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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

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