CLASSES, CLUBS, CAMPS, & PLAY SPACES

There are so many ways for children to learn. Learning through the arts, or by engaging in a sport, or by learning circus acts, kids can expand their educational, cultural and physical horizons. Here are some of our favorite (and super fun) interactive programs where kids of all ages might discover hidden talents.

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SLING-YOUR-BABY DANCE(The Brooklyn Dojo, 93 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn Heights, 718-237-0568, $20 per class )

This is a 45-minute class, where you’ll strap on your baby in a front carrier and, after a quick warm-up, learn simple dance movements.

SPORTIME AT RANDALLS ISLAND (1 Randalls Island, 212-427-6150, $1,275 for a 17-week session)

Sportime gave its Randalls Island location a $13 million face-lift this year. The Pee Wee program (for ages 4-6) introduces the basics of tennis. The Junior Tennis Kinetic program, divided into two groups (one for ages 6-8, the other for ages 8 and up), focuses more on technique. The center also offers a Junior Travel Team for players ages ten and up, in which individual Sportime sites compete against one another.

STROLLERCIZE.COM (800-978-7655, $155 for four classes)

This is an outdoor work-out program for new moms and moms-to-be. Dads get in for free with mom's membership. There are various locations throughout the city.

SUTTON EAST TENNIS CLUB (488 E 60th St., 212-751-3452, $1,190 for a 17-week session)

Pee-Wee Tennis (for ages 3 to 6) provides free rackets and emphasizes on hand-eye coordination and basic tennis movements. The Pre-Junior Development Program (ages 6 to 8), offers larger nets and court space for training. The Junior Development Program (ages 8 and up) refines basic skills while introducing kids to game-play in groups that are age- and level-appropriate.

THE ART FARMS (Locations: Bridgehampton (631)537-1634 and NYC (212)410-3117)

At The Art Farm, children and parents can take part in fun and stimulating programs which center on the care, respect and appreciation of animals and the farm culture. The Art Farm in the Hamptons, launched in 1999, offers an 8-week summer day camp program for children aged 2 months to 12 years featuring farm animals. The activities include tennis, swimming, rock climbing, photography, computer graphics, music, art and baking. The Art Farm in the City was established in 2005 and offers year-round weekday and weekend classes with small exotic animals. The activities range from music and art to baby gym, cooking and animal care classes; the city “farm” is open to children aged 8 months to 8 years.

TALK-N-DRUM (914-245-5655)

The Talk n Drum foreign language and music program is designed to expose children to the sounds and rhythms of a foreign language. Ideal for kids 10 months to 5-years-old.

TEA LOUNGE (For locations, go to website)

Connect with other parents and enjoy a spontaneous playdate at this super kid-friendly coffeehouse, with three locations in Brooklyn.

CITY TREEHOUSE (129A W. 20th St., 212-255-2050, from $12.50/hr for members, $30/hr for nonmembers)

The highlight at this opened playroom is an extra-long tiered water table with balls, animal toys, fountains and tanks.

TOP ART & MUSIC CLASSES AROUND THE WORLD

MUSIC TOGETHER (International locations)

Launched in 1987, and now taught in more than 1,700 communities in the US, Canada and 21 other countries, Music Together offers mixed age-group family sessions in a classroom guided by expert teachers and musicians. The program is based on the idea that all children are musical and can gain life development skills from a very early age by taking part in these classes.

ART 4 FUN (172 West End Lane, London NW6 1SD England; Phone: +44 020 7794 0800)

At this interactive and original art studio/café, which is open daily, parents and children can stop by, choose a medium to work with -- from ceramics to wood, glass, paper, fabrics and mosaics -- and paint an original work of art. Grown-ups can either sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee, or join in on the fun. The cost is £5.95 a person for use of the studio (good for the whole day), paints, brushes, firing and glazing, and £3.50 for each item they choose to paint. Art 4 Fun can also be booked for birthdays and other private events.

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