yelp

Taste Buds Kitchen
This Chelsea kitchen caters to everyone in the family. Your two-year-old will love the school’s cupcake workshops while your six-year-old will get a kick out of solving mysteries in the Cooking Science class. If you’re in need of a date night, the kitchen transforms into a BYOB evening cooking school. We highly recommend the New York Pizza course if you want a laid back outing away from the kids. If you want to bring the whole brood, there will be a Mother’s Day Tea Party this May, at which little ones will make blueberry scones drenched in a perky lemon glaze just for Mom. Tea party attire is encouraged so don’t forget to wear a hat and your best party dress.

Taste Buds Kitchen
109 W 27th St.
Chelsea
212-242-2248
Online: tastebudskitchen.com

photo: Butter Beans Kitchen

Butter Beans Kitchen
The brainchild of local moms, Butter Beans Kitchen is a program that provides healthy lunches for schools throughout the city. It also offers events and camps at Manhattan and Brooklyn locations that pass on the wisdom of eating and preparing delicious, local, and nutritious food. During spring camp  (April 6-10), students ages five to 11 shop for seasonal produce at the Union Square Greenmarket, bake with Krumville Bake Shop, plant seeds in the classroom and more. Food & Garden summer camp — also for kids ages five to 11 — fills the day exploring farmer’s markets, creating jams, cheeses and breads, and learning about composting, urban farming, foraging and beyond. Butter Beans will also be hosting family events on topics ranging from foraging in Prospect Park to making quesadillas and salsa in April and May. (See events calendar for details and registration.)

Butter Beans Kitchen
Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
718-499-0010
Online: butterbeanskitchen.com

 

photo: NY Kids Club via Instagram

NY Kids Club
The play center hosts weekly classes at many of its locations in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch the Cooking Juniors Class as their kids learn skills like mixing, stirring and whisking. The Club also offers independent participation courses, with classes appropriate to various age levels. Each lesson covers international cultures and unique cuisines found around the globe. Check in with your nearest NY Kids Club to find out which classes are currently available.

NY Kids Club
11 locations in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn
Online: nykidsclub.com

photo: Didriks via Flickr

Allergic to Salad
Do you have a picky eater on your hands? This blog-turned-cooking school will get your kid excited about helping out in the kitchen and trying new foods. Among the many unique and memorable classes featured on the calendar this spring is an Edible Toys from the Kitchen seminar. Kids ages three to eight can learn how to make everything from lava lamps to sidewalk chalk out of cooking staples found in your kitchen cabinet. The hands-on classes have only two rules: you have to try everything and you don’t have to like it. Check Allergic to Salad’s calendar to find out about upcoming events near you.

Allergic to Salad
Various locations in NYC
Online: allergictosalad.com

What cooking classes have your kids enjoyed? Tell us about them in the comments!

–Michelle McIvor Cohen

The hurried holidays are around the corner and you’ve got menus to plan, houses to decorate, presents to buy, careers to hold down, and kids to entertain. Queue the record scratch. You heard us: Kids. To. Entertain. That’s right. Those wee ones will be out of school during all the merry madness. This year, liberate your kiddos from the carseat while you run your endless errands. Set them up at one of the following winter break camps to ensure a jolly season for all.

Young Chefs Academy in Sandy Springs
Turn your little foodies loose in someone else’s kitchen while you get yours ready for preparing the holiday meal. Campers learn how to whip up seasonal dishes that they get to enjoy for lunch daily, and who knows? They might just come home with skills that you can actually put to use this year! Fall and Winter breaks are both offered, and run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during camp days.

Details: Young Chefs Academy in Sandy Springs, 230 Hammond Dr #368, 404-255-9263, Single Day Tuition $75

Haverty Hollow Holiday Fun Days
Turn to this Buckhead institution for a healthy mix of guided activities and free play time in the (still-urban-but-wooded-and-fun) great outdoors. Located near I-75 and West Paces Ferry Road, Haverty Hollow provides year-round after school care, drop in play time, and camps from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on most days.

Details: Haverty Hollow Holiday Fun Days, 1225 E. Beechwood Dr. NW, 404-233-1691, $65 per day or $7 per hour for a partial day

Peachtree Presbyterian Church Gymnastics & Cheerleading Holiday Camp
Is the excitement of the holidays just too much to bear for your little tumblers? Roll them over to the Peachtree Presbyterian’s Gymnastics and Cheer Camp, where they’ll jump, vault, and spring their way into the season at this state-of-the-art facility. Get, excited. Get, get, excited!

