Open Houses and Classes with Free Trials: After School Enrichment Options for CT Kids

9/4/14 - By Mary Beth Lawlor

So we're back in school. We're packing lunches, going to PTA meetings. and overseeing homework. And we're probably starting to wrap our minds around figuring out some enrichment classes to fill in the gaps and/or add some sparkle to the process. Your child might attend a school with a great onsite, low-cost after-school program, which takes care of half the question already; on the other hand you might be trying to figure out the shortest distance between your house and a place to constructively use those ballet shoes. Open houses and free trial classes make the hunt for great classes a little more do-able, which is why we offer this list of 10 great places that offer chances to try it out for free, either in the coming weeks or - in many cases - all year long.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Landmark Preschool
First Class is Free.
20 Portland Avenue, Redding, CT 06896
Landmark Preschool invites you to join their dynamic and exciting "Fun for Ones" program - where you and your child can enjoy developmentally appropriate art projects, music and movement, stories and playground time together! In our “Fun for Ones” program, our youngest “students” (ages of 12 - 24 months by 12/31/14) learn about themselves and the world around them through various enriching activities, while socializing with their peers. “Fun for Ones” classes meet on select Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am – 10:45 am. Registration required. Please contact Kimberly Swabsin at 203-544-8393 or kswabsin@landmarkpreschool.org

Baby Boot Camp
First class is free. Must register.
Canton Indoor Golf Center 220 Albany Turnpike Canton, CT
Baby Boot Camp is an innovative stroller fitness program that helps moms regain or enhance pre-pregnancy fitness levels and meet the physical challenges of parenting through strength training in a supportive environment. Taught by certified personal trainers with specialties in pre and postnatal fitness, Baby Boot Camp classes combine strength training, cardio exercises and abdominal work to get you strong and lean, all while entertaining your little ones with fun interactive songs, games, and movement. With monthly StrollerFriends play dates and Mom’s Night Out events, Baby Boot Camp offers a great social outlet for moms and little ones too.

Black Dragon Martial Arts of Norwich
Free first class. Must register.
201 Salem Turnpike, Unit 2 Norwich, CT

Black Dragon provides a truly complete approach to martial arts, fitness and self-defense, helping you strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. You’ll benefit from their knowledge and experience, no matter what level you’re at. From beginners to black belts, they welcome martial artists of all calibers to our school, and they’ll help you sharpen and refine your skills so you can be your very best.

Connecticut Dance Center
Open House 9/7 from 11am-1pm.
76 Viaduct Road (off Hope Street), Stamford, CT

 Dancing, Demos, Raffle, FUN! They are raffling a Birthday Party too. There will be demo classes throughout the day: 11:00AM Ballet I/II Evaluations (ages 6-10) 11:30AM Pre-Ballet (ages 2-4) 11:30AM Street Jazz/ Hip-Hop (ages 6-10) 12:00PM Pre-Ballet (ages 3-6). Please RSVP to the front desk to reserve your child's spot in a demo class. 203-569-3131 OR info@ctdancecenter.com  

Fit4Mom's Fairfield County Stroller Strides
First Class is Free.
Various locations throughout Connecticut.

Fit4Mom's Stroller Strides® is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. You do not need to be in shape to take our class; we are here to help you meet your fitness goals without paying for childcare or gym daycare!

The Giggling Pig
Open House on 9/11 from 11am-7pm in new location:
472 River Road, Shelton, CT (In the Oakdale Storage Plaza)

The Giggling Pig is an art studio for children of all ages and it is their goal to provide a friendly, affordable and caring environment for children everywhere. They work with children on their confidence & self esteem while providing a happy & fun environment. Accepting everyone, they aim to make a difference in the lives of children and their families however they can.

Kaia Yoga Westport
Free Aerial Yoga Classes 9/8-9/14.
Locations in Westport and Greenwich.
Aerial Yoga allows students to re-discover familiar postures in bold new ways. Using an aerial hammock, we'll explore movement from a whole different perspective! Prepare to strengthen, stretch and soar

Tumble Jungle
Free class for new customers.
Fairfield, Newtown and Norwalk Locations
Offering Baby Baboons (1 to 3 years), Tumbling Tigers (3, 4 & 5 years) and Gymnastics (3 to 9 years) classes.
People can sign-up online or call to reserve a spot for guaranteed placement in a program. Drop-in trials are welcome, but placement cannot be guaranteed.

Washington Montessori School
First class is free to new families.
240 Litchfield Turnpike, New Preston, CT
The original Parent-Child Program at Washington Montessori School provides an opportunity for parents/caregivers and their young children (0-18 months) to be together in a Montessori age appropriate environment. Children will have the opportunity to explore movement, independence and language with their parents under the guidance of Young Children’s Community Head Teachers. Wednesdays 12:15-1:15 October 1 – November 19, 2014 (8 classes).

 

 

Places featured in this article: