Many parents would rather see their children busy playing outside or involved in a hobby instead of logging hours in front of their digital devices outside of school, including weekends. That’s where after-school programs, activities and workshops come into play. From art and furniture building to chocolate making and music and beyond, there are lots of activities to choose from.
Take a look at the following organizations that offer some fun and unique experiences for kids.
Chocolate Making
Kids in the Kitchen is a two-hour class with Master Chocolatier Lori and Chocolatier Brittany. Kids will learn where chocolate comes from and how it’s made, then move onto the sweet stuff: learn how to shape, pipe, dip and decorate chocolate. Call 289-895-8861 for more information.
Beanermunky, 17 Main Street. South, Waterdown
beanermunky.com
Furniture Making & More
Curious kids can learn about tools and learn their way around the woodshed at Rock Paper Scissors. Older teens can build furniture such as benches and experience the latest trend of fluid acrylic pouring. Workshops change frequently, so keep an eye on the Facebook Events page. Interested participants can register by sending a Facebook message or send email to: hello@rpsco.ca.
Rock Paper Scissors, 11 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton
@Rockpaperscissorsco
Music Lessons
The Music Stand offers lessons in guitar, piano, violin, and voice at its two locations in Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Students are able to choose from pop, jazz, rock or classical instruction in their instrument of choice.
The Music Stand, 14 Hester Street, Hamilton / 67 King Street East, Stoney Creek
themusicstandlessons.com
Choir
The Hamilton Children’s Choir offers six different programs for beginners and seasoned singers – even opportunities to travel and perform. Children are placed based on their overall ability as a chorister, including their vocal assessment, music experience, knowledge, and maturity.
Hamilton Children’s Choir, 252 James Street North, Hamilton
hamiltonchildrenschoir.com
Cooking Classes
The Casual Gourmet organizes cooking classes for young foodies. The goal is to teach them how to develop confidence and independence in the kitchen while they learn to make healthy food choices that are also delicious. Workshop fees, times and themes vary and are posted online.
The Casual Gourmet, 1027 King Street West, Hamilton
casualgourmet.ca/classes
Coding, Gaming & Robotics
Codify Zone teaches children all about computer sciences, innovation and leadership skills. Kids can learn through several different programs, including coding and gaming, 3D game development, JavaScript and animation, basic robotics and advanced robotics.
Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton
codifyzone.com
Arts Programs
Step into the Art Gallery of Hamilton studio where there are programs and workshops designed for all ages – beginners and more experienced artists alike. Weekend studio classes offer opportunities for children to explore art in creative ways, such as creating stop-motion animation and storytelling through art.
Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King Street West, Hamilton
artgalleryofhamilton.com
Pottery Making
Hooray for clay! Whether kids want to drop in for a weekend morning or enroll in a term-long class, they’ll have the opportunity to learn all about creating with clay, from wheel throwing, art, stop-motion animation and more.
Creative Insights Pottery, 23 Main Street South, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com
Whether you choose a seasonal or year-round pastime for your child, the important thing is to find something that piques their interest and helps them grow and mature spiritually, emotionally or physically. Be prepared for impromptu recitals, computer demonstrations – and your shelves, desk and the fridge door to be adorned with their work!
by Becky Dumais
