Classes

Mis Amigos gives kids an early start in foreign language learning with immersion programming - which means teachers speak only Spanish to students.

Children ages 33 months through six years old can attend mornings or afternoons, two to five days per week. Infants and toddlers can attend eight-week parent-child classes that meet on Mondays or Tuesdays. A monthly newsletter helps parents explore in-school themes at home. Field trips and Parents Nights Out are also offered.

Summer camps: Mis Amigos offers full- and half-day themed immersion camps in two-week Mon-Thu sessions for ages four to 10.

It's thoroughly enjoyable to make a day out of a visit to Como Zoo in the summer. With the McNeely Conservatory, historic Cafesjian's Carousel, and the new Como Town seasonal amusement park located right in the same area of lovely Como Park, it's a no-brainer. But a winter visit is special too - even though many of the animals remain indoors - especially if combined with one of the zoo's many parent/child classes.

The zoo is compact, though a leisurely circuit can still take several hours. Primates, large cats, birds, and African hoofed animals can be viewed inside buildings and out - but the polar bears are away while their new environment is under construction! The new Leonard Wilkening Children's Gallery (open April 19, 2008) helps kids learn about nature and the circle of life through five stations of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and imaginative play.

Como is more than 100 years old, founded in 1897 with just three deer in a fenced pasture! Its age shows in some of the exhibits, which harken back to the days when cement cells were the norm, but it's a mistake to dismiss Como as the poorer sister of the Minnesota Zoo (which was built after a committee deemed Como couldn't be expanded). Free admission is just one of the simple pleasures it has to offer.

Sparky the Sea Lion - or rather, her latest incarnation - has been performing in the amphitheater for 50 years now, with two shows daily (Tue-Sun) in the summer. She's still popular - be sure to nab a spot on the benches early for weekend shows! - but the zoo's Halloween ZooBoo fundraiser each October is an even bigger draw.

In winter months, the coffee, salads, and sandwiches at Zobota Cafe are the only options for on-site food. Concession stands serving popcorn, ice cream, pizza, and other treats open for the summer ... but be warned that bees seem to be some of the best customers at the main stand, especially late in the season!

Rent single or double strollers ($4/day; $6.50/day) year-round at the refurbished Visitor Center. That's also where you'll find the gift shop and restrooms; additional restrooms open at Seal Island in the summer months.

Birthday parties: Basic package includes 90 minutes in a private classroom, with 45 minutes of interactive programming tied to a chosen theme; $150/15 guests, including adults. Add pizza, drinks, and cake for $50 more. Themes include primates, cats, reptiles, and plants. Gift bags are available for $5/child. Due to safety concerns, no balloons, pinatas, or pets are allowed! For do-it-yourself parties, obtain a city rental permit (651.632.5111) for the picnic space near Seal Island.

Classes: Extensive offerings include parent/child programs for ages three to five, family classes for ages four and up, camps during school release days, and special homeschooler programming for ages five to fifteen. Classes typically feature visits from live animals and/or tours. Art and gardening classes for adults, and teacher workshops are also offered.

Summer camps: Como offers themed weeklong programs for ages four and up. Full-day and half-day options are available; before or after care offered for an additional fee.

Membership: $75/family, includes gift shop and class discounts, invitations to member-only events, reciprocity privileges at over 120 zoos nationwide, a quarterly newsletter, and four ZooBoo tickets.

Volunteering: Como offers a special summer volunteer program for teens ages 13 to 17. Beyond that, volunteers must be 16 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Yinghua Academy, a public charter school, offers full immersion programming in Mandarin Chinese to kindergarteners, first, and second graders. Third and fourth grade classes are taught in English, with daily Chinese language arts classes.

Before and after school care is available for a fee, and afterschool programming includes yoga/tai chi, Chinese dance, and traditional Chinese music.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

The Red Cross is an excellent resource for health and safety classes, as well as disaster preparation, swimming lessons and lifeguard training, and, yes, even instruction in pet first aid.

Babysitter certification classes for kids for ages 11 to 15 cover leadership, safety, child care, and first aid. The classes last 6.5 hours, include a Babysitter's Handbook, and cost about $60; participants should bring a bag lunch.

Saint Paul Public Schools has preK-12 programming comprising a wide array of educational opportunities, including traditional elementary, middle, and high school classes; special education programs; classes for four-year-olds; alternative learning centers; and language and art immersion.

Community Education offerings provide low-cost enrichment classes for adults, children, and families. Each session is filled with terrific arts & crafts, language, fencing, gymnastics, science, sports, and computer classes. Babysitter training classes are also available.

