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 Learning Together
Family Classes Are Fun For All Ages
by Robin Sauerwein
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
- Chinese Proverb
Need something new to do with the family? Bored with the same old routine? Why not consider taking a class together? You are never too old to learn something new and what better way to show your kids that learning can be fun at any age. If you need some ideas, here are a few classes to pique your interest.
We’re Cookin’ Now!
Way Cool Cooking School
16544 W. 78th St., Eden Prairie
952-949-6799
www.waycoolcookingschool.com
What better way to bring families together than in the kitchen? Find quick meal ideas, learn about healthy options and spend some quality time having fun with your family.
Parent & Child Classes - offered for kids 2-6, Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 am. May 10, 17, 24: Enjoy making kid-friendly fare such as Raspberry Tea Sandwiches and Crazy Cakes, Paint Your Toast, Omelet’s in a Bag, Cotton Candy Cupcakes and Magic Wands.
Family Night Out - Classes are geared for the whole family to learn to make easy meals together at home. Held Friday evenings between 6-8 p.m. Next class - May 2: Explore the Pastabilities! Have fun together making a delicious meal of Cheese-filled Ravioli, Red Sauce and Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons!
Let’s Cook
330 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis
612-623-9700
www.letscook.com
A great place to celebrate the preparation, cooking and sharing of food, not to mention, hands on learning. Family members can take classes together or sign up individually and share what they’ve learned in classes such as Teen Sushi Experience.
The next family class is: Playing With Our Food held May 24, 1-4 p.m. Here’s a great class for kids and grownups who always wanted to play with their food. Now you can! Menu includes: Candy Sushi Rolls with Fruit Candy and Marshmallows, French Fries of Pound Cake with Raspberry Sauce “Ketchup”; Marzipan Spaghetti with Crispy Rice and Chocolate Meatballs and Strawberry Marinara Sauce and more.
Get Moving
Baby Ballroom
1560 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul
651-468-9763
www.babyballroom.com
You’re never too old (or too young) to learn to Tango! Baby Ballroom is for all ages. Take a class with your baby, from newborn to age 3 and learn the joy of dance together. The 45 minute classes are held once a week and offer participants exposure to Tango, Swing, Waltz and Salsa. A Beginning Couples Baby Ballroom class for all ages gives parents or grandparents a chance to brush up on their ballroom and Latin skills with Junior in tow. Fun for all and you’ll surely be a hit at the next wedding! Class session last 6 weeks - call or check website for registration.
One Yoga
2100B Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
612-872-6347
www.one-yoga.org
One Yoga is a nonprofit yoga studio introducing people of all ages and abilities to the benefits of yoga. In their Family Yoga classes, recommended for ages 3+ with an adult, parents and kids practice yoga together utilizing the techniques of YogaGame™ (www.yogagame.com) where physical activity becomes a fun, creative opportunity. Kids strengthen their muscles, elongate their spines, and increase self-esteem through interactive play, yoga poses, breath exercises and a mini-meditation. Accessible for everyone to enjoy!
Mind Body Solutions
17516 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka
952-473-3700
www.mindbodysolutions.org
Classes at Mind Body Solutions center on the belief that minds and bodies work better together. Try out a Yoga class designed especially for everyone in the family ages 5+ and discover new ways to stretch, breathe, and relax. Classes use movement, stories and games to help kids create a deeper understanding of themselves while improving concentration, creativity and confidence. Held monthly on selected Sundays, 3:30-5 pm.
Arts & Crafts
Northern Clay Family Classes
2424 Franklin Ave. East, Minneapolis
612-339-8007
www.northernclaycenter.org
Move up from the world of play dough and challenge yourself with a block of clay.
The Northern Clay Center offers classes for adults and children of all skill levels. Classes are held year round from beginning to advanced on a quarterly basis. Learn all about clay and what it can do.
Family classes offer a chance for everyone to try their hand, with special seasonal projects. Coming up next is Mother’s Day Clay on May 10, for ages 6 - 600! Offered from 9 am-Noon: Tea & Cake - Make teacups, saucers, dessert plates, and serving trays for a delightful morning together. Offered 1-4 pm: Diamonds and Pearls - Spend time together creating jewelry boxes or trays, ring holders, pendants, and beads out of clay.
Arty Pants- Walker Arts Center
1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
612-375-7600
www.walkerart.org
Kids and parents can spark their creativity by attending Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Play Date. Using the current exhibition for inspiration, adults and kids, ages 3-5 do art projects, watch films, and enjoy gallery activities and story time. Held 11 am-1 pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month. Free with gallery admission, Walker members and for children under 12.
