Is your child getting sick of doing the same things after school and on the weekends? Are they looking for something new and exciting? Then, look no further because we’ve got you covered.
Today’s little learners have an advantage on their parents because the kids’ class scene is virtually bursting with options. There is something for everyone.
Check out these picks for unique learning opportunities that are good enough for your one-in-a-million kids.
If they like ballet, then try Hiplet.
- Address: 47 W. Polk St., Chicago
This dazzling combo of ballet and hip-hop has gained national attention thanks to the magic of viral videos. The Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center is the only school in the world to teach the classical pointe/urban dance hybrid. Get your kids ready to join the phenomenon (ages 18+plus) by taking a spin at Creative Movement, Beginning Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop or African Dance classes.
If they like gymnastics, then try Ninja Warrior.
- Addresses: 732 E. Park Ave., Libertyville, 2012 Corporate Lane, Suite 120, Naperville and 3054 N. Lake Terrace, Glenview
The allure of the Warped Wall is truly hard to resist. Prepare your mini-warriors for prime-time competition with Ultimate Ninjas’ classes that include the obstacles that show up on NBC’s hit show each week. Most classes are designed and led by a real-life ninja warrior, so you’ll probably need to get ready to be surpassed as your kid’s biggest hero.
If they like karate, then try MMA.
- Address: 1528 N. Halsted St., Chicago
This mixed martial arts class really knows how to take down the competition. Would-be Ronda Rousseys can learn the fundamentals of MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Chicago Mixed Martial Arts, which also teaches street safety and bullying prevention tips, tactics and strategies through the STREET SAFE program. Classes are broken up into ages 5-9 and 9-13. Try a free class before making the commitment to sign them up.
If they like drama, then try improv.
- Address: 230 W. North Ave., Chicago
Your kids make you laugh every. single. day. So why not tap into their inner comedian with the Kids Improv Program at The Second City, where they get an intro to “Yes, and” and have a lot of fun. These no- and low-pressure classes are also the perfect way to encourage shy performers to peek out of their shells. They offer in-person classes for ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18. They also have virtual classes for ages 10-13 and ages 14-18.
If they like guitar, then try fiddle.
- Addresses: 909 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, and 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Old Town School of Folk Music offers fiddle lessons for young’uns, teaching them to play tunes by ear. They can choose from group classes or private lessons to learn their instrument.
If they like drawing, then try anime and manga drawing.
- Address: 5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago
If you child is always doodling in their notebook, have them try an anime and drawing class at Hyde Park Art Center. Over eight weeks, ages 8 and up will create their own anime character. They will draw the characters’ eyes, faces, expressions and body. Students are asked to contribute what they can financially to participate. The class will take place online.
If they like robotics, then try coding and game design.
Addresses: 770 W. Gladys Ave., Chicago, 1908E Dempster St., Evanston, 201 Meacham Road, Schaumburg and 2960 Artesian Road, Unit 120, Naperville
Kids as young as4 can learn how to build their own apps, animations and games at Kids Stem Studio. No prior coding experience is needed.
If they like mommy and me yoga, then try Mommy and Me Baby Bjorn Aerobics.
- Address: 1937 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago
Begin the class at Prenatal Fit by doing low impact aerobics, but high intensity. After that, all the babies go in the middle for a little playdate. Great for babies six weeks to 12 months old.
If they like cooking, then try cookie decorating.
- Address: 2205 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
The best thing about this class? The mess stays out of your kitchen! Give Me Some Sugar, a Roscoe Village cake decorating studio, lets kids use their imaginations to decorate a half-dozen cookies. The shape of the cookies varies by season or holiday at the time. They also offer cake decorating, croissants from scratch, candy bars from scratch, French macaron 101 and more.
If they like Spanish, then try Chinese.
More than a billion people speak some form of Chinese, so it only makes sense to build your kids’ language skills before they actually come in handy. Check out Asian Language School. It offers classes in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Korean with flexible schedules and virtual classes. You can choose for your child to do a one-to-one or group class.
If your child likes watching cartoons, then try creating cartoons.
Ages 6-11 can create their own cartoons at this drop-off event at The Paint Brush. They can come in-person or enjoy the cartoon class in the comfort of their own homes via Zoom. No experience necessary. All they need is paper, pencil and a good eraser.
If your child likes dance, then try aerial fabric.
- Address: 4028 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
Has your child seemed to dominate the floor and want to take their moves airborne? Kids ages 6-14 can learn the basic balances, locks, climbs and mid-air movements on aerial fabrics at Aerial Dance Chicago. No experience necessary
If your child likes science, then try equine science.
- Address: 10545 74th St., Countryside
Horse lovers ages 7 and up can enjoy a science class at Double J Riding Club. It will focus on the learning about horses through hands-on activities, readings and journaling. They will care for the horse, learn their anatomies, equestrian vocabulary, the history of horses and more. Double J Riding Club also offers Intro the Veterinary Science 101 and 102 classes, Zoology of Dogs and Advanced Zoology for the science lovers looking to learn more.
If your child likes singing, then try musical theater.
The Music House Musical Theater will teach your child to build confidence and have an unforgettable experience at the two full-scale musical theater productions. No experience is required. Also, offers dance classes, foreign languages and an orchestra program. Or, make a plan for a fun summer of theater by trying Music Theater Works, 516 4th St., Wilmette.
This story originally published on Nov. 11, 2017. It has been updated with the most recent information.