The St. Paul JCC offers fitness classes and gym facilities (including a pool) with programming for all ages, as well as a technology center and library, sports leagues, summer camps, school release day trips and workshops, parent/child classes, and afterschool care. The center also hosts family events and special workshops, including babysitter training, and martial arts and scuba lessons for teens.

Childcare is available most mornings for kids ages six weeks to six years (with advance reservations) while parents are on-site to work out or attend classes. ($2/hour; Call 651.255.4757 to book.)

The JCC's offerings for teens are particularly notable. The Teen Lounge (open to members in grades seven to 12) features a stereo and big-screen TV with VCR and DVD player; pool, foosball, and ping pong tables; and internet access and a DVD/CD burner. Teen-only events and programs include a support group for GLBT teens, sports and leaderships organizations, and a Performing Arts School that mounts productions throughout the year. Van service is available to transport kids to the JCC from area schools.

The JCC also offers training for the JCC Maccabi Games, a Jewish Olympics-style competition. Kids in grades eight and nine can apply to be counselors-in-training at the JCC's Camp Butwin near Lebanon Hills County Park in Eagan, an ACA-accredited facility for kindergarteners and up offering summer camps with boating, climbing, crafts, nature, and theatre components.

Teens can also earn money as Party Peppers, helping out during birthday parties for kids ages five to 10 which are offered to member children (guests need not be members) at the center on Sundays. Parties include activity leaders, a decorated party room, set-up and clean-up, and use of the pool and gym. Call 651.255.4740 for more information.

Leonardo's Basement provides programs for girls and boys who want to design and build art, science, and technology projects. The 4,800-square-foot workshop is stuffed with tools and building materials, providing formal and informal creative and learning opportunities. The organization's Studio Bricolage program offers events and classes that give adults a chance to play, too!

Classes: Offerings include afternoon programming during the school year for kids ages six and up, morning classes for children ages four and five, special school release day workshops, and Saturday classes for youth and families. Computer animation and music-making classes for teens are also available. Check the website for a current schedule.

Summer Camps: Weeklong themed half-day camps are offered mornings and afternoons during select weeks over the summer. The camps combine art, science, math, and building experiences. Check the website for a complete schedule. Fees: $140/session; add $5/session for morning or afternoon aftercare. Camps can be combined for a full-day experience.

Birthday parties: On-site parties are usually scheduled on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for kids ages six to 16. Parties generally last 90 minutes, and include building a take-home project selected by the birthday child. Themes include inventions, painting, jewelry-making, electricity, and more. Refreshments can be brought in; space is provided, but not food. Cost: $20/child, including supplies, with a minimum charge of $75; additional fees may apply for particularly complex projects. Leonardo's will also bring the party to you; call for details.

Enthusiastic, encouraging, well-qualified teachers and a spectacular array of offerings - including family classes, and comprehensive afterschool and summer programming - make instruction here a terrific choice for children as well as parents.

Kids can explore pottery, sculpture, drawing, painting, jewelry-making, multimedia, photography, fabric arts, knitting, and more during children's classes; teens ages 15 and older are welcome in adult classes. Some offerings combine visual with performing arts. Parent/child classes are offered for newborns and up as part of the center's Art for All Ages program, and family workshops are offered year-round, many with holiday themes. Homeschoolers can arrange custom classes; call 612.915.6600 to schedule.

The long waiting list for the unique Art Academy, for kids ages seven and up who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual arts, attests to its quality.

Parents can book time in the Peggy Kelly Media Studios to shoot portraits, transfer videos to DVD, and create electronic scrapbooks. If they don't know how, they can sign up for a class to learn. Handcrafted gifts, wearable art, and art supplies are sold in the Clark Gift Shop, and baked goods and coffee are available in a cafe area.

Enthusiastic, encouraging, well-qualified teachers and a spectacular array of offerings - including family classes, and comprehensive afterschool and summer programming - make instruction here a terrific choice for children as well as parents.

Kids can explore pottery, sculpture, drawing, painting, jewelry-making, multimedia, photography, fabric arts, knitting, and more during children's classes; teens ages 15 and older are welcome in adult classes. Some offerings combine visual with performing arts. Parent/child classes are offered for newborns and up as part of the center's Art for All Ages program, and family workshops are offered year-round, many with holiday themes. Homeschoolers can arrange custom classes; call 612.915.6600 to schedule.

