Looking for an extra-curricular activity for your budding artist, fencer or fly kid? Check out these five classes that go beyond ballet and basketball to offer Des Moines youth unique opportunities. From toddlers to teenagers this list of extraordinary activities will add fun and learning to your family’s weekly routine.
Art Classes
The Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is more than just a museum. The Art Center offers art classes and school break programming for kids ages 3+. Taught by professional artists, kids explore a variety of techniques to learn the building blocks of art. Classes are offered in ceramics, painting, drawing, and more.
The Art Center offers a number of classes to kids of all ages and families which vary in price. Check their website for availability and their upcoming fall class schedule.
Coding
Youth Code
There’s no reason for kids to be bored this fall when they can do cool stuff like create video games, compose music, make movies and program robots. All this happens—plus lots of learning—with Youth Code an organization that provides special kid-focused coding workshops.
Youth Code offers workshops at libraries, community centers and other venues around town. Be sure to check out all the classes they offer on their website!
Fencing
Red Door Fencing
If your little swashbuckler has a penchant for sword fighting, consider enrolling them in a fencing class. Red Door Fencing offers Beginner Fencing Classes to kids, teens and adults. Students will learn the fundamentals of fencing: safety, basic actions, terminology, and simple strategy. All equipment is provided.
Red Door Fencing also offers Youth Epee and Competitive Epee Practice, Conditioning and Private Lessons. Visit their website for additional info.
Aerial Kids
TGR Fitness
TGR Fitness caters primarily to adults, but they do offer two classes just for junior aerialists called Fire Flys and Dragon Flys. Fire Flys is for kids ages 5-13, who would like to explore aerial movement utilizing aerial hammocks, aerial silks, and aerial hoops! Dragon Flys is for kids ages 7-13 who are ready to move on to more advanced movements on TGR’s various aerial apparatuses.
TGR Fitness offers weekly classes, special events, open gym and more. Visit their website and check out their calendar for specific dates and times.
Rock Band
Central Iowa Music Lab
Do you have a little rocker in need of a band? At CIML, students develop both their confidence and musicianship with lessons designed for all skill levels. Instruction is available for virtually any musical instrument or voice as well as classes in music theory, songwriting, and more. Students can participate in weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals during Rock Lab.
Lessons are offered throughout the year. Choose your preferred lesson plan by visiting and registering on Central Iowa Music Lab’s website.
What unique extracurriculars does your kid(s) participate in? Tell us in the comments section below!
