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In-Person Classes for Kids in Connecticut

Photo courtesy of Hartbeeps
Photo courtesy of Hartbeeps
9/13/20 - By Kelley Heyworth

With schools going virtual and rec centers shuttered, many Connecticut families are looking for opportunities to get children back to the field, studio, or classroom. For toddlers, kids, and teens who learn best away from the house and screen, we found 21 live, in-person enrichment classes that are being offered across the state in fall 2020. With mask and capacity restrictions in place, these classes are taking steps to keep kids safe while they follow their passions in sports, dance, art, science, and more.

For more enrichment ideas for kids, check out our roundup of outdoor kids classes in Connecticut and virtual classes based all over the world. Our Online Back to School Fair has the scoop on even more ways to keep kids engaged in 2020-21.

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Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School

In-Person Swimming Classes

Chelsea Piers Swimming Connecticut

Stamford
The Chelsea Piers offers student an olympic size pool to take their lessons in. Their youth swimming program teaches student from 6 mos to 13 years old. Mini Swimmers is the youngest age class for children 6 mo to 3 years and they move upward from their with skill and age. Chelsea Piers also offers classes in gymnastics. READ MORE

Goldfish Swim School - Norwalk

Norwalk
Goldfish Swim School focuses solely on children’s swim lessons. The swimming pool is heated to a comfortable 90 degrees, with kid-friendly hair drying stations and large private changing rooms. Goldfish provides swim instruction for kids aged 4 months to 12 years, as well as family swim, birthday parties, and a swim team for students who have progressed through the Pro-Level swim classes.  READ MORE

Swim Center at Westminster School

Simsbury
Located at the Westminster School, this Farmington Valley indoor swimming facility features an Olympic-size 8-lane pool, lots of natural light, and an architecturally delightful natatorium. Lessons begin at age 6 mos. There is a huge schedule of classes to choose from, each class session ranging from 35-40  minutes. Private swim classes are also available.  READ MORE
Gabriele's offers martial arts classes at all levels for kids. Photo courtesy of Gabriele's Martial Arts
Gabriele's offers martial arts classes at all levels for kids. Photo courtesy of Gabriele's Martial Arts

In-Person Martial Arts Classes

Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy

Norwich
Kids can start the Lil' Dragons program at 3.5 years old, while older kids and teens can work their way up through karate levels. Safety and cleaning protocols are in place. READ MORE

Gabriele's Karate and Kickboxing

Groton and Waterford
Little ones as young as 2 can take martial arts at Gabriele's, which offers three levels of karate: kinder, ninja, and youth. Kids are socially distanced in the class space. READ MORE

In-Person Gymnastics Classes

Arena Gymnastics - Training & Programs for Kids

Stamford
Kids ages 3 to 5 can take co-ed preschool classes, and there are afterschool classes for children ages 5 and up. People entering facility will get temperature checks, and masks will be encouraged during gymnastics (but not required). READ MORE

Dynamite Academy of Gymnastics

Waterbury
Classes are offered at various levels staring with 2- to 3-year-old "Sparklers." In the Sparklers class, energetic toddlers (with a caregiver) can practice their listening skills, while learning balance and basic gymnastics skills.  READ MORE
Ballet School of Stamford classes are on, with safety in mind. Photo courtesy of Ballet School of Stamford
Ballet School of Stamford classes are on, with safety in mind. Photo courtesy of Ballet School of Stamford

In-Person Dance Classes

Ballet School of Stamford

Stamford
Little Stars classes, Hip Hop and more will be held at Chelsea Piers, which will enforce mask wearing policies and smaller class sizes in the facility. READ MORE

Dance City & the Arts

Southington
Limited-capacity classes are offered for preschoolers through school-age dancers in ballet, hip hop, modern, and more styles. READ MORE
Make a work of art—with your friends! Photo courtesy of The Giggling Pig
Make a work of art—with your friends! Photo courtesy of The Giggling Pig

In-Person Arts and Crafts Classes

The Giggling Pig - Classes

Shelton
The Giggling Pig offers a variety of art classes for beginner (ages 4-6), intermediate (ages 7-9), and advanced (ages 9-12) students. It also offers open studio for advanced students and adults to work independently. From painting to sculpting, our classes and workshops are designed to ignite imagination, nurture talent and foster a lifelong love for artistic expression. No experience necessary. READ MORE

Rowayton Arts Center - Children's Art Classes & Workshops

Rowayton
Staring in early October, RAC is offering in-studio art classes for 6-year-olds through middle schoolers.  READ MORE
Music Together in Fairfield is offering outdoor classes and outdoor pods for groups. Photo courtesy of Music Together of Fairfield County/Facebook
Music Together in Fairfield is offering outdoor classes and outdoor pods for groups. Photo courtesy of Music Together of Fairfield County/Facebook

In-Person Music Classes

Farmington Valley Dance and Music School

Farmington
FVDM has dance classes for toddlers and preschoolers up to competitive teens. Its "safer studio" program allows for social distancing. READ MORE

Music Together of Fairfield County

Fairfield
Music Together is encouraging families to join an outdoor class or create a backyard pod. READ MORE

Music for Children

Norwalk/Westport and Fairfield/Southport
There are live, in-studio classes and pod-based classes available starting early October, with safety guidelines in place. READ MORE
Babies are welcome in the studio at Hartbeeps. Photo courtesy of Hartbeeps
Babies are welcome in the studio at Hartbeeps. Photo courtesy of Hartbeeps

In-Person Toddler Classes

Hartbeeps

Stamford
Morning and afternoon classes, indoor and outdoor, are available for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. READ MORE

Tumble Jungle

Fairfield and Norwalk
Tumble Jungle offers tumbling classes for 1- to 4-year-olds as well as gymnastics classes at a fun and engaging gym space. In a 45-minute class, preschool children listen to music, play with a parachute, roll, and play. Registration is always open. READ MORE

My Gym West Hartford

West Hartford
My Gym provides movement and gymnastics classes for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids up to 8 years old. The facilities hold open guym time and hosts parties as well. READ MORE

Romp n' Roll Wethersfield - Parties

Wethersfield
Enjoy classes, parties, and camps at Romp n'Roll. Romp n’ Roll offers energetic and engaging birthday parties for children ages 1 through 6. 90 minutes of playtime including moon bounce, trapeze, rock wall, monkey bars, bubble machine and more. READ MORE
Children ages 3 to 6 are welcome to outdoor farm programs at Flamig Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Children ages 3 to 6 are welcome to outdoor farm programs at Flamig Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

In-Person Nature and Science Classes

Flamig Farm - Children's Education Programs

Simbsury
Chickens, cows, donkeys and more, Flamig offers preschoolers a true farm experience with their classes called Toddlers on the Farm (2-3) and Fun on the Farm (4-5). Attending with a caregiver, children will have a story, craft, circle time, and visit with the animals. Older class engage in a farm chore. READ MORE

MIMMO Play Cafe

Avon
Famiies can sign toddlers and preschoolers up for small-group studio programs or create their own pod. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy
Gabriele's Karate and Kickboxing - Groton
Arena Gymnastics at Riverbend Center
Farmington Valley Dance and Music School
Music Together of Fairfield County
​Trinity Episcopal Church, Parish Hall