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Mamas, you’re probably breathing a huge sigh of relief right about now as it’s finally back to school and while it’s sad that summer’s over, it’ll be nice to have some sort of routine and normality back on the horizon (within reason). Yep, a good dose of fractions and times tables should be enough to get the little ones back into the learning zone, but don’t forget it’s the extracurricular activities that will be putting the cherry on the education cake! An extra drama or sports class during term time isn’t just another box ticked future-wise, it’s the best way to gear up your child’s social and team building skills and get their motivation going. So here’s a quick look at what’s on offer in Hong Kong!
SPORTS CLASSES
Sport4Kids
As the time comes for the little ones to head back to school, it’s also time to start thinking about their “school-life balance” and how to keep them happy and healthy during their well-deserved down time! Sport4Kids offers morning and afternoon classes in their Autumn term schedule for children from 18 months to 8 years old. They’ve got a range of sports including rugby, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and ‘mini-sports’ for the littlest ones! Their classes offer secure, fun-filled environments for learning all types of sports, with the focus on teaching through encouragement and praise to enhance each child’s self-esteem. First-timers can sign up for a FREE trial class by emailing [email protected].
When: Weekly classes from 1 September to 17 October
Location: Many locations around Hong Kong including: Bebegarten, Clearwater Bay Country Club, Elements, FIS Hung Hom, Happy Valley Sports Centre, Hong Kong Academy, Parkview, Pok Fu Lam Road Playground and Stanley Sports Centre.
How much: From $1,050 for the term (7 classes)
Contact: Email [email protected] or call 2773-1650 for more details. Visit their website here.
Multi Sport
This organisation focuses on providing kids with a broad range of extra-curricular activities in schools around Hong Kong. Their coaches are trained and they teach kids a variety of different sports in a safe and supportive environment. This autumn, choose from swimming, gymnastics, basketball and more at French International School, Junior Sports at Island School, and basketball and football at the Montessori School in Stanley. Check out their brochure for extra-curricular activities here.
When: Autumn term classes run from September to December.
Where: Check the website for location details.
How much: Click here for pricing details.
ESF Educational Services
For mamas with kids in ESF schools (we know there are plenty of you out there!), ESF Educational Services has a host of sporting activities on offer so your active rugrats can let off some steam and learn some new motor skills. From gymnastics to netball and even kung-fu, there are after school classes on from September to December. More details can be found here.
When: 1 September-21 December
Where: Available in ESF schools all over town.
How much: Courses are $2,400 and up per term. Click here for more details.
Spotlight Studio
One of our fantastic Mamapreneurs Katie Abraham runs Spotlight Studio, where she brings dance lessons to kids and adults alike. With classes such as Broadway Babies and Zumba Kids, the little ones will love moving to the beat at one of these sessions, held all over Hong Kong! Find the class schedule here.
When: Term 1 starts on 1 September and ends on 19 December.
Where: Spotlight Studio has five studios around Hong Kong – Stanley, Parkview, Wong Chuk Hang, Sheung Wan and Tin Hau. Check the Facebook page for location details.
How much: Email [email protected] for more info, or call 5185 6944.
Hebe Haven Yacht Club
For kids who want to be the captain of their own ship, Hebe Haven Yacht Club has a Youth Sailing Scheme where they’ll learn all the skills it takes to be a safe sailor at sea. There are two sessions each Saturday, the first from 10am-1pm and the second from 2pm-5pm. The Yacht Club has limited spaces, so enquire and book here if your little one wants to be their own Columbus! This is suitable for kids ages 7 and up.
When: Every Saturday from 6 September to 27 December, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
Where: Hebe Haven Yacht Club, 10.5 Miles Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Email [email protected] for pricing details.
Epic MMA
This might be a gym where tough mamas go to kick box and blow off some steam, but Epic MMA also has a Little Ninjas program suitable for kids ages 5-14. There’s Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Judo. Mixed martial arts help kids increase fitness levels, build their self-confidence and acquire some awesome self-defense skills!
When: Click here for class schedules.
Where: Epic MMA, 1/F, China Building, 29 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
How much: Contact them here for pricing details.
RugBees
RugBees has classes for all age groups for kids who have an interest in learning this action-packed sport! Rugby is a great sport to teach kids teamwork and athleticism, and it’s not just for the older kids! Got an active two year old toddler who can’t get enough of ball games at home? Enrol them in TinyBees, a class designed for those who are just walking. For older kids, The Jungle Adventurers program starts from 1 September and includes a Christmas special at the end of term! Classes are taught by experienced instructors in open spaces all over town.
