The Big Apple Circus puts up its big top in Damrosch Park for a seasonal run beginning Friday night. Photo courtesy of Big Apple Circus
Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025
  VIDEO
The Best Family Shows of Off-Broadway's New Victory Theater 2025-26 Season
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Cool In-Person Classes Enrolling New York City Kids For Fall 2020

Join a science pod at Alley Pond. Photo courtesy of Alley Pond
Join a science pod at Alley Pond. Photo courtesy of Alley Pond
9/21/20 - By Drew Kristofik

Learning is about more than the three "Rs," and while remote learning plays a key role in the curriculum of many city schools this fall, in-person extracurricular activities can provide much-needed socializing and screen breaks for housebound students. Kids of all ages can burn energy in athletic classes, explore their creativity in art workshops, and expand their science chops in technology classes.

We've rounded up nearly two dozen in-person classes open to NYC kids this fall, happening everywhere from the great outdoors to indoor sessions with social distancing guidelines in place. If you need more support during virtual school hours, be sure to see our roundup of centers offering in-person remote learning support and homework help this fall.

Check out these diverse fall class options, and find more extracurricular opportunities in our online Back-to-School Fair or our Guide to Classes for NYC Kids.

Learn to sew at Skill Mill NYC. Photo courtesy of Skill Mill NYC
Learn to sew at Skill Mill NYC. Photo courtesy of Skill Mill NYC

Science and Technology Classes for NYC Kids

Super Science Pods at Alley Pond

Oakland Gardens, Queens
Alley Pond Environmental Center introduces kids to the wonders of nature and science in a unique outdoor setting. Programs are available for kids in grades 1-3 and 4-6 and meet once a week on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. READ MORE

Skill Mill NYC

Upper West Side
Skill Mill provides STEM programming, in addition to introducing kids to useful skills like sewing and knitting! Workshop schedules vary. READ MORE

The Makery

Tribeca
The Makery can accommodate groups of six middle or high schoolers. It can create a custom group program for your pod to meet once a week at its maker space. Young scientists can think, question, build, test, iterate, and celebrate artful new inventions. READ MORE
In-person classes are back in session at the Chelsea Piers Field House. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers
In-person classes are back in session at the Chelsea Piers Field House. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers

Sports and Movement Classes for NYC Kids

Chelsea Piers - Youth Classes

Chelsea
Chelsea Piers offers dozens of sports classes for kids of all ages. Classes and camp programs include soccer, rock climbing, gymnastics, golf, multi-sport, and more. READ MORE

The Muse Brooklyn

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Brooklyn's mecca for circus arts, the Muse, offers outdoor classes for kids ages 5 and up teaching circus skills like silks, trapeze, acro, juggling, and more. Classes begin Friday, October 2, and space is limited. READ MORE

Super Soccer Stars NYC

Various locations city-wide
Super Soccer Stars offers classes citywide that aim to teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. The sport is used to build self-confidence and develop teamwork skills. Super Soccer Stars classes start at age 12 months with parent-and-me soccer classes, and its programs carry athletes through childhood and up to age 18. READ MORE

UWS Kenshikai Karate & BJJ

Upper West Side
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
UWS Kenshikai Karate & BJJ offers small-group, in-person, karate classes for kids ages 4 and up. Some classes are held in the dojo; others are held outdoors in Central Park. READ MORE

Fastbreak Sports - Classes

Upper East Side
Fastbreak Sports has reopened with classes ranging from multi-sport to basketball and flag football. Class sizes are limited, and COVID-19 precautions are firmly in place.  READ MORE
The Aalokam School teaches kids South Asian dance. Photo courtesy of the school
The Aalokam School teaches kids South Asian dance. Photo courtesy of the school

Music and Dance Classes for NYC Kids

The Aalokam School

Midtown West
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Bollywood enthusiasts can learn classic Bharatnatyam moves at the Aalokam School's Saturday (Brooklyn) and Sunday (Manhattan) classes, open to kids ages 3-5 and 5 and older. READ MORE

