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

 
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