When: Jungle Adventurers runs from 1 September to 14 December.
Where: Locations are all over Hong Kong! Click here for more information.
How much: $3,240 for the Jungle Adventurers programme, plus a $250 new member charge.
Twinkle Dance
For little princesses who love dance and ballet, Twinkle Dance has got you covered with ballet and jazz classes in studios all over Hong Kong, including Central, Aberdeen, Kennedy Town and Wan Chai. The dance experts are also launching Mommy and Me ballet classes, perfect for mamas wanting to maintain their own flexibility while bonding with their little girls!
When: Classes begin the first week of September and run through December.
Where: Central, Aberdeen, Kennedy Town and Wan Chai.
How much: $1,760 and up for the full term.
Asia Pacific Soccer Schools
Does your little one want to bend it like Beckham and score like Scholes? Asia Pacific Soccer Schools have got footie sessions for kids of all ages! Kinder Kicks is perfect for young’uns under the age of five. For older kids, APSS also runs football camps all around Hong Kong, check out more details here. There are even classes just for girls. Email [email protected] and let them know which class you’re interested in enrolling your kiddo in, and they’ll take it from there.
When: September-December
Where: There are classes all over the ’Kong, more details here.
How much: Email [email protected] for more info on pricing.
Tiny Tots
Active toddlers will be super happy running about at any one of Tiny Tots’ fall classes! They’ve got a great range of courses for kids ages 18 months to 5 years old, including football, basketball, mini sports and rugby. Check out when and where they have their sporty sessions here. This one’s especially useful for all you mamas living on one of HK’s beautiful outlying islands as they’ve got classes on Lantau, too!
When: Term begins on 1 September and ends on 21 December.
Where: All over Hong Kong Island and Lantau.
How much: Prices vary but are around the $2,000 mark for 15 or more sessions.
Monster Tennis
For kids who are happier with a racket in hand, Monster Tennis is the place to learn basic skills on the court! Experienced teachers instruct kids of all ages here basic tennis skills including how to swing, how to volley, footwork on the court, strategy and sportsmanship. For newcomers, the first half-hour trial lesson is free, simply contact them here to schedule.
Where: All over Hong Kong! They’ve got classes in Sai Kung, Lok Fu, Ho Man Tin, Sha Tin, Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O. Check here for details.
How much: $190 per class, two-month commitment.
Minisport HK
One program, multiple sports – that’s what you’ll get when you sign up at Minisport! They have sports classes for kids from ages 1 and a half to 7 years old, and the courses for each age group include a variety of different activities for you to choose from. Kids will get a taste of tennis, hockey, basketball and more. Younger kids will learn ball skills and hand-eye coordination. Classes are held all over Hong Kong; more details can be found here.
When: Some courses begin in the last week of August and continue until 12 December.
Where: All over Hong Kong – find out more details here.
How much: Sessions for the term start from $2,400 and up.
Harry Wright International
We all know how important swimming is as a skill, and more importantly, most kids truly enjoy it! Harry Wright International has programs for kids as young as 4 months (with Mum or Dad in the pool, of course!), which is a great way for parents to share a rewarding activity with their baby or toddler. There are courses at all levels for older kids too, and an extensive competitive swimming program. Click here for the Discovery Bay schedule, here for the West Island School schedule and here for the South China Athletic Association schedule. Check the HWI website for information on competitive swimming squads.
When: The schemes at Discovery Bay and West Island start on 16 August and end on 14 December; South China Athletic Association starts on 1 September and ends on 19 December.
Where: All over Hong Kong
How much: Prices vary depending on the session and frequency of classes, averaging $3,000+ for one term.
Red Shoe Dance School
Every little girl dreams of growing up to be a ballerina, and at Red Shoe Dance Company those dreams can come true! With classes for children from ages 3 to 18 years old, they’re dedicated to delivering the best dance training to kids in Hong Kong, providing them with all the tools they need to shine on stage. They offer RAD Ballet and ADAPT Jazz examinations in addition to performance opportunities throughout the year. They also run a Pre-Professional training program for students wishing to pursue a career in dance. Studios are based in Central and Aberdeen.
