From high-tech courses in building robots and coding to more traditional options like ballet and karate, today’s parents have more options than ever when it comes to extracurricular programming for their children. This guide to the world of kids’ classes explores the kinds of classes available today, the latest trends in extracurricular programming, and factors for parents to consider when choosing classes for their children.
Many of the most popular kids' classes fall within the realm of the arts and creative expression. In cities like New York, painting and pottery studios offer hands-on experiences in traditional art forms, while digital arts and animation workshops are becoming increasingly more available. Meanwhile, theatre and improv classes are popular choices for helping children build communication skills and self-confidence through play and performance.
Around the world, classes focused on coding, robotics, and engineering are drawing more young learners than ever. Tech-forward cities like San Francisco and NYC are leading the way, where learning institutions are offering programs that combine digital skills with real-world problem-solving. It’s not unusual now to find courses where kids design their own video games or build working models using 3D printers, with learning options available in-person, online, and in hybrid formats.
From classical piano lessons to contemporary dance classes, music and various performing arts remain go-to extracurricular choices for families around the world. Los Angeles and Nashville are among the many cities with unique music scenes, while multicultural dance studios thrive in cities like Miami. Meanwhile, ensemble-based options such as youth orchestras and theatre troupes help kids develop teamwork skills as much as technical and artistic ones.
While enrolling kids in team sports like soccer and baseball continues to be a popular way to help kids build strength and coordination, many parents seek out alternative sports and movement classes that challenge both the body and the mind. From indoor rock climbing and martial arts to yoga and gymnastics, the programs meet kids’ need to move while also introducing them to valuable mental practices like focus, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Language immersion and cultural workshops help children build global awareness from an early age. In multilingual cities like NYC, demand remains strong for programs in Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language. Other regions, like Santa Fe, offer culturally rooted classes in Indigenous storytelling, music, and crafts.
Many programs now combine formats. A child might attend virtual sessions during the week or meet in-person once a month for group projects, particularly in STEM or creative fields.
Choosing the right class begins with paying attention to what captures a child’s natural curiosity, whether it’s the quiet focus of drawing for hours or the excitement of solving puzzles at every opportunity. Kids who love sketching might feel at home in a cartoon workshop, while those drawn to logic and problem-solving could thrive in chess clubs or robotics labs.
Learning styles also play an important role and can help families narrow down the best fit. Children who need to move to think clearly often flourish in sports, dance, or sculpture classes that keep their hands and bodies engaged. Auditory learners may thrive when participating in music, singing, or storytelling programs, while visual learners typically shine in fields like photography, drawing, or architecture.
Parents will also want to weigh practical considerations like the location of the program, the size of the class, and the instructor’s style. Some programs offer free trial sessions that allow kids to test the waters without a full commitment, giving the whole family a chance to see if the environment is a good match.
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