Learn to play an instrument or sing
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Kindermusik at Shock City School of Music offers a variety of classes, including some designed for babies and their parents. Other classes help prepare older learners for formal music lessons by teaching the basics of written music, and allowing preschoolers to experiment with a wide range of instruments. 314-750-9395. 2743 Sutton; 11548 Adie.
The Community Music School of Webster University offers music lessons for kids who want to master instruments like the piano and violin. It’s also a site for Kindermusik classes for little learners. For young musicians eager to play as part of a group, auditions are held for orchestras and ensembles. See website for details.
Lindbergh Schools Community Ed and Rec offers many adult and youth classes open to all. Among the options, kids can join a semester-long guitar club or sign up for private lessons. Other school district organizations in the area, including Parkway-Rockwood Community Education, provide enrichment classes that span several genres. See website for details.
STL Piano Lessons makes learning music fun. In addition to teaching classical songs, instructors can teach kids how to play tunes from your child’s favorite video games. Lessons are available online, as well as in Benton Park, Maplewood and Maryland Heights. See website for details.
STL Rock School wants to help your little one learn how to perform like a rockstar. Kids can sign up for lessons that will teach them how to read music, match pitch, and gain confidence on stage. Lessons are available in private and group settings. 314-692-7625. 1305 Baur.
Learn how to make art
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Yucandu Art Studio offers an after-school art club that allows kids to experiment with a diverse range of techniques and materials over the course of several weeks. Yucandu also features workshops and open studio hours for families who might want to get a sense of the space before committing to a longer program. 314-963-4400. 20 Allen.
St. Louis Artists’ Guild provides classes for aspiring artists in areas including bead art, drawing, and printmaking. The Guild also hosts Free Family Saturdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. 314-727-6266. 12 N. Jackson.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is offering wheel throwing classes for three different age groups (7-9, 10-15, and 16 and up) this fall. Participants will learn wheel throwing techniques to create functional clay pieces and sculptures in these hands-on classes. Prepare to get messy—and have fun. 314-615-5278. 12580 Rott.
Craft Alliance offers a variety of extensive workshops for younger students in the summer, but shifts its focus to adults and teens in the fall. This year’s upcoming Teen Labs series teaches marbled paper and journal making (October) and relief printmaking (December). 314-725-1177. 5080 Delmar.
Learn how to perform in a production
The Center of Creative Arts offers classes in everything from dance to light and sound design in order to help prepare kids for roles on stage, backstage, and everywhere in between. COCA also showcases performances and exhibitions that feature local, national, and student artists. 314-561-4898. 6880 Washington.
Stages St. Louis classes include everything from Broadway Babies, a seminar for kiddos who love to sing, dance, and act, to Improv and Scene Study. Whether your child is a stage novice or a seasoned performer, there’s something for kids of all ages and experience levels. The organization also stages professional shows at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. 636-530-5959. 210 E. Monroe, Kirkwood. 1023 Chesterfield Parkway, Chesterfield.
Circus Harmony hosts a variety of clubs and classes at City Museum, including the basics of circus arts, and instructional seminars geared toward unicycles and juggling, among many other disciplines. Circus Harmony also offers Wednesday classes specifically geared toward homeschool students. 314-436-7676.
Learn how to swim
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The Jewish Community Center’s J Splash Academy introduces kids (including toddlers) to the water, while teaching swimming skills through a series of development tiers. Classes in Competitive Swimming Technique are also available at its Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur. While there, families can explore the J’s array of extracurricular offerings. 314-432-5700. 2 Millstone Campus Drive.
Gateway Regional YMCA offers group and private swim lessons at multiple locations across the metro area. Use the interactive Swim Lesson Selector on the website to help decide which class is right for your kiddo. See website for details.
UMSL Recreation and Wellness Center’s swim lessons use the American Red Cross Aquatics Training, which include everything from family classes to stroke clinics that feature coached workouts for serious swimmers. 314-516-2348. 11 Arnold B Grobman.
Learn how to play a sport
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St. Charles Parks and Recreation offers youth sports programs focusing on specific sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and rugby. There are also multi-sport sessions that allow young kids to explore a variety of athletic options. While St. Charles offers one of the more robust programs in the regions, be sure to check with your local parks and rec departments for similar offerings. 636-949-3372. 1900 Randolph, St. Charles.
St. Louis Community College’s Continuing Education isn’t only for adults. Depending on the season, youth classes include options like tennis. kids krav maga, and fencing. This fall, kids can enroll in science and art programs, too. 314-984-7777.
The Carol and Paul Hatfield Cerebral Palsy Sports and Rehabilitation Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital hosts special sporting events and classes that offer adaptive activities for young people with cerebral palsy. Check out this list for more additional adaptive sports options in the St. Louis region. 314-305-2353.
Learn a second language
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St. Louis Japanese Language School, or St. Louis Nihongo Kyoshitsu, is a nonprofit organization that teaches Japanese language, culture and history. It offers classes on the Webster University campus that provide an introduction to both young and adult students who want to learn Japanese as a second language and become familiar with the culture. 314-246-7750. 470 E. Lockwood.
Alliance Française de Saint Louis offers French classes and tutoring for children as young as 6 months, language certifications, cultural activities including lectures, luncheons, and book talks, and resources for students and native French speakers. 314-432-0734. 930 N McKnight.
Viva Brasil STL’s Portuguese classes are open to students as young as 4. In addition to language classes, the nonprofit hosts and contributes to cultural events and festivals across the region. See website for details.
Mango Languages is a language learning app that’s available free through many public libraries, including St. Louis County Libraries. Because most of the material is auditory, even older elementary schoolers might find this a fun way to explore a range of languages before committing to an in-person class or club.
