Bergen County Debate Club
 

Now that kids are back in school, it’s time to make choices about how your kids will be spending their time.    There are a plethora of extracurricular classes and activities available.  We’ve picked a few to highlight to get you thinking.   Classes are a great way for kids to meet new friends, try a new hobby or develop some new skills.  From robotics and debate to art and writing, you can find every type of enrichment classes in NJ in our Activities Directory.   Take a look to learn more. 

For the future lawyers and negotiators in your family, the Bergen County Debate Club is an educational program for kids ages 10 and up, focused exclusively on the development of critical thinking, persuasive argumentation and public speaking skills for young students. The goal is to enrich the social, intellectual and academic lives of the students through debate.  2185 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee www.njdebate.com

Are your kids energetic and active?  Burn some of that extra energy off at Kids Party Play & Tumble.  They offer a gymnastics program for kids 8 months to 7 years old.  Classes start Sept 16th.  Mention NJ Kids Online and save some money.   They offer free trial classes to make sure it is a good fit for your child.  They also offer open play gym time.  Ideal for children between the ages of 1 and 7, the neon color-accented facility has amenities that include six bouncers, gymnastics equipment, learning center, doll houses, grocery store, music area, kitchen, and athletic area with basketball and soccer. Open house on Thurs Sept 10 from10am-12pm & 4-6pm. 465 Old Hook Rd, Emerson (Behind Shop-Rite) www.kidspartyplaytumble.com

If you have a budding artist, Art Kids Academy is a great creative arts program that promotes critical and creative thinking in children through artistic instruction.  They take a hands-on approach to learning with a focus on problem solving and self-expression.  They offer interactive workshops for kids 6-14.  Infusing technology with art history, math and literature. Using professional and student grade materials and a variety of art mediums, students will create their own art portfolios focused on Master Artists as they learn about cultures from around the world. 148 Daniel Ave. Rutherford www.artkidsacademy.com

For the hands on tinker, Storming Robots provides year-round robotics engineering and technology education for talented youth from Grades 4 to 12.  Through the engineering process, students are engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with hands-on, application-based robotics projects.  They build robots from scratch, and automate them with true programming language.  322 Highway 22 West, Branchburg Commons, Building 15 (#1503), Branchburg www.stormingrobots.com

Does your child aspire to be a chef? Classic Thyme Cooking School where their motto is “Where Cooking is Always Serious Fun,” has a variety of custom tailored culinary enrichment programs and exciting new cooking classes for kids. Applying all the basic education skills such as math, science, history, geography and language while introducing your child to a true cultural experience. They also have programs for adults and also children with special needs. 710 South Avenue West, Westfield

The most important ingredient in any class is FUN! Research proves that children exposed to music can later learn more quickly, and show more advanced verbal, cognitive and analytical skills. Musical Munchkins give your child their first introduction to music.   They will develop a great ear for different rhythmic and melodic sounds and of course, they'll be joyfully singing! They have carefully developed curriculum, well-trained, professional staff, high-quality instruments and props, and sensitivity to each developmental stage of your child's musical experience.  Emerson/Ridgewood musicalmunchkins.com

For the older kids who are interested in music, why not try voice lessons?   Elizabeth Saunders Voice Studio offers lessons for Classical, Musical Theatre and Pop Voice.   As a trainer of singers, Elizabeth brings her wide-ranging expertise in both classical and contemporary commercial voice (musical theatre, pop, rock) to the training of professional and pre-professional singers and singer-actors in New York City, New Jersey, and worldwide, via Skype . Her students have performed as solo performers on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, national and international television, won national competitions, and been accepted to top colleges and universities.  Serious, motivated beginners through advanced singers welcomed. elizabethsaundersvoice.com

Swimming is an important skill for kids of all ages.  Five Star Aquatics is the place for quality swim lessons in New Jersey!  They are dedicated to the success of each student, whether it be getting over a fear of water or reaching the next level of competitive swimming.  Using their own unique teaching style and methods similar to American Red Cross style of swim, they utilize repetition of drills and each class follows a routine that students get easily accustomed to. Each group is divided by age and also by skill level.  With a ratio of 3:1 in each class, your child is sure to get plenty of attention. The staff is highly trained and certified with years of experience in aquatic instruction. All of the swim instructors are Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid trained.  1655-285B Oak Tree Rd, Edison www.fivestaraquatics.com