Free & cheap classes for kids Although de Blasio's push for pre-K, has gotten most of the press, another expansion has been going on. The Department of Youth and Community Development's School's Out New York City (SONYC) doubled the number of seats for its FREE after-school programs this fall. Drama, dance, tennis, robotics and other enriching subjects are on offer from more than 100 community-based organizations in approximately 560 public schools, community centers and religious institutions. Search for a program near you on the official NYC website. Although schools give priority to their own students, the rest of the spots will be open to the community on a first-come, first-served basis. All programs run five days a week and include snacks.

Speaking of FREE programs for middle-schoolers, Washington Heights community spot, the United Palace of Cultural Arts, recently launched FREE after-school arts classes for sixth to eighth graders. Hip-hop dance, theater, circus arts and West African drumming are all on offer at the UPCA Performing Arts Academy. The org is also hosting FREE Saturday morning art classes with Creative Art Works beginning in October for third, fourth and fifth graders. Email Keith Fasciani at keithf@unitedpalace.org for more info on any of these programs.

Another cool opportunity in Upper Manhattan, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City at Washington Heights, a local offshoot of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, is holding auditions for boys and girls ages 7 to 13 on Thursday, October 2 from 3:30 to 5pm at P.S. 366 on Sherman Avenue. Call Maria Peña at 212-29-7779 ext. 11 or email her at mpena@ypc.org to set up a time. There is a small fee to participate but scholarships are available. All students receive lessons in vocal technique and reading music, as well as numerous opportunities to perform.

Coming soon & cool crowdfunding campaigns One of our favorite Brooklyn maker spaces is opening a second outpost on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 211 West 88th Street. The new high-tech studio is slated to debut in January 2015 and members will be able to drop in to programs at both locations. Of course expanding is expensive, so Pixel Academy has launched a Kickstarter with some pretty cool rewards including snagging camps and workshops at reduced rates. We're happy to see Manhattan getting an injection of Brooklyn creativity!

Speaking of cool crowdfunding campaigns, recently renovated Queens culture spot Flushing Town Hall has been challenged to raise $35,000 in new donations by February 2015, which will be matched by an anonymous donor. Check out this video about the staff's efforts, and then pitch in here. Considering Flushing Town Hall hosts many cool performances and workshops for kids, many of which are FREE, it's a great way to show your appreciation.

Give hungry kids a treat this October While most NYC kids are looking forward to gobbling lots of sweets come Halloween, their food insecure peers don't know when they'll eat their next meal. That's why nonprofit City Harvest is encouraging schools to collect money (even pennies) throughout October as part of its Truck or Treat campaign. Want to get your school involved? Sign up online to request a packet featuring cardboard collection boxes, posters and tips on how to maximize your fundraising.

Cool kids' culture TheatreworksUSA—a national touring company for kids that presents a no-cost Off Broadway family musical in NYC every summer—is launching a new series of weekend performances of some of its greatest hits at the Kaye Playhouse on the Upper East Side. It kicks off with the compilation Fly Guy & Other Stories (featuring a song from the composers of Frozen!) and continues with two of our top fall theater picks for families: We the People and Skippyjon Jones. While these shows aren't free, they are well priced and you even get a discount if you buy four or more tickets to one production. See the complete lineup online.

Finally, if your kids are looking forward to Disney's Big Hero 6 as much as we are, check this out: Children ages 8 to 17 are invited to enter the XPrize Challenge for a chance to win lots of cool prizes, including walking the red carpet at the movie's Hollywood premiere. Entrants make a video, sculpture, drawing, model, robot or other creation explaining how they would use science, technology, engineering, art or math to make the world a better place. Find the rules and submit online by October 12.