School's In Session For the Tots Too

This redesign of an old series is dedicated to exploring the town from a family-oriented and frugal perspective to offer families deals on the greatest activities and merchandise.

And this week is all about kid-friendly activities.

Since back-to-school items are hitting stores, it often seems that non-school age kids get left out. With some planning now, you can easily add a few fun [and fairly frugal] activities to your kids’ calendars that will have them feeling very excited about the fall.

Dance classes offer an outlet for energy, as well as provide structured play that helps kids learn to adapt to outside authority figures. Socialization is another benefit, as shared interests are a great way for kids to meet new friends.  

As a mom, having a defined activity on your calendar gives you a short break in your role of daily Activities Director, while simultaneously offering a chance to meet other moms and have some grown-up conversations, as the kids enjoy their classes.

• Our first pick is Premiere Dance of Bridgewater [Route 202/206 N, 908-722-9600].  Fall registration is currently underway, with some great classes including Creative Movement for ages 2 to 3, Nursery Dance for ages 3 to 4 and Pre-ballet/jazz for ages 4 to 6. Registration costs $35 per student, but, if you are registering two or more students within the same family, a flat fee of $50 applies. A variety of payment options are available, depending on how committed you wish to be to the classes; they include one class for $49, two classes for $95, three classes for $140, four classes for $180 or unlimited monthly classes for $220.
• A second option is Lois Allen Dance School [387 Route 28, 732-388-8288]. A variety of class offerings ensure kids of all ages will be happily engaged. Babies [ages 3 to 4 years] can enjoy a ballet/tap dancing combo, which includes tumbling and singing. Tots [ages 4 to 5 years] are offered a ballet/tap dancing combo, which incorporates dancing, tumbling and singing. Kindergarteners [ages 5 to 6 years] can participate in a ballet and tap dancing combination, which incorporates barre, positions and terminology for ballet, as well as rhythm and timing for tap dancing. The registration fee is $25 per person. Tuition for students ages 18 months to 6 years is a monthly rate of $52 for a 45-minute classes or $58 for a one-hour class monthly.
• Another choice is Little Gym of Bridgewater. Babies as young as 4 months can enroll. If you’re a first timer, be sure to take advantage of the free introductory class available here. Fall classes start Sept. 5 and run through Jan. 29. Programs include a mixture of exercise, learning and encouragement that is geared toward children developing a sense of independence and accomplishment.

Activity choices are very personal, since your schedule and your children’s interests are the most important drivers. I have tried some classes that my daughter did not enjoy, but I encourage her to give each activity a fair shot. So far, dance, mommy & me and soccer have been clear winners, but a very structured gym environment was not met with much enthusiasm.

Keep following this series as we explore other family-oriented activities, services and merchandise in the weeks to come.