5 inspiring places around the world for kids to learn a new skill
More and more classes are springing up around the world to inspire and help children to develop skills and follow their dreams, including sports, music and cooking. Here are five of the best…
1: Learn to cook in Malaysia
Kids who enjoy spending time making delicious dishes in the kitchen can learn how to cook up a storm at Kuala Lumpur’s Young Chefs Academy. Just around the corner from the Subway Hartamas shopping centre, parents can indulge in a little retail therapy while the little ones slave over a hot cooker.
At the academy, children are divided according to age (they start them from three years old) and can go for one session or sign up for a whole course. It’s a great, fun environment for kids to get passionate about cooking, with the added benefit that parents get the chance to sample their offspring’s wares.
2: Learn to act in Singapore
Singapore probably isn’t the first place you think of to hone your little one’s acting chops, but distancing them from the cut-throat world of LA and London gives them the chance to develop their skills without destroying their self-esteem.
Buds Theatre Company in Singapore runs a course of five classes throughout the year for kids to hone their acting skills. Children from three years and upwards can have a go at storytelling, script-writing, improvisation and drama.
Situated on Joo Chiat Road, designated as Singapore’s first ‘heritage town’, parents will love the chance to eat local food and browse shops all set in traditional Peranakan buildings.
3: Became a rock star in Australia
Children with burgeoning musical skills can enter the world of rock at the Big Music Studios in Sydney, Australia. Tucked away in Crows Nest, on Sydney’s lower north shore, mum and dad can explore the local café scene, or head down to the harbour to walk along the foreshore.
Big Music Studio’s holiday rock school programmes offer kids and teenagers the chance to work in small groups with professional musicians to develop their skills in guitar, bass, drums and vocals. The week-long rock experience culminates with a professional performance exclusively for family and friends.
4: Became a sports star in New York
Located on the scenic Hudson River, Chelsea Piers is Manhattan’s most popular place to learn, practice, play and compete in over 25 different sports. It’s not a bad place to kick back with a coffee and watch the world go by either.
The Sports Academy camps, in particular, offer youngsters the chance to develop their skills in basketball, football and volleyball, and discover a sport they really love. Participants get to develop their sporting talents, self-confidence and a host of team skills in one of the world’s great cities.
5: Learn to paint in Switzerland
The kids and teens painting classes at Life of Art in Geneva, Switzerland, adapt to each child’s needs, allowing for different techniques mixed with a little art history and a wonderful teacher to help inspire and support.
This is a delightful class for children to expand and grow freely in a creative, friendly and supportive environment. It’s perfect for budding artists and with parent/child classes available too, mum and dad can unleash their inner Rembrandts as well.
Nichola West is Editor of UK family travel blog, Globalmouse Travels
Main image: Young artist at work (life-of-art-ch)
