We all want our kids to follow their dreams and expose them to as many things as possible.
Their interests may vary-- one week they want to do gymnastics, another week they want to learn about robots-- but it’s good to have a wide variety. When they have opportunities to explore what’s out there, they’re much more likely to end up as more well-rounded individuals.
That’s why we’ve made a list of all the cool classes in Pittsburgh for kids. Some you may be aware of, and some you might not. Who knows, maybe your child will discover a hobby or activity they absolutely love!
If you know a parent who would like to get their kids more involved, why not send them an electronic GiftYa card? They are accepted at the places below, and at many other establishments in Pittsburgh. When you purchase your gift through GiftYa, not only will it be much appreciated, but it will also be electronic. That’s right, no physical card. That way all you need is your phone to access it, and any busy parent can appreciate that!
The classes here are broken down into three categories:
North Shore
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-3400
Technology Workshops at the Carnegie Science Center are a first-class way to get your kids interested and involved with science and technology.
They are offered year round and you can sign up easily online. There are a lot of topics to choose from, including Beginner Robotics, Exploring Virtual Reality, and Beginner Programming. Classes are separated according to age groups, so you can be sure all the material is at the right level for your child.
Oakland
5000 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-268-2000
Another great option for educational opportunities beyond school, are the summer classes offered by iDTech at Carnegie Mellon University.
If your kids have an interest in robotics, java coding, game development, or even 3-D printing and modeling, then it would definitely be worth your while to check out this company.
IDTech prides itself on providing top notch learning camps lead by leaders in the technology fields. Your child will be challenged and come away with solid skills they can put to use in the real world!
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The Art Connection at the Carnegie Museum of Art is a wonderful way to expose your child to art, or to have them pursue their interests further! Image courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art
Oakland
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-622-3131
If your child has an interest in art, then the Carnegie Museum of Art has some amazing programs to check out.
The Saturday classes run for three months, and children are shown how to create their own art by painting, sculpting, printmaking and even mixed media.
The qualified instructors will show them how to do each of these disciplines, and then give them the space to create on their own. At the end of the classes, your child will have quite a portfolio of achievements. There’s even a student exhibition so everyone can see what they’ve created!
If you kids want to try out ballet, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is ready to help them discover dance! Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Downtown
2900 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-0360
If you’d like your child to try out ballet-- and work with some of the best instructors in Pittsburgh-- then consider signing up for classes with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
Their schedule varies depending on the Summer, Fall, or Spring term, but there is definitely something for every age and ability.
Their Pre-Ballet and Ballet Foundations are a great way to expose your kids to this wonderful dance discipline. If they really enjoy it, they can progress into student classes if they’d like.
Downtown
CLO Academy
719 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-3973
CLO Academy is Pittsburgh’s premier training center for dance, voice, and acting.
Their children’s school focuses on the foundational aspects of these disciplines, and encourages confidence. The academy offers everything from ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, and acting instructions, all in half hour class segments, perfect for young beginners.
This would be a great way to see if your child would like any of those classes, as the academy has continuing opportunities for children and young adults of all ages.
Have your kids try out yoga! They’ll learn it’s a fun way to stay fit! Image courtesy of Yoga Innovation
Bethel Park
Yoga Innovations
102 Broughton Rd.
Bethel Park, PA 15102
412-851-9642
Yoga Innovations is one of the best places for your kids to learn how to do yoga.
Their kids’ yoga classes are the perfect introduction to this wonderful exercise routine. You can ease them into it with a Mommy and Me session or even do a drop in at any class listed on the schedule.
The instructors teach breathing and body techniques with methods made for kids. They’ll also learn the fundamentals of yoga with games, crafts, and team building strategies. This sounds like a great way to introduce yoga to your child.
...I started off with the mommy and me classes as you're able to squeeze some yoga in AND have your kids in the same room. Somehow it just works out beautifully!” - Yelp Review
Bridgeville
1025 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-417-0944
Steel City ATA offers martial arts classes for children as young as 3½ years.
Through their Tiger Program, they’ll learn the skills of self-discipline and confidence to help them face anything. These are great skills to teach children and will be beneficial later in life.
The kids can grow with the program as well, as Steel City ATA offers teen and adult classes as well.
Braddock
609 6th St.
Braddock, PA 15104
412-271-1080
Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club is the perfect place to start your child in tumbling or gymnastics!
They offer classes starting with preschool age (3-4 years old) and progressing into school age (5+ years old). Each class is small, ensuring your child has time and motivation from the coach, which is very beneficial to their progression.
There are also events and shows throughout the year that all the children get to take part in.
...It is so much more than gymnastics as the children are learning how to work toward their goals and meet challenges.” - Google Review
South Side
309 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-325-2703
Gaynor School of Cooking offers kids classes that teach them some of the basic skills of cooking, and where they are given the opportunity to make a variety of dishes.
Buy a GiftYa To Gaynor’s School of Cooking >
This is a great way to expose your kids to the joy of cooking, a skill that will be very useful down the road.
For children younger than 3 years, the Gaynor School offers a Mommy (or Daddy) and Me cooking opportunity as well.
These classes are sure to get your child interested in cooking!
It can be hard to get kids away from their phones and tablets sometimes, but it is well worth the effort when they find something they really enjoy. Having the opportunity to learn a new skill is exciting, and who knows, they may even develop a life-long love of it!
Do you kids take any classes in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments!
