Many winter/spring classes will be gearing up in the weeks to come. This preview, which highlights some of the many children’s enrichment venues that we love, serves as an opening act for the ultimate roundup of 2014’s coolest classes coming in our next issue. Use the below to start thinking about where to enroll, then check back in January for the specifics!
74th St. MAGIC
74th St. MAGIC offers one of NYC’s most comprehensive enrichment programs, with a wide array of classes in its Mini MAP program (early preschool enrichment), MAP program (preschool alternative classes), and MAGIC program (music, art, gymnastics, and cooking classes). Sharing a building with Epiphany Community Nursery School, children will find state-of-the-art classrooms, a baby- and a fully-equipped gym, as well as an outdoor rooftop playground. 74magic.com
92Y
This special gem on the Upper East Side offers so much for families and kids of all ages, including a nursery school, Wonderplay early childhood programs, and a parenting center. Afterschool classes in dance, art, music, aquatics, and sports are offered for all ages. There are also a variety of family performances and holiday celebrations throughout the year, as well as a rooftop playground and an indoor GymMaze. 92Y.org
The Art Farm In The City
Come enjoy the award-winning petting zoo and a variety of classes and programs. Rocks, Smocks & Animals (adult and me): Meet a new animal each week, sing and dance to the guitar, and do arts and crafts. Animal Care: Spend quality time with live animals while gaining science skills. Farm Foodies Cooking: New and yummy seasonal recipes every time with a new fruit or vegetable each class. M-F Drop-Ins: Playroom, art, cooking, and animals. Birthday parties: Nine themes ranging from farm animals to Pirate and Princess to Mad Science. theartfarms.org
Asphalt Green
Active kids can head to this sports center with locations on the Upper East Side and in Battery Park City for all their swimming, fitness, and sports needs. All ages can sign up for gymnastics, flag football, martial arts, soccer, baseball, circus arts, cultural arts, cooking classes and more. There’s also a Speed, Agility, Quickness (SAQ) Academy for ages 7-14 for improving fitness and core strengthening. asphaltgreen.org; asphaltgreenbpc.org
Basketball Stars of NY
Basketball Stars is a full service youth basketball organization made up of former NBA and Division I college basketball players and coaches that work with children ages 3-17 through afterschool programs, private training, travel basketball teams (BSNY TITANS!), position-specific mini-camps, summer camps, and birthday parties. Certified coaches assist in helping to build self-confidence, character, and discipline through practice and teaching the game they love. basketballstarsofny.com
BookNook
Within their comfortable and welcoming ambiance, this early childhood enrichment program on the Upper West Side offers classes in everything related to literacy, from reading and phonics to handwriting and kindergarten readiness. The 90-minute classes are capped at six students each and divided into five different age-appropriate levels for ages 1.5-7. booknooknyc.com
Broadway Dance Center
Young dancers receive elite training from leading dance teachers and choreographers in state-of-the-art studios located in the Theater District. The Children’s and Teen Program (ages 3-18) offers 32 weeks of instruction in creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, Latin jazz, contemporary, jumps and turns, and lyrical. Shorter workshops in a variety of styles and levels are also offered. broadwaydancecenter.com
Chelsea Piers
Sports enthusiasts of all ages love this Chelsea complex, which features classes in every sport imaginable, including golf, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, dance, and gymnastics. Also on the menu: ice hockey and ice skating at the Sky Rink, fitness classes, running, soccer, rock climbing, yoga, swimming, and volleyball. chelseapiers.com
Columbus Gym
Active tots and school-aged children can sign up for classes at Columbus Gym, the largest gym on the Upper West Side. Classes feature age-appropriate activities for ages 6-12 months up to 12 years old. The 3,000-square-foot gymnasium features tumbling mats, a trampoline, beams, rings, and bars, where kids can test their gymnastics, movement, motor, balance, and coordination skills. columbusgymnyc.com
The Craft Studio
In The Craft Studio’s crafting classes, let your kids create uninhibitedly with the most fun, creative, and trendy art supplies. Supportive and caring instructors, not to mention fun philosophies, help kids ages 3 and up make neon wrap bracelets, wallets and pocketbooks, multimedia self portraits, and so much more. There’s something for everyone, available in studio, your school, and other spaces. craftstudionyc.com
The Diller–Quaile School of Music
Founded in 1920, Diller-Quaile is comprised of early childhood (ages 4 months to 6 years), instrumental and vocal, adult, teacher training, and outreach departments. Rug Concerts, master classes, and faculty concerts occur throughout the year. New early childhood classes begin in January 2014. diller-quaile.org
Fastbreak Kids
Fastbreak opened a brand new state-of-the-art sports facility this past November. Offerings include developmental sports programming for ages 2-5, along with basketball and multi-sports programs for all levels for kids 5-18. The 7,000-square-foot indoor facility on the Upper East Side includes a top-tier basketball court, private training area, parent viewing area, and party room. With basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer, and more, there’s something for every active city kid. fastbreakkids.com
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center boasts a diverse range of educational offerings for all ages. WeBop is an early childhood jazz education program that teaches families the core concepts of jazz. Classes are grouped by age, from 8 months to 5 years old. The Jazz for Young People Family Concert series teaches key musical concepts via interactive concerts that illuminate the subject at hand based on a major performance of the season. Concerts are suggested for kids 6-12 years in age. jalc.org
The JCC in Manhattan
