It’s that time of year—when our little ones are promising to eat healthier and exercise more.

Just kidding!

While we’re not going to swap your toddler’s cookie for a carrot—we don’t want to be the bad guys—we can help your little ones get active. From karate to swim to dance, we’ve rounded up our top picks to burn off some energy and have a blast doing it. Bring it on, 2020!

Get Athletic at Amazing Athletes

Where: Upper West Side
Best for: age 1 – 5 years

This unique program helps develop key motor skills and instill the advantages of structured active play for healthy habits to last a lifetime. All of the Amazing Athletes programs are taught in group settings, with age-specific classes to choose from, allowing coaches to incorporate lessons on teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-confidence.

Work Out Their Sillies at ECNS ETC.

Where: Upper East Side
Best for: age 6 months – 6 years

Kids will jump, tumble, and roll through these great classes, from Tumbling Tots to Level 3 Gymnastics. ECNS not only gives kids a good workout, but also helps your little gymnasts’ coordination, balance, and body awareness.

Have Fun Getting Fit at FunFit Kids

Where: Upper East Side
Best for: age 6 months – 6 years

Give your child the opportunity to climb, bounce, twirl, and socialize in an unstructured environment. FunFit is offering extended hours during the winter months for kids to get their energy out in their awesome indoor playspace.

Box into 2020 at Brotherhood Boxing Club

Where: Bushwick
Best for: age 5 – 17 years

This Youth Boxing Program is designed to teach beginners and intermediates the fundamentals of boxing. Your child will be put through a rigorous but achievable workout in line with their fitness level. Children with a little more experience may also spar. (Sparring is optional.)

Get a Kick out of Williamsburg Soccer Club

Where: Williamsburg
Best for: age 2 – 8 years

You’ll shoot and score signing your future soccer stars up for this class! Focusing on different areas of the game, these classes work to develop skills and ability, including shooting, dribbling, defending, ball control, and passing. The emphasis is on having fun while learning.

Learn New Moves at Valor Mixed Martial Arts

Where: Upper West Side
Best for: age 3 – 15 years

If you’re looking to get your kids into martial arts, try out one of these fast-paced, high energy, and encouraging classes created for all ages, skill levels, shapes, and sizes. The instructors challenge each student to work their hardest.

Have Tons of Fun at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Where: Upper West Side
Best for: age 6 months – 4 years

There are tons of ways to get active at the JCC. Choose from a range of developmentally appropriate, fun, and engaging classes for your tykes here, like Wobbly Walkers, Lil’ Athletes, and Lil’ Tumblers.

Splash Around at SwimUrban

Where: Upper West Side
Best for: age 6 months – 3 years

These parent/child swim classes let the littlest swimmers adapt to and explore the water with exciting games and songs. Little fish will learn to love the water and make a big splash!

Channel Their Strength at Tiger Strong NYC

Where: Upper East Side
Best for: age 2 – 15 years

Channel your little one’s energy into something productive and introduce them to karate. Students will learn basic martial art techniques using drills, music, and games all in a safe and nurturing environment.

Get Creative and Active at Four Corners Creative

Where: Upper East Side
Best for: age 2.5 months – 7 years

Looking for a graceful approach to fitness? Your tiny dancers will learn basic ballet and beginning movement, while having fun and exploring storytelling through dance. You can also choose from Hip-Hop and Broadway Beginners classes.

Looking for more things to do in the city? Here are 15 things to do with tourists in NYC. And if you want to discover and book even more fun, check out all upcoming activities across the NY Metro area. 

Header Image: Adobe Stock/Viacheslav Iakobchuk