Details: Peachtree Presbyterian Church Gymnastics & Cheerleading Holiday Camp, 3434 Roswell Rd., 404-842-5852, Prices and hours vary for full day (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or half day (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) sessions; See website for details

Atlanta Swim Academy Camp H2O
Who says you need to pack up your swimsuits once summer’s over? Take your school of fish to the Atlanta Swim Academy during their fall and winter breaks for crafts, games, water play, and daily swimming lessons.

Details: Atlanta Swim Academy, 732 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, 770-973-3120, Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with drop off as early a 8:30am., $70 daily or $239 for a 4-day package

Georgia Aquarium Camp H2O
If your littles love the water but don’t want to get wet, take them to the Georgia Aquarium for a behind the scenes look at the world’s largest aquarium. Themes vary by day, so be sure to check out the full menu if you plan to only commit to one day.

Details: Georgia Aquarium Camp H2O, 225 Baker St. NW, 404-581-4000, Camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $70.95 per day

Circus Camp
We know, we know. If there’s one skill you think your kids have down pat, it’s putting on a circus act. Well, we have news for you: you haven’t seen anything yet. Part performance, part gymnastics, and full fun, Circus Camp offers age and skill appropriate introductions to trapeze, juggling, magic, clowning, mime, puppetry, tight wire walking, and much more.

Details: Circus Camp, Friends School in Decatur, 862 Columbia Dr., Decatur, 404-370-0001, Camp hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and are offered in $200 3 day sessions or $65 daily

Rising Stars Basketball Camps
Looking for a way to rally your littles and get them excited about that basketball league you’ve registered them for? Check out one of Rising Stars camps, which take place in various churches throughout the winter break.

Details: Rising Stars Basketball Camps, Multiple locations, Camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., $75 1-day, $140 2-day, $195 3-day, and $240 4-day options

Zoo Atlanta Winter Safari Day Camp
While you’re preparing for the zoo of in-laws at your house over the holidays, you can drop your kids off for a Winter Safari and let them run wild. This interactive and educational camp about wildlife will get your kiddos outside and excited about something other than what might be under the tree when they get home.

Details: Zoo Atlanta Winter Safari Day Camp, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE,   404-624-9453, Camp hours are from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and are $56 for members and $70 for non-members

Camp Kingfisher’s Winter Break Camp at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
Do your kids need a little airing-out? Turn them loose at the CNC for hiking, outside exploration, indoor star gazing in the Starlab, hot chocolate breaks, and conservancy-themed activities.

Details: Camp Kingfisher’s Winter Break Camp, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, 770-992-2055, Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are $180 for members or $200 for non-members per 3 day session

Emory Total Sports Academy
Forget the couch and Rudolph re-runs. Instead, take the kids to Emory Total Sports Academy for instruction and play time of tennis, soccer, basketball, and general agility drills. Operated by the Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Emory and his wife, a pre-K and kindergarten teacher with 10 years’ experience, this camp may be your best bet for wearing. them. out.

Details: Emory Total Sports Academy, Emory University, 600 Asbury Circle, Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are offered in $65 1-day, $125 2-day, $175 3-day, and $220 4-day options

How will you make merry during Winter break this year? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Swim Academy via Georgia Aquarium and Emory Total Sports Academy via Facebook, Coqui the Chef, Jim Larrison, vastateparkstaff, Eden, Janine, and Jim, Bruce A Stockwell and kellyv via Creative Commons Flickr and Haverty Hollow

Atlanta’s after-school scene is so overwhelming it can make us parents really mourn the nap. Rest assured that we did that from ballet lunch bunches to crafty camps, we scoured the city for the top tot programs. If they have already said sayonara to their siesta, read on for a primer in afternoon activities perfect for your wee one.

2 Crafty Chicks Art Classes
Two crafty chicks (with creative arts backgrounds) teamed up to share their love of art with kids with Mommy and Me classes, teen programs and after-school drawing and art classes for kids ages 5 on up. Kids head to their Decatur location to get hands-on with colorful paper, cloth, glue, pencils, paint and more to create masterpieces that are always fridge-worthy.

Details: 1549 Clairmont Road Unit 105 Decatur, 404-216-5574

Atlanta Ballet Dance Classes
Get your kids feet moving with the pros at the Atlanta Ballet. Choose from a variety of classes from Mommy and Me and Creative Moment. Classes are available for kids as young as 3 on up to 7-years to help combine body movement and music. Even the most uncoordinated kids with little rhythm or flexibility can enjoy  getting into the music once a week for 45-minutes. Kids with a dramatic flair can ditch the tutus and take their Tap, Twist and Twirl classes at the Cobb Centre for rocking rhythms. Locations very but usually take place at the Cobb Centre, Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre in West Midtown, Buckhead Centre and Powers Ferry Center.