The long waiting list for the unique Art Academy, for kids ages seven and up who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual arts, attests to its quality.

Parents can book time in the Peggy Kelly Media Studios to shoot portraits, transfer videos to DVD, and create electronic scrapbooks. If they don't know how, they can sign up for a class to learn. Handcrafted gifts, wearable art, and art supplies are sold in the Clark Gift Shop, and baked goods and coffee are available in a cafe area.

Young Chefs Academy is a cooking school created just for young people, teaching kids about the joy of cooking in a kid-friendly and safe environment. Budding chefs learn cooking basics while preparing real recipes they get to taste at the end of each class. Students also learn safety, etiquette, and math and science principles.

Young Chefs offers weekly classes, birthday parties, weekend workshops, cooking camps on school release days, and field trips for schools and scout troops.

Birthday kids can choose between candy-making and cupcake-decorating for a party where kids make their own treats to take home - they'll even decorate a box to carry them in! Sweet Wishes brings the needed supplies to the location of your choice - all parents provide is a refrigerator, microwave, room for the guests, and the birthday cake. Fees run $12-$15/child, based on an eight-child minimum. There are several themes and projects to choose from; visit the website, or call, for more information.

Classes: Sweet Wishes also offers candy-making classes for preschools, daycare settings, and youth groups. Classes run about 45 minutes, and all supplies are provided; minimum charge $100.

Ingebretsen's, one of the oldest retail establishments in the Twin Cities, has been selling Scandinavian foods and products for 85 years.

The family-owned store is a local institution, staying true to its roots while the Midtown neighborhood around it has changed much over the years, and is now enjoying a resurgence. The store is also keeping up with the times: it maintains a comprehensive and informative website.

Visitors will find needlework and crafts, clothing for babies to adults, home decor, cookware and tableware, jewelry, and toys (expect lots of Pippi Longstocking), in addition to Scandinavian meats, cheeses, baked goods, and packaged specialty foods.

The store offers classes in Scandinavian cooking and crafts, including some family classes, and hosts public events throughout the year, such as book and CD signings, performances, demonstrations, and celebrations.

The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has long been recognized as North America's flagship theater for young people and families, as well as a major cultural and artistic resource in Minnesota. A recently-completed expansion enhances its considerable offerings.

CTC's season now comprises six mainstage productions, and four additional shows on the newer Cargill Stage, a more intimate venue which hosts fare for teens and preschoolers. CTC has its own resident acting company, so kids are likely to recognize some of the performers from one show to the next. It also employs more than 90 other professionals, who work with more than 300 technicians and actors each year. The productions are lavish, polished, and engaging, with colorful sets, catchy music, simple storylines conveying gentle lessons . . . and the hammy performances kids love.

Subscriptions: Mainstage packages are offered for five or three plays. A three-play Cargill Stage subscription is also available. The five-show preview series is a bargain for either stage. Subscribers receive a plethora of benefits, including discounts on classes, guaranteed seating, discounted tickets for the popular holiday show, and invitations to special pre-show events throughout the season. Subscribing grandparents get free breakfast before Saturday matinees. CTC also produces free family guides for each production, with ideas for discussion and activities to enhance the viewing experience.

Low-cost lap passes are available on the day of the performance for children three and under (everyone entering the theater must have a ticket), and a sound-proofed "crying room" is available at the back of the house, so parents don't have to miss the show if baby gets out of sorts. The visibility isn't great there, but speakers pump in all the sound. Restrooms are on the lower level. Although no seat in the house is more than 70 feet from the stage, be warned that antsy kids seated in the nosebleed section (Second balcony C) might be too far from the action to stay focused.

The new McGuire Education Center has allowed the organization to expand its highly-regarded Theatre Arts Training Program (TAT), which provides arts education and performance opportunities for ages four through 18. Beginning and advanced classes are offered, with auditions required only for the latter. Programming is scheduled year-round, supplemented with summer camps. Call 612.879.5699 for more information.

Slater and Lise Crosby's local franchises of the international The Little Gym chain offer professionally-developed, non-competitive programs to promote coordination, balance, rhythm, and flexibility, as well as emotional, social, and intellectual skills.

Parent/child classes (ages four months to three years) are 45 minutes long. One-hour offerings for preschoolers (ages three to six years) and grade schoolers (ages six to 12) include karate, dance, sports, and gymnastics. Enrollment is ongoing, with classes pro-rated for mid-session registrations; check the website for a current schedule.

Regularly-scheduled Parents' Survival Nights provide themed childcare on Friday and Saturday evenings for kids ages three to 12, with games and activities.