This 14-story UWS community center serves families with a variety of classes and programs for all ages and abilities. The Marti Ann Meyerson Center for Health & Wellness offers swimming lessons as well as pre- and post-natal fitness classes. Programs through the Wassserman Center for Family Life include art, science, cooking, gymnastics, martial arts, and multiple sports classes including tennis, lacrosse, and basketball. The center’s new Birthday Party program offers many unique options for celebrating your child’s special day. jccmanhattan.org
Jodi’s Gym
Jodi’s Gym has been providing NYC kids ages 9 months to 12 years with the highest level of fun and fitness for 32 years. Their step-by-step, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment in the most positive and caring environment. There’s something for everyone, from the tiniest tumblers to advanced gymnasts. Classes include gymnastics, music, science, fitness, yoga, holiday and summer camps, free open play for members (50 per semester!), member perks, playgroups, private lessons, and the best birthday parties ever. jodisgym.com
Joffrey Ballet School
Kids who sign up for ballet at Joffrey Ballet School in the West Village receive training that builds creativity and physicality in classical and contemporary ballet as well as other forms of dance, including modern, jazz, hip hop, and character dance. A Children’s Program (for ages 2-9) also offers Dance with Me (where parents or caregivers are the dance partner). A Young Dancer’s Program is offered for ages 10 and up. joffreyballetschool.com
Karma Kids Yoga
Karma Kids Yoga offers a fun and creative approach for infants through teenagers. Magical yoga adventures with puppets, songs, and games keep young kids engaged; classes for older kids include simple and challenging poses for increasing strength, coordination, focus, confidence, and more. Included are kid-friendly music, fun yoga games and activities, and calming relaxation time with yummy-smelling foot rubs. Look for special events such as Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga, Pajama Yoga, CircusYoga, Superhero Yoga, American Girl Doll Yoga, and more. Unique birthday parties are also available. karmakidsyoga.com
Kids at Art
Kids at Art is the premiere Art Studio for Children in NYC. They focus on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate projects for each group from ages 2-12 in painting, drawing, collage, and much more, all in a nurturing environment. Also offering fashion/sewing classes and musical theater classes led by TADA! Youth Theater, Arty and Karaoke birthday parties! kidsatartnyc.com
Kids In Sports
Children can sign up for this specialized sports program located throughout Manhattan for ages 12 months through 12 years. Learn the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball through multi-sport or sport-specific classes. Kids In Sports offers camps for two different age groups, for 2.5-3 years and 4-6 years. kisnyc.com
Let’s Gogh Art NYC
Let’s Gogh Art NYC is a mobile, creative arts entertainment and enrichment company delivering exciting art-based programs for ages 2-12. Get your groove on and learn some fun dance moves while creating rock star-worthy projects with combo classes like Let’s Gogh Dance—or focus on making some cool creatures in Where the Wild Things Art. For the younger set, teacher can read favorite books in an entertaining way and lead students in creating amazing, related art projects. nyletsgoghart.com
My Gym
My Gym has spent 30 years building children’s self-esteem and nurturing a love of fitness and activity through fun. A variety of age appropriate programming—including gym, yoga, and martial arts classes—are offered in a clean, safe, and fun environment for children 6 weeks to 13 years (programs vary by location). Member benefits include unlimited summer classes and savings on parents’ night out, summer camp, and birthday parties. Locations on the Upper West Side and Harlem: mygymisfun.com; locations on the Upper East Side: mygym.com.
NY Kids Club
Sign your child up for classes at one of these nine children’s enrichment centers, located throughout Manhattan, Williamsburg (coming in January), other parts of Brooklyn, and Long Island City (coming in September). There are baby fitness and music classes for infants 2-5 months old, plus classes for preschoolers and school-age children. Choose from art, music, dance, gymnastics, fitness, cooking, or combo classes. Day camps, parties, and events also available. nykidsclub.com
Playgarden
Offering classes in ballet, hip hop, sports, music, and an early education Montessori-based program (Playgarden Prep), Playgarden enriches growing minds and bodies in the early years. This indoor playground and activity center located in Tribeca is geared toward children ages 0-5. playgardennyc.com
The School at Steps
The School at Steps is a training ground for students ages 2-18, offering academic and summer programs with classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, and Pilates. Beginning with the Young Dancers program and continuing through technique classes and the Pre-Professional program, children are provided with an opportunity to explore the world of dance and enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art. stepsnyc.com/school
SwimJim
SwimJim classes are a fun way to learn swimming and water safety year-round. They believe children learn best in a friendly, loving environment where they feel safe and at ease, which enables young swimmers to learn basic and advanced skills while helping parents feel reassured. With five NYC locations and classes ranging from infants to adult, SwimJim has a class for everyone. swimjim.com
TADA! Youth Theater
Sing, dance, and act with TADA! Youth Theater. They run weekly musical theater classes—and whenever school is out, TADA! is in with one-day and week-long camps. Toddlers through 8th graders build performing skills with original TADA! music. tadatheater.com
TLB Music
TLB Music is a music studio and play space located on the Upper East Side. Group classes for ages 4 months to 6 years are designed to enhance development while introducing children to all genres of music and classical and folk instruments. It’s eco-friendly playroom is also perfect for playdates and birthday parties. tlbmusic.com
