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
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