When my now-toddler son was around 4 months old, I couldn’t wait to sign him up for classes. In Manhattan more so than anywhere else, there are a ridiculously overwhelming amount of choices. I had more options for classes then I did in college when planning my freshman curriculum and I went to a huge school.
--Robin Saks Frankel, Big City Mommy
By the time Max turned one, I felt like a seasoned pro as to what did and didn’t work for both me and my boy. Most of the classes for babies six months and under aren’t really for the kids. They’re all about you—helping you get out, socialize and have fun with your baby in between bouts of feedings, crying and outfit changes. Once your peanut is a little older, then you can start to try different things based on your child’s interests. One my all-time favorite activities was my Rockin’ With Andy playgroup. A group of about 12 of us formed a rotating weekly playgroup at each other’s apartments and while our little ones were rockin’ out, us moms could socialize. We kept our group going for a little over a year and a half and we still meet regularly (sans Andy) for playdates and mom’s nights out. Below are some of my all-time favorite classes in the city as well as some new and notable ones you might want to check out. For a full list of classes in the city click here
Rockin with Andy
www.rockinwithandy.com
Although Andy plays at Big City Moms events and is a favorite at birthday parties around town, the best way to combine time with your mommy friends and music for baby is to get your own Rockin’ with Andy playgroup together. Andy comes to your apartment with a suitcase full of musical props and puppets for your kids to shake, rattle and roll with.
City Treehouse
www.citytreehouse.com
I can’t say enough good things about the playspace at City Treehouse. My son took one look at their SPLASH table—a multi-tiered shallow flowing water table, and he was engrossed for the next two hours until I had to drag him away to get home for naptime. When we took a break to change into dry clothes he loves crawling into the giant tree to look up at the fiber-optic stars (They’re twinkling Mommy!)
Three Little Birds
www.tlbmusic.com
Both of my kids love music. I don’t mean they perk up when they hear a kid-friendly tune. My typically shy toddler goes bananas during Three Little Birds music classes. He dances, spins, jumps and generally gets his groove on throughout the 45 minute session. In addition to the dancing he loves learning about and touching all the different instruments they introduce to the class. My one year old smiles and giggles the whole time and is either shaking the maracas or beating on a drum. To encourage their musical proclivities and keep the schlepping to a minimum, I have them enrolled in TLB’s siblings class, one of the few places I’ve found that accommodates kids of two different ages in one class. Contact www.tlbmusic.com or 212 744 0404 for a complete class schedule.
Kidville
www.kidville.com
I’m lucky enough to live only a few blocks from one of the Manhattan Kidville locations. Their indoor playspace is far and away one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s one of the only times I can let my kids go free without worrying they’re going to get seriously hurt. The playspace is big and full of soft surfaces for climbing on and jumping around. They have a tumble track, a mini foam pit and lots of huge soft shapes for my one year old to practice his cruising skills. They also offer dozens of classes for ages 6 months to six years in every category you can think of. My favorite part is the retail shop next to the café. I can set my kids up with chicken fingers for lunch while I browse the racks next to them.
New and notable around town:
Chelsea Piers’ CP Building Blocks
http://www.chelseapiers.com/fh/building-blocks.cfm
212.336.6500 ext. 6573.
This brand-new class at Chelsea Piers is for children 18 months and older with special needs. This gives the parents tools, a community and a social outlet. The groups are very small –only six children per class and a 3:1 ratio of children to teachers, so any child with a developmental or sensory delay can participate and have an opportunity to socialize at a young age. Each week children learn a new language concept and practice its use through gross and fine motor activities, multi-sport activities, story time, music and cooking.
SocRoc
www.socroc.com
917.703.0409
Developed by a former professional soccer player, turned personal trainer, SocRoc soccer classes focus on developing confidence and improving fitness while having fun. Coach James Christie’s goal is to for kids to find fitness fun. Every class is designed to keep your child active but entertained. Classes are available for ages two through preteen with locations throughout Manhattan as well as in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
On Deck
www.ondeckny.com
646.808.4926
Aspiring A-Rods look no further, kids ages two through 14 can learn to play baseball through On Deck’s training programs. With the emphasis on fun, your little slugger will have a blast learning the fundamentals of the game. They also offer birthday party packages.
Planet Han
http://www.planethanchinese.com
File it under only in Manhattan, but in this city, it’s not uncommon to ask what second language is your child learning when they’re still in diapers. With one quarter of the world’s population speaking Chinese, many parents are turning to Mandarin lessons for their children. Planet Han Chinese on the Upper West Side teaches Mandarin to kids two to 12.
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