In this day and age, extracurricular activities go way beyond T-ball and ballet. The focus is more on enrichment: How can we enhance our children’s lives through experience? And whether that means suspending from the ceiling on a piece of silk or hurtling around an indoor racetrack in a race car to test the laws of physics, our area has plenty of options. A little research reveals there really is something for a child’s every interest.
the art enthusiast
Stuck for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? Every week from 1 to 4 p.m., kids, teens and families are invited to Saint Louis Art Museum for Family Sundays, when participants can enjoy fun, hands-on art activities and a lively 30-minute tour through the galleries. Each month focuses on a different family-friendly theme. Sign up is required and starts in Grigg Gallery at 1 p.m. slam.org/education/families
Teens between the ages of 15 and 19 can be part of the museum’s youth mentorship and training program. For more information, email community@slam.org.
also check out: Craft Alliance, where kids can take everything from pottery to jewelry making. craftalliance.org
the thespian
With more than 30 professional teachers, STAGES Performing Arts Academy is renowned regionally for its innovative and multidisciplinary musical theater programs. It’s also the only such program in the St. Louis region to be connected to a professional theater company. From preschool on up, there’s something for everyone—voice, acting and dance classes, and musical theater programs that incorporate all three. In addition, STAGES’ Access the Arts offers classes, workshops and performance opportunities for young people with physical, cognitive or developmental delays.
stagesstlouis.org/performing-arts-academy
also check out: COCA offers classes in theater and voice for people of all ages, from Jammin’ Jazz for 24- to 36-month-olds to music theory for vocalists ages 12 to 18. cocastl.org
the rock star
Dave Simon’s Rock School has been offering a variety of rock band programs since 2003. Performance-based programs are geared for budding rockers age 4 to adult. Students are placed in bands and work with skilled staff to prepare for an end-of-session concert, held at music venues around St. Louis, including Cicero’s, Blueberry Hill and the Rock School Performance Center. The school also offers private lessons in guitar, bass, piano, drums and vocals. dsrockschool.com
the philanthropist
Kids Who K.A.R.E. Camp introduces children and young teens to volunteering for organizations that have the most meaning to them. Through age-appropriate discussions, onsite visits, hands-on projects, and unique service opportunities, children are inspired to be grateful, compassionate and kind. Programs are ongoing throughout the year and groups meet after school and on weekends. The nonprofits helped by Kids Who K.A.R.E. include Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Humane Society of Missouri, Great Rivers Greenway and YWCA Head Start. karecamp.com
the scientist
School at 45 miles per hour. That’s the pace of things at The Academy of Racing Science, where students learn science, technology, engineering and math on the fly, buckled in tight to high-tech, electric racing karts. The Academy’s educationally rigorous curriculum is aligned with national and state standards, as well as Next Generation Science Standards and is taught by real-world engineers. With its quarter-mile of buffered indoor track, Pole Position Raceway provides the perfect ‘classroom.’ kartingstl.com
also check out: The programs offered by the Academy of Science of St. Louis. Many of these—Teen Science Cafe, Science Careers Explorations, etc.—are free and sure to instill a love of science with fun, hands-on experience. academyofsciencestl.org
the acrobat
Kinetic Tapestry, which leases space from Dayspring School of the Arts, teaches everything from clowning and stilt walking to trapeze and aerial silks. In addition to schooling children in the fine art of being a clown, the circus class—one of its most popular—includes juggling, acrobatics and tumbling. Aerial skills are taught using trapeze, silks and the lyra, a suspended orb. In addition to increasing students’ skills as performers, Kinetic Tapestry also has a mission to increase overall self-confidence. The two owner-instructors (one of whom is a professional clown) also teach mime, pantomime and modern dance. kinetictapestry.com
Illustrations by Jon Fogel