Tutu School

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Tutu School welcomes tiny dancers back to its studio. It requires all visitors to adhere to New York State regulations (small classes, masks for kids over age 2, temperature checks, and hand-washing protocols). Virtual and streaming options are also available. READ MORE

New York Guitar Academy

Flatiron District
Strum, pick, and discover styles that include rock, classical, jazz, and blues. The NY Guitar Academy offers small-group classes for kids ages 8 and older, from beginners to more seasoned musicians. READ MORE

Brooklyn Dance Conservancy

Prospect Park & Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Dance Conservatory offers outdoor, socially distanced, drop-in classes in Prospect Park and the patio of Wanderlustre in Cobble Hill. Classes are available for ages 2-5 and require a parent/caregiver to be present. READ MORE
Earthtone dyes are just right for fall fashion. Photo courtesy Loop of the Loom
Earthtone dyes are just right for fall fashion. Photo courtesy Loop of the Loom

Creative Classes for NYC Kids

Koko NYC

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
McCarren Park, Brooklyn
Personalized programming also available at your location
KoKo's programs teach kids basic construction principles and are offered in several Brooklyn Parks this fall. All programs take place outdoors and focus on sustainable building through the use of recycled and repurposed materials. Film classes are also offered. READ MORE

Loop of the Loom

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Loop of the Loom offers Earth Color Dye outdoor workshops on weekends this fall, using Bengala's 12 shades of the earth to create custom-dyed wearable art. READ MORE

Private Picassos' Art Studio & Shop

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Private Picassos believes in the intrinsic power of the arts and offers art and cultural experiences for children and adults. Classes are held in-person or virtually in students' homes, schools, camps, cultural venues, and in the Brooklyn studio. Students can learn painting, drawing, jewelry making, collage, and more.    READ MORE

Improv 4 Kids

Central Park
Improv 4 Kids gets back in the swing of in-person classes with an outdoor program in Central Park. Kids ages 10-15 hone their improv skills with social distancing and masks required. READ MORE

Treasure Trunk Theatre in Cadman Plaza

Downtown Brooklyn
Treasure Trunk offers adventure-themed creative classes for kids ages 0-6 in Cadman Plaza Park. Drop-in when it works for you or register for the entire series. READ MORE
Kids can join Treebath's Outdoor Learning Pods. Photo courtesy of Treebath
Kids can join Treebath's Outdoor Learning Pods. Photo courtesy of Treebath

Nature Classes for NYC Kids

Mohr's Explorers

Central Park
Mohr's Explorers is providing programs throughout the day. Remote learners can opt for a 1-hour, 45-minute session in the mornings, early afternoons, or during traditional afterschool hours. They'll explore the wilds of Central Park and learn wilderness survival skills. READ MORE

Treebath Outdoor Learning Pods

Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Treebath's outdoor learning pods emphasize the importance of outdoor play and socialization in childhood education and take place entirely outdoors in various local parks in Manhattan and Brooklyn. READ MORE

Camp Half-Blood

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Families can register their pods to create a Camp Half-Blood "cabin" for blocks of stress-relieving fantasy play. Make a pod name and register together, or ask for placement with demigods in your area. Full-day, half-day, or afterschool options are offered. READ MORE

Garden Explorers @ OSH

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Old Stone House provides enrichment for kids ages 6-10 with safe outdoor fun (weather permitting) that includes reading, writing, and math support, as well as arts and crafts in its beautiful gardens. Inclement weather? A 90-minute virtual session subs in. READ MORE

Wildman Steve Brill Foraging Tours

Multiple locations in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn
Wildman Steve Brill is back in city parks this summer, rummaging through the weeds to find delicious, often overlooked, goodies. Sign up for a tour, now following all the COVID-19 precautions, to learn what's safe and what isn't when it comes to wild cuisine. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.