With schools transitioning off and on to remote learning under shorter schedules, parents are left wondering how to enrich their child’s education to be more well-rounded. Enter: Bergen County’s vast class and activity offerings to keep kids happy and learning beyond the walls of school (or screens of computers). There are plenty of options, both in-person and virtual, to support your child’s interests (for ideas, check out Bergen Mama’s Ultimate Class Guide). We go beyond the basics for some new and out-of-the-box activities to keep kids smiling, and well, being kids.
Athletics
D1 Training Bergen County North Kids and adults can benefit from this elite training facility. Offering classes, one-on-one training and sports clinics for athletic training and development, as well as healthy living and discipline, D1 is ready to help your athlete of any age and ability.
107 Pleasant Ave., Upper Saddle River, 201-905-2387
Camp Big at Big Snow American Dream Want to start hitting the slopes with your kids, but aren’t sure how to start them off on the right foot (or boot)? Big Snow American Dream offers their Camp Big Children’s Program for skiiers and snowboarders ages 5 to 12. Kids get equipment rental, outerwear, a 3-hour access ticket and 3-hour lesson. They’ll be pros in no-time.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 973-864-6600
The Source Dance Lab Not your mother’s dance classes, The Source Dance Lab holds classes for all ages, ability and dance preferences from Baby Ballerina to Cheerfunk. This low-commitment studio offers monthly memberships in their brand new location so dancers can try new classes and be as committed as they chose. Plus, dancers have appeared everyone from America’s Got Talent to Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour.
544 10th St., Palisades Park, 201-840-5130
The Fountain Fitness Center Let the kids run free at The Fountain Fitness Center's Toddler Turf Time open play. Little ones burn off some energy as they jump, try the obstacle course, play with hula hoops and more in the 12,000 square foot space.
Fountain Fitness Center, 1150 NJ-17, Ramsey, 201-282-5225
High Exposure Staycation This ninja warrior and climbing spot goes beyond its rock walls with the COVID-19-safe Staycation option for families or small groups. Enjoy 2.5 hours of an outdoor adventure consisting of building a campfire, tackling a ropes course, making a shelter, ziplining and even eating a BBQ bug, for those who dare. Book your mini-excursion any time for a private family or group up to 10 people.
266 Union St., Northvale, 201-768-8600
Oz Fit Academy Working out and getting fit is a family affair at this all-in-one gym for kids, teens and adults. Youth fitness and exercise programs include strength and mobility, self-defense, Jiu Jitsu and Say Goodbye to School Bullying. MMA classes for kids to adults are available as well as group fitness training classes.
152 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, 551-500-9311
Northern Valley Sports Academy For kids that are looking for additional sports play in a safe environment, look no further than NVSA’s Create Your Own Clinic. Gather a minimum of seven kids you’re comfortable with for a private sports class. Choose from girls and boys lacrosse, baseball, soccer, basketball, multi-sport, or games and activities (think: sharks and minos, kickball and dodgeball). Coaches are available for toddlers through grade 12.
100 Oakland Ave., Closter, 201-750-3275
Play
The Village Edgewater In addition to open play and private play options, The Village offers classes for little ones to combine learning, play and fun. Get creative with an art class, or bust a move with the Little Villagers’ Dance class. Private art classes are also available, and be sure to check back monthly for new and updated options.
250 Old River Rd., Edgewater, 800-552-4429
Xtreme Energy Tots to teens play and learn at this ultimate destination for entertainment and education. While open play options include a ninja course, ropes course, trampolines and playscape, this year Xtreme Energy is offering their Xtreme Learning Academy Program for kids up to grade 8. Academic enrichment, cognitive development and physical activity are combined to keep up with the needs of kids during this unprecedented year.
250 South Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-408-5555
Tay + Te Book a limited-capacity open play session at this pretend play spot to boost your child’s imagination. Kids can explore their “market” “pizza parlor” and “mechanic shop” during open play, or enjoy games, music and stories during their limited classes and special events.
