We’re all busy parents and sometimes the idea of hitting small local stores with kids in tow is, well, less than appealing, and sometimes, downright destructive. So if you can’t shop local this upcoming Small Business Saturday, why not PLAY local?! Check out all the fun activities coming up and book a class to help a local biz!
Art is for Everyone at City Treehouse
November 26th, 3:30 PM / Chelsea / 3 – 6 years old
Make a masterpiece and discover surprising talents in this very special art class led by Mr. Ohashi, an artist and art educator with more than 20 years experience in New York and Tokyo. A variety of materials and techniques will be explored including painting, paper crafts, collage, sculpture, and more! Can’t make this class? Be sure to check out City Treehouse’s Open Play, too!
Drop-In Art Project at Private Picassos Art Studio
All week, various times / Park Slope / 18 months – 12 years old
Let your kiddo discover their inner artist and embark on a self-guided art project. Choose from over 10 projects, ranging from clay to paper mache to watercolors, and let their creativity blossom! When their masterpiece is completed, stay as long as you’d like to enjoy the chalkboard wall, children’s library, and magna tiles.
Hands on Hoops at Elliot’s Classes
November 25th & 27th, various times / Upper West Side / 2 – 6 years old
Shoot some hoops and have some fun! Kids learn foundational skills like foot work for increased balance, sharing a basketball with other children, and building up confidence by playing basketball on an adjustable basket.
Jam Band at Brooklyn Music Factory
November 27th & 30th, 3:30 PM & 4 PM / Gowanus / 6 – 8 years old
Your little rockstars will be introduced to songwriting in a band setting. Through drum circles, BLAM games, speed songwriting sessions, and exploring different instruments on the bandstand, kid will begin to learn the fundamentals of what it takes to create and play music with others.
Kids Cirque at The Muse Brooklyn
November 24th, 10 AM / Bushwick / 5 – 12 years old
If your little ones have ever dreamed of running off to join the circus, this is the class for them! Kids will explore ground acrobatics and beginner aerial skills and learn to use those silks to soar through the air.
Make Your Dream Candy Bar or Pizza Pizza Party at Chocolate Works
All week, various times / Upper East Side / Upper West Side / 3 – 15 years old
Stop by their UES location to create your own personal candy bar! Choose your chocolate, choose your fillings, and make it your own! Or pop into the UWS location and make a chocolate pizza! Assemble your pizza with a crust of Oreos, graham crackers, or pretzels, glue it all together with chocolate, and then finish it off with candy toppings.
Open Play at Twinkle Playspace
Daily / Williamsburg / 6 months – 6 years old
You’ll want to stay all day at this huge 4500-square-foot playspace. Your little explorers can climb an indoor life-size tree, become the fire chief of the Red Hot Fire House, go on a mythical adventure with their four 15-foot-tall dragons, or even form their own construction crew and build their own Brooklyn Bridge!
Princess Play at Let’s Dress Up!
November 24th, 1:30 PM / Upper East Side / 3 – 7 years old
If dressing up and make believe are a big part of your little one’s world, this magical playdate is a must! Your kids can choose from princess dresses, prince costumes, glittery makeup, and tiaras to create their royal persona. Royalty can then enjoy a craft project and tea and cookies at a classic tea party.
Storybook Cooking at Freshmade NYC
November 26th, 28th, & 30th, 1:30 PM / NoHo / 24 months – 4 years old
Your favorite children’s books come to life as little chefs create original recipes inspired by the stories from the kitchen’s book wall. A new story and recipe will be featured each week.
Toddler Art at The Craft Studio
Weekdays, various times / Tribeca / 18 months – 2.5 years old
With songs, mini art lessons, and quick changing activities, this is the perfect way to get your little ones excited to craft! Each class finishes with a dance party to get the wiggles out. If you can’t make the class, the studio offers lots of drop in crafting hours too!
Walkers, Runners, and Jumpers at the 14th Street Y
November 29th, 11:15 AM / East Village / 12 months – 24 months
Just like the names, active kiddos are welcome to come walk, run, and jump at this class focused on movement. The class challenges physical development with obstacles that include balance, depth perception and body awareness, and coordination as well as focused listening and imaginative themes.