6 Kids Classes in Pittsburgh You Should Sign Your Child Up For

As your child grows and matures, they will need to rely on more than just a classroom education to become well-rounded, healthy adults. That’s why so many parents nowadays enroll their children in after-school programs. Not only do these programs let your kids pursue their interests, but they also offer a fun environment for getting out of the house and making new friends. If you’re looking for a new afterschool program or extracurricular program to enroll your child in, check out these 6 fun kids classes offered in Pittsburgh! 

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1. TinkerGarten

Pittsburgh-based educational organization that teaches kids through outdoor play

Pittsburgh | tinkergarten.com‍

Many parents nowadays worry that their children aren’t getting enough playtime outdoors. Sometimes it even feels like older adults and grandparents enjoy lamenting the fact that children seem to spend all their time indoors or on the computer. 

At TinkerGarten, you can find a number of classes that take children outside to learn and explore nature. Each lesson is designed to help children develop important physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy are all emphasized in order to ensure your child grows up to become a healthy and sharp adult. 

“We love Tinkergarten! It helps us get outside in all seasons and explore nature new and fun ways. I love that kids and grown ups are supported. I’ve learned how to meet my son where he is at, follow his lead and support his play. Tinkergarten helped me become a better mom and inspired me to play like a kid again.” - Facebook Review

2. Gaynor’s Cooking School 

Popular cooking school that offers classes for kids

309 East Carson Street | South Side | gaynorsschoolofcooking.com‍

Does your child display an affinity to cooking? Treat them to a kid’s cooking class! Gaynor’s School of Cooking offers classes for people of all ages, even kids as young as six-years-old. Right now, your children can take a class on baking delicious Halloween treats or cooking hearty heaps of pasta. Five-class programs that include lessons on making sushi, pasta, bread, cupcakes, and tacos are popular for children who enjoy cooking. 

Mommy or (Daddy) and Me classes are also available for younger children aged three to five. If you have a teen, you can enroll them in the Teen Cooking Program designed for participants aged 15 to 18. Special summer camps, birthday parties, and family fun nights are also fun for teaching your child the wonderful art of cooking! 

“Liked it so much that I have already enrolled in another class and had my daughter's 7th Bday party there. Her party was a success - kids had so much fun with the experience and I heard that some of the guests even prepared the meals they learned to cook at home. The party was conducted by Francine who happens to be very talented with kids, being a retired kindergarten teacher herself.” - Yelp Review

3. Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh

Community that offers daycare activities for children from all backgrounds

5738 Forbes Ave | Squirrel Hill | jccpgh.org‍

The Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh has locations in both the South Hills and Squirrel Hill area. The JCC offers a number of classes in sports, aquatics, dance, and art. If you’re looking for a fun community center that lets your child try out a number of different activities and extracurriculars, the JCC is a great option to look into. 

“As a member you can take advantage of the JCC's outdoor facility in Monroeville during the summer. The outdoor kids pool and large pool are great for hot days.” - Yelp Review

4. The Little Gym of Pittsburgh

Kid’s gym in South Hills offering dance and sports lessons for your energetic children

3909 Washington Rd | South Hills | thelittlegym.com/pittsburghsouthhillspa‍

Do you have an energetic kid who nevers seems to get tired? Consider enrolling them in a class at The Little Gym! This popular gymnastics and fitness club offers gymnastics, dance, and sports conditioning classes that are perfect for helping your child channel their pent-up energy. Children as young as three-years-old can benefit from these active classes. Each class focuses on three-dimensional learning, which is designed to help your child improve their agility, strength, sportsmanship, and critical thinking skills. 

“I've been bringing my 3 kids here for years and they love it. I love it because they burn off energy while learning different sports. The teachers are always friendly and great with the kids. We've also had birthday parties here and the kids have a blast. It's a great place for kids that have a lot of energy!” - Yelp Review

5. Center for Young Musicians

Nurture your little one’s affinity for music at this popular music school

120 Lake Dr. | Wexford | youngmusicians.org‍

Are you interested in enrolling your child in music classes? The Center for Young Musicians offers music education classes for everyone from newborns to retired adults. CYM’s Early Childhood Music and Movement Program, which is designed for newborns to five-year-olds, is designed to introduce little ones to the joy of singing and music. Toddlers and young children can start their instrumental study and music literacy as they grow older. If your child wishes to continue with their music training, they can eventually move onto the Young Artists program. 

“We joined the CYM family when our daughter was just 3 years old. It didn’t take long for us to know that CYM was the place for us to help us foster our love of music within our daughter.” - Website Review

6. Hatch Art Studio

Help your child express their creativity by enrolling them in art classes

6739 Reynolds St. | Pittsburgh | hatchpgh.com

Enrolling your child in art classes can be great for improving their creative skills, boosting their self-esteem, and developing their visual-spatial skills. Plus, they’re pretty fun! Hatch Art Studio currently offers classes on gift making and building winter-inspired creations. Due to the pandemic, they are being held online. However, your children are sure to enjoy the numerous art and craft-making activities each class teaches. 

“My son's birthday party at Hatch was a huge hit!  The project was so well thought out and I love that we were able to engage a range of ages from toddler through kindergarten in play and art exploration!” - Facebook Review

Treat Your Kids to Primanti Bros. After Class!

Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh staple and a great place to take your children!

46 18th St. | Strip District | primantibros.com‍

After a day filled with classes and after-school activities, it is only fitting that you treat your family to Primanti Bros. This classic Pittsburgh sandwich shop is perfect for filling up your stomach after a long day. You can find branches around Pittsburgh, from the Strip District to South Oakland.

On the menu, you’ll find hearty appetizers including Breaded Mozzarella Wedges, Spicy Batter-Dipped Pub Pickles, and more. As for the sandwiches, some of their most popular options are the Deluxe Double Egg and Cheese and Pitts-Burger and Cheese. Because the sandwiches are so large, you might want to split one with your kid or have your children split one with each other. Alternatively, you could order some chicken strips and fries off the kids menu for them. Whatever you do, just make sure you come hungry. 

“We were so pleased on the friendly staff service and delicious sandwiches were served to us. My roast beef were so juicy covered with cheese and mountain of tangy slaw and another of mountain of golden crispy fries on top  finally covered by fluffy Italian bread.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for Primanti Bros. ‍

For many people, watching their children grow up is extremely rewarding. If you are a parent, make sure you let your kids explore new interests and passions by enrolling them in some of these afterschool programs!