Life & Family | Toys

It won’t be long before that shiny new PlayStation has been tossed aside for the next big thing. Instead of putting yet another box under the tree, why not invest in your children’s interests by offering them lessons in their favorite sport or activity? From acting to yoga, here’s a small sampling of what’s offered across the Island for kids of all ages. These are gifts they’ll continue using long after the decorations have been packed away.

ACTING LESSONS
Been bitten by the acting bug? Your resident thespians can flex their acting chops at the John Engeman Theater at Northport School of the Performing Arts (Northport, engemantheater.com, 631-261-2900), a full-service acting school housed next door to the professional theater company. Classes run the gamut in terms of age and interest, from Mommy & Me for 2-4 year olds, to Broadway for the Little Tyke for 5-6 year olds, to Broadway Teens and Broadway Glee Club for the preteen and high school actor. The 16-week winter session begins January 25 and pricing ranges from $400-$600.

Seasoned actors serious about a professional career in the arts can go Way Off Broadway (locations in Bellmore, Garden City, Huntington, Manhasset, Plainview, Rockville Centre and Syosset; http://www.wayoffbroadway.org, 516-741-1682). In February, a special workshop for middle and high school students will focus on audition monologues during which New York City theatrical agents will provide feedback. Acting and musical theater classes for kindergarteners through 12th graders run on an ongoing basis, with free trial classes available.

GYMNASTICS
If you have miniature Mary Lou Retton at home, give her a leg up—literally—by providing a place to demonstrate all the right moves. At Twisters Gymnastics (Westbury, twistersli.com, 516-333-0010), there’s something for every skill and age level. Classes range from Tumblin’ Toddlers, a 45-minute class for 18 month to 3 year-olds, to Gymnastics, a 1½-hour intensive program for ages 6 and up. Winter session begins January 19 (for 17 weeks) and ranges from $369 to $425.

Looking for something different? Check out Tumbling Tunes (Northport, tumblingtunes.com, 631-697-0140), which combines music with movement and specializes in beginning gymnastics for active preschoolers. The 45-minute weekly classes for ages 3-6 warms up using rhythm sticks, followed by a series of skill-building exercises, including dismounting, rolls and tuck jumps. Winter session starts January 4 (for 10 weeks) and costs $200.

MUSIC LESSONS
Whether your child is a budding bassist or a violin virtuoso, he’ll find the right teacher at Music School Inc. (musicschoolinc.com, 516-280-6191), which offers instruction either in your home or at its Amityville studio. A large staff of “artists in residence,” as the teachers are called, is skilled at all levels, ages and instruments. Special programs include Drum Fight, an annual competition held at the Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale, and Rock ‘N Tots for music lovers under the age of 5, currently held at Tutor Time in Patchogue, The Children’s Center at SUNY-Farmingdale and also available in private residences. Cost depends on the length of the lessons, but interested parents can inquire about special introductory packages.

YOGA
Just say “Om.” At Yoga Rocks (Oyster Bay, yogarockskids.com, 516-624-YOGA), kids won’t just learn how to do a downward dog; they’ll learn to think creatively, observe and reflect—a great way to de-stress after a hectic school day. Classes range from the novice, which includes game play, songs, exercise and meditations for ages 3-7, to the more advanced yogi where they will learn how yoga affects both physical and mental health during a physical workout. The 6-week winter session begins on January 5 and costs $60.