12 After-School Classes for Kids in Calgary

We'll never get over how much energy kids have, even after a long day at school. Why not sign them up for one of these 12 classes in Calgary?

Mom, meet Parkour, the fitness craze for anyone who loves flipping, flying and courageous climbing—especially kids. It was developed in the 80s by the French military to teach troops how to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible—meaning the world becomes your jungle gym. Breathe Parkour ​teaches kids how to do it properly—and safely—while having extreme fun. Located in the Calgary Central Sportsplex in the NE, Breathe Parkour offers non-competitive classes from age 6 and up (stressing that there is no age limit so read: fun for the whole family) as well as a Parent & Tots class. The classes are divided by levels, with the first level introducing your monkey to various rolls, running strides, vaults and hurdles and how to ‘fall' or land properly. As levels increase, so do the skills, which include flips, hand spins, handsprings, tornado kicks and more.

Friendships mean the world to our girls, but supporting our daughters while they ride the roller-coaster of female relationships is no easy task. Enter Girl Power, a friendship program developed by a Calgary teacher and mother that teaches girls the skills and language necessary to develop healthy friendships and stand up for themselves. The boys won't miss out either—GoodGuys, a friendship program for boys, will roll out in the spring targeting boy-specific issues. Events are held throughout the city or you can organize a workshop at your home, school, or club. Knowledge is power, after all.

Calgary Children's Theatre is a theatre company that offers both plays and an acting school for children 3 and up. The Itty-Bitty and Little Stars Program runs weekly classes using costumes and storybook themes to develop acting skills. For the older children, they sign up for improv theatre.

Theatre Works School of the Arts is dedicated entirely to children, offering classes based on the disciplines of vocal studies, drama and dance. Children 7–12 and teens 13–19 will engage in the creative exploration of their talents.

Get them started on the kitchen floor and then nurture their musical nature with a class at Music Together. A typical class consists of singing (hello and goodbye songs), finger-play movement, rhythm instrument interaction, free dance, and a lullaby and a jam session where your child's natural and nurtured abilities become apparent. Parents should expect to participate in every element of a Music Together class (no sitting on the sidelines).

4Cats Arts Studio is the spot to go for art classes, projects and parties. Artist Focus classes run in seven-week sessions and focus on the life and times of a famous artist. Parent-free sessions are available (and we would welcome an hour in trendy Inglewood for a stroll). They do offer parent-attended classes for ages two to three as well.

Sing Move Play is located in the central SW community of North Glenmore Park and is run by Debra Giebelhaus-Maloney. The program is based upon the Orff Music for Children Program and focuses on singing, dramatic movement and role-playing. Expect your child to experience age-appropriate stories, accompanied by puppets, poems and percussion instruments, such as drums, sticks and shakers.

Epicurious Kids Cookery was created by Michelle Friese, a mom who combined her teaching background with her passion for cooking. The open concept kitchen/studio is a perfect learning atmosphere for kids, allowing them to experience cooking from prep to clean-up.

Encourage a little ‘modelling' and inspire some creative behaviour at Clay for Kids, a versatile pottery studio located in the South East. They offer an amazing array of fun classes for kids aged 5 and up where budding sculptors will learn how to use the pottery wheel, create their own unique objects, work with ceramic paint and more.

SoccerTots is a new intro-to-soccer program for kids 18 months to 7 years. Designed to give your future ‘footballers' a taste of the sport in a fun, supportive atmosphere, SoccerTots introduces skills suited to your child's growth and development. Courses for the youngest set require parent participation, while the big kids (4 and up), focus on more specific skills such as balance, movement and kicking and running control. Of course, the biggest lesson is in learning to listen and follow instruction (and we say amen to that).

Whether you're nurturing a new Picasso or simply letting your little ones unleash their creativity, you'll be helping them grow their talents using art as a tool with Amaze Arts. Classes are offered at Midsun Community Centre, Mckenzie Towne, Artopia Studios Inc and in Evergreen Community, and range from Preschool and Starter Arts to Drawing Fundamentals.

With centres in over 30 different countries, and considered a world leader in children's fitness, My Gym's programs are focused on helping kids develop physically as well as gaining confidence and cognitive skills—and all while having fun. Classes are filled with structured activities that also include music, games, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Classes begin for kids at 6 weeks up to 13 years for age.