Washington Heights Classes For Kids

I’ve spent hours and hours looking for and researching classes for my two kids in the Washington Heights area. This might be a little late for Fall 2011 sessions although many classes my kids have been involved with are flexible and prorate if you have missed a class. I know there are more classes offered in and around Washington Heights and Inwood so if you know of good ones please add them to the comments section with a link or contact information so other parents can find them. Feel free to comment on your experience with classes as this can really help new parents when searching for the right fit for their child and schedule.

Pro Soccer Kids  Best bang for your buck as far as classes go! Kids run, run, run and laugh and have fun. They learn real skills and about teamwork. Pro Soccer Kids is an extremely well run, professional organization. They are flexible if kids start the class and don’t like it. Not really a drop off class for the younger kids.

Tappin in the Heights with Bobby Clark. This class is so great! I remember watching a story on 60 Minutes about the tap program Bobby Clark started in Washington Heights and am so glad Vivien is able to take lessons from him. The kids really respond to him. It’s the perfect tap class for boys too. It’s not too late to start Fall 2011 classes for Beginners 4-6 years olds Weds. 4pm, Advanced beginners Weds. 5pm and Intro tap Tues. 10:30am. Email Clark or come check out a class at WHAS Cultural Art Center.

In Grandma’s Attic Class  Vivi just started this class and smiles the whole time! She loves that they dress up and act out stories using ballet moves they learn during the first half of class. It can be drop-off but most parents stay.

Barnard Swim classes Not in the neighborhood but not too bad a commute ( near Broadway and 116 st  stop on the 1 train). Cheapest swim class we have found in the area (currently $135 a semester about 8 classes, only Fall and Winter classes offered). Don’t be late for registration as there is always a long line and spots are limited. Teaching is done by students and schedules follows school schedules so you never have to worry about missing class due to holidays.

Riverbank State Park Pools on 145st are great. Indoor year round and outdoor warmer months. Closed for month of September every year for cleaning then reopens in October. Four years old and under are free, $2 for adults, $3 for lap swimming. They have classes as well. Call for schedule. It’s a bit of a hike with little ones. No strollers are allowed inside so they have to be left outside so you are taking a risk (bring a cheap umbrella stroller and no extra valuables if possible). You cannot bring any bags or street clothes into swimming area so bring a standard size locker lock to lock up valuables and clothes. (We brought an oversized lock and it didn’t fit.) The plus is the pools are really nice and big, perfect for teaching your kids to swim yourself or just having fun in the water.

Bumblebee Tennis This class is new to Washington Heights and is being offered  at Corner Stone Church on Bennett Ave.

Broadway Performing Arts Center  Traditional dance as well as Hip Hop and Acrobatic classes. Well run and very organized. This is a mandatory drop off. No parents in class. Seems a little scary if your kid isn’t use to being away from you but Tina Gross is a pro. Kids love the structure and classes. Last summer they held a 4 day Drama, dancing, singing camp. Vivi was just crazy about this class and a perfect summer camp to consider.

Wiggles and Giggles Playhouse This is a great place for classes for under 5 years old. My daughter was in their Stepping Stones preschool-like classes last year and LOVED it! She still talks about it and says how much she loves Wiggles and Giggles. The art projects they did always amazed me.  The teachers really care about the students and are very good with informing you of positive and negative issues. The owners, Stacy King and Janet De Jesus are very flexible and really care about kids and offering classes appropriate for the Washington Heights community. There was even a very touching graduation ceremony for the kids who regularly attended throughout the year. They also have a boutique toy section of really great age appropriate books, toys and crafts. No need to go downtown for birthday gifts. Check here for classes and schedule.

City Kids Music Not just music classes (Music Together program). They offer art and drama as well. The schedule for classes usually comes out on the later side so if you plan early you may have to wait for the upcoming schedule. One of our dearest friends Yvonne Anderson-Bill is teaching music this fall. Click here for Music Schedule.

Uptown Sports Complex - Offers gymnastics for ages 12 months +.  They also have dance, batting cages and more.

YMCA Washington Heights and Inwood I’ve found getting information difficult but have heard from many that once you are registered the classes are really great. They do offer Pre-K as well.

Check out the comments below for additional neighborhood classes!