Best of Philly

The Schuylkill Center’s Wild Wanderers

This after-school nature-immersion program set amid 365 acres of forest, meadows, and streams is the perfect antidote to long days stuck in the classroom — walking trails, poking around streams, learning local ecology, and doing just enough structured activity that it feels like discovery rather than “programming.” Pro tip: Transportation slots (from select Northwest Philly pickups) are especially competitive, so don’t treat registration like it can wait. Read More »

8480 Hagys Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA | 215-482-7300 | Website

World of Robotics

Your kid’s already spending hours on Roblox — let’s just say it’s been way more than 99 nights in the forest — so why not have them actually learn to code it? World of Robotics’ classes range from coding and game design to 3D modeling and building LEGO-based robots, and are offered on various weeknights and weekends, depending on the location. Read More »

Locations in Huntingdon Valley and King of Prussia, PA | 215-500-0717 | Website

Music Theatre Philly

Now expanded into a three-story studio space at 13th and Locust, MTP has scaled up everything: more classrooms, more age groups, and a wider mix of training tracks. (There are even classes and productions for parents reliving their on-stage dreams.) The programming has grown into an entire creative ecosystem — structured 14-week skills sessions, full-scale productions, private lessons, summer camps — with the same mix of expert training and inclusive joy that’s made them a second home for theater kids throughout Philly. Read More »

1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA | 445-223-2683 | Website

Range of Motion

While this community space offers everything from martial arts to dance, its parkour classes are the way to go — part sport, part problem-solving lab, and fully designed to burn off energy. Kids climb, vault, and swing their way through obstacle courses, stringing together runs to make one continuous route. Here, kids are encouraged to test their limits — with soft landings and the kind of coaching that turns “I bet I can make that” into something they actually can. Read More »

812 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267-519-2957 | Website

Moore College of Art’s Young Artists Workshop

The long-running but ever-evolving Young Artists Workshop turns weekends into a working studio experience for middle and high schoolers. Taught by practicing artists, students focus on disciplines like animation, graphic design, fashion, ceramics, game art, and much more in 10-week sessions. They’ll build up their skills — and their portfolios. Read More »

1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-965-4000 | Website

Coco Academy

“We just want to teach kids to make cool things” is the tagline for this STEAM-centered maker space that offers classes for kids ages five through 14. And what cool things they will make as they learn all about laser-cutting, 3D printing and circuitry. You can buy a series of classes or drop in for a single project-focused open studio on Saturdays. Just think of how your kids’ gift game is going to be upped by the time the holidays roll around. Everybody wins, especially because Isgro Pastries is a couple of doors down. Read More »

1001 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA Website

Hudson Table

Whether your offspring aspire to be the next Top Chef or can’t even make a PB&J, they’ll have fun learning their way around the kitchen at Hudson Table. From parent-and-kiddo classes to after-school workshops (think: holiday treats and Disney-inspired menus) to week-long summer camps structured like a mini culinary school, your kids will pick up some cooking skills (including — gulp — knife work) and confidence. Heck, maybe they’ll cook you dinner for once. Read More »

1001 North 2nd Street, unit 1, Philadelphia, PA Website

Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym

Looking for a healthy way for your kid to release some of the past year’s stress? At 4 p.m. every weekday, this NoLibs fitness space gets youth ages seven to 17 practicing gloved punches. Jackson’s upcoming after-school program will serve those needing mentorship and positive community ties. Read More »

926 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA Website

One-on-One Skateboard Lessons With Skate the Foundry

For $70, Skate the Foundry’s expert skateboarders will spend an hour one-on-one with your budding Lizzie Armanto or Tony Hawk at a variety of skate parks throughout the region. For $80, they’ll even come to your driveway. Because the coolest kid on the block is always the one who knows how to ollie. Read More »

120 Yorktown Plaza, Elkins Park, PA Website

Virtual Classes

If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming. Read More »