When: 25 August-13 December
Where: Studios are based in Central and Aberdeen; check the website for details.
How much: Classes start at $2,400 for the 16-class term.
CREATIVE CLASSES
Faust International Youth Theatre
As life skills go, self-confidence and team-building are pretty fundamental. For all budding Oliviers and Denchs out there, or if you think your child might just need a little confidence boost plus a huge dose of thespian fun, look no further than Faust International Youth Theatre in Sheung Wan. Faust has been going for 15 years now and it’s one of our top choices for creative development. Their term time programs will help your child grow in confidence, learn how to speak in public and have a blast dressing up in their incredible costumes. At the end of the year, the kids get the opportunity to perform in a theatre production complete with stage, lights and costumes.
When: Check the website for programme schedules.
Where: 5/F, Nan Dao Commercial Building 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Contact [email protected] or check the website for pricing details.
Little Picasso
We just love the philosophy behind Little Picasso’s Art Workshops, “designed to provoke, inspire and immerse children in art”. Children are fabulously creative with wild imaginations and it’s hugely important to catch it while you can! They have a gorgeous studio in Ap Lei Chau with big windows filtering sunlight onto a creative haven filled with easels and pallet. They’ve got your child’s needs catered to and they haven’t forgotten weary parents either, with a neat little tea room with complimentary tea and coffee all coming as part of the package. It’s not just painting, Little Picasso classes will teach ages 3 and upwards all about art history too!
When: 25 August – 27 September fall classes
Where: Studio 10, 21st Floor, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
How much: $1,650 for five weeks includes all materials. Introduce a friend and receive 10% off!
Spark Studios
Dinner time getting a little unruly? Give your kids a little supper time etiquette boost with Spark Studios! We love their six-part courses that will not only teach your tots ages 5-12 how to be on their best behaviour while they chow down, but also how to cook creatively. We’re particularly taken with their Art History through Food Classes (check out their Warhol cupcakes) and wouldn’t mind a lesson or two ourselves! In today’s culture of sugar-stuffing and junk-scoffing, it’s really important to teach kids about food properly; where it comes from and how to make and eat it properly! Plus you will probably get to sample their creations – it’s a win-win.
When: Creative Cooking courses run every Saturday morning from 9.30-11am & 11.30am-1pm and every Tuesday from 3-4pm. Check here for other class schedules.
Where: 3/F, Room 308, Westlands Centre, 20 Westland Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How much: $500 for a one-time trial session, check here for pricing of the full six-class series.
Spring Learning
We love Spring’s all-round organic and natural ethos when it comes to child development. From cooking classes to ballet and Mandarin, Spring has your child’s best interests at heart. We particularly love their natural cooking classes, teaching your baba how to make the right food choices for their health. Children get the opportunity to taste, smell and touch ingredients in order to get a better understanding of food, and can start from as early as 18 months! They also have activities that emphasise the importance of eating together as a family and make important dining values fun for all. Spring cooking classes are perfect for budding chefs from the ages of 18 months to 6 years.
When: Check here for the class schedule.
Where: 3/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Visit the website or email [email protected] for pricing details.
Brickz 4 Kidz
Brickz 4 Kidz in Sai Kung has certainly been making waves in Hong Kong this summer, and if you missed their hugely popular summer camp, it’s not too late to sign up for their after-school program. Way more than just messing about with Legos, the experts at Brickz 4 Kidz will have your kids working together in teams to design whole scale building projects from space stations to zoos! This program isn’t just fabulous for imagination development, it’s also great maths and science practice and they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even notice how hard their brains are working!
When: Check here for class schedules.
Where: Classes all over Hong Kong; click here for details.
How much: Call 9638 3900 or check the website for more information.
Safari Kid
If your child is still tottering around and hasn’t yet reached primary school, check out Safari Kid “back to school” classes for the little ones! They have a new Early Explorers program for little ones 6-15 months old, which includes one-on-one play time incorporating cognitive, motor and social growth. They also have a great Mommy and Me program for tots 12-24 months old that focuses on creative learning in a fun and nurturing environment.
When: Early Explorers is available two days per week (eight sessions per month) or three days a week (12 sessions per month).
Where: L101, Chi Fu Landmark, Chi Fu Fa Yeun, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
How much: For more information, contact [email protected] or call 2177 0001.
