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Kids do the darndest things. They also happen to drive us crazy if we’re around them 24/7, so new moms and dads take note — take ‘em to these stellar classes.
Goldfish Swim School
With locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Goldfish Swim School offers swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years.
Parents or caregivers hop in the water for the tiniest trouts, or you can watch older kids from behind glass. In a recent class, my 10-month-old went wild chasing floating balls and worked on his flutter kick, while I lazed in a 90°F pool.
Prices range from $32 to $75 per group lesson with a $50 annual membership fee.
The Mom Club
These weekly events in NYC, Greenwich, Conn., and all summer in the Hamptons have a distinctly 212 flair. Think: Shabbat crafting for kids with Botox for moms.
Mother of two Sharon Feiereisen created the Mom Club when she realized all the “mommy and me” classes she attended were kids and nannies. In the two-plus years since, the 100+ events for parents and kids ages zero through 7 have included workout classes, craft and music activations and expert-led events, typically held at Maman bakery.
From $45 to $145 per event.
Tiny Tots Book Club
When I started a book club for new moms in a postpartum haze, little did I know that my son would join one, too. Behold: Tiny Tots Book Club for ages 5 months to 2.5 years, where parents and caregivers spend time with their baby while a book is brought to life through songs and movement, followed by a sensory-based craft or activity related to the book.
Not only is the class great for bonding but it also helps preliteracy skills, language building and socialization.
At 345 E. 86th St. and Carl Schurz Park in warmer months; $50 per class.
Blue Balloon Songwriting for Small People
For kids ages 3 and older, Blue Balloon provides in-home private and small-group music lessons across NYC and the Hamptons.
Classes are personalized, and help build confidence in self-expression as the instructors seamlessly weave in lessons in rhythm, technique and chords through songwriting or piano, guitar and voice, even the ukulele.
From $40 per class.
Urban Dunes
Head to 122 E. 91st St., NYC’s only indoor sandbox, with three distinct themed areas: Golden Beach Sandbox, Dino Land and the Construction Zone.
Suitable for kids up to 9, your tot can also experience “Sandventures,” or guided themed classes like treasure hunts or mini engineer sessions. Plus, there’s an arts and crafts room for an extra fee.
Cost is $38 for a 90-minute play session.
Look Who’s Talking
The most fun my son had all month was crawling after farm animal toys, listening to “Little Blue Truck” and babbling away at his first Look Who’s Talking class.
I also went home with tips for sign language, increasing sound production and honing listening skills. Classes are led by certified speech-language pathologists for 4-month-olds through 3-year-olds (caregivers required).
Held throughout NYC, Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and the Hamptons, classes start at $48.
Union Square Play
Expect a motley assortment of classes here at 245 E. 84th St., ranging from Let’s Make a Mess (exactly what it sounds like) to Ramblin’ Dan music class to Developmental Movement with Dionne.
Classes are suitable for kids zero through 5 and the instructors’ enthusiasm are all palpable. FYI: Siblings attend select classes free.
From $45 per class, open play sessions $21.
Zing! Kids Fitness
Known for its birthday parties, Zing! at 1732 First Ave. offers open play and classes from 6 months up to 12-plus years.
For the Zing! Fit Tots class, parents and caregivers hang with their little one for a high-energy session that combines functional fitness, imaginative play and positive affirmations. Expect much jumping, crawling, squatting and navigating obstacle courses as your kid learns at his or her own pace.
Zing! also hosts pop-ups, parties and events across New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
Drop-in class: $54.
Little Maestros
These primarily caregiver-and-me classes for children ages 6 months through 5 years include music, art and sensory, and “Grown Up & Me” classes.
Each developmentally focused class masquerades as a party but is carefully designed to bolster the development of motor skills and language, foster creativity and promote socialization.
With locations throughout NYC, cost is $45 per drop-in class.
Jodi’s Gym
Jodi’s Gym at 244 E. 84th St. serves 10-month-olds through 12 years.
The 10- to 35-month-old class Mighty Muscle Movers requires adult participation, and comes complete with an obstacle course, bubble time and parachute play, while Tumbling Tots, FUNTastic Gymnastics and Ninja Challenge are for toddlers and kids to work on more advanced balance, flexibility and tumbling skills. Bonus: Members can join an open playtime in addition to their weekly class.
Cost is $328 per month.
Om City Yoga
Om City Yoga at 1551 Second Ave. #3 can help both of you find your flow state.
Geared for babies in the early months (until they’re crawling everywhere), instructor Miho Nozawa is an experienced birth doula and yoga and prenatal yoga teacher.
Spend your 45 minutes moving through yoga sequences that support postpartum recovery as you guide your baby through some simple movements.
A 5-class pack costs $125.
Brooklyn Robot Foundry Mini Makers
These entertaining and educational classes are held for private groups of four kids or more for weekly robot-building classes at someone’s home or another convenient spot in NYC, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey.
Aimed at 2- to 5-year-olds, kids make their own robots with a little help from their caregiver. Each class has signature characters to introduce the day’s engineering concept and robot project. After your youngster has built and decorated their robot, they get to keep it.
Cost from $40 per class.
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