Where to Take Fitness Classes With Your Big Kids in NYC Submitted by Allison Steinberg on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 10:00am Baby and me exercise classes for everything from swimming to yoga are practically a rite of passage for NYC families. And as your baby grows up, there are tons of popular drop-off and drop-in classes for busy toddlers and preschoolers—introducing little kids to dance, gymnastics, and beyond. But what about when your kids age out of baby-and-me classes and play gyms? The good news is, there are lots of fitness classes you can take with your older kids in NYC. And what better way to bond with your child than to take a class together, and get healthier at the same time? It's a win-win. Check out these destinations that allow you to get active and let your kid tow along for the fun and exercise. Read more.
Rock Climbing Gyms & Walls Around Houston Submitted by Kate M on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 3:32pm Getting out of the house and getting exercise can be a challenge during the dog days of summer and the four days of Houston's winter. Rock climbing is one indoor activity to get the kids moving and is a fun way to bond with your children. Rock climbing is also a great way for children and adults to gain strength and flexibility, to learn new skills and build confidence, and to practice teamwork. Here are some great spots around Houston where families can learn how to rock climb together! Read more.
10 Great Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 1:47pm Finding goup swim classes at a local YMCA or community pool is usually easy and inexpensive; but since quality on these classes can vary widely (even within a single facility), we’re here to tell you where Angelenos who are serious about getting the job done keep their kids afloat—and it doesn't have to cost a mint. Private and semi-private lessons don't necessarily require a private pool, and they do get kids on the fast track to independent swimming. Several popular swim instructors and schools make use of public pools or swing deals with private pool owners to make private instruction accessible to everyone. Check out these great options... Read more.
Register for Free Summer Swim Lessons for NYC Kids Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 5:30pm The New York City Parks Department offers FREE swim lessons for children and adults all year round, but you have to apply through an online lottery for each session. The FREE summer swimming lessons are on the horizon, and the lottery for registration opens Monday, June 10, 2019, at 7am. Read on for the details on where to swim for free, or check our directory of paid kids' swim classes, and mommy-and-me swim lessons for babies and toddlers, including those in Brooklyn and in Queens. Read more.
Cartoon Illustration and Graphic Novel Camps and Classes for NYC Kids Submitted by Suzy Q on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 10:25am Are your kids obsessed with graphic novels? News flash: They're far from alone. If you're a parent of a child in elementary or middle school, you're probably already aware that we're living in a veritable golden age for graphic novels aimed at children, thanks to talented author-illustrators like Raina Telgemeier (of Drama and Smile fame), Kazu Kibuishi (author of the massively popular Amulet series), Cece Bell (author of the Newbery Award-winning El Deafo), and even graphic novel adaptations of classic tales from A Wrinkle in Time to Greek mythology. If your young reader is interested in creating a graphic novel or illustrated story of their own, there are plenty of classes and camps in NYC designed to encourage young storytellers. "Comic books and visual arts, in general, have become much more understood as viable paths for young people that have talent in visual art," says A.K. Lovelace, a professional illustrator and instructor at the Harlem School of the Arts. Whether your child is just starting out in cartoon Illustration or you have a child preparing their portfolio for high school or contests, here are a few programs to support your budding artist throughout their creative development. Read more.
13 Best Science Museums and STEM Spots for NYC Kids Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/28/2019 - 11:00am Curious NYC kids never need to feel bored—not when there are so many places in New York that encourage kid-focused scientific exploration and creation. From science museums and maker spaces to brain-boosting playgrounds and STEM-focused camps, there are tons of spots for kids to get scientific in New York City. We've rounded up 13 of the best. Find more great geeky ideas in our STEM Guide. Read more.
From Parties to Scouts, Why Annenberg PetSpace Is Such a Great Place To Bring Kids Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 04/22/2019 - 1:00pm We just got word that Annenberg PetSpace's new summer camp is already full for the season—that didn't take long! But even if you missed it, there are still a whole bunch of wonderful reasons to bring kids to explore this unique, critter-focused community space, many of which are free. The center has educational programs and play opportunities that include story hours, classes, scavenger hunts, birthday parties, and more—all created to strengthen the bond between pets and people. If you thought Annenberg PetSpace was just an adoption center, get ready to take a closer look. Read more.
The Children's Museum in Pasadena You Don't Know Yet Submitted by Arianna Menon on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 3:13pm A few weeks ago, I randomly stumbled upon a children’s space that I didn’t even know existed. I was genuinely stunned and wondered how I could have missed the Southern California Children’s Museum before. Determined not to let another day go by, I made plans to visit the museum immediately with my two-year-old (I was actually way more excited to check out this place than he was!). Read more.
