Fall Fitness and Wellness Programs for North Fork Kids
Flag football with Aldrich Sports (Courtesy photo: Aldrich Sports)
It’s that time of year when we’re flooded with after-school and weekend offerings for kids. While it can be a lot to process, I’m not mad about it. It’s actually the opposite; I am grateful to live in a place with so many options to consider when it comes to wellness outside of the North Fork’s vast sports and arts selections. Here are five programs for school-aged kids that caught my attention.
Youth flag football for kids ages 6-8 and 9-12, Mattituck
It’s football season, y’all, and Aldrich Sports has a super fun flag football program for your North Fork kiddos. This development-focused, co-ed youth program is for kids ages all kids ages 6 to 12 and is designed to help young athletes develop their football skills, build confidence, make friends, and have fun. Each of the six weeks will feature instruction and skill development, multiple flag football games, fun competitions and activities, and team-building and sportsmanship in a high-energy atmosphere. The league will run Sunday mornings from September 27 to November at 9 to 10 a.m. for children ages 6 to 8, and from 10 to 11 a.m. for children ages 9 to 12. The cost is $225 per player. All levels welcome. Learn more and register here.
Two Yoga journeys: one for kids ages 4-grade 3, and one for kids ages 8-12, Riverhead & Cutchogue
In the past, it was tricky to find yoga classes for kids, so I was thrilled to find these two new options launching this fall. On Tuesday, September 22 and 29, and October 6, 13, and 20, from 4 to 5 p.m., Yoga Folk is hosting its Kids’ Yoga Tuesday Series at its Riverhead location. These classes, designed for kids ages 8 to 12, will combine movement, games, mindfulness, and relaxation to help kids build confidence and focus. Learn more and register here. Or, if you’re looking for yoga classes for your kids ages 4 to grade 3, Peconic Community School has you covered with their Holistic Yoga Journeys after-school program, which runs October 7 through December 16, on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. In these sessions, kids will move, create, play, and learn more about themselves along the way. Weekly themes will explore breathing techniques, mindfulness through movement, building confidence, and making connections. This nine-session program costs $350 per student. Learn more and register here.
Kids’ cooking club for ages 4+, Aquebogue
One of my favorite ways to get my kids to try new foods is to have them prepare and cook meals with me. While it’s not guaranteed that they love everything we make, they are much more inclined to explore and develop new food interests. This season, The Heart of It is offering kids’ cooking classes which aim to do just that! On Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., children ages 4 and up will learn basic cooking skills, learn about healthy eating, and build confidence in the kitchen. Class prices vary based on plans and class pass packages, or drop in for $25/class. Learn more and register here.
Superhero class for kids ages 3-5, Cutchogue
When it comes to my own parenting style, raising strong, confident, resilient kids is a non-negotiable for me. With the help of North Fork Cheer’s Super Hero Class, kids ages 3 to 5 will build confidence, develop coordination and strength, and use their imaginations through creative themed adventures. Super Hero Class is offered year-round on Tuesdays from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Registration is open, and classes are in session. Register here.
A strength and conditioning class for kids ages 7-11, Southold
This fall, beginning on Thursday, September 24, Underground Training is running a five-week kids’ training program focused on strength and endurance. Kids ages 7 to 11 are invited to join this fun, high-energy program designed to help build strength, speed, agility, and confidence. In these sessions, athletes will improve their strength and power, speed and agility, injury prevention, confidence and discipline, and overall athletic performance. The five-week program costs $190/person. No drop-ins. Register here.