Unique kid classes in Indianapolis

Look, we love the classes that our CityKids love. Bring us all the ballet. Kick us into karate. Meet us at music. But sometimes, they {read: we} cannot handle one. more. rendition. of. 'clap your hands, clap your hands, clap your hands together.' And when it's time for a change - when you want something truly different and unique - like what is out there? We've gotcha girl.

Through copious amounts of research {I.e. asking our CityMoms on our private Facebook member community}, we've come up with a list of must-check-these-out unique kid classes in Indianapolis:

1. Become a ninja

Sure, NinjaZone is the sponsor of this post. But frankly, we were in a long-term, come meet our parents relationship with them way before partnering up. Why? NinjaZone dazzles us with their curriculum, dedication to our CityKids' health + wellness, and well, who doesn't want to become the next American Ninja Warrior? Classes are offered at multiple Wright's Gymnastics and Deveau's gym locations, as well as NinjaZone Academy in Fishers, available for walkers-ages 11, and champion confidence, strength and positive affirmations for students. We're smitten kittens.

2. Literally anything LINE+form Atelier does.

No really, anything. LINE+form Atelier - the beautiful, Reggio-inspired art studio - recently completed a buildout in the King-Kennedy neighborhood of Indy across the street from West Fork Whiskey. And while we're tempted to pair a kids art class by sneaking across the street for a whiskey tasting, we're more tempted to stay and watch the magic inside this incredible art center. Owner Fran {who we've previously featured in theCityMoms' Momlight} is a visionary at art programming. She offers regular classes like drop-in studios; workshops such as Enchanted Potions and Dollhouse Design; summer camps like her popular Street Art; and adults-only time like Resin Painting on Wood. We're all "let us move in already" to Fran, and we're not lying. Go.

3. Aerial silks 

Not a secret: theCityMoms LOVE Cirque Indy's aerial silks classes for adults. Talk about a core workout and dreaming of running away with the circus! Cirque Indy also offers classes though for kids, teaching strength and body awareness, in a non-competitive environment. BONUS: Owner Mary is wonderful.

4. Learn to sew

Look, we're sick of hearing how Millennials can't do anything {society, looking at you!}. We're resourceful, driven, the future of the country... the list goes on. But there's no mistaking the studies showing Millennials posses a 'significantly lower mastery of basic {clothing} maintenance skills' including sewing. We can do better here by our kids fo sure:A Sewing Studio of Carmel, and Kewpie's Kloset of Fortville both offer children's sewing classes, in single or longer-session terms. In fact Kewpie recently noted "{kids} walk into my shop with a little knowledge, or no knowledge at all how to sew. Then in 12 weeks ✨ Bam ✨they are true fashion designers!" Love this.

5. Rock climbing

Multiple local climbing gyms offer a kids program to teach the basics of rock climbing. Our first peek is at Climb Time Indy in Castleton, who meets regularly on Wednesday evenings. Hoosier Heights has a three-time-weekly {is that thrice? Someone clue us in.} Youth Climbing Club offering game-based activities and climbing too.

6. Coding classes

"I believe the children are our future"... of coding for sure. As more kids turn to tech, coding is a wonderful way to engage them in this field. And classes covering coding are certainly popping up in, well, popularity. From the new Code Ninjas locations in Carmel and Fishers, to Codelicious' occasional public classes to the Apple Store's famed Coding Lab for Kids, there are plenty of options for your future Steve Jobs to flex their skills.

7. Explore the outdoors 

After all that screentime from coding wars has been had, it's time to stretch your CityKids' eyes and legs with some outdoor rec, yo. White Pine Wilderness Academy of Rocky Ripple promotes the idea to 'stay wild' through their array of wilderness-survival-skills-focused after-school camps, summer programs, and teen mentorship classes. The new Free Forest School of Indianapolis is well, free, and a place giving children space and autonomy to explore and create in nature - think exploring creeks, climbing trees, running through prairie paths, and finding sticks and branches to use as tools in various ways. Oh and hot tip:The Indiana State Museum has really amped up their youth programming over the past year. This month we spot classes for youth ages 3-5 about Exploring Indiana Caves and Wintery Weather. Previous offerings have included learning about insects and geology. Bottom line - keep your eye on the State Museum's class lineup.

Did we hit on a unique class you hadn't considered before? Added new ones to your list? Let us know - we're all ears.