Details: 404-873-5811 x100

Atlanta Gymnastics Center
Boys and girls somersault their way through a fun afternoon with the Atlanta Gymnastics Center. Open to babies as young as 14-months on up through teenagers, there are plenty of options for young kids and grade-schoolers. Preschoolers learn body awareness balance and coordination along with a boost of self-confidence. Progressive classes serve kids ages 5 1/2 on up through 7-years to learn Olympic parallel bars, pommel horse, high bar and floor exercises. Watch your kids bounce off trampolines to help learn spatial awareness and burn off energy before dinner.

Details: 2617 Talley St, Decatur, 404-687-9911

Atlanta Workshop Players
Quit telling your kids they’re being too dramatic and let them put it to good use. Kids with the acting bug can join the Atlanta Workshop Players for acting, audition techniques and video and theater production classes. Current sessions are available for 7-years on up to explore improv, musical theatre and TV and film acting. Kids join seasoned theater and TV veterans to play theatre games, learn the art of improv, get an on-camera experience and learn more about character development.

Details: 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 111, Alpharetta, 770-998-8111 

Bricks 4 Kidz
Don’t worry if your kids won’t quit playing with LEGOS. Send them to Brick 4 Kidz to develop teamwork, creativity and problem solving. Class themes range from robotics, space, construction, natural disasters and more all crafted through toy bricks and some strategic guidance from teachers. Classes take place in schools and recreational centers around the northern area of Atlanta including Tritt Elementary, Heards Ferry, and East Roswell.

Details: 770-680-2455

Emory Community Swim Lessons
Dive into after school fun with Emory Community Swim. Their young Starfish class teach kids as young as 2 1/2 to learn how to swim or get more comfortable in the water. Lessons focus on getting faces in the water, back floating, kicking, swim techniques and water safety. Tadpole classes teach advanced beginners ages 3 to 8 how to freestyle and backstroke while working on breathing and kicking strength. Classes are held at the Emory University Clairmont Campus and Main Campus.

Details: 404-727-4081 or 404-727-2617

Engineering for Kids
Got a budding engineer in the family? Engineering for Kids hosts classes for kids as young as 4-years-old. Kids ages 7 to 14-years can indulge in a guilty pleasure and learn video game design while 4-year olds try out Jr. Civil Engineering classes among other fun programs. Kids get hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and math. Classes are held through the area in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta and Kennesaw.

Details: 770-648-5437

Midtown Athletic Club Tennis
Midtown Tennis Center proclaims the sport as the most social in the world, making it a perfect after school activity for kids who want to play with their friends. Junior Development classes serve kids ages 3 to 18 and has been recognized by the United States Tennis Association. Preschoolers hit the court to learn the foundation of the sport with motor skill development and coordination focus. Four and five year-olds learn more about balance through tennis games while ages 6 to 8 graduate from their class having a command of serving and positioning for the sport.

Details: 135 Interstate N Pkwy SE, 770-953-1100

The Music Class
Infants up to 8-year olds tap their feet to the beat with The Music Class. Kids who are 5-year on up through 8, can sing in tune and keep a beat jam with the “Sound Habits” keyboard classes. For kids not quite ready to start singing and playing music on demand, MusiCanopy gives parents and kids a chance to interact musically and learn more about the fundamentals. Locations are available throughout the Atlanta metro area including Buckhead, Toco Hills and Kirkwood.

Details: 770-645-5578

Young Chefs Academy
Take weekly classes with Young Chefs Academy to learn cooking basics, kitchen safety and proper food handling. KinderCooks introduces 3 to 5-year-olds about recipes, nutrition, age-appropriate culinary skills and movement. Jr. Chefs ages 5 through 14-years sink their teeth into culinary creativity and techniques to learn to love cooking. Who knows? Maybe you can even get your kids to make dinner once in awhile and give you the night off. Classes are held in North Druid Hills, Sandy Springs and Marietta-Ackworth.

Details: 254-751-1040

What after school fun with your family enjoy this year? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Susan Finch

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Gymnastics Center, The Music Class, Young Chef’s Academy, tk on Creative Commons via Flickr, 2 Crafty Chicks, Atlanta Ballet, Bricks 4 Kidz, Atlanta Workshop Players, and Engineering for Kids via Facebook