While remote learning plays a key role in the curriculum of many New Jersey 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 learning in technology classes. We've rounded up nearly two dozen in-person classes for New Jersey kids this fall. Some are classes in the great outdoors, while others take place indoors with social distancing guidelines in place. If you need more support during virtual school hours, be sure to see our roundup of centers offering remote learning support in-person 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 New Jersey Kids.

School is upon us, but the 2020-21 school year is anything but ordinary. Whether your district is doing remote learning, a hybrid model, or you've created a homeschooling pod, it's likely you're going to need a little more support than normal.

Luckily, community organizations, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs are here to help, filling the void left by extraordinarily challenging school schedules. We've rounded up a handful of spots offering support for hybrid and remote learners, plus organizations willing to provide a little programming for your pod.

Many New York City parents are turning to learning pods, made up of small groups of like-minded families, to alleviate the stress during this surreal time of part-time school schedules. But, beyond the regular remote learning curriculum, what's a learning pod to do? Many of our favorite local providers and community orgs are stepping up to the plate, offering extra enrichment for your learning pod. If you don't have a pod, some of these spots help you build one; and, if you'd rather go-it-alone, others provide plenty of support for remote learners with drop-off programs where kids can complete assignments and receive tutoring support in safe, supervised environments.

Live, in-person things to do with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley continue to roll out. We're here to ease the stress of the impending return to school with plenty of socially distanced events to enjoy long after you've savored your Labor Day barbecue. We've even got a Back-to-School Fair planned to help you round out your child's extracurricular activity schedule, whether you're looking for in-person or virtual class offerings.

We've welcomed the news that several sizable annual traditions have been reimagined for a safe return in 2020, like the spectacular Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. Halloween season is kicking off this month, too, with the return of the Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze and Home of "the Legend." While the weather remains warm, September is full of outdoor entertainment—from drive-in movies to live performances. 

Read on for our September event picks, as well as venues that are now open to visitors. Be sure to keep tabs on our daily Event Calendar to stay in the know! If you're looking for more things to do, we're continuing to maintain our list of virtual event picks plus activities to enjoy nearby—like hikes in our state parks, visits to swimming lakes, and more socially distant activities.