In-person weekend and after-school programs are still very much tentative due to COVID, but you can book virtual programs for January and February 2021 now.
No matter if your region is red, orange, green, or plaid and polka-dot, these online-only programs are a sure thing. Fend off winter blues by getting hands-on with interactive virtual programs that focus on science, art, cooking, acting, chess, writing, and more!
You can also find more virtual classes in our directory.
CAGIS – Science After School
Each week brings a new workshop around a science-based topic, led by an expert in the field plus a certified teacher. The first session in January has kids making working stethoscopes and learning about digestion with a gastroenterologist and university professor. Other January explore renewable energy and artistic chemistry using chromatography. Each workshop is $16.
Classes on January 16, 23, and 30 (subsequent dates TBD)
Ongoing (registration is on a per-class basis)
Mad Science – STEM and Art
Kids can choose from art programs themed around global cultures or wild animals, or sign up for STEM programs like Crazy Chemistry (build a reaction tube! make slime!) or Eureka!, where they learn about inventions by creating circuits, building catapults, and launching rockets.
Classes begin January 18 (after-school) or 23 (weekends)
8 weeks (after-school) or 5 weeks (weekends)
Great Big Theatre Company – Theatre Arts
Every week, kids meet in small groups for Let’s Act! (ages 6–8) or Acting Up! (ages 9–11 and 12–14). All age groups work on short plays and movement, with younger kids focusing on theatre games and storytelling. Older children delve into playwriting, improv, and character development.
Classes begin February 8
13 weeks
Rooks To Cooks – Kids’ Cooking Classes
A variety of delicious 8-week programs begin in early January at Rooks to Cooks. Choose from Delectable Dinners, Perfect Pastries, and more. Foodie Families is a special child-with-caregiver option if you’d like to get hands-on in the kitchen together!
Classes begin Jan. 4, 2021
8 weeks
Canadian Contemporary School of Art – Visual Art & Writing
Kids can specialize in any of a wide variety of disciplines at this art school, including drawing, painting, fashion design, and stop-motion animation, plus creative writing and drama. You can choose from 4-week, 12-week, or annual (40-week) options.
Classes are ongoing
4 weeks, 12 weeks, or year-round (40 weeks)
Snapology – Lego Fun
All you need to participate in these fun STEM-based programs are some loose Lego bricks and your imagination. Themed classes focus on building worlds and characters for Pokémon, Star Wars, ninjas, your favourite superheroes, and more.
Classes begin January 11 and February 8
4 weeks
The Second City – Voiceover, Improv, Acting, Writing
Meet new people and learn voiceover acting techniques in a supportive environment at a 4-week session with The Second City Hollywood or sign up for drop-in classes in improv, acting, and TV/film writing. All classes are for ages 10 and up.
Classes begin January 6
4 weeks (Voiceover) or single drop-in sessions (Improv, Acting, Writing)
TechyKids – Coding Bootcamp
A four-week beginner-friendly bootcamp for kids introduces them to Javascript coding using a visual drag-and-drop language called Blockly. Kids build real coding skills while they solve puzzles, play games, and create art. Classes are divided by age. TechyKids also offers single workshops.
Classes begin January 4 and February 1
4 weeks
Chess Institute of Canada – Winter Chess Club
Multiple options are available for kids in Grades 1–6 this winter to enhance their chess game in a fun, small-group setting online. Winter classes are for kids with some chess experience, with options for more advanced players and a girls-only club.
Classes begin January 3
8 or 10 weeks (once- or twice-weekly options)
The Art Room – Mixed-Media Art
Every week brings a different activity at this west-end art school’s Zoom classes, drawing from the “greatest hits” from the past five years. Kids can make clay cat pots, collage name signs, David Hockney–inspired paintings, medieval magical beings in watercolour, and more.
Classes begin January 11
8 weeks
EXPLORUM – STEAM Mashup
Every week is has a new theme to do with science, magic, arts and crafts, or all of the above. Past sessions have included creating a “magical” blooming flower with colour and water or making layered density columns—and exploring the science behind it all. Programs are in English and French.
Classes begin January 11
9 weeks
Young People’s Theatre – Online Drama School
Depending on age group, kids might participate in interactive theatre games, learn about storytelling and character development, develop performance techniques, and more. Specialty programs (writing, Shakespeare, etc.) are available for older kids.
Classes begin January 11
8 weeks
Randolph Kids – Dance & Voice
Many dance studios have moved online temporarily, but Randolph Kids has dedicated many of its winter/spring term classes as online-only—meaning you won’t be asked to move back into the studio. Hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, breakdancing, tap, acro, and jazz are all available, as well as Glee Choir and Triple Threat, plus creative movement classes for ages 3–5.
Classes begin January 9
20 weeks
Ontario Science Centre – Junior Scientists
Learn about the heart, bones, digestive system and brain in these four-week sessions for ages 5–10. Using common household supplies, you’ll make your own stethoscope, test out pipe-cleaner joints and more.
Classes begin January 17 and February 13
4 weeks