Rumple and Friends Circus School
Jump aboard the circus bandwagon and have tons of fun at Rumple and Friends Circus School classes for kids! Professional clown Matt Coombes has worked at The National Centre for Circus in London and brings his expertise (as well as a cracking personality) to these circus courses for kids, ending in a professional performance in December! Course highlights include juggling, acrobatics, plate spinning, clowing and scarf manipulation (sounds intriguing!).
When: Tuesdays 5-7pm (4-8 years) and Thursdays 5-7pm (8+ years)
Where: Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $3,000 for a 12-week course starting 23 September (24 hours total training). Book before 31 Aug and enjoy a $500 discount. Group discounts also available.
MUSIC CLASSES
RockABaby
Air guitars at the ready; RockABaby has to be the hippest music class centre out there, for parents and tots alike! Their expert musical education schemes give your little ones the chance to develop key skills such as social development, physical coordination and speech & language development. Get your groove on to remixed nursery rhymes with the industry insiders and therapists at RockABaby. Their course Music Nursery for ages 9-18 months and Instrument Music Explorers for ages 1.5-3.5 years old are completely wonderful and are amazing for language development (the course includes rap, it’s pretty rad). They run courses for older tots of 5 and up too – check out Shake Your Body Kit and Paint a Story for movement and artistic fun! Enrol before 15 September and get a whopping 30% off… now there’s a deal everyone can rock out to.
When: September-December
Where: RockABaby has moved from their existing premises and are now at Repulse Bay! Their new address is The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong.
How much: Classes start from $250. Email [email protected] or call them at 3586 3071 for more information.
RollyPollies
Musically-inclined mamas and kiddos will love the classes at RollyPollies. For Bumblebees (kids ages 6 months to 2 years), mama and baby will get involved by singing, moving and playing instruments. They’ll learn classic nursery rhymes and singing games. RollyPollies also has music classes for kids up to the age of 5 in their Grasshoppers course. They’ve also got art and gym courses, too! Email [email protected] for more info.
When: Available all year round.
Where: 1515-19 Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much: A one-time trial class is $320, a package of six classes is $1,920 and a package of nine classes is $2,520. A one-time admin fee of $450 will be waived on the day of a trial session upon payment for any of the packages.
MyMusicalStudio
For kiddos wanting to be the next Celine, Mariah or Whitney, MyMusicalStudio has got vocal classes for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. They’ll learn vocal interpretation, stage stance, movement and expression. For younger kids, their Kindermusik sessions foster creativity, self-control and development.
When: All year round.
Where: 8/F, Fung Woo Building, 279-281 Des Veoux Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Kindermusik sessions are either $240 or $250 per class depending on the age of your child, and vocal classes are $2,800 for a package of 10 sessions.
Sol Passion Music
Move over Calvin Harris! Kids with a passion for getting behind some decks will be happy to know that Sol Passion Music has successfully trained up two budding young DJs: DJ A.D. Williams (age 11) and DJ JacNas (age 14). So if your bub is eager to learn how to scratch, spin and mix, get them involved with Sol Passion Music’s courses now! Suitable for kids age 8 and up.
When: Classes are all year round. Email [email protected] for enquiries.
Where: 9/F, The Phoenix Building, 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: A one-day course is $1,200, a four-week beginner course is $3,600.
Katterwall
If your child has got some pipes on them, then you might want to think about signing them up with Hullaballoo Kids Choir for ages 3-7. Being part of a choir is a fantastic way of learning to work within a team by supporting your fellow choral members. Hullaballoo performs a whole range of different music in different languages and will introduce your child to singing in 2 and 3 part harmonies. The best thing about Hullaballoo? No auditions required! With the pressure off, all that’s left to do is for tots to belt their little hearts out and have a good old sing song with their musical peers. From September, the Hullaballooers will meet every Thursday evening for some singing and dancing fun!
When: The first group of Hullaballoo sessions start on 4 September. For older kids ages 7-11, Katterwall offers a Singing Skool program that starts on 6 September.
Where: Room 806, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Hullaballoo: $1,970 for 7 sessions, $2,240 for 8 sessions. Singing Skool: $2,010 for 6 sessions, $2,345 for 7 sessions, $2,680 for 8 sessions. More details here; register here.
That’s it, mamas! Whether it’s swimming, sailing, tennis, soccer, music, drama or singing, there are endless options for your kids to fill up their after-school schedule and make new friends along the way. Here’s to the start of a new school year!
