In another world, "after school activity"  probably means you open the back door and say "Be home for dinner!" In my world, I have no back door and the West Side Highway probably isn't the best spot for my children to play. So I do what most New York parents do and we sign up our kids for all sorts of classes all over the city. Here are some fresh ideas for things to do after school or on the weekends in between soccer and piano.

Last year we had my daughter's best birthday party EVER at A Class Act NY. If you recall, it was a High School Musical "re-enactment." I enjoyed myself (much to my daughter's dismay) "Bopping to the Top!" In addition to fabulous birthday parties, private acting coaching, and a slew of acting workshops and seminars, A Class Act NY has just launched 8-week ongoing classes for little stars. All classes are taught by highly-skilled working actors and Broadway veterans. The founders of A Class Act NY, Jessica and Mark, have really found a way to introduce the magic of performing arts to children in a fun and nurturing environment. We are really excited to try out one of their new classes because I really need more drama in my life--HA! "Pretend and Play" for 5-6 year-olds and "Sing Your Heart Out" for 7-8 year-olds both start next week. A Class Act is offering a $25.00 discount for Momcierge readers for either class.

I can't say enough nice things about Karma Kids Yoga. Shari, the founder, truly loves what she does and it shows. She and her instructors are inspiring and really fun. My daughter comes out of yoga class so happy and calm. She even has my not-so- zen-like son walking around going "Ommmmm, Ommmmmm... shanti, shanti." I really have no idea what he means, but it's cute. Karma Kids has classes all over the city and in Brooklyn for kids of all ages...babies to teens. You can purchase a series of classes (that never expire!) or simply do drop-in classes--they're really open and flexible (no pun intended).They also have free story-time yoga three times/week at their studio with puppets and yoga poses. On October 21st at their fab, fun studio, Karma Kids will be offering "Paint a Yoga Mat." It's a really fun event where children will enjoy a yoga class then personalize their very own yoga mat with artist Melissa Diaz. Word to the wise: buy some Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. When children learn to do headstands they bang their feet on the walls and toe prints on the walls are sort of nasty.

Although there are some classes that offer cooking with kids, this one is the only one I know that completely tailors the class to each and every client. Chef Rob of Cook with Class offers in-home (no trudging around-yeah!) ongoing or one-time classes for children. The thing I like about Chef Rob is how he simplifies food for children..like carrots have tops and they don't grow in little nuggets and plastic bags. He deconstructs food, making the lesson exciting, nutritional, and cultural. Chef Rob will show up at your place fresh from the Farmer's Market and give your children a cooking lesson that not only teaches technique but the bigger picture of food, how it's grown, and seasonality. Want pizza? Want a veggie lesson?  I think Chef Rob might even be able to get my son to try swiss chard. No seriously, I think he can. P.S. Chef Rob also caters and teaches grown-ups (think husbands!). Cheers! HV

Momcierge Member Tip o' the Week: You will need a stylish tote to cart around your chattel (ie: NY Post, People magazine, bills to pay) to and from "your" various afterschool activities. As per our very stylish friend Lori's suggestion, we recommend the MZ Wallace tote bags. We love the new patent and nylon styles (big enough for your stuff + ballet slippers, shin guards, a water bottle, and a pack or two of cookies!).