240 Pegasus Ave., Northvale, 201-660-8388
Lily & Liam An indoor playground where kids can play in the wooden “sand”pit, explore the climbing area or enjoy pretend play, Lily & Liam also offers occassional music, storytime and other classes for toddlers and younger kids.
250 South Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-567-5111
Paper Street Play This brand-new pretend play place offers open and private play options in its modern and frequently-sanitized space. In addition to play, Paper Street Play hosts small classes for little ones including Art + Play for kids up to age 7, and Jump & Jabber music and movement for all ages.
40 Park Ave., #1, Park Ridge, 201-383-9083
Science and Arts
Flavor Labs Food and fun make the perfect combination at these cooking and baking classes for kids of all ages, with virtual and in-person options available. Got a picky eater on your hands? Food education is the perfect solution for allowing them to experiment with flavors and textures. On the cooking calendar are creations such as calzones and cannoli, and sliders and sweet potato fries.
514 Livingston St., Norwood, 201-292-3733
Code Ninjas Attention parents of video gamers: Let ‘em learn while they play with Code Ninja’s drop-in classes in four Bergen County locations for all ages. Kids gain invaluable STEM skills of coding, robotics and problem-solving through building their own video games and other hands-on projects.
508 Livingston St., Norwood, 201-267-2633; 85 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-882-1234; 171 Lake St., 201-402-2601, Ramsey; 383 Market St., Building B Unit 6, Saddle Brook, 551-300-2633
Tutor’s Link Enrich your child’s education with science, math, art, literacy and social studies workshops, grouped by age and grade. Outside of school subject enrichments, Tutor’s link offers classes in engineering, meditation, cooking and fitness/sports. Expect your kids to have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re actually learning a lot.
29 Grant Ave., Dumont, 201-406-0650
Clay Paper Scissors Studio Smiles come in the form of slime, sugar, sewing and other weekly crafts at Clay Paper Scissors Studio. For families that are interested in the crafts but not the in-person classes, the studio offers take home kits such as slime-tastic fun, spa day and friendship garden, with new kits coming soon. Check out their upcoming sewing classes and Valentine's Day crafting fun.
380 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, 201-523-9379
Mad Science Explore science beyond the classroom with hands-on activities in one of Mad Science’s after-school programs. Themes include NASA Academy of Future Space Explorers, Brixology (LEGO engineering) and Crazy Chemworks, where kids are the leaders of experiments and fun creations. Virtual and in-person options available.
24-08 Broadway, Fair Lawn, 201-236-1400
Tenafly Nature Center There’s never been a better time to let kids embrace their outdoorsy selves. TNC’s new Forest Preschool program lets little ones, ages 3.5 to 5, explore their woods and develop a closeness with and love of nature. Kids dig, build shelters, play nature games and so much more in a safe, outdoor environment.
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, 201-568-6093
The Renaissance Child It’s full STEAM ahead at The Renaissance Child, which offers a wide variety of classes for the budding scientist. Robotics, LEGO engineering and toddler exploration classes are available to enhance your child’s love of science.
720 Anderson Ave., 2nd Floor, Cliffside Park, 201-499-7178
Other Interests
Bergen Equestrian Center For kids who love horses but may not quite be ready to ride, check out Bergen Equestrian Center’s after-school program. This non-riding class helps kids learn about horse and pony safety – both on and around, barn behavior, grooming, horse facts and more.
40 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia, 201-336-3370
Libbylicious Know a kid who is SEW excited about sewing? They’ll have SEW much fun with Libbylicious’ weekly sessions. Kids will improve their sewing skills learning to make everything from totes to pillows.
247 Everett Ave., Wyckoff, 201-847-2375
The Vilage Table Launched during quarantine to help families with meal delivery, this service now expands its offering to include virtual classes for kids of all ages. Learn to make your own pasta or pizza, get kids moving with fitness classes, make a work of art with Abrakadoodle, and more. Classes are updated each month, so be sure to check back regularly for new options.
