Free Demo Classes For Kids Throughout NYC

This is first in a series of posts listing free demo classes for NYC kids. Find more free demo classes and exclusive discounts in our second Free Demo Class Post.

I admit, I have a fear of Mommy and Me classes. I'm not sure how it started but every time the idea was batted around in my house I came up with a million excuses why it wouldn't work. But, now that my daughter is two and we are both sufficiently bored of the playground, I've come to realize it's time to take the plunge. Even better, I've realized that she is now old enough to take classes without me having to participate!

If you are anything like me, here is the perfect baby step - FREE demo classes. Before you shell out the money for a weekly class, why not try it out? We have compiled a super long list of FREE demo classes, most of which are held in August and September. From pottery to gymnastics to music to miming so you can see how you and your kid like the class before committing to an entire semester. Plus, a lot of these places have offered amazing discounts to Mommy Poppins readers if you do choose to sign up for the class.  Keep reading to check out our list.

The Little Gym of the Upper West Side- offers free trial classes throughout the months of August and September. Trial classes are offered in their regularly scheduled Gymnastics, Sports, Karate and Cheerleading classes, check their website to find out class times.

MOMMY POPPINS READER DEAL- $25 off fall enrollment if you enroll after their demo class, use discount code "MOMMY POPPINS" when signing up.

Biz Kids - A theater school dedicated to the training of young actors ages 6-18,  students can study a range of things including mime, mask, space improvisation, speech, dance/movement, interpretation of scripts from classics to contemporary for film, television and theater and preare for admission to special schools. They offer free demo classes on Aug.30 & 31 and Sept. 6, 7 10, 11 & 12, the Fall schedule runs from Sept 15 - Dec 12. All classes are held at Pier 40, Hudson River Park call see Biz Kids Website for more info and call 646-336-9101 to make a reservation.

MOMMY POPPINS READERS DEAL- 10% off all classes when you use the discount code "MOMMY POPPINS".

Musical Kids International- Teaches children a second language by through music. Free trial classes will be held the week of September 22nd at their Upper East Side location in Spanish, French, and Mandarin (they also offer classes in a bunch of other languages).

MOMMY POPPINS READERS DEAL- if you attend the trial and then sign up they will waive the $25 registration fee when you use the code "Mommy Poppins". Email freetrialclass@musicalkids.net to reserve a space. Also, there are additional class locations in Brooklyn, Queens and downtown Manhattan.

StageCoach Theatre Arts, Upper East Side- Free trial and open house on Saturday, September 13th. The classes will run from 10:30 to 12:00 and will be a shortened version of what they offer with a half hour of dance, a half hour of drama and a half hour of singing.

MOMMY POPPINS READERS DEAL- A package valued at $55.00 which includes a StageCoach T-shirt, StageCoach backpack and dance shoes, for anyone who signs up at the open house and uses the code word “poppins” when they sign up. Space is limited so participants must register, to do so email BarbaraPrice@stagecoachschools.com or call 347-678-8989.

FasTracKids - Their motto is 'learning cleverly disguised as fun' and they work with kids ages 6 months - 6 years at their centers on the UES and UWS. You can take a trial class for free in August or September,check out their website and call the academy to schedule the class.

MOMMY POPPINS READERS DEAL - receive 50% off enrollment fee for Mommy Poppins readers who attend a free trial class and register . Just mention you heard about this on MOMMY POPPINS.

Bright Minds Center- Focusing on nursery school enrichment, they offer free 60 minute trial morning classes at their downtown center from September 2nd to December 16th every Mon- Fri at 9:45 A.M. You must drop your child off 1/2 hour prior to class.

MOMMY POPPINS READERS DEAL - Sign up for a full time program after a trial class  and get $200 off yearly tuition deducted from the second month payment. To get your tuition discount, mention the code "Mommy Poppins" when you sign up.

Eastside Westside Music Together - a childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them. Classes are held in fourteen locations on the Upper East and West sides and they are offering a ton of FREE demo classes in August and September, check their website for more info on when and where. To make a reservation call (212) 496-1242 or email info@eswsmusictogether.com.

Kids at Work NYC- Offers a ton of free demo classes throughout August and September throughout Manhattan. Classes include free exploration station for toddlers at SummerStreets downtown, a full Open House on September 13, promotional concerts at Barnes and Noble and the NYPL, and several sample classes in downtown parks. Registration is required for some events. For sample classes and Open House, the same child may only be registered once.

JCP Downtown- for 2's and 3's on September 22 you can attend Jammin With Jacob from 12:30-1:00 PM which is a fun-filled session with making music, exploring rhythm and movement. For 3's and 4's on September 23 from 1:00 - 1:45 is Let's Pretend where children explore their imaginations using stories, music and props as a starting point for mini playlets and improvisations. Call the office 212-334-3522 or email sarah@jcpdowntown.org to register for the demo class.

Gymboree Play & Music - open house week at their Manhattan locations from September 2nd - 7th where you can drop in to a Gymboree for open play and class demos. You can also sign up for a free free class online or print a free class pass and call a location near you to schedule a time. Also, the membership fee of $40 is waived with Fall semester enrollment by 9/7. For details check the website and contact the site nearest you or call 1-877-GYM-LEARN.

Jodi's Gym - with locations on the Upper East Side and in Westchester, they offer free trial classes for all their activities which includes Mommy and Me classes, tumbling and gymnastics for kids of all ages. Call them at (212) 772-7633 to schedule your free trial class.

NY City Explorers - offers demos the week of September 8-12 for all their classes which includes titles like Savvy Scientists, Selzzup - Puzzles, Book Adventures and Mini Michael-angelos, check out their website for a full listing. Demos will be held at the same time and day of the week as the scheduled class at their Brooklyn location. Families need to register in advance to attend a demo class, to do so call (718) 625-6923.

Greenwich House- on Sept. 6 and 7, 2008 from 10am-6pm you can visit the Greenwich House which is located downtown and check out their programs which include pottery and music to get a sense of them before their Fall semester begins. See their studios, watch some faculty demonstrations, and shop their Studio Sale for functional ceramics. Classes begin Sept. 18th.

Story Time by Design - located on the UES, they offer free trial classes September 9-13 and 16-18. Their story time classes are for kids from 6 months to 5 years and use visual aides, music, and various teaching components to teach speech and pre-reading comprehension skills, check their website for more info.

NYCNDA Japanese Playgroup - which stands for Nihongo de Asobou and means NYC Let's Play in Japanese is for kids ages 0-6. The trial Japanese Playgroup  is not free, but held in their East Village location and costs $20 and is 2 1/2 hours.

MOMMY POPPINS READER DEAL - Register after the trial and mention MOMMY POPPINS you can get a discount on the class registration. No Japanese experience required, for more info email info@nycnda.com

Thanks to Kids At Work NYC for the super cute picture!