Best Enrichment Programs Winners

Best Dance Studio for Kids: A Step Above Performing Arts — Massapequa Park

From ballet to tap, jazz and hip-hop, A Step Above Performing Arts offers classes for children starting in preschool all the way to adults. Creative Movement classes for the littles builds the foundation for more advanced classes to come. Want to try something new? Pop & Lock incorporates hip hop with street dancing using isolation and popping techniques. And if you're looking for an end-of-season recital, complete with costumes and choreography, A Step Above’s won't disappoint. 

Best Place for Kids’ Art Classes: Abrakadoodle — Roslyn

There’s truly something for every petit artist at Abrakadoodle. Toddlers as young as 20 months old can develop their sensory and fine and gross motor skills by experimenting with color and texture. Preschoolers can gleefully create their own masterpieces while developing school readiness skills. And classes for elementary-age students allow them to hone their craftsmanship, build knowledge of artistic styles and art history, execute their own imaginative projects, and cultivate the power of self-expression. There are even special classes for fashion design and sewing and cartooning. 

Best Place to Learn a New Language: Spanish Immersion Workshop — Garden City, Manhasset, Dix Hills

Photo courtesy of Spanish Immersion Workshop

It's never too early to start learning a new language. Come sing songs, listen to music, engage in creative movement and play games together – all in Spanish! Spanish Immersion Workshop’s age-appropriate classes are taught by experienced native Spanish-speaking teachers. The immersion-style program (no English allowed!) helps children learn far more than just a few key vocabulary words. The Chiquitos program for kids ages 18 months to 3 starts off with a caregiver present, but as the child begins to feel more comfortable and interact with the teacher independently, partial separation is encouraged.

Best Place to Learn How to Play an Instrument: Great Neck Music Conservatory — Great Neck

Have your kids every played the didgeridoo, King David harp or baliphone? These are just a few of the instruments kids will experience at the Great Neck Music Conservatory. Committed to providing a nurturing environment while developing and enhancing music skills, this conservatory offers musical education for just about anyone, regardless of age or ability. Their Meet the Orchestra program targets children as young as 3, allowing mini Mozarts to touch, listen to and actually make sounds on different orchestra instruments. Private and group lessons in flute, violin, drums and guitar are also available, as well as courses on music theory and composition. 

Best Sports Program or Class: Lil’ Athletes Sports Training — Various Locations

For your little kicker, Lil’ Athletes Sports Training is the place to be. The Soccer Tot program can be found at a dozen locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties, and caters to pint-sized soccer stars starting at age 20 months to 5 years old. Parents take part in the fun on the field in classes for the under 3 set. The best part of the Lil’ Athletes program, other than the fun your kiddo will have, is that classes are held year-round indoors, unless you’re one of the brave parents who chooses one of their outdoor satellite locations. In addition to soccer, Lil’ Athletes also offers baseball, lacrosse, hockey, basketball and football.

Best Summer Day Camp: Ivy League Day Camp — Smithtown

Photo courtesy of Ivy League Day Camp

Established in 1961, this 16-acre summer camp caters to children from age 2 to 10th grade. Ivy League has everything a camp should: incredible grounds and facilities, an impressive array of activities, and a well-trained and caring staff. Your camper's daily schedule will be filled with swimming, arts and crafts, performing arts, sports, and more. All-inclusive programs provide everything from transportation and lunch, to towels and sunblock, and low staff-to-camper ratios ensures each camper gets the attention they deserve. Teen Travel camp for campers entering grades 7-10 allows adventurous, older kids to experience day excursions and overnight trips. 

Best Theater Class for Aspiring Actors: John W. Engeman Theater — Northport

Broadway babes can begin at age 4 at this performance-based theatrical training program. The nurturing and supportive atmosphere allows your star to build stage confidence and shine.  Fun, play-focused classes for young thespians help teach the basic elements of musical theater. Dancing, acting and singing classes are also offered for students from first grade to high school. Taught by professionally-trained faculty, each 12-week session leads to a grand, end-of-season performance for family and friends. The intimate theater also hosts three-week musical mini-camps during the summer.  

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