10 Winter Programs for your North Fork Kid

The one thing I’ve been asked over and over throughout the years since having kids is “But what do you do with your kids during winter?” And I get it… while our family is an all-seasons beach and outdoors family, we still find ourselves searching for programming and things to do to get the kids out of the house during the winter season. We’ve done the legwork for you and curated a list of 10 North Fork winter programs for every North Fork kid. Don’t wait to register, these programs are likely to fill quickly!

Indoor Soccer with North Fork United 

Grab your ball and gear up for winter soccer with North Fork United Soccer Club at Mattituck High School in the gym. Their indoor programming begins this Sunday, Jan. 7 with an option for kids of all ages. The mini program (birth years 2018 and 2019) runs from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. and costs $135 for the full six-week session. The junior program (birth years 2016 and 2017) runs from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. and costs $135 for the full six-week session. The rec program (birth years 2009 through 2015) runs from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. and costs $165 for the full six-week program. Session dates for all are Sundays: Jan. 7,14, 21, and Feb. 4, and 11 with Sunday, March 3 reserved if a session is canceled due to weather-related closures. All players will receive a North Fork United t-shirt. Athletic attire and sneakers are recommended, each child must bring a soccer ball. Register here. 

Mini Scientists with Riverhead Rec. 

Mini scientists, ages 5 to 12, will dig into science exploring cause and effect, coming up with hypotheses, and solving problems in this program offered by the Town of Riverhead Recreation. This five-session program is scheduled for Saturdays, from 9 to 10 a.m. starting on Jan. 27 through March 9, there are no classes on Feb. 17 or 24 and is located at the George Young Community Center in Jamesport. The cost is $50 per child for Riverhead town residents or $60 for non-residents. Register here. 

Comic Books, Cartooning, and Anime Drawing Lessons with East End Arts

Starting on Saturday, Jan. 6 from noon until 2 p.m., take your teen (ages 12 and up) to East End Arts in downtown Riverhead. In this four-week session, dated Saturday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, educator Mark Levine will lead students through the “Art of Storytelling.” Participants will work independently to develop characters and environments while thinking creatively and developing drawing skills, working in pencil, ink, markers, and colored pencils. Students should come prepared with their own markers, colored pencils, sharpies, etc. A full material list will be sent after registering. The cost for this four-week session is $200 per attendee or $160 for members. Register here. 

Acting and Improv Class with Franz Music Studios 

For your theater-loving kid! In this six-week-long session, which runs on Thursdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 through Feb. 15, children ages 8 to 12 will engage in interactive activities of creative improv and imagination development games that enhance essential communication skills and build both focus and confidence. The full six-week session costs $159 per attendee. Franz Music Studios is located on NY-25A in Wading River. Space is limited, register here. 

Martial Arts with Southold Rec.

Offered through the Town of Southold Recreation Department, this beginner martial arts program is appropriate for teens ages 12 through 18. Led by a 7th Degree Black Belt instructor, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of martial arts with elements from Karate, Judo, and Ju-Jitsu. The 10-week session runs for 10 weeks starting on Monday, Jan. 22 (except 2/19) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Peconic Lane Community Center. The cost is $75 per student. Register here. 

Yoga with Lorraine at Bottoms Up Yoga

Specifically designed for tweens and teens in Middle and High School, this session offers a series of classes that will bring challenge challenge to their physical body, and focus to their mind. With repeated practice, students will increase flexibility and strength and learn how to reduce stress and regulate emotions. Located in Cutchogue at Bottoms Up Yoga within the NOFO Wellness Center, this series is scheduled for Mondays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. starting on Jan. 8, and running until Jan. 29. The cost is $10 per class and can be booked here.

Culinary Chemists with Riverhead Rec. 

Designed for inquisitive 9 to 12-year-olds, this hands-on program will include food science experiments where the kitchen transforms into a laboratory. This six-session class, which takes place every other Saturday, starting on Jan. 20 and running through March 30, is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. at the Riverhead Senior Center. The cost is $60 per participant for Riverhead town residents or $70 for non-residents. Register here. 

Art and sensory process play with A Bloom Approach

Preschool Pals by A Bloom Approach in Wading River is a recurring Friday offering, that features hands-on sessions for young children ages 1 to 5, where you can expect seasonally-themed sensory play, art, creating, and more. Each week children will experience a new creative theme for them to explore. Friday, Jan. 5 is Winter Wonderland: Icy Adventures, and Jan. 12 is Hibernate and Create: Exploring Winter’s Wonders. Visit A Bloom Approach’s website for future themes and more details. The cost is $30 per child per class with a discount if booking for six weeks. Register here.

Country Line Dancing (for beginners) with Spirit’s Promise

Have the kids try something new with country line dancing lessons at Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue and Sanctuary in Riverhead. This six-week session will run on Wednesdays from Jan. 10 through Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. All ages are welcome in this beginner’s class. The cost is $15 per class ($12 for members). Register here. 

Basketball Clinics with Riverhead Rec. 

From pee wee hoops (ages 4 to 6) to junior advanced basketball (ages 10 to 12) there is a basketball program for every baller in your home with Riverhead Rec’s winter offerings. Located at Phillips Avenue School, sessions are scheduled for Mondays (for pee wee and biddy, which includes ages 7 to 9, and Wednesdays for junior and junior advanced, ages 10 to 12. The programs are eight weeks long and run from Monday, Jan. 22/Wednesday, Jan. 24 through March 18/20, with no classes on Feb. 19 or 21. The cost is $65 per child for Riverhead town residents or $75 for non-residents. Full details and register here.