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Fun Outdoor Classes for Kids in Westchester

Roasting lunch over the fire - covid style with masks at the Rewilding School. Photo courtesy of the school
Roasting lunch over the fire - covid style with masks at the Rewilding School. Photo courtesy of the school
8/7/20 - By Susan Miele

Looking for classes for kids with built-in social distancing and great ventilation? A number of local Westchester businesses have successfully pivoted during the COVID-19 shutdown to offer children’s classes in an outdoor setting. These are in addition to classes that are typically held outdoors, such as horseback riding lessons.

While many businesses have not yet announced their fall schedule (when more offerings are expected), there’s still time this summer to take advantage of some ongoing programs for kids. Read on for our list of 13 sources for outdoor classes for kids, ranging from art and music class to soccer and nature programs. Find online classes and more virtual entertainment options in our Poppins@Home platform.

In addition to the listings below, the Village of Larchmont Recreation Department has enlisted numerous area providers to lead outdoor workshops in Flint Park through mid-August. Residency in Larchmont is not required to participate. The extensive offerings include art programs, nature education, sports, fitness, and more, from providers including One River School of Art + Design, Balance Yoga & Wellness, Beadz, Plaster Palace, Sheldrake Environmental Center, and more. 

Please note that the addresses that appear at the bottom of this post are those of the permanent locations of these businesses; the addresses of the outdoor classes will vary.

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Join a SING Pop Up Class with social distancing at Sounds Good Westchester. Photo courtesy the organization
Join a SING Pop Up Class with social distancing at Sounds Good Westchester. Photo courtesy the organization

Music and Art Classes Outdoors

Groove Family Music

Larchmont
Groove Family Music offers music classes for preschool children, starting with the parent-child Groovy Baby program at 3 months up to the Jam Band 101 drop-off program at age 6. Weekly "jam" sessions include chants, dances, parachutes, and plenty of musical fun. READ MORE

MADE: my art + design experience

Mamaroneck
In addition to year-round classes, MADE offers summer art camps, with registration by the week. Each session meets three hours a day for four days per week, with a different theme for each. An outdoor snack break is on the agenda. READ MORE

Sounds Good Westchester

White Plains, Pelham, New Rochelle, Larchmont
Music Together classes are offered through Sounds Good Westchester, primarily along the Sound Shore. You’ll find mixed-age classes for kids up to age 4, as well as a baby class, specifically for infants up to 7 months. READ MORE

Science Classes for Kids and Nature Programs

Marine Education Center

Mamaroneck
Dress to get wet at this hands-on STEM center on the Sound, where FREE program offerings vary by week and might include seining, coastal cleanup, or seaweed mounting, to name a few. In 2020, attendance is capped at 6 children. Masks required, and parents must stay. READ MORE

The Rewilding School

Croton and Mount Kisco
Connecting children of all ages with nature, The Rewilding School conducts programs in various outdoor classrooms in northern Westchester. Assorted offerings may include foraging, archery, and more, and provide outdoor preschool, homeschooling support, and other benefits. Limited to 8 students. READ MORE

Teatown

Ossining
Various weekly nature classes are being offered by Teatown, with enrollment limited to 8 children. It's offering Nature's Builders (ages 4-6 with caregiver), Nature Detectives (ages 5-7 with caregiver), and Wilderness Explorers (ages 10-13).  READ MORE
Horseback riding offers natural social distancing and is always outdoors! Photo courtesy Beech Hill Farm
Horseback riding offers natural social distancing and is always outdoors! Photo courtesy Beech Hill Farm

Outdoor Sports Classes For Kids

Beech Hill Farm Equestrian Center - Children's Lessons & Programs

Pleasantville
This equestrian center is currently offering private and semi-private lessons for ages four and up.  READ MORE

My Gym - Larchmont

Larchmont
On Thursday mornings in Flint Park, My Gym is offering multiple gym classes for little ones (some with caregivers). The schedule info and details are posted the Friday before. Advance registration required. READ MORE

Sunset Yoga in the Parks Series

Croton, New Rochelle, Rye
Meet some of the great instructors from Tovami Yoga, fellow yogis, and enjoy the beautiful setting of Croton Point Park Park. These classes are free and open to any level of flexibility. It is a great community of people coming together. - These events are sold out. READ MORE

Super Soccer Stars Westchester

Chappaqua, Scarsdale, Port Chester, Yonkers
Super Soccer Stars provides in-person classes that follow local and CDC guidelines for kids ages 3-10 at several locations in Westchester. Classes meet weekly and are held outdoors. READ MORE

Twin Lakes Farm

Bronxville
Twin Lakes Farm is offering English riding lessons on a limited basis. Interested families should email the farm to make inquiries and schedule sessions. READ MORE

Multipurpose Outdoor Classes for Kids

Tig & Peach

Pelham
This popular local play space offers a range of classes for kids, including the dance-centric O.M.G–Oomph! Move! & Grove! for ages 1-4, led by a professional dance instructor. Its T & P Movement, Music, and Fun class includes music, dance, art, storytime, and plenty of fun. Classes are offered both indoors and out. READ MORE

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