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This section is dedicated to extracurricular activities such as ballet, and music classes for children; hobby shops, after school programs, and summer camps. We also list yoga classes for parents and infants. You can also check public library bulletin boards for information on classes for children. After-School Programs For the most current information about after school programs, you should check with the school your child attends at the beginning of the term. Cambridge Public Schools After school programs are available for children from junior kindergarten through high school. Programs that are held in the Cambridge Public Schools are run by the Community Schools. Cambridge YMCA 820 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02139 (Central Square) Phone: 617-661-9622 More Cambridge After-School Listings A wide variety of programs are held at youth centers, and private organizations. Programs range from various sports to arts and sciences. Summer Camps Many summer camps hold open houses and start registration in April. However, you may need to register your child in the beginning of the year (January/February) for the more popular summer programs. On-campus camps include the popular MIT Day Camp. Another camp held at MIT (but is not run by MIT) is the iD Tech Camp. For further MIT-affiliated programs, visit the MIT K-12 Educational Outreach Programs page. The MIT Center for Work, Family & Personal Life offers information on summer camps as well as summer camps briefings during the spring semester. The Boston Parents’ Paper magazine (published monthly and available for free at many locations, including bookstores and supermarkets) also has a list of summer camps. You can register at their website to access the digital version of the magazine. MassCamps.com and SummerCampsMassachusetts.com list camps by town. Sports and Recreation for Children The Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) at MIT offers swimming classes for infants and older, ice-skating lessons in the winter, and sometimes tennis lessons in the summer. If you purchase a family membership to the athletics facility, the cost of classes will be cheaper. While younger children are not allowed on the exercise floors, they do have access to the swimming facilities. You can also contact the different sports clubs in the Cambridge and Boston areas and ask if they have programs for children. Every city has its own YMCA. If you live outside of Cambridge you can contact the local YMCA regarding classes for children.
Youth leagues are available in many towns, providing a place for children to learn sporting skills as well as compete in teams. Sports offered may include baseball, soccer and basketball. For youth leagues in the Cambridge area, check out the links below.
Martial Arts and Self-Defense Classes for Children There is a variety of martial arts studios which offer classes for children, usually for ages 4 and up. Red Dragons Martial Arts 614 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge 02139 (Central Square) Phone: 617-868-2275 This is one of the few martial arts schools that offer classes for children who are at least 2.5 years old. CW Taekwondo 285 Green St, Cambridge 02139 (Central Square) Phone: 617-876-4853 Cambridge Tang Soo Do Karate 215 First St, Cambridge 02139 (Kendall Square) Phone: 617-687-9156 Davis Square Martial Arts 408 Highland Ave, Somerville 02144 Phone: 617-591-9656 Wu Dao Kung Fu 675 Concord Ave, Cambridge 02138 Phone: 617-812-2180 Bay State Fencing 561 Windsor St, Suite A401, Somerville 02143 Phone: 617-591-0101 Dance Schools for Children If you are interested in teaching creative movement, dance or ballet to your children, there are several dance studios in the Boston area. We list a few here. The Dance Complex 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (Central Square) Phone: 617-547-9363 Jamnastics Phone: 617-354-5780 They offer hip-hop dance and gymnastics classes for children ages 5 and up. Class locations vary. Fresh Pond Ballet 1798A Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (Porter Square) Phone: 617-491-5865 Boston Ballet School 19 Clarendon Street, Boston Phone: 617-456-6264 Gymboree Play & Music 109 Oak Street, Newton Phone: 617-244-2988 Gymboree has classes for babies, toddlers, and children up to 5 years old. Besides age-appropriate gym classes, they also have art, music and school skills classes. Green Street Studios 185 Green Street, Cambridge 02139 (Central Square) Phone: 617-864-3191 Music Classes for Children This is a very popular movement and dance class for babies, toddlers, and children up to 7 years old. The classes are run by licensed teachers who follow the kindermusik curricula and learning aids to teach music to children. To find a class near you visit their website. Music Together This is similar to Kindermusik. Their emphasis is more on musical instruments. New School of Music 25 Lowell Street, Cambridge Phone: 617-492-8105 The school has Music Together classes for infants through children aged 4. They offer a variety of classes for children and adults of all ages. Longy School of Music 1 Follen Street, Cambridge (Harvard Square) Phone: 617-876-0956 This highly-regarded conservatory offers music classes for ages 1 and up. Gymnastics & Drop-In Classes Some gymnastics schools provide drop-in sessions or open gym, so your child can get a work out without having to commit to weekly classes. 1065 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (on Green Line-B) Phone: 617-789-3669 Gymnastic Academy of Boston 128 Smith Place, Cambridge Phone: 617-441-9700 They have drop-in classes Sundays through Fridays, 11:30am-1pm. Together in Motion 1 Broadway, Arlington Phone: 781-643-1377 Energy Fitness and Gymnastics 70 Jaconnet St, Newton 02461 Phone: 617-795-7177 They have a free open gym program for children who are crawling up to age 5. Trapeze School 50 Walkers Brook Dr, Reading (inside Jordan's Furniture store) Phone: 781-942-7800 They have open flying times and weekly classes. Children ages 4 and up are welcome, although it is recommended they attend open flying sessions instead of going through a 2-hour class. Yoga Email: fitness@mit.edu New for Summer 2010 are yoga classes for children, right here at MIT. The Shops at Prudential Center 800 Boylston St, Boston (Prudential Station, Green Line) Phone: 781-429-1500 Email: info@isisparenting.com They have locations in Brookline, Arlington and Boston. Yoga classes for infants and children up to 24 months. 369 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington Phone: 781-316-0282 They have yoga classes for infants and children. Art Classes and Hobby Shops Brookline Arts Center 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline ( Green Line C-D) Phone: 617-566-5715 This center offers a variety of art classes for ages 2 to adult. Harvard Coop 1400 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge ( Harvard Square) Phone: 617-499-2000 The Harvard Coop for Kids has a Storytime & Craft hour which is free. Check out their website’s calendar for days and times. Made-By-Me 1685 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Phone: 617-354-8111 Paint-your-own-pottery studio where you can decorate your own mugs, piggy banks and more. Beadworks 23 Church Street, Cambridge ( Harvard Square) Phone: 617-868-9777 Older children who enjoy beading will love this store. Michaels 17 Mystic View Road, Everett Phone: 617-381-8103 A chain of craft stores that organizes crafting events for kids or the whole family. Visit their website for details. Play Time 283 Broadway, Arlington Phone: 781-648-3230 Craft store with party favors and art supplies galore. Youth Clubs Youth clubs are known for their mission to develop leadership and life skills in young people. |
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Newcomers' Guide > Family >
Extracurricular Activities |