Highpoint Center for Printmaking
2638 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
612-871-1326
www.highpointprintmaking.org
Learn something new and get inspired when you try out one of Highpoint’s hands-on printmaking classes. Special Kids & Family Workshops are planned to fit busy schedules while providing high-quality art education experiences. Visit the Center’s website for an updated list of workshops. Plus, several times a year the center offers a Free Ink Day when artists and creators of all ages (you!) have the opportunity to make and take home a print or two (or three!). Artists and HP staff work with a given theme for the afternoon’s activities to provide a jumping off point for coming up with imagery and ideas. All materials are free.
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Open Book Building,
1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis
612-215-2520
www.mnbookarts.org
Classes at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts introduce participants of all ages to the techniques, materials and creativity that go into creating one-of-a-kind art books. You can discover the book arts with your kids by participating in special one session classes designed for families to enjoy together. Classes are offered throughout the year and usually have seasonal themes.
Next Family Workshop is Mother’s Day Scrapbooks, held Sunday, May 4; 1:30-3:30 pm, for families with children ages 6 and up. All participants will make a beautiful hard cover album or scrapbook to celebrate their mothers. Bring photos (4”x6” or smaller), favorite quotations, thoughts and ideas to fill the pages.
Guthrie Family Classes
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis
612-377-2224.
www.guthrietheater.org
If all the world’s a stage, why not try your hand at acting? And what better place than at The Guthrie Theater. In addition to classes for adults, teens and kids, the Guthrie offers several family classes throughout the year. Choices include:
Go With It: Intro to Improv for the Family: Be spontaneous and try something new! Learn basic improvisation skills by playing imaginative theater games with your family. For ages 7-12 with an adult. Improv classes are held Saturdays, from 10-11:30 a.m. - visit the website for next class date.
Duke It Out: Intro to Stage Combat - For the Family: Learn choreographed punches, falls, and safe sword play from theatre professionals. For Ages: 10 and up. Next class: Saturday, May 17 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Becoming One With Nature
Orienteering for Kids and Adults
The Minnesota Orienteering Club
www.mnoc.org
Try your hand at finding your way in the woods using a map and a compass (sorry no GPS allowed!) The skill behind orienteering is the ability to make wise decisions, challenging both the mind and body. The Minnesota Orienteering Club (MNOC), a group of orienteering enthusiasts who promote the sport by volunteering their time, sponsors several orienteering meets throughout the year (ranging from beginning - advanced). No previous experience is necessary. Visit their website for meet dates and details of this fun outdoor adventure for all family members.
Como Family Classes
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul
651-487-8272 - Como Education Line
www.comozooconservatory.org
Family classes are offered year round and are ideal for children ages 4 and up with a parent. Enjoy live plant or animal encounters and/or tours at your visit. Classes are generally held on Saturday or Sundays. Summer offerings will include: Turtle Tales, Zoo Moms, Big Cat Breakfast, Zoo Dads, Splash! Seals and Sea Lions, Butterfly Gardening, Stripes and Splotches: Zebras and Giraffes, Primate Potluck, Skeletons & Seas: Building a Japanese Garden, Birds on the Brain and Big on Bugs. Visit the website for more information or to register.
Rock Climbing
Vertical Endeavors
845 Phalen Blvd., St. Paul
651-776-1430
www.verticalendeavors.com
If adventure is what your family seeks, why not take a few classes in rock climbing?
One of the largest indoor rock climbing facilities in the world resides right in St. Paul. 18,200 square feet of climbing surface. If that scares you, qualified instructors will teach you the how tos. Basic safety lessons are offered for newcomers to the sport of rock climbing. Lessons cover knot tying, belaying, climbing commands, safety and more for all ages and abilities.
If you’d rather tackle the outdoors, try one of their Chillin Weekends - offered next on May 16-18. Learn the basics of outdoor climbing on the quartzite cliffs within Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Guides will teach you all the basics and safety and rock etiquette. Open to anyone with no rock climbing experience necessary. Schedule is on website. Fee includes camping and instruction.
Group Climbing Day Trips. Perfect for any group (from scouts, churches to your family) 10 person minimum. Enjoy what it’s like to climb outdoors for a day at some of the area’s favorite climbing areas: Taylor’s Falls, Blue Mounds State Park or the North Shore.
A Little of Everything
Classes to take with your kids are everywhere and some right in your backyard. Community Education is a low cost option for families who want to take fun classes close to home. Community Ed classes are usually offered through an area’s school district. Check the website of your school district or call for a brochure. Some of our many local community education websites are listed below.
Minneapolis:
http://commed.mpls.k12.mn.us
St Paul:
www.commedprograms.spps.org
South Washington County:
www.cecool.com
Anoka-Hennepin:
www.anoka.k12.mn.us/communityeducation
St. Louis Park:
www.stlouispark.org/experience/community_education.htm
Apple Valley-Eagan-Rosemount:
www.isd196.k12.mn.us/CE/about.cfm
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