Just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean the fun has to be. Not sure what to do with the kids after school while you’re still at work? We complied a list of the best activities and classes going on through Miami Beach Parks & Recreation.
Flamingo Park
1) Try-outs for cheerleading squads X-treme (grades 12 & under) and Lightning (grades 9 and under) will be held Saturday, September 6th from 1-6pm and again on Wednesday, September 10th from 4:30-7pm. Both days are mandatory attendance. If you’re not ready for team competitions just yet, registration for all levels of cheerleading camp begin on September 8th and classes run from September 19th tho December 19th.
2) The new Beach Bum Club for ages 9-15 is a great way for kids and teens, ages 9-15, to spend a Saturday. For over six months, water lovers can learn to surf, snorkel, fish, play beach games, and even, skateboard. If your child isn’t necessarily the strongest swimmer (the enrollment requires kids to pass a swim test), then weekend Learn to Swim classes are offered for all levels and ages.
3) Jr. Afterschool Tennis lessons are offered Tuesday through Thursday from 4-5:30pm and are divided into two groups according to age: Pee Wee (ages 4-6) and Junior (ages 7-12).
North Shore Park
1) Jazz Hip Hop dance class registration begins on September 3rd for ages 6-8 and continues weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm. No prior experience is necessary to participate.
2) R.A.T.S. (Racers Avionics Technology and Science) is for 4th-6th graders who are interested in creative ways to learn math, science, and technology by building cars and rockets.
3) North Shore also has a number of social clubs for kids to join based on their age and desired subject. These range in topics from arts & crafts to comic books and even, a nature club. There is also a Teen Club for ages 12-17 that meets weekly for themed events, field trips, and volunteer opportunities.
Normandy Isle
1) Hang Ten with the Surf Club on Sundays from 8-3pm and travel up and down the coast to catch the best waves. Registration begins September 7th and is for ages 9-15.
2) Tot Time is a great way for parents to spend time with their babies in a multimedia-enhanced environment (ages 12-30 months). If you’re looking for a way to spend some time with your toddler, the Sticky Fingers (ages 2-3) is a creative arts & crafts camp for both you and your brood to enjoy.
Scott Rakow Youth Center
1) Saturdays and Sundays are Family Days and feature a number of activities that parents and kids can do together.
2) Volleyball League sign up beings on August 18th and everyone from elementary school age (9-12) to adults can sign up to play on an intramural team. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen a ball since high school, the Adult Beginner League starts on September 15th.
21st Street Recreation
1) Ballet classes are offered for kids beginning August 22nd or October 17th. The classes feature ballet, hip hop, and jazz tutorials.
2) Beginner, intermediate, and advanced gymnastics classes are available for eight week sessions beginning August 23rd and again on October 18th.
In addition to all of these classes, there are also a number of before and after school programs available for children and are divided into different age groups and locations. Playtime is offered at the North Shore Park Youth Center and Flamingo Park at the Police Athletic League. The program is designed for children a 3-4 years old and activities include singing, dancing, arts & crafts, and more. After school programs are offered Monday through Friday from 2-6pm for children grades K-12. Activities include sports, games, crafts, reading, and homework clubs. Locations and specific times may vary, and parents are encouraged to stop by the site in their area for additional details and registration. Free transportation is offered from designated elementary, middle, and high schools around the Miami Beach area. For more information on specific programs going on in your area, as well as seasonal fees, visit www.miamibeachparks.com