Best Competitive Gymnastics Class
Olympica Gymnastics
The family-owned facility is considered one of the most accessible family gyms in south Orange County and features state-of-the-art safety equipment, learning tools and apparatus, including bungee harnesses and European-designed landing pits, along with a viewing balcony for parents. Programs for kids of all ages and skill levels include intro and recreational gymnastics, accelerated and advanced gymnastics and junior Olympic team gymnastics. Sunday birthday parties are available for kids 4-13.
olympicagymnastics.com | Laguna Hills
Best Horseback Riding Facility
Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center
Riding horses just two miles from the beach is a great way to learn the various styles of horseback riding. The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center offers sessions in therapeutic riding and trail riding as well as lessons in Western, English and dressage styles. Special cupcake rides are available for birthdays, and groom and rides for families just getting to know the equestrian world. Summer and winter clinics are also available.
hcpec.com | Huntington Beach
Best Kids Yoga Studio
OC Kids Yoga
Strong, flexible bodies and peaceful minds are the goal of the OC Kids Yoga’s mobile program. Kids can achieve good health and wellness through movement, breathing and discipline in classes that can come to you filled with yoga games, poses and music. One-on-one, small-group classes as well as school events and themed parties are available. All insured, CPR-certified, 30-45-minute classes include licensed instructors, yoga mats and props.
ockidsyoga.com | Mobile Locations
Best Language Program
LangoKids — Irvine
For its seventh consecutive year, Irvine’s LangoKids is a readers’ favorite, with Spanish classes available in an immersive and fun environment for kids ages 2 to 12 years old. Fall, winter and spring classes as well as summer camps with different themes each week (including STEM, soccer, and money and customs) are available to read, write and speak Spanish fluently. All teachers are native Spanish speakers from Mexico and South America.
langokidsirvine.com | Irvine
Best Swim Class
Aqua Duks Swim School
For three decades, young swimmers have built their skills and confidence in the water at Aqua Duks Swim School. Fully certified instructors work one-on-one with kids, creating lessons designed just for the particular needs of the child, whether they are toddlers or pre-teens, just beginning or ready to join the swim team. There are classes for parents and their toddlers as well as instruction for kids with special needs.
aquaduks.com | Anaheim
Best Theater Class
The Performer’s Academy
With a motto of “Dream, Believe, Become,” the Performer’s Academy has spent the last two decades teaching kids how to become true performers. Classes are available for kids between 4 and 17 years old in the fundamentals of acting, acting for TV and film, voiceover workshops, vocal training and singing, evening improv and auditioning techniques. Summer camps are also available and actors forums offer coaching, performance evaluations and Q&A with a panel.
performersacademy.net | Lake Forest
Best Coding Class
Code Ninjas
The world’s largest kids coding franchise is something of an experience. Code Ninjas spurs kids creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, AI, robotics, STEM and game-building skills in a fun, safe and inspiring environment. Kids get to work in collaborative classrooms with clear goals designed for their own skill level in “outcome-based learning.” And Code Ninjas locations are easy to find with hundreds of locations around the US, Canada and UK.
codeninjas.com | Multiple Locations
By Jessie Dax-Setkus, Shawn Price and Vanessa Siguenza