Parties: Turn over your guest list and The Little Gym mails out invitations, and provides time in a party room with tableware, drinks, a t-shirt for the birthday child, and an instructor and assistant to lead a 90-minute party.

Pas de Deux offers dance classes based on the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet for kids ages four and up at three locations in St. Paul: Dayton's Bluff Rec Center, Hazel Park Rec Center (954 Hazel Street), and at 1899 Larpenteur Avenue West.

Classes include individualized instruction in a relaxed atmosphere, and stretching and barre exercises. Daytime classes are available for homeschooled students and preschoolers. All students are invited to perform in a Spring Recital.

Mannerly Manners aims to instill in children (and adults) the importance of respect, good manners, and social skills in a wide variety of situations.

Founded by Marilyn Pentel in 1986, the company addresses everything from table manners and holiday behavior to proper decorum at kids' sporting events. Classes for ages three and up take place at sites throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Mannerly Manners also offers classes for scout groups, and sessions that families can attend together.

Mannerly Manners aims to instill in children (and adults) the importance of respect, good manners, and social skills in a wide variety of situations.

Founded by Marilyn Pentel in 1986, the company addresses everything from table manners and holiday behavior to proper decorum at kids' sporting events. Classes for ages three and up take place at sites throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Mannerly Manners also offers classes for scout groups, and sessions that families can attend together.

Cup of Joy, offers themed birthday parties (starting at $150), etiquette classes for boys and girls, tea tastings, and special events. Owner Cammy Skalla brings the party to you for most events; call for location details for scheduled classes.

Twenty years ago, former US kickboxing champ Terry Norblom devised a marriage of martial arts and music to teach kids kicks, punches, and blocks, as well as life skills such as discipline, compassion, and leadership. Set movements accompanied by original tunes aim to boost focus, precision, and stamina, as students progress through eight levels, from white-belted novices to masters in black.

To enroll, students purchase passes good for one to nine months, then attend as many level-appropriate classes as they want during that period.

Slater and Lise Crosby's local franchises of the international The Little Gym chain offer professionally-developed, non-competitive programs to promote coordination, balance, rhythm, and flexibility, as well as emotional, social, and intellectual skills.

Parent/child classes (ages four months to three years) are 45 minutes long. One-hour offerings for preschoolers (ages three to six years) and grade schoolers (ages six to 12) include karate, dance, sports, and gymnastics. Enrollment is ongoing, with classes pro-rated for mid-session registrations; check the website for a current schedule.

Regularly-scheduled Parents' Survival Nights provide themed childcare on Friday and Saturday evenings for kids ages three to 12, with games and activities.

Parties: Turn over your guest list and The Little Gym mails out invitations, and provides time in a party room with tableware, drinks, a t-shirt for the birthday child, and an instructor and assistant to lead a 90-minute party.

Children can learn discipline and focus through martial arts, self-defense, and cardio kickboxing classes at World Taekwondo Academy coaching centers.

Mixed-age classes encourage the whole family to study together; summer camps and competitions offer additional opportunities for practice. WTA students participate in Olympic-style tournament sparring to progress from white to black belts, and get a free uniform when they enroll.

Are your kids ready to rock? Then it might be time to give The Paul Green School of Rock Music a call.

The school focuses on teaching kids ages eight to 18 how to play instruments - guitar, bass, keyboard, voice, and drums - and ultimately, how to perform in a rock band. All levels of ability and experience are welcome in the afterschool classes, and kids can enroll any time. The franchise uses a specific curriculum devised by the parent company to teach music theory while also teaching kids how to play with other students.

Individual 45-minute lessons combine with supervised three-hour group rehearsals each week to prepare kids for quarterly performances in "real" rock venues. The showcase rock concerts incorporate light shows and stagecraft, just like the real thing. Additional specialized workshops covering topics such as songwriting and touring are offered throughout the year, including a full-day week-long program during Spring Break.

Summer camps: School of Rock offers several summer camp programs for advanced beginners and up, to help students hone performance and songwriting skills, and learn other industry-related tasks - including tracking a recording an original collaborative piece in the school's studio!

Simply Strings offers instrument instruction, ensembles, and music classes for children ages two and up. Group lessons run about $15/hour; private instruction runs about $40/hour. Both rates vary based on instrument and length of lessons. Check the website for offerings at each of the school's three metro locations.

Summer workshops explore different musical styles, such as rock or bluegrass. Orchestra camps keep kids in tune when they're out of school.